SUNDAY, AUGUST 20, 2017 · 31 GCC looks to 1st-year coach Smetanka season as coach. GCC lost to WPIAL finalists Clairton and Jeannette, 140-0 — 84-0 to the former and 56-0 to the latter. The Centurions’ wins came against upstart Imani Christian and Leechburg. “I want to get this program back to where it used to be,” said Smetanka, a personal trainerwithVYGOR Fitness and Nutrition who also works with the GCC girls basketball program. “We need to be competitive again.” But the process could take time as Smetanka tries to wipe away inexperience and replace it with confidence. “We’re putting in a brand new offense and defense,” he said. “That’s ground zero. We’re very limited and we have only four seniors, but our kids are working hard and want to learn.” Quarterback was a question mark heading into camp with the graduation of 1,500-yard passer Dom Eisaman (Washington&Jefferson). But Smetankaenjoyedthe challengeof figuringoutwhowill behis starting signal-caller. Senior Bruce Leonard (5-11, 190) and hard-throwing junior lefty Max Pisula (6-2, 220) were the candidates. Smetanka wants to throw the ball more but is willing to adjust to his personnel and not force the issue. “We have some capable guys,” said Smetanka,aCardinalWuerlNorth Catholic grad. “Both can runthe offense; Bruce might be a little more athletic.” Key receivers will be juniors Jake Reihart and Bryce Kurpiel.Bothalso will playcornerback.Avoid was left at wideout when incoming junior Ryan Quinn transferred to Mt. Pleasant. Alvin “LA” Ross wasado-it-all back last season but has moved on toClarion. He rushed for 400 yards and caught 30 passes for 405 yards and four touchdowns. Sophomores Zach Kuvinka and Tom Voelker were competing for carries in the Centurions’ backfield on the eve of camp. Junior BrandonCiccarelli will join that pair at linebacker. Smetanka has confidence in his special teams, led by senior punter and kicker Ethan Slike. “He has the potential to earn a college scholarship,” Smetanka said. “Very strong leg.” Linemen with minimal yet valuableexperience include sophomores Isaac Kuhns (5-11, 230) and Chase Pisula (5-10, 170), junior Matt Hogan (6-0, 251) and senior Dante Trunzo (6-0, 211). “We have a lot of guys who weren’t starters who will be first-time starters,” Smetanka said. “That’s just the way it will work out.” The Eastern Conference is expected to be the best outfit in ClassAagain, with Clairton and Jeannette still out in front. “You have to be prepared week in and week out,” Smetanka said. “It can be a dog fight.” The Centurions open the season Saturday at Tuscarawas Central Catholic. Bill Beckner Jr. is a Tribune-Reviewstaff writer. Reach himat bbeckner@tribweb.comor via Twitter@BillBeckner. FROM · 30 TomVoelker EASTERN Sports & Youth Group Banquets • Camps Athletic Fields and Gymnasium Rental “A Hidden Gem! Conveniently located for groups of 20 to 200+” Route 30 East, Greensburg • 724-834-7350 • www.BishopConnareCenter.org adno=6492996
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