TRIBUNE-REVIEW • SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2018 • 27
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Riverview showing ‘total commitment’
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everything they’ve learned over the past two
years,we’remaking changes offensively and
defensively. They have gameexperience, but
they are learning a number of newthings.”
Massack said he is excited with the team’s
numbers. Last year, there were times when
only 18 players were available because of
injuries.The offseasonwork, including time
spent on the field this summer, he said was
beneficial and should pay dividends.
“With our summer workouts, we were
consistently at 20 to 22 guys,” Massack said.
“The kidswhoweren’t therewere accounted
for with vacation, a family commitment or
work.This might have been the best summer
since I’ve been at Riverview. They have a
great work ethic. In the face of all the challenges,
they are on a mission.”
Senior Devon Binz was the heart and
soul of the Riverview offense last year. He
tallied 506 yards and nine touchdowns on
128 carries. Defensively, he made 23 tackles
and picked off two passes.
“We want to get back to the tough, traditional
Riverview football, and part of that
is running the ball,” Massack said. “With
Devonand (senior)JDSykes,wefeelwehave
that. Devon is going to be a big part of that
on both sides of the ball.”
The passing game accounted for only 349
yards and two touchdowns last year, and
Massack hopes for an increase in productivity
this year.
Senior Jared Massack (5-foot-11 and 155
pounds) saw action under center in five
games last year. He will get the call this fall.
“Jared’s really improved in the offseason,”
coach Massack said. “He’s gotten
bigger and stronger. He has a great work
ethic. I expect him to do a great job for us.”
Targets in the passing game include seniors
Ben Blacksmith, Cody Demko and
Jack Stock.
“We have these shirts which have ‘Total
Commitment’ on the front of them, and
that’s the new mindset of the program and
what we take forth into everything we do,”
Blacksmith said.“We want to be at our best,
no matter who we are playing.”
Senior Devlin Costello, who missed last
season with a knee injury, is back and will
be a focal point of the offense at tight end.
“He’s really working hard and taking
nothing for granted,” coach Massack said.
The Raiders have experience in the
trenches, led by 2017 second-team Eastern
Conference all-star Zach Hanlon, a junior
who also will help form a defensive core at
linebacker.
The only senior in the lineman group,
Ryan Slebrich, is the frontrunner to anchor
the offensive line at center and alsomanone
of the defensive line spots.
He also has battled back from an injury
last year.
“We all have the same mindset, and that
is to protect our guys in the backfield,” said
Hanlon, who was second on the team with
59 tackles in eight games last year.
“We have a pretty solid core with experience.
The younger guys are also ready to
step up. Hopefully, we can go into games and
punch some people in the mouth on both
sides of the ball.”
Sykes, from his linebacker spot, added 37
tackles and three sacks. Demko recorded a
team-best four interceptions at defensive
back.
“We would love to be able to give guys
rest, but we’re also trying to put the best
11 on the field at all times,” coach Massack
said.“We are playing in a tough conference.
Conditioning has been a big part of our
preparation. We tell them to not expect to
come off the field. There will be situations,
however, where we have to get kids off the
field, especially in some early Saturday afternoon
games, where it can get hot.”
Riverview again will host a Friday
game under the lights at Riverside Park.
It will be homecoming Oct. 5 against
Jefferson-Morgan. There will be three
nights of games starting with a junior high
football game Oct. 3 and continuing with a
varsity soccer doubleheader Oct. 4.
“There’s a lot of excitement around the
game,” coach Massack said. “The stands
are packed. The kids really like it, and we’re
happy to be able to continue it.”
Riverviewwill not play aWeek Zero game,
choosing to scrimmage Cornell before the
season opener at Greensburg Central Catholic.
The Raiders then host back-to-back
Saturday afternoon home games against
nonconference Charleroi (Sept. 8) and conference
foe Clairton (Sept. 15).
“Everybody is going to be tough in the
conference,” coach Massack said.“We don’t
set the schedule. We just have to go out and
play the schedule. We want to go out and
play tough, no matter who we are playing,
and work to get better each week.”
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BEN BLACKSMITH
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