The anticipation for the coming football season is quite understandable at Kennard-Dale.

In the huddle:
General Class: AAA

Last year: 5-6 (4-2 in YAIAA Division II)

Enrollment: 803 (405 male)

Offense: Option

Defense: 4-4

Coaching staff Coach: Doug Wilkinson

Assistants: Chuck Leftridge, Dan Burns, Jim Romoser, Jack Wolf

Key returners

  • QB/DB Matt Romoser

  • FB/LB Ethan Hornbarger

  • OL/DL Mike Fredrick

  • LB Nate Wilkinson

  • RB/DE Zach Brown

    Key losses

  • QB Duncan Leftridge

  • RB/LB Jordan Senkbeil

  • C/DT Nick Page

  • OT/DT Zach Britcher



    • After all, the Rams are coming off their first District 3 Class AAA berth in program history, and coach Doug Wilkinson's squad returns seven starters on offense and eight on defense from that squad.

    "We probably have more returning starters than we have had since I have been there," the coach said. "We are excited about that. We are trying to build off the momentum from last year and hopefully get back into districts."

    One area of concern coming into this season is the fact that Wilkinson has fewer than 40 players, which will add to the challenge of going up against the likes of West York,

    Littlestown and York Suburban in ultra-competitive Division II.

    Offense: There is nothing fancy about the offense, and there is no secret either.

    The Rams run the option, and with returning senior Ethan Hornbarger carrying the ball, there is no reason to disguise the play.

    At 6-foot-2, 235 pounds, Hornbarger is a load. Not one for fancy moves, the fullback ran for nearly 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, several by running people over.

    Matt Romoser, a running back last season, will take over at

    quarterback. Smart and athletic,

    Romoser should be fine, although replacing the 987 yards and 11 touchdowns rushing and seven passing scores from graduated Duncan Leftridge will be a challenge.

    One thing that will help is the return of three starting linemen.

    Defense: Formerly the Rams' Achilles' heel, this is where

    Kennard-Dale really stepped up last season, and Wilkinson is counting on more of the same in 2009.

    "Last year we did a good job tackling. We tackled better than we ever have," Wilkinson said. "This year we will hopefully get there a little quicker and not miss them. It was the first year in that defense. This year everybody pretty much knows where they are going."

    Although not the biggest player on his side of the ball, seniors Nate Wilkinson (Doug's son) and Zach Brown are tenacious hitters.

    Making some key stops will get the dangerous offense back on the field.

    Intangibles: "We have some kids that were all-county last year that are back," coach Wilkinson said. "On paper this should be the most experienced team we have ever had."

    While that is the good news, the coach added that because of the

    reduced numbers, the key for the team is chemistry. That and staying healthy.

    Special teams could play a big part for an otherwise solid core group.

    Verdict: With a horse like

    Hornbarger in the mix, Kennard-Dale will gain yards, wear teams down and score touchdowns.

    If the team can avoid any serious injuries while continuing to improve defensively, another fun season in Fawn Grove is a strong possibility.

    The Rams also have just four home games, but if they can win two of their three nondivision games it will likely pay huge dividends in the district rankings.

    Two-minute drill

    ETHAN HORNBARGER: Running back/linebacker

    What's the most exciting thing about season openers? Football has started. No more summer camp, no more running sprints, it's time to play the game.

    Do you have a nickname, and if so, how did you get it? E-Dog. My baseball coach (and football assistant coach Jim) Romoser called me E-Dog, and it just stuck.

    Who's the one player on your team you wouldn't want to face? Mike Fredrick. He is our offensive guard. He is not a normal guard. He is big and stocky, but his feet are really fast.

    What practice drill do you hate the most? Four corners, they are such a pain. Our coach loves up-downs, and we have to sprint all the things after that. It is just terrible.

    What's your favorite move to make on the field? I just run people over. I don't have quick feet. That is not what I am about.

    Which NFL player would you compare to yourself? Not really any. Not too many offenses in the NFL run the option.

    What's your favorite pregame meal? Last year we would go out to a buffet, and I would just eat anything and everything. Other times, my mom makes spaghetti.

    Great game: Sept. 3, 2005

    Kennard-Dale 27, Pequea Valley 0: Kennard-Dale played terrific defense to beat visiting Pequea Valley in a Saturday afternoon tilt.

    The Braves moved inside the Kennard-Dale 20 on three different occasions and got shut down all three times.

    "That takes a lot out of them to get down there, and then we get pumped up," said Rams defender Justin Lane.

    Rams quarterback Justin Boland passed for 108 yards and one touchdown, while junior running back Brandon Marousek had 18 carries for 100 yards and scored two touchdowns - one on a reception and one on a 57-yard rumble.

    Kyle West added a 47-yard touchdown run for Kennard-Dale, while Lane had four catches for 51 yards.