TUPPER LAKE — For the first time in a while, the Tupper Lake Lumberjacks have what coach Dennis Klossner calls a "full team."
This time last year, Klossner was pleased with the talent level of his 18-man squad, but having too many players go on offense and defense caused stamina concerns.
That shouldn't be an issue this year.
"I'm very happy with all 24 kids that we have," Klossner said about his larger roster. "It gives us an opportunity to do some different things and have some guys play one-way."
The Lumberjacks lost quarterback Zach Meade to graduation. Having an experienced leader behind center for two years was a luxury, and Tupper Lake will look to a young but promising signal-caller in freshman Morgan Stevens.
Klossner said bringing in Stevens as a ninth-grader was the plan since last year, as Stevens quarterbacked Tupper Lake's JV team in 2009.
"We did this a few years back with Steve Doolan, and it worked out really well," Klossner said. Doolan was Tupper Lake's field general during their Class C Championship campaign in which the team went undefeated during the regular season.
"By starting a freshman there, we're not pushing the season away," he said. "We expect a lot out of him this year. But at the same time, it allows us to have a quarterback who can grow with us for a few years."
Klossner added that despite being young overall, the team has a decent amount of veteran experience, especially on the right side of the offensive line.
Right tackle Scott Paiement, guard Aaron Vincellette and center Pierson St. Pierre all bring experience to the offense.
Veterans stepping up as leaders will be crucial for Tupper Lake as middle linebacker Joe Christmas, who was lost to graduation, was a key cog on the defense took it upon himself to keep everyone together last season.
Klossner said Josh Facteau, a speedy running back who has the ability to get outside the tackles, and Hunter Chase are two players who have been working toward taking over the leadership role.
Defensively, Klossner hopes Paiement can make an impact at the line of scrimmage. Stone Kenniston and Facteau will be seen at the linebacker positions, and the Lumberjacks expect good coverage from Jordan Garrow.
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Sports
Tupper Lake has more flexibility
- Local Sports
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Cardinals finish sweep of Utica
Plattsburgh State wrapped up its conference season with a pair of wins over Utica in women's college hockey.
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Clinton women roll to victory
Cougars control game against Tompkins-Cortland in women's basketball; men fall to Panthers.
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Braun, Mercer lead Plattsburgh State track
Cardinals compete in Valentine Invitational at Boston University.
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Sports shorts: February 13, 2012
Race the Base benefit March 17; Registration ongoing for floor hockey; Rising Starts tourney to be held in March; Zumba classes to run from March to April
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Area sports: February 13, 2012
A schedule of sports events today featuring local teams and venues.
- February 12, 2012
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Peru wrestlers defend Section VII title
Indians grab eight champions; Saranac, NAC crown three each in the Section VII wrestling championships.
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Eagles fall in hockey title game
Potsdam's third period goal defeats Beekmantown in the Upstate Girl's Hockey League championship.
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Cardinals bounce back against Knights
Plattsburgh State knocks off Geneseo in SUNY Athletic Conference men's hockey.
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PSU women win but don't get standings help
The Plattsburgh State women's hockey team beat Utica, but its chances of finishing first diminished because RIT also won.
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Plattsburgh boys repeat in swimming
Hornets take Section VII/X swimming title, break sectional record.
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Chiefs victorious in sectional track
Saranac captured both boys and girls Section VII track & field titles
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Clinton weathers Mohawk's hot shooting
Cougars outduel Hawks in women's basketball; North Country rolls in second half in men's basketball.
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Tolosky nets two, including game-winner, for Hornets
Plattsburgh falls behind Tupper Lake, but scores two in third for a boys' hockey victory; Saranac falls to Burnt Hills/Ballston Spa.
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Marlow leads Huskies in NAC track
Franklin Academy took first in Northern Athletic Conference boys' track and field, and the girls finished second.
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Sports Shorts: February 12, 2012
ADK chapter to hold events; Missing Children's tourney has openings; Youth Bureau to host winter program
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Area Sports: February 12, 2012
A schedule of sports events today involving area teams and venues.
- February 11, 2012
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Votraw's three gives Plattsburgh Div. I title
Patriots give Douglass 100th win; Peru, Ticonderoga grab wins in CVAC boys' basketball.
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Schroon Lake takes control of MVAC's North Division
Warriors, Indians, Orange, Blue Bombers capture victories in MVAC boys' basketball
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Beekmantown back in hockey finals
Eagles defeat Alexandria Bay in the Upstate Girls' Hockey League semifinals, will play Potsdam today for the title.
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Brockport stuns Plattsburgh State
Cardinals give up two goals in third period to fall to Golden Eagles in men's college hockey.
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Plattsburgh State clinches playoff berth
Cardinals defeat Potsdam for first road conference win of the season in women's college basketball.
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Cold shooting second half dooms Cardinals
Plattsburgh State falls to Potsdam with opportunity to seal playoff berth in men's college basketball.
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Plattsburgh State travels to Utica
Cardinals wrap up regular season schedule against Pioneers in women's college hockey.
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Peru looks to defend Section VII title
Indians hold nine top seeds out of 15 weight classes in Section VII wrestling championships.
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Cardinals finish sweep of Utica






