2016 Team Preview – Hazleton Area (2)

Written by: David Mika on Friday, August 12th, 2016. Follow David Mika on Twitter.

Head Coach: Mike Brennan

Assistant Coaches: Mike Gurski, Rick Painter, Jim Drumheller, Dennis Buchman, Mike Pozzessere, Mike Kogut, Josh Wenner, Mike Fuchick, Jeff Weed

Team Name: Hazleton Area Cougars

2015 Record: 4-6

2016 Schedule:

Key Starters lost: Steve Longazel, Eddie Bielen, Sammy Sanchez, John Dietrich, Collin Gunsser, Jose Cabrera, Joey Bayzick, Kyle Swetz, Tristan Williams

Offensive Starters Return: (6) Jr. TB Adrian Otero, 6’1″ 215; Sr. FB Carson Kinney, 5’10” 200; Sr. WR Hunter Vanblargan, 5’10” 170; Soph. QB Ryan “Sparky” Wolk 5’10” 165; Sr. OT J.D. Merola, 6’0″ 270; Sr. OG Travis Kostyal, 5’10” 270

Defensive Starters Returning: (5) Sr. DT Zach Fuchick, 5’9″ 245; Jr. LB Adrian Otero, 6’1″ 215; Jr. OLB Kaleb Yahner, 5’9″ 165; Sr. DB Hunter Vanblargan, 5’10” 170; Sr. DB Matt Sutton, 6’1″ 185

Special Team Starters Returning: (0) None

Key newcomers: (8) Soph. OL/LB Mike Fuchick, 5’11” 245; Soph. WR/DB David Smith, 6’2″ 200; Jr. WR/OLB Joe Larock 5’9″ 170; Soph. DB/WR Nolan Schneider 5’11” 170; Jr. OLB/RB Koby Jackson 5’10” 200; Sr. TE David McCarthy 6’2″ 195; Soph. RB/LB Damon Horton 5’10” 200; Sr. DE Bryan Torrez, 6’1″ 220;

Key Stats:
Adrian Otero (1st team All-Wyoming Valley Conference RB)181 carries, 1,019 yards and 14 rushing TD’s.

Carson Kinney, 89 carries, 641 yards, (7.2 ave.) 5 rushing TD’s.

Hunter Vanblargan, 14 catches, 254 yards, 2 TD’s in seven games

QB Ryan “Sparky” Wolk 62 of 130, 811 yards, 5TD’s/7 ints. in seven games.

2016 Offensive outlook: (Please let us know the keys about your team on offense. What are your keys to having a successful year?)

Our ball security and pass game must improve significantly in 2016. Our offensive line must quickly gel to be prepared for a very difficult early season schedule and a more competitive schedule top to bottom.

2016 Defensive Outlook: (Please let us know the keys about your team on defense. What are your keys to having a successful year?)

We must develop strength, depth and consistency along the defensive line.

2016 Special Teams Outlook: (Please let us know the keys about your team on special teams. What are your keys to having a successful year?)

We must find a replacement for All-League Kicker/Punter Tristan Williams

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