TEAM PREVIEW: Shawnee

2012 In Review: The Renegades were 6-5, losing to Timber Creek in the South Jersey Group 3 semi-final after beating Clearview. They scored 276 points for a 25.09 average, while allowing 180 for a 16.36 average, including two shutouts. Wins included Kingsway, Pennsauken, Triton, and Seneca, while losses included Williamstown, Cherokee, Clearview, and Lenape.

Departures: OL Jake Pisarcik - Oregon, OL Zach Smekal - Buffalo, RB Robbie Dioio - Penn, C/DE Brian Keyser - Salisbury (Md.)

Offense: Shawnee runs a multiple spread and return three starters and two others who played. The quarterback will be sophomore Michael Welsh (6-foot-1, 195), who, in a relief role, threw three touchdowns against Timber Creek in the playoff semi-finals. Running back will have senior Anthony Diorio (6-foot-0, 210), senior Dylan McCaughan (5-foot-10, 175), and others playing.

Two receivers return in senior slot back Kyle Borbi (5-foot-7, 170) and senior tight end Joe Lynn (6-foot-2, 200). The other slot back will have senior Nick Corbi (5-foot-7, 180), McCaughan, and junior Jake Parola (5-foot-10, 175) in the running. Split end is wide open at this point.

On lineman returns in senior guard Reese Tursi (6-foot-0, 230). The other four starters will be determined in camp.

Defense: The Renegades play a 3-3 stack and return eight starters. The two returning starters on the line are senior end Pat Blair (6-foot-2, 195) and sophomore nose guard David Gajderowicz (6-foot-0, 240), the first freshman to ever start at Shawnee. The other end is currently undecided.

Two starters are back at linebacker, with Diorio in the middle and junior Curtis Corley (6-foot-1, 215) on the outside. The other outside post has junior Cole Troyano (6-foot-0, 205) and others competing.

The rovers are junior returning starter David Smith (5-foot-10, 175), while the other rover is up for grabs.

All three starters are back in the secondary, as Corbi and McCaughan return at cornerback, while Parola is back at safety.

Special Teams: Lynn is back as the kicker and junior Mike Caffrey returns at punter. The return game is open, but Borbi, Corbi and Parola are some who fill the roles.

Schedule:

Thursday, 9/12, at Kingsway, 7PM

Friday, 9/20, Williamstown at home, 7PM

Friday, 9/27, at Triton, 7PM

Friday, 10/4, at Seneca, 7PM

Friday, Clearview, at home, 7PM

Friday, 10/18, at Cherokee, 7PM

Friday, 10/25, Winslow at home, 7PM

11/1-2, bye week

Saturday, 11/9, at Pennsauken, 12PM

Thursday, 11/28, at Lenape, 10AM

Question Marks: Filling out the offensive line spots, since they graduated four starters and Head Coach Tim Gushue says the play of the offensive line takes the longest time to develop.

Recruiting: Diorio is an Ivy/Patriot League candidate. Borbi committed to Notre Dame for lacrosse. Others may go D3 or play lacrosse.

In the junior class, Corley committed to Maryland for lacrosse and Smith committed to Virginia, also for lacrosse. It's too early to tell with the rest of the class.

Coach's Comments: "We can be very competitive. We have a tough schedule, but we will be in every game. We have a good kicking game, which can help in close games." - Head Coach Tim Gushue