S. ABINGTON TWP. — The Abington Heights football team returns just three starters from last year’s squad that defeated Wyoming Valley West to win the District 2 Class 5A championship, but head coach Joe Repshis has been pleased with the group’s work ethic and development heading into this season.

“I’ve been very proud of the work the players put in during the preseason,” Repshis said. “Their effort and attitude on a daily basis has been very good. Our goal is to get better each day and each snap.”

Junior George Tinsley, who is listed at 6’4” and was a third-team All-State selection in basketball, is expected to take over as the starting quarterback.

Tinsley threw for 222 yards and a touchdown in limited action last season.

Junior running back Kaleb Sherman, one of the team’s two returning starters on offense, accounted for 536 yards and five touchdowns on the ground last season while splitting time with Anthony Duboski, who graduated. Senior Austin Kohut also gained 26 yards on nine carries last season.

“We have several players returning who gained valuable varsity experience in big games and key situations, which can’t be simulated in practices,” Repshis said.

Junior Noah Braid and sophomore Matt Lastauskas should see time at fullback.

Senior John Rama, junior Trey Koehler, and sophomore Corey Perkins are expected to be the team’s top targets at wide receiver to start the season. Seniors Matthan Sherman and Chase Overholser are also expected to contribute, but are currently injured.

Sophomore Mike Malone is the projected starter at tight end.

Senior Nate Gronsky, who started at guard last season, returns to anchor the offensive line. Freshman Will Stevens has been working at center, senior Sage Santarsiero and junior Chris Kane are expected to contribute at guard, senior Joe Makowski and sophomore Tre Kerrigan should see action at tackle. Junior Chris Callahan and sophomore Shea Parry will also be in the rotation on the offensive line.

“We have a lot of young guys, but I think we’re really working together well as a team,” Gronsky said.

At defensive end, Malone is the only returning starter on defense for the Comets. Junior Seth Drake and Callahan will also see time at the position.

Gronsky, Kane, Makowski and Santarsiero are expected to contribute at defensive tackle.

Kaleb Sherman, Braid, Lastauskas and sophomore Michael Pusateri will be in the rotation at linebacker.

Perkins and Rama will likely begin the season as the starting cornerbacks. Matthan Sherman, who had three interceptions last season, should also contribute once he returns from an injury.

Koehler, along with sophomores Robby Horvath and Nick Colombo, have been working at safety. Overholser may also see time at the position once he returns from an injury.

Koehler is expected to serve as the team’s punter.

Senior Colin McIntyre and freshman Zach Boersma are expected the handle the kicking duties.

Abington Heights will host Scranton Prep to open the season in a Lackawanna Football Conference Division 1-2 crossover game at 2:30 p.m. Aug. 26 at Comets Stadium.

M. Sherman
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_ABJ-AH-M-Sherman.jpg.optimal.jpgM. Sherman

Gronsky
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_ABJ-AH-Gronsky.jpg.optimal.jpgGronsky

Abington Heights’ Kaleb Sherman, shown during a game against Pittston Area last season, is one of three returning starters for the Comets.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_Abington-Heights-Pittston-Area-ftbl-1.jpg.optimal.jpgAbington Heights’ Kaleb Sherman, shown during a game against Pittston Area last season, is one of three returning starters for the Comets. Abington Journal file photo

By Robert Tomkavage

rtomkavage@timesleader.com

Reach Robert Tomkavage at 570-704-3941 or on Twitter @rtomkavage.