SMETHPORT – When asked to name the strengths of this year’s
Smethport High football team, head coach Ryan Yingling pointed to
speed, size and attitude.

“We will average 220 pounds across the offensive line,” said
Yingling, now in his second season as head coach and ninth year
with the Hubbers’ football program.

Back this year is Jesse Isadore, a senior tackle, who stands
6’4” and goes 240 pounds. The lone freshman on this squad is
Thomas Mack, a 215-pound tackle.

Other linemen are Tony Farrell, guard, 6’1”, 215; Caleb Cooper,
center, 5’9”, 200; Tyler Buchholz, tackle, 5’8”, 185; Aaron
Williams, tackle, 5’11”, 220; Al Myers, guard, 6’2”, 215; Jeff
Covert, guard, 5’10”, 230; Andy Neatrour, tackle, 5’11”, 210;
Clint Dibble, tackle, 6’1”, 205, Tyler Miketish, tackle, 5’10”,
170; and Tyler Smead, tight end, 6’4”, 200, and Andrew Paulik,
6’1”, 160, split end.

The Hubbers will be quicker, too.

“Nine of our players participated routinely in the summer
lifting program headed by Scott Christie, our volunteer strength
and conditioning coach,” Yingling noted. “All of our running backs
lifted during the summer.”

The Hubbers will again operate out of the power I formation and
continue to keep the ball on the ground. The team has four
quarterbacks: Jarod Hughes, 6’2” 205; Kevin Lord, 6’1”, 160; Jory
Okerlund, 6′, 165; and Kyle Kreiner, 6′, 160. Others at backfield
positions are tailbacks Damien Kreckel, 5’5”, 130; Ryan Wells,
5’9”, 200; and Sean Barnhart, 5’7”, 155, and fullbacks, Brian
Zetwick, 5’10” 170; Kyle Freer, 5’8”, 145; and Josh Hallock,
5’8”, 175.

On defense, Smethport continues to use the 4-4 setup.

Handling the kicking chores will be Scott Stratton on kickoffs
and extra points, while Hughes will do the punting.

“The key to our success is staying healthy because our numbers
are down and we don’t have much depth,” the coach noted.

Eleven juniors, seven seniors, seven sophomores and one freshman
make up the team.

The team’s positive outlook is another plus, Yingling said.

“They have a good attitude and are ready to start the season,”
he said.

Lost to graduation were linebacker Derek Durphy and Big 30
selections fullback Kyle Nobles and tailback Preston Birtcil.

Despite going 2-7 in 2008, the Hubbers were competitive in most
games, losing three games in the final minutes and two more within
the last seconds. Yingling sees that season as a “good building
year.”

Yingling’s coaching staff includes veterans Rick Woodring as
defensive coordinator and Jim McGuire. Mike Dodge Jr. is also an
assistant varsity coach.

The Hubbers open the season Sept. 4 hosting Brockway.