The Middletown High School football team has won 36 straight games, and has won three straight state championships, but even with its pedigree people still doubt the Knights ability to replenish talent.
Even after graduating a core of seniors who led the Knights to three straight titles, the confidence and ability are still there.
Seniors Nick Welch, Patrick Moore, Peter Heon, Will McClain and Stephan Salvadori have become true leaders on this team. They are looking to lead the Knights by example this season.
“As returning starters, I feel like underclassmen look to me, [McClain, Heon and Salvodori] as examples to try and get on the field,” said Welch.
Welch will be the featured tailback for the Knights this season, after finishing fourth on the team in rushing last year with 219 yards. Welch also led the team in tackles with 65.5, and hit 9-12 FGs.
Welch may possess the talent to be the main option for the Knights, but one player is not enough to fill the void of the graduated players.
The Knights lost their top four rushers from a season ago, including the explosive and bruising running back, Brad Rinehart, who ran for 1,245 yards, and quarterback Tim Pirrone. Pirrone led the team in passing yards, and was second in rushing yards.
The Knights also have no players on their roster that have attempted a varsity pass, and have only three combined receptions and one touchdown catch from returning players.
But the damage done by graduation on the Knights doesn’t end on the offensive side of the ball. Welch is the only returning player who ranked in the top ten in tackles last season, and is also the only player on the roster with an interception.
Rick Leonard, who won Maryland defensive player of the year last season, has moved on to Florida State. The three-year starting tackle, Justin Falcinelli has moved onto Clemson.
Many people would look at what the Knights lost and consider this a rebuilding season, but the Knights are looking to carry on the tradition that has been built by head coach Kevin Lynott.
“I think it will be important for me to step up my play on defense,” said Heon. “We have to what all the other leaders did last year like, Rick [Leonard] and Justin [Falcinelli]. That will help us win games.”
The Knights opponent, Westminster, has been a perennial powerhouse in Carroll County for years. The Owls, after starting out the season 0-3, won their third county title in as many years last season. They will be coming into the game looking for revenge after last season’s nail-biting, 19-14, loss to the Knights.
The Owls spread offense caused some problems for the Knights last season, but the Knights aren’t willing to be surprised by the high-flying offense again.
“I think our secondary is a little stronger this year, they can do a good job, we got some speed back there,” said Welch. “We have a good d[efensive] line, so if we can get the quarterback down in the backfield it could cause problems, I know he’s young.”
The Owls lost their quarterback, Duke Etchison, who threw for 2,916 yards and 33 touchdowns in 2013. Replacing him will be junior Chris Lang. Defensive back, Chad Patterson, will lead the Owls on defense. Patterson recorded 72 tackles last season.
No matter whom the Knights replace last year’s players with, the narrative remains the same.
“If everyone does their job like they are supposed to, and we all play as a team, we’ll come together and get the win no doubt,” said Heon.
