Castonia, PSU have back problems
Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com
When Plymouth State University coach Paul Castonia (pictured) took a look at his team during spring practice, he saw a lot of holes that need to be filled.
The biggest hole is in the offensive backfield, where the Panthers must replace last year's starting tailback (Jeff Mack), starting quarterback (John DeMarco) and starting fullback (Brandon Clough). Mack set a school record by rushing for 1,779 yards last season, when he averaged 6.3 yards per carry. He gained more the 200 yards in a game four times, and finished the season with 20 touchdowns.
"Our entire starting backfield has graduated," Castonia said. "That and tight end are our two biggest areas of concern."
Castonia said J.J. Brooks and Alex Sobolov -- both of whom played high school football in New Hampshire -- will likely compete for the starting quarterback job. Sobolov played at Goffstown, and Brooks played for Winnacunnet. Both will be juniors next season.
Brooks will change positions. He played wide receiver last season and led the team in receiving with 18 catches for 476 yards.
"(Brooks) has progressed and he's matured," Castonia said.
The offensive line will be built around the Vahey brothers, Mike and Matt. Both played for Pinkerton Academy and will be seniors next season. Dover's Zac Duval, who will also be a senior in the fall, is another player who will provide experience on the offensive line.
"We have more returners there than any other position I mentioned," Castonia said.
Defensively, the Panthers will have some new faces on the defensive line. Defensive linemen Ryan Harrington (Winnacunnet) and Justin Jarvis (Monadnock) were each seniors last season.
"They each played for four seasons and played a lot of snaps there," Castonia said. "On defense, that's the biggest hole we have to fill."
Aaron Getz has been moved from tight end to defensive line. Castonia said there's depth at linebacker and three of four starters return in the defensive backfield.
Plymouth State, which wrapped up spring practice last week, finished 10-2 last season. The Panthers beat Maine Maritime in the New England Football Conference's championship game, but lost to Cortland State in the NCAA Division III playoffs.
"(Spring practice) was good," Castonia said. "It's a lot of fundamentals. We're just trying to get better at what we do."
