Moriah seeking third dome trip

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September 3, 2010

By RYAN HAYNER Staff Writer The Press Republican Fri Sep 03, 2010, 03:23 AM EDT

PORT HENRY — Nick Gilbo and Sergio Camacho hit the weight room hard this summer.

Entering their third varsity season, both know the extra work will be necessary to make a rare third straight trip to the Carrier Dome.

"My brother was on the team last year; I can't not go to the dome," said Gilbo, the starting fullback and middle linebacker. "I'm just going to push my hardest and try to get back and try to win a state title."

The Vikings, coming off a 9-3 season and a loss to Randolph in the NYSPHSAA Class D championship game, are not nearly as experienced as last year.

Moriah has 22 juniors and 12 seniors, but some of those seniors are playing their first season.

The Vikings' offensive line, the key to their strong run-heavy offense, lost four starters loaded with experience. Camacho, at right guard, is the only returnee.

Brandon Stoddard, at 6-3, 290-pounds, provides a sizable replacement at right tackle. Tim Breeyear moves from the JV starting center to varsity. Willie Burbank will start at left guard, and Trevor Cheney and Conner Rodriguez will split time at left tackle. Whoever isn't starting will spell guards and tackles.

Despite the new line, coach Don Tesar said he has confidence in it. Stoddard, Burbank, Cheney and Rodriguez all saw action last year.

"It's not like they are green," Tesar said. "That six is pretty solid."

Camacho said the line isn't as big as last year, but it is "10 times faster."

Mike Speshock takes over at quarterback. Tesar, Camacho and Gilbo said they have been impressed with Speshock's throwing ability.

Gilbo will return at fullback, with Wally Edwards, Jalen Beebe and Tom Ida taking over tailback duties for departed Ron Schofield, who rushed for 1,494 yards and 19 touchdowns last year.

Tesar said Gilbo, who rushed for 476 yards and seven touchdowns in 2009, will be a "go-to guy."

In limited action last year, Beebe and Edwards combined for 347 yards and six touchdowns.

Landon Cross (6-1, 165) will provide a big target at wide receiver. Tom Slattery takes over for Edwards at tight end, though Edwards will also see time there when not in the backfield.

Camacho and Edwards return to the defensive line, joined by Slattery, who was a reserve defensive tackle last season. Stoddard and Rodriguez will also likely see time on the defensive line.

Gilbo will anchor the linebacking corps from his middle spot. Burbank is back on the outside, joined by Speshock, last year's starting free safety.

Ryan Mascarenas moves from corner and joins Cross as the two safeties. Jeff Greenough and Zack DeSimone are both green starters at cornerback.

Tesar said a third trip to the Carrier Dome has added a little extra incentive for his team. Now in his 11th year, Tesar said he has noticed a change in the culture of the team.

"Now they go out and expect to win every game," he said. "They not only think they can win, they expect to win, so it's been a big change."

Only 11 teams have reached the championship game at least three years in a row. Section IV's Chenango Forks holds the record with five consecutive appearances.

And while the Carrier Dome is on the minds of senior leaders like Camacho and Gilbo, they are keeping it in perspective.

"It's possible," Camacho said. "Got to take it one game at a time, though."

E-mail Ryan Hayner at: rhayner@pressrepublican.com

—

2009 Results

(9-3)

Moriah 20, Bellows Falls, VT 0

Beekmantown 27, Moriah 21 (OT)

Peru 19, Moriah 18 (OT)

Moriah 34, Malone 20

Moriah 41, Tupper Lake 8

Moriah 20, Ticonderoga 0

Moriah 53, Seton Catholic 0

Moriah 54, Plattsburgh High 12

Week 9 BYE

Class D playoffs

Moriah 42, Ticonderoga 12

NYSPHSAA playoffs

Moriah 28, Rensselaer 25

Moriah 22, Eldred 13

Randolph 41, Moriah 0