2005 Bullet Points

Bullet Points #1

Before we get in to the heart of "Bullet Points", let's do like we always do on Wednesday, start out by giving you the answer to yesterday's "Tuesday Trojan Trivia". To open the 2000 season, the Trojans' final year as a WPIAL member, JHS took on the Scotland School out of District 3 and lost 41-21.

The "Bullet Points" column, as you may remember from a year ago, is designed to promote the sub-varsity levels of football in the Greater Johnstown School District. Here are some quick hits on what's going on in the "Little Trojan Nation":

*****Seventh Grade: The seventh graders are coached by the Campagna Brothers in Adam and Jared (who is a volunteer). Adam and Jared both attended JHS.

*****Eighth Grade: Donny Robertson coaches the elder students at Johnstown Middle School. He is assisted by volunteers Greg Avramis and Nathan Harfield.

*****Freshman: Brian Subich makes the move up to high school and will be coaching many of the kids that played for him a year ago as the eighth grade coach. Subich, JHS Class of '92, played football for the Trojans. He is assisted by Mike McMonagle, a McCort grad who played football there as well as the next level at St. Francis. Volunteers Mike Dadey and Rob Heinrich round out the ninth grade staff.

*****JV: Normally, assistants from the varsity staff coach these games which serve as valuable game situation teaching sessions and also get kids that might not have the chance to play varsity the chance to play. It is unknown who will be coaching these guys this year but one thing is certain, good play in JV games can get you noticed and increase your chances of varsity playing time come Friday night.

Each Wednesday we'll do our best here at Trojan Nation to highlight these "future Trojans" and their exploits on the gridiron so stay tuned. We'll also use this space to update viewers on statistics of note and many other bits of information that crop up during the season so look for a little more meat to this column as the season progresses.

Doug Keklak can be reached at doug.keklak@trojannation.net.

Bullet Points #2

9/7/05

If you didn’t get the answer to yesterday’s Tuesday Trojan Trivia then you didn’t read the rest of the column after the question because his name was throughout it! Ernie Fetzer led the Spartans to a District 6 title before moving on to Westmont.

As this is the place where you can expect to get information on the underclass programs at Johnstown we have a preview of the 9^th, 8^th and 7^th grade programs thanks to Frosh Head Coach Brian Subich:

*****FRESHMEN: Like we said before Subich has the luxury of coaching many of the same kids he did a year ago when he was in charge of the 8^th grade team. His captains for 2005 are William Claar, Paul Weatherly, David Istanich, Alex Skufca and Ben Pearce.

Pearce is the starting quarterback while Quadir Christian and Jerome Arnold are top skill players returning. Subich’s top lineman is Istanich. Get this, kid is 6’3”, 240 with a size 15 shoe! Methinks you might see this big cat starting next year as a sophomore.

The Freshmen Trojans will travel to Cresson Thursday to take on Penn Cambria.

*****8^th GRADE: Donny Robertson appears to have a very skilled, quick group of eighth graders. His starting quarterback is Jordan Jefferson. Top athletes Quatrell Rose and LaQuin Stephens which are both running backs. Yes, LaQuin is the younger brother of LaRod and is said to have similar moves on the ground. Of course, he has a LONG way to go to be at the level of older brother.

The 8^th graders open at home against Penn Cambria on Wednesday.

*****7^th GRADE: Adam Campagna was a linemen in his day as a Trojan and even he probably cannot believe his eyes with this group he has. The O-Line is clearly the story with these youngsters as they will have 3 starters over 200 pounds. Dejour Morris (6’, 250) is the best of the group but is joined by Kyle Shaffer (6’1”, 230) and Zaye Miller (5’9”, 230). Subich assures me these figures are NOT inflated.

Can you believe that size in 7^th grade? Even if they only have size and raw talent, when they get to the weight training program these guys could be monsters at the varsity level. That is, if they last that long as they are quite a few seasons away from glory at Trojan Stadium.

Campagna’s 7^th graders open the 2005 season away at Penn Cambria on Wednesday.

*****One of the hallmarks of building a successful program at the varsity level is instilling a winning attitude down the program. George Novak has had success at Woodland Hills with this method. His offense and defensive systems are static from middle school through varsity. While that level of detail is unclear here at Johnstown the attitude is there. Bob Arcurio has given the community a taste of winning. Young boys growing up in the city have seen the success of the past few seasons and want to be a part of it.

I can remember going to Garfield and playing for Chuck Kist. We’d see Chuck Wyatt and Alex “Fat Cat” Roebuck at practice and watch their exploits during that magical undefeated season of 1988. (Remember that Yough game?!?!) That’s the level that we wanted to get to. I think you see the same thing now in this era.

And as Bill Cowher would say “what is wrong with that?”

*****Check back next week for scores and info, hopefully on all three games “down on the farm”!

Doug Keklak can be reached at doug.keklak@trojannation.net.

Bullet Points #3

Game two of the 2002 season was the last time the Trojans were shutout. The Forest Hills Rangers won 21-0 over the Trojans that day.

Before I get started with the underclass update, I would like to take the time to thank Brian Subich and Adam Campagna for their detailed reports. You guys should be applauded for helping these youngsters some props.

Without further adieu, here’s the scoop from last week:

*****FRESHMEN: Johnstown 13, Penn Cambria 6

Johnstown (1-0) trailed this game the entire way until about two minutes left in the game. That’s when QB Ben Pearce hit Quadir Christian on a wide receiver screen. 65 yards later the Trojans tie the game, then got the lead on Jon Maurizio’s PAT (that’s right, a freshmen kicker!). The Panthers had one last shot and drove down to the Johnstown 35. Jerome Arnold picked off a pass on the last play of the game and returned it for the pick six (sound familiar Pitt fans!) to cement the final.

Next up: Westmont at Price Field on Thursday.

*****EIGHTH GRADE: Johnstown 20, Penn Cambria

In a game that was closer than the score indicates, Quatrell Rose, LaQuin Stephens and Casimir Pretlor scored touchdowns on the ground. All three occurred in the second half as the eighth graders (1-0) came from behind for the victory. Ryan Sisco had two interceptions on defense that stopped possible scoring drives.

Next up: Westmont on Wednesday

*****SEVENTH GRADE: Somerset 6, Johnstown 0

Turnovers were the culprit here as these Little Trojans (0-1) gave the ball up four times in this contest to the Golden Eagles. One 60 yard run was the big play of the day for Somerset. Jerell Hardison made a touchdown saving tackle but two plays later the Eagles punched it in for the only points scored on the day.

Unfortunately for Coach Campagna, he lost one of his top players, running back Calvin Anderson, who broke his arm prior to the season. Anderson, who recently moved to the area from Aliquippa, is by all accounts and up and comer for the Trojans. He will surely be missed by the seventh graders.

Also, we have some additional information to add to what we posted about the team last week. The captains are DuJour Morris (OT/DT), Marcus Seals (TE/OLB), Tyler Arsenault (FB/MLB) and Joe Orosz (QB). Some other players of note are:

Ryan Shaffer 6’1”, 260, OT/DT

Zye Miller 5’9”, 230, C

Nate Nickle 5’10”, 200, G/DE

Kyfen Jones HB/CB

Aaron Hocker DE

John Kellar WR/CB

Dave Myers WR/S

Cody Wallace G

Justin Capoulez OLB

*****So there you have, the young squads are off to a good start with a 2-1 record between the programs. JV will be getting started soon as well so look to “Bullet Points” throughout the year to see what’s going on with the underclassmen and junior high kids.

Doug Keklak can be reached at doug.keklak@trojannation.net.

Bullet Points #4

First, to yesterday’s question, the answer is true. It was somewhat of a trick question. Although this will be the first time the Rams play JHS at Trojan Stadium (as their last away game versus Johnstown was played at the Point) they did use the field on a Thursday late in the season last year as they were having problems with their home field.

Now, to the youngsters and the report of how they did this week:

*****JUNIOR VARSITY:

Johnstown’s jayvees got off to a 1-0 start by beating Penn Cambria this past Monday.

*****FRESHMEN: Westmont 27, Johnstown 14

Coach Subich’s frosh team dropped its first game this season by falling to Westmont in similar fashion to the varsity this past weekend.

*****EIGHTH GRADE: Somerset 14, Johnstown 0

The eighth graders dropped to 1-1 as they fell to the Golden Eagles. Ryan Sisco, Gerald Jones and Quatrell Rose each intercepted passes in the loss.

*****SEVENTH GRADE: Johnstown 6, Westmont 6

The youngest of the youngsters now are 0-1-1 as they tied the Hilltoppers. Jerrel Hardison scored the lone Trojan touchdown although Kyfen Jones had an interception return for a score called back because of a clipping penalty.

Coach Campagna’s squad will host Central today at 4:00.

So there you have it, the Trojans below varsity levels were 1-2-1 on the week and will look to have another successful .

Doug Keklak can be reached at doug.keklak@trojannation.net.

Bullet Points #5

The answer to yesterday’s trivia question was Frank Krevetski. Krevetski coached for 20 years at United, 7 at McCort and 2 more at United before rounding out his head coaching days at the Somerset program.

Here’s our weekly look at what happened below the varsity level at the Greater Johnstown School District:

*****JUNIOR VARSITY:

*****FRESHMEN: Windber 30 Johnstown 26

Brian Subich’s club dropped to 1-2 to the Ramblers in a game that was played under the lights at Windber Stadium.

Jerome Arnold scored two rushing TDs, Quadir Christian scored one rushing TD and Paul Weatherly scored on a 40-yard pass reception. The score at the half was 20-12, although the Trojans were able to move the ball all game and were at the 3 yard line when the first half ended. They just ran out of time. At the half adjustments were made and Windber only scored once in the second half while JHS scored twice more to set the final at 30-26.

*****EIGHTH GRADE:

*****SEVENTH GRADE:

Sorry this incomplete but I didn’t have all the information when I went to publish. If I get updates I will refresh the page.

Doug Keklak can be reached at doug.keklak@trojannation.net.

Bullet Points #6

Trivia Answer: Yesterday's answer is True. Last year in fact the first time JHS beat BC since joining the LHAC. The previous meetings were as follows: 2003: Bishop Carroll 7 JHS 6. 2002: Bishop Carroll 25 JHS 14 and 2001: Bishop Carroll 47, JHS 6.

Here's what we have this week on the "Young Guns":

*****Junior Varsity No report from the game against Richland.

Come on guys, I need JV updates, email me please!

*****Freshmen: Somerset 20, Johnstown 7

Another tough one for Brian Subich's squad as they fell to 1-3 in a game that was played in Somerset last Thursday.

*****Eighth Grade: Johnstown 38, Bishop Carroll 0

Big time win for the eighth graders as LaQuin Stephens, Kashmir Pretlor, Zayne Jenkinson, and Jordan Jefferson as scored TDs as these Trojans improved to 2-1-1.

On the defensive side of the ball Ryan Sisco had yet another INT, that's six on the season if you're counting and Josh Konar also had a pick.

*****Seventh Grade: Johnstown 20, Bishop Carroll 14

Injuries forced Coach Campagna to move Dajour Morris to fullback and the move paid big dividends as Morris scored 2 TDs. Kyfen Jones took an interception back for a touchdown and the defense as a unit played big. John Kellar and Jerrel Hardison also had TDs in the win.

The team improves to 1-2-1 on the season, next up for them is Central Cambria at home today.

Coach Campagna reported that both the seventh and eighth grade Bishop Carroll squads threw the ball a lot and ran out of shotgun. Craig Sponsky must really like what he sees out of that Urban Meyer-spread type offense and wants the kids to learn it at a young age.

So there it is for another week down on the farm. The Trojans were a respectable 2-1 at the sub-varsity levels this week, of course not counting the Richland JV result which we will report if we get it.

Doug Keklak can be reached at doug.keklak@trojannation.net

9/28/05

Here’s our weekly look at what happened below the varsity level at the Greater Johnstown School District:

*****JUNIOR VARSITY: No report.

*****FRESHMEN: Windber 30 Johnstown 26

Brian Subich’s club dropped to 1-2 to the Ramblers in a game that was played under the lights at Windber Stadium.

*****EIGHTH GRADE: Johnstown 0 Westmont 0

This scoreless tie saw Trojans Ryan Sisco and Jalen Gibson both get interceptions. For Sisco that is his fifth in three games.

The eighth graders will visit Bishop Carroll on 9/28. Last year the eighth grade squad beat the Huskies 14-0.

The eighth graders are now 1-1-1 on the young season.

*****SEVENTH GRADE: Central 36 Johnstown 0

Pretty much an all around poor team effort. The seventh graders will be back in action on 9/28 against hosting Bishop Carroll. They are now 0-2-1 on the season.

Coach Campagna tells me his squad had a good week of practice and will be ready for BC. Middle Linebacker and team captian Tyler Arsenault is returning after missing 2 weeks with a broken arm.

Sorry this incomplete but I didn’t have the JV information when I went to publish. If I get updates I will refresh the page. I am working on getting those updates. For the week the sub-varsity programs were 0-2-1, not counting the JV result of course.

Doug Keklak can be reached at doug.keklak@trojannation.net.

Bullet Points #7

Yesterday’s answer is true. Since joining the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference the Trojans are 0-2 against McCort in games played at the Point Stadium. Hopefully that will change next year, but for now, we have to take care of business this year in our house!

At post time I only have one score to report as far as our Future Trojans are concerned. Big Brian Subich’s freshmen team had their way with their counterparts from Bishop Carroll as they won 41-14. It was 34-0 at the half and Coach Subich pretty much called the dogs off as he was liberally substituting in the second quarter.

Quadir Christian scored 3 touchdowns, twice on the ground and once on an interception return. Jerome Arnold had 2 rushing touchdowns and Carlton Wyatt scored on a reverse.

The 9^th graders are now 2-3.

I still have yet receive any info on the JV team but I am pretty sure Coach Campagna will come through with scores from the 8^th and 7^th grade games (holler at your boy Adam!). As soon as I get those, I will update this page so check back.

Doug Keklak can be reached at doug.keklak@trojannation.net.

10/5/05

Here's what we have this week on the "Young Guns":

*****Junior Varsity No report from the game against Richland.

Come on guys, I need JV updates, email me please!

*****Freshmen: Somerset 20, Johnstown 7

Another tough one for Brian Subich's squad as they fell to 1-3 in a game that was played in Somerset last Thursday.

*****Eighth Grade: Johnstown 38, Bishop Carroll 0

Big time win for the eighth graders as LaQuin Stephens, Kashmir Pretlor, Zayne Jenkinson, and Jordan Jefferson as scored TDs as these Trojans improved to 2-1-1.

On the defensive side of the ball Ryan Sisco had yet another INT, that's six on the season if you're counting and Josh Konar also had a pick.

*****Seventh Grade: Johnstown 20, Bishop Carroll 14

The team improves to 1-2-1 on the season, next up for them is Central Cambria at home today.

Doug Keklak can be reached at doug.keklak@trojannation.net.

Bullet Points #8

The answer to yesterday’s question is that back in 2001 Central Cambria welcomed JHS to the LHAC by beat them 35-7. Something tells me this year is going to be a different story.

We have a little bit more to report this week on the young guns so let’s get going:

JV: Bishop Carroll 18 JHS 6

No other information to report on other than the score.

Freshman: Bishop McCort 32 JHS 8

The Crushers led 8-0 after one quarter and scored on a sustained drive in the second quarter to make it 16-0 at the half. They led 24-0 at the end of three when JHS got on the board when Quadir Christian took the ball on a counter and ran 40 yards to pay dirt. Christian caught the two point conversion from Dustin Geyer to make it 32-8. McCort scored at the end of the game to cement the final.

Of the four touchdowns, three were on long pass plays. The Freshmen are now 2-4.

8^th Grade: No report

7^th Grade:

We have two games to report, first the game from 10/4 which was a 36-6 loss to Central Cambria. Coach Campagna was missing many of his starters that game though. Justin Capoulez scored the lone TD in the 4^th quarter.

Last we, the 7^th graders beat Richland 14-12 in a game played at Trojan Stadium. Marcus Seals, Brendan Golby and Dajour Morris lead a defense that stopped Richland in fourth down situations all night.

This makes the seventh graders 2-3-1.

Doug Keklak can be reached at doug.keklak@trojannation.net.

Bullet Points #9

The answer to yesterday’s question is in 2002 the Trojans lost to the Bisons 28-12.

You know, it gets old saying “man how the season flied by this year” because it happens every year. This will be the last full installment of our look at the younger Trojan football programs.

JV: Bishop McCort 27 Johnstown 15

No further information on that game.

9^th grade: Central Cambria beat JHS

I know that JHS lost but I forget the score, I will be getting an update from Coach Subich ASAP and will update this column when I get it. The loss makes the squad 2-5.

The freshmen will play their final game under the lights of Trojan Stadium this Thursday night at 7. Come on out and support the future of JHS football as there are many players on Coach Subich’s team that will compete for varsity starting time come 2006.

I plan on making the trip for the game as long as the weather cooperates!

8^th grade: JHS 34 Cambria Heights 0

No further information on that game.

7^th grade: JHS was away at Indiana

I am not sure the outcome of this game, but I have an email out to Coach Campagna to give me a recap and I’ll get any info he gets to me ASAP.

As you might already know from looking at our homepage, the Trojans have clinched a 6-AAA playoff spot. There are many scenarios that can play out that could mean the difference between a three or a four seed, we’ll give you a few of them tomorrow in Helmets and Sweats.

I am going to leave you this week with a bit of non-Trojan news, but a nice story nonetheless. We get caught up following programs with great winning traditions, mainly because we are lucky enough to have one here at Johnstown. That being said, this takes nothing away from coaches and players of not-so-good programs. They work just as hard.

We have a story like this in the district. The Shade Panthers won over the weekend and it gave them a two game winning streak. No big deal??? Sure it is, considering the Panther program hasn’t won back-to-back games since… 2001!

Think about that next time you’re quick to be disappointed in the Trojans this or any future year. To put this into perspective, Johnstown hasn’t had a season since they HAVE NOT won two in a row at least once since 2000.

Don’t be spoiled J-town supporters, it’s not as if we haven’t had some lean years of our own.

Congrads to the Shade players and coaching staff. They are now 2-6 and will go for three in a row against Blacklick Valley this Friday Night.

Doug Keklak can be reached at doug.keklak@trojannation.net.

Bullet Points #10

To answer yesterday's question: last year was the first time that Bellefonte and Johnstown met in the District 6-AAA playoffs. In 2002, JHS lost to Indian Valley in round one. In 2003, the Trojans beat Indian Valley but lost to Huntingdon and last year JHS beat both Central Mountain and Bellefonte to earn their first district title. Johnstown also played a home and home series with the Red Raiders back in 1994 and 1995 winning both those games. Johnstown was a WPIAL member then. To date the Bellefonte program has never beaten Johnstown as JHS.

The eighth and seventh grade programs wrapped their seasons up already so not too much to report on.

The Trojans' JV team played their last game last Monday against Central Cambria. As usual, I have nothing to report on them.

And that leaves us with one final game. Brian Subich's Freshmen football team went out with a win last Thursday night under the lights at Trojan Stadium as they defeated the Bedford Bisons 34-28. I had the pleasure for the first time since I graduated back in '94 to attend a non-varsity game and it was quite a treat. The Trojans got a big lead, but Bedford closed the gap in the second half, however the Trojans were able to hold the Bisons off. JHS finishes the season with a 3-7 mark.

JHS got on the board first when Ben Pierce got his second TD pass of the season when he hooked up with FB Jon Sweet in the corner of the endzone early in the first quarter. Late in the game Dustin Geyer picked off a Bedford pass and took it the distance. Quadir Christian and Jerome Arnold had TDs in between.

It must have been a thrill to play at the varsity stadium and Coach Subich was pleased with the turnout: "Not a bad little crowd last night for a cold night. I know 95% were parents and the such, but still a good little turn out."

While the wins and losses didn't pan out exactly like Subich would have liked he could have had more praise for his team: "Overall this team is the easiest group of kids I've ever coached. No discpline problems at all." Not only that, but a few of his players should make a splash next at the varsity level as sophomores.

I also would like to thank Coach Subich and the Athletic Department for the little program. It wasn't anything flashy, but I can't ever recall having any sort of roster with numbers, heights and weights while at Johnstown or against any teams we played. It was a very nice touch.

Doug Keklak can be reached at doug.keklak@trojannation.net.