[Eric Frantz]

Lancaster (7-3)

* Players to Watch –LB Luke Roberts (6'2, 245, Sr.), DE Aaron Woosley (6'4, 260, Sr.), OL Jordan Francis (6'2, 270, Sr.), OL Kevin Miller (6'2, 265, Sr.), DB Ethan Jones (5'10, 175, sr.), RB Bradon Meadows (6'0, 190, Sr.), TE/LB Jesse Reliford (6'2 210, Sr.), RB/LB Isiah Dexter (6'2, 225, So.), TE/DL Chris McClurg (6'0, 220, Sr.), TE Ryan Thomas (6'6, 210, Jr.), QB Riley Theiss (6'2, 190, Jr.), WR Justin Sharp (6'3, 195, Jr.)

* Outlook – The Golden Gales and head coach Rob Carpenter (104-74 in 14 years) add Twinsburg and Mason to the schedule this year. Roberts has offers from Indiana, BGSU, Kent State and Buffalo and should get more. Woosley is also a D-I prospect and keep an eye on Dexter and Thomas.

[the_guru_CO]

Overall pretty much basic and correct info. Roberts is closer to 225 not 245 though. Other then that Ht/Wt seem about right. Woosley has an offer from Ball State though now. Thomas and Dexter are the both D1 type players in the future.

[galeron]

I have heard that there is already a disciplinary situation that may involve a lengthy suspension for one returning skill position player. And the player that was slotted to be his backup isnt even playing his senior year because he should have been the starter last year. This is the type of start to the year that is unforgivable of one of your seniors. Come on Gales, continue to work hard with the ones who are there for you.

[the_guru_CO]

Galeron,

The player u speak of was prolly going to lose his job to a younger player coming back this year anyways. And the player you speak of that "should" have started is no longer with the team. I respect your opinion, butThis is the first time me and you will disagree. He was a me first player who was always hurt. Rather then putting in the time in the off season he complained his was through last year and was easily beat out. Tough to say he should have started when he struggled on jv last year.

[galeron]

I thought the younger guy was slotted for one of the halfback positions. I guess I based my opinion of who should have started on the what I had saw of him coming up through which I realize may not have still been the case. I do think We could have got more out of that position last year as last year's starter was usually 4 yards downfield before being touched and consistently let one defensive back bring him down. So we can agree to disagree on that position. With all due respect the first time you and I disagreed was your statement of who was in your opinion the best offensive lineman last year. Anything positive always went to the right last year. The person you said was the best lineman on the team was on the left and wasnt a puller.

[sportfan97]

Im not concerned with who isn't on the team this coming season but who is and how they are doing. I am excited to see how the season turns out. The next two months aren't going to go fast enough. I'm ready to watch some football.

[Rapture]

Roberts has been drooling to play on the offensive side of the ball and finally gets his chance now as the fullback...with several college camps timing him in the 4.5's, Lancaster will have a beast for four quarters pounding kids at the high school level who will not have experience tackling anyone like Roberts in practice or on their schedule. And the beast is still 16 years old.

On top of this is the fact that the entire o-line that averaged over 300 rushing yards a game last year is back in its entirety. Lancaster needs to develop their pass defense but they have a nice little secret for Pick Central on the horizon.

[galeron]

Thank you Rapture for recognizing the offensive line. Seems like they go unnoticed even though they were dominant for the most part last year. This is the first I have heard of Roberts in the backfield. I assume you are speaking of him playing fullback. Was this something that was in the works anyhow or has that came to be since the disciplinary issues came up with that position ?

[Rapture]

Roberts in the backfield comes about as a result of a combination of two pieces to the coaching philosophy. One, that the best players should be on the field. Two, that seniors are given the trust to play on both sides of the ball. For the most part, only seniors are given the opportunity to play on both sides though from time to time a junior in the defensive backfield is given that opportunity because the wear and tear through the season is not as difficult as those that play closer to the line of scrimmage.

[Eric Frantz]

At a school like Lancaster, is there really a need for players to play both ways? Seems like their talent is deep enough for guys to one platoon. I mean if someone like Bobby Carpenter is there then yes, play him both ways. But...

[the_guru_CO]

Eric, there is a reason why Roberts might be needed at RB

[Eric Frantz]

I'm taking it Roberts is one of those guys that needs to play both ways. I know I lived in Lancaster for two years so I don't profess to be an expert, but in my experience, if someone is good enough to get scholarship offers from Big Ten schools, than they are good enough to make an impact in several facets of the game. I'm not as brushed up on Roberts as I need to be, but I'm going to say play him both ways.

Regardless, what Rob Carpenter has done for Lancaster football is ridiculous. The Golden Gales are a legit program statewide.

[galeron]

Lancaster definitly needs to get there best players on the field as much as possible. I still contend that you could rotate the offensive line guys into the defensive front and it would free up roberts even more. Totally agree that carpenter has done great things with the program. Conditioning starts tomorrow. Getting closer. Go gales !

[the_guru_CO]

Congrats to Luke Roberts on his Ohio State offer!!! Maybe he will stay close to home!! Just the type of kid OSU needs to recruit in these times!

Also Congrats to Aaron Woosley on commiting to Ball State a few weeks back!!

[sportfan97]

Way to go Luke....Keep getting the offers and pick the school that is the best fit for you...

Congrats Aaron on your commitment....Ball State is a very nice school and you can probably make an impact right away on the field there