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8/24/2008-Football
St. Mary's begins season with state finals rematch
By MIKE ROSENBAUM • ECCENTRIC Staff Writer
Orchard Lake St. Mary's ended the 2007 season by losing a five-overtime heartbreaker to East Grand Rapids in the state Division 3 final. The Eaglets, 10-3 last season, will begin the 2008 campaign by attempting to avenge that loss as they travel to Grand Rapids to face the Pioneers Thursday. The game was scheduled prior to last year's playoffs.
"They've got a great football tradition so it's a great opener," said St. Mary's coach George Porritt.
About half of St. Mary's key players return from last season, including junior quarterback Robert Bolden. Bolden, who's already being heavily recruited by college coaches, will throw to some returning receivers, including senior Dion Sims - another hot recruiting target - along with seniors Rodney Woodland, Tayler Peruski and Suave LaVallis. Senior Justin Semmes returns at fullback while senior Sam Fioroni will be the primary tailback in the Eaglets' run-oriented attack.
Senior left tackle Chris Brandt is the only full-time returning starter on the offensive line. The line's development will undoubtedly be a key to St. Mary's success this year. Senior Pat Kenrick, who started some games last year, will play left guard, with junior Phillip Schoof at center, junior Chris Elliott at right guard and senior Gabe Charette at right tackle.
The linebackers should lead St. Mary's 4-4 defense. Two starters return - senior Shane Halaas and junior Earnest Thomas, plus senior Pierce Niemiec, who missed most of 2007 with an injury. Senior Joe Murphy also moves into a linebacker spot.
Sims moves from linebacker to defensive end, joining seniors DeAndre Perkins and Devon Shadwick, who both saw regular D-line action last year, and senior James Huddleston. LaVallis returns as a defensive back, along with Gary Hunter, who saw frequent minutes in 2007.
Peruski takes on the punting chores this season while Keegan Dupack will be the placekicker.
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