The No. 1 question centered around Keystone is can it reproduce last year’s 8-2 season? Coach Rob Clarico said any school can have a banner season once every 20 years like Keystone did in 2007. The question is can that team build on it? That’s what Keystone faces.
And, it’s possible the Wildcats could do just that.
Mainly because of their defensive line, which includes seniors Forrest Smith and Matt Herb, the Wildcats could be sniffing a Patriot Athletic Conference Stars Division title. They nearly won it last season, and again the likes of Wellington, Buckeye and Black River will be in their way.
One thing that works in Keystone’s favor is who it plays in the Stripes Division. The Wildcats don’t have to face Stripes favorite Clearview. Instead, they get Columbia, Oberlin and Lutheran West. All three games should be tough, but what this year’s Wildcats team has in its favor is the defense.
Especially with Smith and Herb up front, they will be tough -- even for those big Stars Division teams -- to run against. The secondary is also experienced and the linebackers have some athleticism.
The question is will be on offense. Keystone lost running back Shane Robinson to graduation and starts a first-year senior at quarterback in Tyler Minnich. Kyle Smith takes Robinson’s spot in the backfield. All the pieces Clarico has are good enough to get the job done. Are they good enough to go 8-2 again?
We’ll know by Week 1 when they face Monroeville.