Musselman Applemen Football Preview
The Musselman Applemen finished the 2005 season with the record of 4-6. Expect the Applemen to use last seasons games to provide the experience this young team needs to be successful. With many team players returning expect the Applemen to be very competitive this year. Coach Price is pleased with the improvement of this team and feels that the teams speed and strength has improved. With the leading rusher returning and a big offensive line, look for smash mouth football at the Apple Pit.
Quarterback
The Applemen return junior Ethan French to his quarterback position for the third straight year. French is a very good athlete with good speed and strength. Junior Ryan Franks has had a good spring and will provide depth at the quarterback position.
Wide Receiver
Senior Allen Kees is the leading receiver returning for the Applemen. Kees is a very smart player who understands the game. Watch for Brandon Cooper and Ryan Trochimowicz to play a key role in the Musselman offense this season.
Running Back
The Applemen success is dependent on their running attack, which is more than up for the challenge. Senior Shon Jackson was the leading rusher last season with 734 yards and an average of 5 yards per carry. Jackson will be a three year starter and is very capable of becoming a 1000 yard rusher. Lionell Royer and Daniel Shaffer will also carry the ball for the Applemen. Royer is an intelligent player who is very versatile. Shaffer will be a sophomore and shows great promise. With Musselmans talent at running back expect to see the chains moving at the Apple Pit.
Offensive Line
If you play Musselman this season, prepare for a battle along the line. With 4 of 5 starters returning for the Applemen, expect the offensive line to be dominant in Inwood. John Rickman, Andrew Shiley, Danny Longerbeam and Colton Parkinson return with a year of experience. At 6'3 260 Parkinson will be the leader of the line. Look for Ryan Haslett and Greg Engle to contribute to the line as well. The defensive line will be totally new this season. During camp the defensive line will be watched closely to see who can fill the void left by three graduated seniors.
Linebackers
The strength of the Musselman defense will be the play of their linebackers. Andrew Shiley, Lionell Royer and Shon Jackson all got great experience last season and will be a very strong unit. All three linebackers are capable of dominating a game. The Applemen hope that Ryan Haslett can also contribute at the linebacker spot. Gameday Magazine feels that the coveted Hammer Award will go to one of these linebackers.
Secondary
Allen Kees is the lone returner to the secondary. Kees will lead by example from his cornerback position this year. Look for juniors Daniel Shaffer and Ethan French to compete for the other two positions.
Special Teams
Junior Cory Smith returns to all of the kicking duties. Coach Price feels that he has the best kicker in the state in Corey Smith. Don't expect many kick returns this season against the Applemen. Touchbacks should be a common occurrence.
Key Game:
Week #1 against Keyser will be a very physical game. This game will feature Musselman's size versus Keyser's athleticism.
Extra Point:
The coaching staff is pleased with the 2006 football team's overall improvement in speed and strength.
Schedule
Aug. 25 @ Keyser
Sep. 1 Loudoun County
Sep. 8 Sherando
Sep. 15 @ James Wood
Sep. 22 @ Fort Hill
Sep. 29 @ Jefferson
Oct. 6 Bridgeport
Oct. 13 Hedgesville
Oct. 20 Hampshire
Oct. 27 @ Martinsburg
Nov. 10-11 Play-off 1st Round
Nov. 17-18 Play-off 2nd Round
Nov. 24-25 Play=off 3rd Round
Dec. 1-2 State Championship
