2018 Clarion Area Bobcat Football Preview: Bobcats Move On To New League (08/22/18)
The Clarion Area Bobcat Football Team had a great season in 2017, going 12-1, while winning the last ever KSAC Large School Crown, the District Nine Class AA Title and advancing to the PIAA State Quarterfinals. This season the Bobcats will compete in the newly formed District Nine League’s Large School Division.
(Photo by Smith Photography) 2018 Bobcat Football Squad
Head Coach Larry Wiser had a number of key players close out their Bobcat careers last year including: Tom Wurster (2017 All-State, now serving with the U.S. Marine Corps), Spencer Miller (2017 All-State, now playing at Gannon), Colton Rapp (2016 All-State and second All-Time in Career Rushing, now playing at Mount Union), Zak Bauer (2017 All-State, now playing at Dickinson), Colt Stimmel (All-KSAC, now playing at Ithaca) and Sterling Conner (All-KSAC).
Though the Cats lost a number of key players from last season, they have some fine players returning.
(All photos from Saturday’s scrimmage with Marion Center thanks to Jeff Minich)
Returning starters on offense include senior tailback Logan Minich, 6-0, 185 (908 yards rushing, 12 touchdowns; 231 yards receiving, 1 touchdown), senior running back Sam Minich, 6-0, 195 (301 yards rushing, 8 touchdowns; 51 yards receiving) and senior fullback Camden Boggess, 5-11, 200 (231 rushing yards, 4 touchdowns; 74 receiving yards)
Coach Wiser listed his key offensive newcomers as: senior Archer Mills at quarterback, senior Drew Wrhen at tight end, sophomore Cutter Boggess at running back and junior Tyler Schmader on the line.
Coach Wiser lists his offensive outlook, saying, “We want to be a ball control offense. Balance is key in getting all of our skill players involved. We want to limit turnovers and mental mistakes.”
On defense, the returning starters include: Logan Minich, at linebacker (34 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception), Sam Minich, at linebacker, (24 tackles), Boggess (12 tackles, 3 tackles for loss) and senior defensive lineman Nick Porciello, 5-8, 185 (56 tackles, 12 sacks).
The key defensive newcomers Coach Wiser mentioned include Mills at defensive back, Wrhen at tight end, Cutter Boggess at defensive back and Tyler Schmader on the line.
As for the defensive outlook, the Clarion mentor stated, “This team needs to be tough up front on the run and not give up big plays in the air. Discipline and getting 11 guys to the ball are a must for a Clarion defense.”
On special teams, Mills 6-0, 170 returns as the kicker and will handle the punting duties this year also. Archer kicked 56 points after touchdown and had three field goals, his longest 37 yards.
Assisting Coach Wiser this season will be: Lee Weber – Defensive Coordinator, Camron Kirkland-Special Teams Coordinator and Wide Receivers and Defensive Backs Coach, Pat Tack-Offensive Line Coach, Jacob Selker Volunteer Coach, Seth Nellis Volunteer Coach and Kevin Slike-Equipment Manager.
The Bobcats open the season at home, at CUP’s Memorial Stadium, this Friday (August 24th) at 7:00 PM
(Let’s All Get Out And Cheer On The Cats This Season!!!!)
2018 Varsity Football Schedule
Friday, August 24th, Punxsutawney – Home 7:00 PM
Friday, August 18th, Moniteau – Away 7:00 PM
Friday, September 7th, Karns City – Away 7:00 PM
Friday, September 14th, Brookville – Home 7:00 PM
Friday, September 21st, St. Marys – Away 7:00 PM
Friday, September 29th, Kane (HOMECOMING GAME) – Home 7:00 PM
Friday, October 5th, Ridgway – Home 7:00 PM
Friday, October 12th, Bradford Away – 7:00 PM
Friday, October 19th, Brockway Home – 7:00 PM
Friday, October 26th, Clarion-Limestone (SENIOR NIGHT) – Home 7:00 PM