Wednesday, August 27, 2003

By Chris Adamski, Tri-State Sports & News Service

Although Knoch quarterback Mark Rupert says he and his teammates have not talked about the team's prognosis for 2003, the fourth-year starter doesn't sound too concerned about the fact that last year's 9-2 squad lost 25 seniors.

Mark Rupert, who plays quarterback and defensive back for Knoch, has high expectations this season. "We can do what we did last year," he said. "Have a winning season, go to the playoffs, win in the playoffs." (Darrell Sapp, Post-Gazette) Click photo for larger image. Greater Allegheny: at a glance More on Class AAA Keystone: Another McLee leads Raiders Parkway: West Allegheny has large weapon in Brytus Big Seven: Gallagher focuses on football, for now 2003 High School Football Preview

"We can do what we did last year," Rupert said. "Have a winning season, go to the playoffs, win in the playoffs. But then we can win the WPIAL and go on to states."

The Knights lost the majority of their starters from a team that was seven points away from an undefeated regular season, including star running back Dusty Ziacik. But Knoch Coach Mike King is confident that Rupert can be the type of leader the young team needs to remain at atop the Greater Allegheny Conference.

"Mark is not somebody who is going to be overzealous in the job he does," King said. "He knows what the game's about. He knows what the coaches want from him. Mark is pretty down to earth and I think he has been waiting for this year to really take over the reigns of this team."

Rupert, 6 feet 3, 201 pounds, has passed for more than 2,500 yards in his career. King says the Knights might pass more this year to take advantage of Rupert's strong arm. But Rupert is versatile enough in the option offense that his legs can be an asset, too.

"As the quarterback, I have a big role in the game," Rupert said. "I'm the head of the offense, so whether that is throwing to our receivers or helping the running game, I like being the leader out there. I like running the show."

King said Rupert has a better supporting cast around him than people will think and other teams should not view the Knights as a one-man team.

Even with the senior-heavy group a year ago, the coaching staff was sure to get non-seniors playing time with an eye to the future.

"In any program, that turnover happens," King said. "You've just got to have a system in which your assistant coaches are bringing along people."

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