HUNTINGDON, Pa.- The Juniata football team entered this season with some holes that needed to be filled, but head coach Tim Launtz has been impressed with how locked in this group has been from day one and feels he has a group of players ready to step up when called upon.
"We are young in some spots, which can be difficult but since day one of preseason I have been impressed with the work ethic," said coach Launtz. "I really appreciate the business-like approach that they bring to practice each and every day. The guys are intensely focused each day on the little things and that's something you can always live with as a coach. It's a good group with a strong work ethic that have demonstrated a willingness to be coached."
Offense
Juniata returns five starters on the offensive side of the ball including team captains, quarterback Austin Montgomery (Bedford, Pa./Bedford Area HS) and wide receiver AJ Brocato (Abingdon, Md./Patterson Mills HS). Montgomery led an explosive Eagle offense last year as he through for over 2500 yards and 24 touchdowns. He added 230 yards on the ground along with seven rushing td's. Brocato appeared in all 10 games as he tallied 36 receptions for nearly 400 yards and added five touchdowns. Joining him will be senior wideout Daulton Snyder (New Oxford, Pa./New Oxford) who had 25 catches for 451 yards and four scores.
Senior offensive lineman Matt Denver (Indiana, Pa./Indiana) will be joined by junior Alex Flocken (Lebanon, Pa./Cedar Crest) as both will provide a veteran presence on the line.
"We all have to realize Austin made a very good adjustment to college football in his first season as a starter. He is going to get better as he continues to get more experience. I really believe as we mature up front it will just make us more confident as an offense. We're very sound in understanding our scheme and how we execute our offense.
Defensive
The defense returns three starters including team captain Joel Reighard (Altoona, Pa./Altoona Area HS). Joining him in the backfield is senior Cameron Wood (Bellwood, Pa./Bellwood-Antis) and returning at linebacker is junior Nick Kohler (Green Brook, N.J./Watchung Hills Regional).
Reighard totaled 55 tackles with a forced fumble, an interception and eight pass breakups. Wood amassed 38 tackles with an interception and a five pass breakups. Kohler had 32 total tackles including one tackle for loss.
"Defensively, that's where we don't have a ton of experience but we really like the athleticism and attitude we saw during preseason," stated Launtz. "A lot of that can be attributed to how coach Drew Gallardy has approached his new assignment as the kids have clearly bought into his plan."
The Eagles open their season at Grove City, Saturday at 1:30.
