By JIM RUMBLE

With the 2011 football season about to get underway, new Avonworth head coach Duke Johncour seems optimistic about taking over a program that has done a complete turnaround over the last several years.

Gone is former head coach Jason Kekseo, who compiled a 31-6 record over the last three seasons that included two conference titles and two appearances in the WPIAL semis.

"The program was established and that's a good thing," said Johncour.

"I'm coming into a very good situation. The kids are working hard, but we have a lot of holes to fill," he added.

Johncour, who has been a defensive coordinator for the last eight seasons, noted that although he has 19 seniors on this year's squad, the team needs to fill seven positions on defense and three on offense.

The offensive line is anchored by left tackle Bryan Bartram, along with left guard Tyler Noethiger, center Derick Ott, right guard Tyler Knepper and right tackle Clayton Cuteri.

Brian Vales will direct the offense at quarterback for another season with a good group of receivers in tight end Mike Giampole, wideout Joe Galante and flanker Ryan Welsh.

A great deal of the Antelope offense, however, will rest on the shoulders of tailback Ricky Lawniczak, who became a star last season before an injury in the final game of the regular season kept him out of the WPIAL playoffs.

Dan Coulter will start at fullback with Dalton Day seeing plenty of action in the backfield.

When asked if fans can expect to see changes in the offense, Johncour said, "We'll run a similar offense -- there are changes, but nothing overwhelmingly drastic."

He then stated, "Jeff Hartings [former Steeler] is on our staff and he's doing a great job of installing new blocking schemes."

On the other side of the ball, the Antelopes will line up A.J. Mang and Giampole as the defensive ends, Evan Krahe and Noethiger at tackles, and a good mix of linebackers with Zane Schilling, Coulter, Day, Anthony Tomasino and Lawniczak.

When asked who to keep an eye out for defensively, Johncour said, "Mang and Giampole are the anchors of our defense, with both playing well for us last year, but I also expect Schilling to have a great year at linebacker." He added,"Tomasino is new with us as a sophomore, a local kid who played at Central Catholic High School last year."

Avonworth will rely on solid coverage in the secondary with David Monroe and Kevin Crawford at the corners, and Jon Graham and Galante playing the safety positions.

Vales, who made the all-conference team two years ago as a defensive back, could see some play on defense, although Johncour seems to be leaning towards players lining up on one side of the ball or the other.

Summing up the conference, Johncour said, "Springdale, Canevin and North Catholic - they're always tough teams, but I think that we're one of the stronger teams in the conference."

"We're looking to work hard and have a really good year."

Avonworth will open the season at home against Canevin on Friday, Sept. 2, at 7:30 p.m.