Coming off a much-needed season in 2012 where the Falcons once again became a player in the Keystone Division, head coach Rob Klock has 10 starters in the fold and a cupboard of newcomers that allows this program to have high expectations for 2013. Below is their Countdown to Camp preview.
School Name: Lower Dauphin Falcons
Coach: Rob Klock
Last Year: 8-3, 5-2 Keystone
Last 5 Years: 18-33
Returning Starters: 5 on offense; 5 on defense
Key Players: TE-DE Trey Klock, QB-OLB Troy Spencer, FB-LB Ryan Lilliock, WR-DB Nate Dorwat, WR-DB Spencer Snyder, OL-DL David Wuestner, OL-DL Justin Berrios, OL-DL Corey Atkins, WR-DB Adam Domovich, WR-DB Adam Zeiders, K Joe Julius.
Offense Overview: Once the Falcons hit division play in 2012, after a stellar 3-0 start, scoring points was a chore for this group. LD still managed five Keystone victories, but it was never a smooth ride to the end zone. Plus, the Falcons graduated a pair of backs who accounted for nearly 230 carries and almost 1,500 yards. So the running back position will be the No. 1 position to keep an eye on. Dual-threat QB Troy Spencer accounted for nearly 1,000 total yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior. He’ll be better this season. TE Trey Klock is a Georgia Tech recruit and averaged 14.5 yards per catch. And the Falcons have depth, but not much experience, at receiver. Up front center David Wuestner is one of the best in the conference and will be in control of the line. Expect to see plenty of running play early in his neighborhood.
Defense Overview: Driving force behind the re-emergence of LD as a player in the Keystone last season. Started the season with three consecutive shutouts and finished the year allowing less than 13 points a game. Solid in all three phases defensively in 2012, the Falcons have five starters back in a good variety of spots and it feels like this side of the ball will once again be where LD shines. Klock and junior Ben Ross are the bookends of a solid DL, Ryan Lilliock has a year at LB and Spencer Snyder and Nate Dorwart are solid corners. This group has every right to be full of confidence from the first snap. How the new group of linebackers progresses will tell the story.
Biggest Game: October 4 at Susquehanna Twp.
More Lower Dauphin Falcons: 2013 Schedule | Tentative 2013 Roster
Shay’s Crystal Ball: This program was in need of a momentum-swinging season under Klock. And 2012 certainly raised the bar again at LD. Now it’s time to verify an eight-win campaign. There’s 10 returning starters and some players in the right spots ready to step in. Never forget the Falcons have the best kicker in the Mid-Penn in Joe Julius. Ask anybody about how he changes games. I’m not too worried about the defense. I believe that star will shine bright on that side of the ball again. Troy Spencer is a smart QB who is a weapon when he runs the ball. Progress as a passer will be the measuring stick. Plenty of receivers and tight ends, and the line will have a learning curve but has potential. The main concern for a team that averaged only 265 yards a game in 2012 is the running back position. LD is a running team. So how that spot shakes out will be the key storyline to follow.
More: Complete Countdown to Camp coverage
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