Prospect enjoys living on the edge
Prospect's players have a bit of an edge this season.
The Knights hope it makes a difference after their 5 losses were by an average of 6 points.
"This team, competing is very important to them," said Prospect coach Brent Pearlman.
And it figures to pay dividends with Pearlman confident he can put almost anyone on the field in game situations.
"It's the first time I remember in a long time we have pretty good depth," Pearlman said. "Probably the reason we're in that situation is it's a very competitive team."
The Knights also expect to be better offensively as they'll spread the field with five receivers for junior running and passing threat Miles Osei.
"This year he is the quarterback," Pearlman said of Osei being in and out of the starting lineup last year. "He is confident."
Osei also has a dangerous threat on the outside in junior John Coen. Mike Przespolewski and Peter Bonahoom can also run the ball.
"This team has a lot of those characteristics (of the 2005 7A state champions)," Pearlman said. "We need to take what people give us.
"What I liked (in summer 7-on-7) is we took people apart correctly. It was very much within the offense."
Przespolewski, Coen and Austin Sobey will also lead an athletic secondary.
Middle linebacker Zach Anderson started the opener last year before he was hit with medical issues and Dylan Crowley started a third of the games up front.
"Our offense was very hard for our defense to defend," Pearlman said. "I like our personnel but I need to see them against a more conventional offense.
"Our thing is it a typical Prospect defense with hitting, intensity and nastiness - yes. We need to play some games to test these guys and see what they've got."
Their edge should help.
Knights at a glance
Coach: Brent Pearlman (10th year, 80-26)
Last year: 5-5, 3-2 (3rd in East, 7A playoff qualifier)
Probable starters
OFFENSE Pos. Name Ht./Wt. Yr. QB Miles Osei 6-2/190 Jr. SB Mike Przespolewski 6-1/200 Sr. SB Peter Bonahoom 5-10/185 So. T Matt Boll 6-2/210 So. G Victor Rhee 5-10/205 Jr. C Matt Babicz 6-0/205 Sr. G Emil Matasareanu 6-1/240 Sr. or Jack Sullivan 6-0/220 Sr. T Kyle Kapka 5-11/165 Jr. WR John Coen 5-10/175 Jr. WR Steve Dazzo 5-9/155 So. WR Mason Pack 6-0/185 Sr. DEFENSE Pos. Name Ht./Wt. Yr. DE Matt Babicz 6-0/205 Sr. DT Sean Wheeler 6-0/205 Sr. DT Mike Geweniger 5-10/170 So. DE Dylan Crowley 6-1/190 Sr. LB Joe Mack 5-9/155 Jr. MLB Zach Anderson 6-0/180 Sr. LB Brent Schroeder 5-11/190 Sr. CB Mike Przespolewski 6-1/200 Sr. CB John Coen 5-10/175 Jr. S Peter Bonahoom 5-10/185 So. S John Kosac 5-11/165 Sr.