Published: June 19, 2008 12:10 am      

South set to sling it around

While preparations for the 38th annual Ken Lantzy Finest 40 All-Star Football Game continued Wednesday under fall-like weather conditions, chilly and damp, the practices for the athletes and coaches were getting more fired up.

“It’s always a fun week,” said South offensive coordinator Sam Zambanini of Conemaugh Township, who is assisting in his fourth Lantzy game, which kicks off Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. at Trojan Stadium. “Every kid you have is talented or they wouldn’t be here. And not only are they talented, but they have great football senses. They pick things up very quickly and are very football-savvy kids.”

The offense for the South features Jordan squared at quarterback – Jordan DeFrances of Bishop McCort and Somerset’s Jordan Kaufman. DeFrances was the area’s top passer while Kaufman was the leading rusher among the area quarterbacks.

“They are both quality kids and picked up things fast,” Zambanini said. “Sometimes that’s the toughest position to learn the new terminology, because they have to be able to blurt it out in the huddle. Both guys have done a great job. The first day, you’re blowing the rust off your arm, but after that, they’ve been throwing the ball better and better.”

The wide receivers are Richland’s Dan Fenton, Westmont’s Nick Khuri, Bishop McCort’s Matt Varga and Windber’s Mike Webb. Shade’s Mitch Edwards is at tight end.

“Each receiver brings unique things to the table,” Zambanini said. “If the quarterbacks put it anywhere in their range, they’re going to catch it.”

Added Kaufman: “Making adjustments and making reads, it’s coming back. There’s a lot of talent, speed and some tall guys at receiver with a lot of athletic ability.”

DeFrances and Varga had a special connection as Crimson Crusher teammates, with Varga making 65 receptions for 1,321 yards.

“I’m not going to continue my career and neither is he, so it will be good one last time throwing to my best friend,” DeFrances said.

The running backs for the South include Meyersdale’s Tyler Edwards and Antwuan Reed of Greater Johnstown.

The fullbacks are Rockwood’s Tyler Baker, Bedford’s Matt Henry and Logan Fleegle of North Star.

“We joke around about the rivalries, but we’re all here to play ball,” Fleegle said. “It’s just a fun time. They are all fun to be around. It’s been a cool experience. It’s just going to get better and better.”

The centers are Bishop McCort’s Anthony Caperelli and Bedford’s Brett Shippey. Bobby Bridges of Conemaugh Township, Rick James of Bishop McCort, Jason Musselman of Chestnut Ridge, Rockwood’s Tanner Keefer, Ligonier Valley’s Chad Will and Saltsburg’s Brad Casey are the other South linemen.

“Coach (Tom) Waltman of Everett is doing yeoman’s work with bringing the line together,” Zambanini said. “They picked up our system very well. Bobby Bridges came out of our system and he knows what we’re talking about all the time. He’s been able to plug Bobby in wherever he’s needed, so Bobby’s a key guy and versatile.”

Zambanini has seen the South offense progress each day.

“They are not the most vocal group in the world, but there’s a focus there,” Zambanini said. “I get the sense that a lot of them are game-timers.”