Bellefonte: Making change

Bellefonte revamps offense to focus on run game

Guy Cipriano

- gciprian@centredaily.com

Editor’s note: This is the fourth of five previews highlighting the county’s high school football programs. Thursday’s story will highlight Penns Valley.

CDT file photo/Craig Houtz

Bellefonte’s Torin Miller is the Red Raiders’ most experienced receiver heading into this season, catching 13 passes for 246 yards and two touchdowns in 2008.

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Bellefonte Red Raiders At A Glance

BELLEFONTE — It's possible Bellefonte's 2009 season started on a rainy night last September.

After beginning 2008 with home victories over District 9 St. Marys and Brookville, the Red Raiders visited Roaring Spring, where they encountered blowing rain and an emerging Central team. The result?

A 19-0 loss, just 139 offensive yards and one big idea implanted into coach Zac Wynkoop’s mind.

As glamorous as a pass-happy offense appeared, Wynkoop knew the Red Raiders needed a bruising running game to win consistently. Enter this year’s double-wing offense.

“I feel the double-wing is equipped for high school kids, whether it’s raining, snowing or 10-below zero,” Wynkoop said.

Bellefonte modified its offense during 2008 using a double-wing, which features tight formations and two tight ends, to defeat Penns Valley 14-0 in Week 8. Burly running back Bryant James compiled Bellefonte’s first — and only — 100-yard rushing game of 2008 by gaining 101 yards on 19 carries. The lack of rushing success was one reason Bellefonte went 4-6 and missed the playoffs when it ended the year with a 13-9 loss at Bald Eagle Area.

In a refreshing move in a sometimes secretive sport, Wynkoop, whose first two Bellefonte teams averaged 20 passing attempts per game, didn’t spend the preseason imitating Bill Belichick.

“It’s not a secret,” he said. “Everybody is going to see it. We run a double-wing. We have two tight ends, we have two wings, we have a fullback in tight. You’re going to see it. It’s not something that we hide. It’s something that we are proud of.

“We will spread teams out a little bit. We have a corps of good receivers and it’s kind of like that Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde mode where we are going to bring you in and then spread you out.” Wynkoop said the system fits Bellefonte’s athletes.

“For the kids we have, I think it’s the best chance to be successful,” he said. “You can’t fit circles into squares. You have to take what the mamas and papas give you and find a system you’re going to be successful in.”

Still, temptations exist if the Red Raiders want to reclaim their wide-open ways. Their most prolific returning receiver is junior Torin Miller, who caught 13 passes for 246 yards last year. Miller’s season included a 76-yard touchdown reception against Hollidaysburg.

“It’s different,” Miller said of the offense. “We are doing really well at it. I think it will work for us. It will be good to have a running game this year.”

Miller is one of three offensive starters returning. The trio also includes tight end Zach Tressler, who didn’t become a starter until Bellefonte resorted to power football later in the season. An injury to Kode Plank resulted in Tressler playing quarterback against BEA.

Tressler’s days at quarterback appear finished. At 6-foot-3 and a robust 240 pounds, he could be the ideal tight end in the double-wing. The added size — he grew two inches and added 25 pounds during the offseason — has turned the senior into an aggressive and confident up-front presence.

“I’m just stronger,” Tressler said. “I know I have to go out there and not worry like, ‘That guy is bigger than me. It might hurt.’ I know I can go out there and that guy is going to be scared of me. I’m not going to be scared of him.”

Senior lineman Ernie Jenkins is the other returning offensive starter. He has started for the Red Raiders since his sophomore season.

Speaking of sophomores, some could find themselves in key roles this season. Tressler and Jenkins are two of just 12 seniors on the roster. The lower senior turnout isn’t viewed negatively by Wynkoop.

“I would say it’s an opportunity,” he said. “The seniors we have are great ones. We have a strong junior class and some really good sophomores that are going to help us get better and keep growing. It’s a good opportunity for those guys to get two years of experience.”

The offensive line could include at least one sophomore as Tyler Haslet has established himself at right tackle. The line includes another newcomer in Nick Bernier, a transfer from New York and son of former Penn State player Kurt Bernier. Jenkins will start at right guard while senior Phil Rogers and junior Coleman Rigg are competing at center. Junior Wes Ritchey could play the other guard spot.

Junior Ty Warner, a running back last season, will replace Plank at quarterback. Junior Travis Struble is locked into one wing back spot while senior Caleb Williamson, junior Nate Shultz and sophomore Malik Breon are competing to become the other wing. Senior Jake Mueller, a 215-pound wrestler, joins Tressler at tight end.

Bellefonte also has experienced some defensive changes with the arrival of former BEA head coach Mike Markle as defensive coordinator.

Jenkins returns at defensive tackle, where he could be joined by Bernier or Ritchey. Tressler and Haslet are playing defensive end. The Red Raiders lost their entire linebacking corps, but the staff likes the junior trio of Chris Florey, Brad Grieb and Struble.

Miller is the only returning starter in the secondary. Junior Travis Corl occupies the strong safety position, while Breon, Shultz and Williamson are competing for time opposite Miller at cornerback.

“It’s a lot different,” Miller said. “You don’t have as many senior leaders, which is different to get used to. Young guys are having to step up in a lot of positions. They are willing to do it, and I think we can do it.”