Following a winless season in Year 1 playing in the Heritage Conference, Conemaugh Township is eager to write a new chapter under second-year coach Brandon Studer.
"Year 2 with a coaching staff and all the players, we definitely have a different approach this year beginning in the offseason and the start of camp," said Studer. "They know what to expect from us and we know what to expect from them."
Coach: Brandon Studer, 2nd season, 0-10 career record
2023 records: 0-10 in Heritage Conference
Top players lost: Jon Updyke (QB), Kyler Mauzy (WR), Colten Huffman (OL/DL)
Top returning players: Sam Shaffer (LB), Luke Weber (LB), Jacob Bartis (OL/DL), Josh Baker (OL/DL), Cameron Dunn (WR), D.J. Bambino (WR), Brennan Lohr (S), Stephen Stango (LB), Dylan Hovanec (DB), Dawson Statler (RB)
Assistant coaches: Chad Rininger, Dustin Digon, Pete Kuharchek, Larry Huffman
Offensive outlook: With the departure of quarterback Jon Updyke to graduation, senior Sam Shaffer steps into the starting role. He saw action last year with Updyke sidelined with an injury. Shaffer will need guys to step up around him to turn around a team that scored only 24 offensive touchdowns a year ago.
"Dawson Statler, Liam Richardson, Luke Weber and Cohen Stahl, who could give us time in the backfield this year, are four guys we are going to rely on," Studer said. "We have to establish a run game this year. We are a year older, a year more mature and a year more experienced. We will likely anchor one senior on each side of the ball, but we are experienced, which should fare well for us."
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Defensive outlook: Conemaugh Township allowed at least 40 points in six games last season. Oppositions had their way running the football. Stopping the run and forcing teams to play from behind the chains is something Studer and company have been preaching.
"Coming into a run-heavy league, we need to make sure that stopping the run is our No. 1 priority," Studer said. "We put a lot of emphasis on that. That's the biggest change we need to make from last year."
Shaffer led the team in tackles a year ago. Fellow linebackers Richardson and Weber will be two other players Studer relies on. He also wants to see his defensive linemen in the top five in tackles on the team this season. Josh Baker and Jacob Bartis will set the tone in the trenches.
"You can't rely on your corners and safeties to be your top tacklers," Studer said. "The result never ends well."
Somerset County football schedules Plan ahead to the 2024 Somerset County football season with all six teams' schedules
Classification: District 5-1A
Last District 5 playoff appearance: 2022
Last District 5 playoff win: 2018
District 5 titles in program history: 4
Conemaugh Township
Aug. 23 vs. West Shamokin, 7 p.m.
Aug. 30 vs. River Valley, 7 p.m.
Sept. 6 at United Valley, 7 p.m.
Sept. 13 at Marion Center, 7 p.m.
Sept. 20 vs. Portage, 7 p.m.
Sept. 27 at Penns Manor, 7 p.m.
Oct. 4 vs. Cambria Heights, 7 p.m.
Oct. 11 at Northern Cambria, 7 p.m.
Oct. 18 at Conemaugh Valley, 7 p.m.
Oct. 25 vs. Homer-Center, 7 p.m.
Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on X @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Conemaugh Township football preview: Studer set to ignite turnaround after winless season
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