2nd year head coach Doug Clarke is still looking to turn things around at APW. “Our goal is to definitely improve on last seasons record and make it to the playoffs.” he said. 2006 started off well with 2 wins in the first 3 games but slid downhill from there with 6 straight losses.
From a 2006 perspective Clarke became a Clint Eastwood fan. “The good, the bad and the ugly.” But, not totally discouraged “a lot of guys got experience that we hope pays dividends this season.” The 27-man roster only has 5 returning starters and lost 10 seniors to graduation.
Major changes are in store on offense for a squad that averaged only 9 points a game and had one 5 game streak that produced only 20 points.
Clarke decided to move to the Wing T from the Navy style spread option offense. “We had trouble reading the true triple option with the consistency that we needed to be successful so we decided to install the Wing T.” he said “Its seems to suit our personnel better and is a clearer more precise offense for us.”
“Our QB and RBs will be a strength for our offense this season. However, it will all depend on how our line comes along.” Heading that renovated “O” will be senior QB Brandon Burrows (5’11 160). His primary backmates will be Matt Kolodzie (Sr, 5’11 170) and Paul Willcox (Sr, 5’8 160). Keys in the trench will be Jake Petit (Sr, 6’1 205) Mike Lembo (Sr, 5’11 200) and tightend Mike Phillips (Sr, 5’11 185).
Although last seasons defense surrendered 303 points Clarke feels that this year is a different matter. “Our linebackers and safeties will be our strength on defense” he said. “That is a good thing because the D is designed for them to be the playmakers.” But added some caution, “Again, it will also depend on how our d-line performs.”
The Rebels will rely on some of the same players while defending. Phillips, Kolodzie, Wilcox, Petit and Lembo will be mainstays along with lineman Nate Perry (Sr, 6’0 210) and d-back Nike Bullock (Sr 5’9 145).
“Our defense plays to our strengths and is a good run stopping defense. We see a lot of run oriented teams so that is a primary concern. It is also basically an easy defense for our guys to learn and play in.” Clarke stated.
“We should be more competitive in the league this season. We have a lot of returning players with a lot more desire to succeed and work as hard as it takes to do that.”
2007 Roster