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Biglerville looks for new playmakers to step up


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Biglerville coach Alex Ramos doesn't expect his program to drop off after last year's district playoff win.

He certainly doesn't expect his Canners to drop off the way they did in 2014, when they followed up a district playoff win with a senior class of just four players and subsequently won one game that year. This year, they'll have a senior class in the double digits as they look to defend the YAIAA Division III title they shared with Hanover last year.

There will be a lot of talent to replace, as first-team all-star lineman Victor Lopez, starting quarterback Ben Hurda and running back Colton Sentz are just a few of the players lost to graduation.

This year's team brings back some experience in the trenches, but will look for new players to step up at the skill positions.

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YAIAA Division III football players discuss a variety of topics, including their favorite NFL players and most embarrassing moments.
Matt Allibone

Offense

Quarterback: The Canners opened summer practice with a three-player competition for the starting spot. Gabe May, a senior, will compete with Damian Manzo and Derrick Tosten.

Running backs: The Canners run the ball a lot, and a committee effort helps keep the running backs fresh. Hunter Getz, Miles Hughes, Reggie Adams and Russ Zullick all could see carries. Cory Dittmar, Chris Weaver and Ivan Manzo will lead the way.

Receivers: Senior Chase Long, a standout player for the baseball team, joins the team as a receiver. Caleb "Bubba" Randoll and Denton Showers should also see playing time. Jadon Stough will likely start at tight end.

Offensive line: Brent Hayes, Dalton Cox and Paul Asper all return to make up the most experienced unit on the offense. Nate Bowmaster, who saw playing time last season, is also back.

“They’re definitely ahead of the rest of the group because they know what they’re doing," Ramos said. "They know the different scenarios and different looks and what their responsibilities are. The younger guys, we’re catching them up to speed where they need to be so they can match what the line’s doing.”

Defense

Defensive line: Just like on the offensive line, Hayes, Cox, Asper and Bowmaster bring experience to this side of the ball.

Linebackers: Weaver, Dittmar and Stough will likely lead this unit.

Secondary: Hughes, Adams and Zullick will all play at cornerback, and Getz and Showers will see time at safety.

Special teams

Sentz was one of the better kickers and punters in the league last year, so the Canners will need to replace his production in this area too. Hughes could be lining up to kick, while Asper might punt.

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Save the date

The season gets started with a rematch of one of last season's most exciting games. Biglerville lost to Annville-Cleona, 39-36, in double overtime last season, and will look to avenge that loss on the road this year. A win in that game would also send a message to the rest of the district that the Canners aren't to be forgotten.

Bottom line

It's tough to know what to expect from Biglerville with so many new faces, but Ramos finds comfort in knowing that his team is experienced in the trenches. Time will tell whether the Canners can compete for another division title.

In the huddle

Head coach: Alex Ramos (33-32 in six seasons) (OC)
Assistant coaches: Ryan Johnson (DC), Anthony Graham, Brett Smyers, John Slagle
Class: 3A, YAIAA Division III
Enrollment:  402 (223 male)
Offense: Wing-T
Defense: 4-4

2016 schedule

Sept. 2 — Biglerville at Annville-Cleona, 7 p.m.
Sept. 9 — Big Spring at Biglerville, 7 p.m.
Sept. 16 — Susquehannock at Biglerville, 7 p.m.
Sept. 23 — Biglerville at Fairfield, 7 p.m.
Sept. 30* — York County Tech at Biglerville, 7 p.m.
Oct. 7 — Biglerville at Delone Catholic, 7 p.m.
Oct. 14 — York Catholic at Biglerville, 7 p.m.
Oct. 21 — Biglerville at Littlestown, 7 p.m.
Oct. 28 — Biglerville at Hanover, 7 p.m.
Nov. 4 — Bermudian Springs at Biglerville, 7 p.m.
* homecoming

2015 results 

L // Annville-Cleona // 36-39 (2 OT)
L // Waynesboro // 13-14
W // @ New Oxford // 27-13
W // Fairfield // 47-0
W // @ York County Tech // 23-6
W // Delone Catholic // 21-6
L // @ York Catholic // 20-27
W // Littlestown // 41-20
W // Hanover // 42-21
W // @ Bermudian Springs // 17-14
District 3 Class AA
First Round // W // Hanover // 30-7
Semifinals // L // Wyomissing // 42-14