"We have a couple of guys coming back from knee injuries in Nick Sharpe and Bryan Schiraldi. Unfortunately Nick had to have a second surgery to repair the knee correctly, but they both are on track," D'Altorio would report. He also made it a point that he is happy with the progress so far, but this fall will be the real deciding factor. "I like the way things are looking. I like our work ethic. But that doesn't neccessarily translate into victories on Friday night. We have a lot of other work to do. They are real excited about the change and all, but you have to win on Friday nights in this business."
Helping coach D'Altorio with the transition is holdover coach Bill Schiraldi. He will stay on to give D'Altorio some insight into the team from last year, while working with the running backs and linebackers. A couple other coaches that D'Altorio cited as being pivital are Ken Iser and Ivan Solack. "We needed some coaches that are in the building, that see the guys in school," he pointed out. As far as the x's and o's, D'Altorio will handle the offensive play calling for the Rockets this fall, while Tim Higgins will be the Rockets defensive co-ordinator.
D'Altorio will certainly mix up the Rockets offense from the previous few years. "We will run the I, the Pro-I, Spread, and there are different spread offenses you can run, a spread-run, spread-short passes, or spread-lateral passing. On defense we will be a base 50, with some 3-4. On defense we want guys that can fly to the ball. We want speed on defense."
When asked if he has a competition at the quarterback spot between seniors Evan Fillip and Randy Pavlicko for the starting role, D'Altorio was completely honest. "I really can't answer that question right now. I really need to be able to see them throwing the ball in person. But I'm not oppossed to using two quarterbacks. Honestly, I'm more concerned about our receivers. They are not used to catching passes from the past few years. When spring hits, we want to work on just running, running routes, until June comes and we can break out the balls."
D'Altorio also has respect for what he has seen in the ITCL. "Last year you had playoff teams in Western Reserve, McDonald and Southern. Three schools from the same league, I think that says a lot about the good football coaches in this league."
Lowellville fans should be in store for an exciting year in the 'Ville. Coach D'Altorio pointed out the schedule will be challenging, especially with a playoff team in Malvern on the schedule in week #2. But if the numbers hold true, and the enthusiasm builds on the team, the Rockets could bounce back into the thick of the ITCL race in 2011. |
