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First-year high school football programs don't usually break into the win column, which is logical when you consider that most first-year programs don't have seniors.
So much for tradition. In 2003 The King's Academy won seven games in its inaugural season—with 20 seniors. The Knights also earned the championship of the four-team Private Schools Athletic League.
Now, as a second-year program with just seven returnees, head coach Ron Kellner and assistants Dan Paige, Ed Lanning and Mark Smith will be working with only nine seniors and 17 underclassmen.
Two of the seven seniors earned all-league honors as juniors a year ago. J.T. Martin (6-foot-1, 160 pounds) will pull double duty at wide receive and safety. Ji Jo (6-foot-1, 220) will see double duty at fullback and defensive tackle.
Four of the other returnees are two-way linemen: senior offensive guards Jake Lassy (5-feet-11, 210), Kris Heenk (5-foot-10, 205), junior guard Austin Caldwe1l (6-foot, 220) and senior tackle Tyler Valdez (6-foot, 260). Of the four, Caldwell is the only one who plays defensive end; the other three work the interior of the defensive line.
Senior tailback/linebacker Josh Montora (5-foot-10, 165) also is back for his second varsity season.
Although they did not play in 2003, Kellner expects "a lot of help" from seniors running back/defensive back David Norris (5-foot-10, 155), running back/linebacker Matt Massey (5-foot-9, 160), tight end/linebacker A.J. Ghiossi (5-foot-11, 185) and tight end/defensive end Kyle Tampane (6-foot-4, 185).
Major contributions also are expected from four juniors up from the junior varsity, including running back/linebacker Paul Montaro (5-foot-7, 180), blocking back/linebacker Tim Svozil (5-foot-8, 160), receiver/defensive back Matt Smith (5-foot-8, 140) and two-way tackle Larry Barsocchini (5-foot-10, 200).
Kellner believes that by the time the Knights get to the league portion of their schedule, starting in October, they will be ready to defend their PSAL title.
Junior Sammy Sussman (6-foot, 165) and sophomore Steven Lim (5-foot-10, 145) are competing for the starting quarterback spot.
"We are optimistic," Kellner said. "The younger players are smart and know the system."
Kellner expects Sacred Heart Prep to provide the biggest league challenge, but knows that road games against Harker and St. Lawrence will be tough.
King's Academy Schedule
Sept. 3, at Prospect, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 11, at James Lick
Sept. 25, at Greenfield
Oct. 2, Albany, 1:30 p.m.
Oct. 8, Tomales, 8 p.m.
Oct. 16, Wilson, 2:30 p.m.
Oct. 23, Harker at PAL, 7:30 p.m. *
Oct. 30, Sacred Heart Prep, 7 p.m. *
Nov. 6, at St. Lawrence *
* Denotes Bay League game
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