By MEL PERKINS

The Northgate Flames appear to be primed to make some noise in the 2010 football season.

The Northgate football team has moved from the Class AA Century Conference to the Class A Eastern Conference. This move should prove beneficial for the Flames, when you consider that they were one of the smallest schools competing in the WPIAL's Class AA.

Coach Mike Pipak, in his fourth year, will be leading an experienced Flames team, with a core group of seven returning seniors.

Also of benefit for this Northgate Flames team is their "blue collar" work ethic that was on display in the off season when they had a 95 percent participation rate in their workouts, which clearly indicates this team was dedicated to getting bigger, stronger and faster.

Northgate's line, on both sides of the ball, will be anchored by seniors Chase Stiger and Conner Doscher. On offense, their key responsibility will be to provide protection for junior quarterback, John Girvin, so that he can throw to wide receivers Frankie Camello and J.D. Hoover. Further responsibility will fall on the offensive line to open holes for running back Mitch Vacek. Look for Girvin to balance the run attack and the passing game with his own athletic ability. With his 6'4" frame, Girvin can take to the open field when circumstances dictate, and with a strong arm, he has big play capability.

Defensively, Northgate's sizeable line should wreak havoc in opposing teams’ backfields. To their advantage, the line brings size and speed to the table, and is prepared to do some damage in the Class A Eastern Conference. The linebacker corps will be headed by seniors Vacek and Robbie Vickers. Northgate's linebackers will be treating their fans to their brand of Zambelli fireworks, with a healthy dose of hard hitting football this year.

If the Flames can come out of the gate fast, the team will benefit by developing confidence and team cohesion. This Northgate team, with its senior experience, can definitely turn some heads this year, but the key is going to be how they come together and grow as a team. One thing for sure is that the Flames are going to provide some excitement for their fans because they are going to be competitive in the Eastern Conference, and opposing teams will have to prepare for a talented Northgate team with a lot of senior leadership.

The Flames open their season with a section game at home against Seton LaSalle on Sept. 3.

Pipak said that he believes Keystone Oaks will be the toughest team to beat this season. The Flames will have a chance to do that in their homecoming game on Sept. 25, and will end the season with a conference game against Avonworth.