U-E at M-E Countdown to Kickoff

Saturday's clash of the titans...undefeated U-E at undefeated M-E is THE game of the regular season for high school football fans.  It's Homecoming at Maine-Endwell with a parade beginning at 1130 and kickoff moved to 230 PM to accomodate PSAT exams in the morning.  Fans are advised to get to the stadium early as a large crowd is expected.

Yesterday we took a look at the potent offenses for both teams.  What about on the other side of the ball ?  For the visiting Tigers teams have averaged 15 points per game against their defense. They have a big, tough defensive front led by 6-5, 225 pound  defensive end Caleb Scepaniak and an outstanding linebacker in  Dan Davis, a rugged two-way player for Shane Hurd's crew. Also keying the defense is safety Drew Hogan who packs a lot of power into his 5-11, 185 pound frame, and Sr. Matt DePalmo, another secondary standout.

The Spartans feature a defense that has yielded just an average of 8 points per game, most of which have come against their second - team defense.  Anchored by defensive tackle Jake Haddock, the Spartans' defense has played some remarkable football.  Haddock and fellow defensive tackle Tyler Shelepak anchor the interior of the defensive line.  Haddock, at 6-1, 280 pounds, is regularly double-teamed and continues to wreak havoc in opposing backfields inspite of the extra attention.  Shelepak (6-3, 280) and brother Adam (6-1, 260) give the Spartans more size on both sides of the ball. If that's not enough bulk up front the Spartans can plug things up with Tyler Vymislicky at 60-2 and 313 pounds.

Like the Tigers' standout Dan Davis, the Spartans feature linebacker/fullback Nick Sorrenti whose strength and speed enables him to take on opposing linemen as well as chase down speedy running backs from anywhere on the field.  Darnell Woolfolk also provides strength and spped from the linebacker position, along with tough play from defensive end TJ Davis.  Speedster Luis Uceta provides sprinter speed in the defensive backfield along with outstanding play from Alec Wisniewski from his safety position.

Both teams have outstanding kickers.  U-E Sr Thomas Mencel can boom kickoffs into the end zone and is a potent field goal kicking weapon.  The Spartans counter with sophomore Stephen Pham who also can boom kickoffs deep and has good range should three points be needed.

The Spartans vs Tigers game has the makings of the best showdown to date in this 2012 season.  If you can't make the game at Spartan Stadium you can follow the action with Roger Neel and Coach Fran Angeline on News Radio 1290 WNBF at 230 PM.