Things did not go well for Clarion a season ago, the Golden Eagles finishing 4-7 after winning its first three games. Hampered by injuries a year ago, the Golden Eagles have seemed to put the past behind them and are looking to start fresh.
If there could be a bright spot on the team’s offense a year ago, it would be freshman Darelle Carson. A dual-threat quarterback, Carson threw for 1,170 yards and five touchdowns while running for 198 yards and six touchdowns. On an offense that struggled to make things happen, Carson was thrown into the mix and garnered valuable experience after taking over for All-PSAC West standout Ben Fiscus.
This year, Carson is competing for the starting nod with sophomore transfer Connor Simmons. No matter who is at quarterback they will have many returning pass-catchers, led by senior tight end Mike Deitrick, who caught 24 passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns last year. Joining him will be senior Caleb Mancini and junior Mark Nicholson.
Keying the running game will be Bobby Thomas. To help a struggling offense in 2012, Thomas made the switch from the defensive backfield to the offensive backfield. He ran for 759 yards and seven touchdowns last year. The Golden Eagles are also excited about freshman Delrece Wlliams. Williams set the WPIAL rushing record with 2,149 yards in nine games in 2010 before former Pitt and current WVU running back Rushel Shell broke the same record.
The offensive line returns three key components in Ryan Barrick, Matt Kundick and Cameron Cress.
On the defensive side of the ball, Clarion is led by All-American Julian Howsare at the defensive end position.
Howsare has posted phenomenal numbers in back-to-back years and was named the 2013 PSAC West defensive player of the year after having 83 tackles (18 for a loss), 10.0 sacks, four blocked kicks, four pass break ups, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. Joining him on the defensive line will be Matt Shuey, who had 31 tackles from his defensive tackle position.
At linebacker, veterans like Brian Palmiere, Rocco Yauger and Jared Davis return. In the secondary will be Cory McNamara, who had 87 tackles, 12 pass break ups and an interception.
Doing the kicking duties will be Phil Espositio, who struggled last year after making just five of 17 attempts as a freshman.
Clarion begins its season Saturday with St. Francis on the road at 1 p.m.
Photo Credit: Clarion
