Hanover quarterback Josh Livelsberger hands off the ball during a recent practice. Livelsberger must adapt to a new coach with a different offensive philosophy this season. (Evening Sun photo by James Robinson)
Jason Potts is about to embark on his first season as head coach for Hanover. With him come four new assistant coaches and a new offensive philosophy for the Nighthawks.

Potts plans to implement the spread option, a noticeable difference from last year's split-back and multiple-I formations.

"It's going to be a learning curve for these kids. It's completely different from what they used to do before," Potts said.

Hanover hopes to improve on last season's 1-9 record, despite the fact that the team lost its top receiver in Zach Wolford.

"We want to re-instill the tradition of the Hanover Nighthawk football program. We're laying the foundation this year to rebuild that," Potts said.

On the bright side, the Nighthawks return their top two rushers, Chris Joseph and Tyler Meckley.

Quarterback Josh Livelsberger also returns, though his success depends largely on how well he adapts to the new scheme.

"We have faster linemen, so it predicates us changing our philosophy but not outside of the box," Potts said.

Offense: The Nighthawks' offense struggled mightily last year, only reaching double digits in scoring three times in 10 games.

Potts and Co. are hoping to improve on the team's ability to move the ball. Much of that will depend on senior Livelsberger and running backs Joseph, a junior, and Meckley, a senior.

The two rushers were Hanover's top two running backs in 2007, accounting for 77 percent of the squad's rushing yards and eight of the Nighthawks' 11 touchdowns.

Defense: Hanover is looking to move past last year's defensive struggles. In 2007, the Nighthawks allowed 265.4 yards rushing and four rushing touchdowns per game.

Potts is changing the defense from a 4-4 to multiple fronts in an effort to put more pressure on the offense.

"We want them to throw the ball," Potts said.

Hanover, which was outscored 255-20 in the first halves of last year's games, also lost defensive tackle Jordan Deatrick.

The Nighthawks are looking to senior defensive end Justin Edelin to fill that gap on the line.

Intangibles: Potts is implementing a scheme that is foreign to this varsity roster. The most important part of the spread option offense is a good running game.

Hanover had little luck offensively last year, but when it did experience success, it was on the ground.

Verdict: Potts is the Nighthawks' third coach in four years and hopes to right the ship.

His goals for the season include consistency and rebuilding Hanover's football tradition.

If the team grasps Potts' playbook from the get-go, a two- or three-win season is not out of the question, but a trip to the playoffs is unlikely.

Contact Sam Latter at slatter@eveningsun.com.

Nighthawks in the huddle

General

Offense: Spread option
Defense: Multiple front

Coaching staff

Coach: Jason Potts
Assistants: Steve Little, Mike Bauer, Ben Redding, Vern Noratel, Wes Yohe

Key returners

· OT/DE Justin Edelin; QB/DB Josh Livelsberger; FB/LB Joe Null; OL/LB AJ Yingst

Key losses

· OL/DL Jordan Deatrick; WR/DB Zach Wolford; RB/LB Zach Wentz; WR/DB Tyler Sanders

Great game

Hanover 19, York County Tech 13
Oct. 6, 2007
· The Nighthawks earned their only win of the season by opening up a 19-point lead and holding off the host Spartans. Tyler Meckley ran for 110 yards and two scores, Chris Joseph added 117 yards and one touchdown.

Homecoming

Oct. 10 vs. York County Tech

2-minute drill

JUSTIN EDELIN
Senior offensive tackle
Which NFL player would you compare yourself to? Ray Lewis, linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens.
What do you typically eat for your pregame meal? It varies for each game.
What are your favorite Web sites to visit? NFL.com and ESPN.com.
What do you want to do for a living after football? Maybe a physical therapist.
What is your favorite TV show? I don't watch reality TV. Probably "According to Jim" on ABC.