ProfessorBriggs.com

(Statistical Information Courtesy of Professor Briggs' archives)

LAKEVIEW SAILORS 2021 FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

Head Coach: Bill Hickman, 4th year (6-21)
Last Year: 4-4 overall

***

STONEBORO -- From 2016 to 2019, the Lakeview Sailors won only three games. But in 2020, with the roster crunch of previous years fully in the rear-view mirror, the Sailors improved to 4-4 overall. Lakeview downed Mercer, 47-7, then finished the season with a 46-25 triumph at Class 4A Franklin.

Now, with a roster of approximately 45 players, Lakeview aims to continue its rise this fall.

"I think that we're bigger, stronger and faster than we were last year," fourth-year head coach Bill Hickman said. "I fully intend for us to pick up where we left off last year. We're in this to compete at a high level this year. If we stay healthy, we feel that we're capable of making a run."

A large and deep offensive line will look to lead Lakeview this fall. The Sailors return seniors Mason Bevan and Dalton Mentch, along with juniors Hunter Yeager, Brendan Malone and Kyle McFadden, as regulars. Senior newcomer Drew Mast, sophomore Kyle Devinney, sophomore Bryson McKean and rookies Garret Guthrie and William Guy are also among the candidates, according to Hickman.

"Our cupboard's full this year. We have 18 or 19 linemen," Hickman said. "If you want to make a deep run, you need that depth."

Hickman noted that the Sailors are borrowing from the blueprint used by one of their Class 2A rivals in Region 1. "Wilmington's recipe is that they build their lines. They have above-average and standout players elsewhere, but they make their money with their lines. We've put a lot of emphasis on our line.

"No position is locked in yet," Hickman continued. "That's how you keep a program on the up. We're going to find a role for all of these linemen. We're going to come up with the right rotation and develop continuity."

Lakeview has plenty of continuity at quarterback as Gavin Murdock returns for his senior season. Murdock threw for 876 yards and seven touchdowns last season while also rushing for a team-high 691 yards and six touchdowns. His 1,567 yards of total offense ranked second in Mercer County last season. Murdock earned All-Region 4 honors at quarterback in 2020.

"Gavin is a dual threat with him arm and his legs," Hickman said. "He is continuing to grow and he really has a high ceiling. I think he has the potential to be a region 'Player of the Year' type of player."

Murdock will be joined in the backfield by senior running back Calogano Wilkins and the sophomore tandem of Aiden Osborne and Mitchell Tingley. Wilkins earned All-Region last year after rushing for 341 yards and five touchdowns. The 6-0, 190-pounder averaged 6.0 yards per carry.

Osborne and Tingley both saw time in the backfield and at receiver last season.

Speedy senior newcomer Karson Cropp and sophomore Danick Hinkson have the inside track to start at wide receiver. Senior Anthony Bonanni looks to nail down the third receiver spot. "(Bonanni) has put in his time and he's gotten better every year," Hickman said. "Now it's his turn."

Having a senior quarterback and several versatile players on offense will enable Lakeview to use multiple offensive sets this season.

"Our goal is to keep teams off balance," Hickman said. "We have different sets and it's also going to depend on who we're playing. It's our third year in the system. In the first year, we did OK. The second year, we did better. This year, it's a matter of fine-tuning the offense."

Lakeview will use the 3-5 and 4-4 on defense to take advantage of its depth and experience at linebacker. Wilkins leads the returners at linebacker while Tingley and Hinkson are also challenging for starting spots. Hickman also singled out junior Sean Cole, who looks to earn a spot at inside linebacker.

"When you have a fast team, you want to get to the point of attack fast," Hickman said. "We want to capitalize on our speed."

Bevan and senior Sebastian Hensch return on the defensive line. Several members of Lakeview's deep lineman corps are vying for starting spots.

Bonanni returns at cornerback and Murdock will again start at safety. Cropp has the inside track at the other cornerback position. Hickman noted that Wilkins could see time in the secondary.

"The reason that we can be so versatile and adjust to things is because of our experience," Hickman said. "We have a lot of experience this year and we know the defense."

Murdock will punt and Tingley will handle place-kicks and kickoffs. "(Tingley) is really accurate and very dependable," Hickman said. "I've told him that his foot could be the difference in a game this year."

Last season, Lakeview played in revamped Region 4 with Cambridge Springs, Cochranton, Maplewood, Northwestern and Saegertown due to COVID-19. Now, the Sailors are back in Region 1 with their Mercer County brethren.

"I think it's going to be a very competitive region," Hickman said. "I'm glad we're back in this region this year."