Scouting the Lake Park Lancers
This football season will end an era at Lake Park.
It's Lancers coach Andy Livingston's last stand. His 17-year tenure overlaps that of defensive coordinator Bob Nihells, also up for retirement.
Bound for a bulked-up Upstate Eight Conference, they will attempt to secure a second straight playoff appearance, which would be the first postseason repeat in Roselle since 2002-03.
Livingston, et al, have a familiar core to go out with. Familiar to them at least, having graduated 16 of 22 starting spots from last year's squad.
"Seniors always drive the team. It's their team, it should be," said Livingston, who in retirement is considering coaching semipro football in Marburg, Germany, with his pal Joe Roman.
"We had a great group of seniors that are gone, but we have another great group of seniors," Livingston said.
They include Nick Borre, a 6-foot-4, 280-pound offensive tackle with Mid-American Conference interest; fellow offensive line returnees A.J. Gehant, big boys Anthony Berkman and Bryce Miller; linebacker Daryl Vittal, who made 24 tackles in 2009; stocky defensive linemen Dorian Eddins and Aidan Daly; and last year's fifth defensive back, Chris Kowalski.
Lake Park always finds room to promote and develop the promising youngster. Sophomore receiver Kevin Teglia and, like the graduated Larry Nawrot before him, quarterback Zach Gehant - A.J.'s brother and a savvy soph - will each get a crack at a three-year varsity career.
Livingston said Zach Gehant has more experience than most sophomores due to his year-round training, though game speed will still present challenges for the quarterback and his second-year offensive coordinator, Chris Roll. A program veteran and former player for Livingston, Roll's familiarity eased Livingston's ability to delegate authority.
But he ain't done yet.
"I've learned as well," Livingston said, "and I guess I'll keep learning this year."
The breakdown
Coach: Andy Livingston (17th year, 105-60).
2009 record: 8-3, 6-1, second in the Upstate Eight Conference.
Top players: Anthony Berkman (OL, 6-3, 290, sr.), Nick Borre (OL, 6-4, 275, sr.), Aidan Daly (DL, 5-10, 230, sr.), Dorian Eddins (DL, 5-8, 205, sr.), LaCurt Evans (RB, 5-10, 170, jr.), A.J. Gehant (OL, 6-2, 225, sr.), Zach Gehant (QB, 6-1, 165, so.), Joe Giatras (WR, 5-7, 162, sr.), Chris Kowalski (DB, 5-8, 175, sr.), Bryce Miller (OL, 6-1, 295, sr.), Drew Posen (RB, 6-0, 190, sr.), Mike Schenone (DB, 5-10, 167, sr.), Kevin Teglia (WR, 5-9, 165, so.), Daryl Vittal (LB, 6-1, 190, sr.).