Offseason woes hinder Phantoms
Offseason woes continue to hinder Phantoms
Forget about surviving the season. Phoenixville needs to find to a way to survive camp.
A year removed from losing two starters in a period of 10 minutes due to seasonending injuries, the Phantoms’ preseason woes continued as seven players were suspended 10 days for violating team rules.
Added to that, head coach Evan Breisblatt has missed the duration of camp due to undisclosed, yet separate conditions, and won’t return until after Week 1.
“We have seven players, who are on suspension for violation for team rules,” a spokesperson of the Phoenixville administration stated in an interview with The Mercury. “It did not involve hazing or bullying or anything of that nature.
“Coach Breisblatt is also out until August 27. The two instances are unrelated.”
Now, how the Phantoms rebound from another major preseason setback will be the focal point.
Some positives: Jon Miller and Sean Sabo return to the offensive line, both having positive words about the growth of their unit over the offseason.
“We’re definitely communicating a lot better,” Sabo said. “Last year we didn’t do any of that. This year we’re calling everything out, counting how many people are in the box, communicating to the running backs and quarterback. We’re definitely going to improve.”
“Communication has
been big for us,” Miller added. “We have a better line this year and our line coach is putting the emphasis on technique and communicating well with each other. I think this year is going to be really good for us. We’re a really young line so our goal is to produce a 1,000 yard rusher and just get better day-by-day.”
Matt Garcia returns to the fold after rushing for 374 yards with quarterback Troy Rossman returning after tossing for 1,006 yards with six touchdowns and six interceptions. How they will replace Matt Palubinsky, who signed with Bloomsburg University, will be a key factor. The athlete/safety was a key component to the Phantoms’ offensive and defensive gameplans. Without him, look for Nasir Green to step up after having a solid junior season, hauling in 32 passes for 448 yards while finishing with two interceptions on defense.
C’ya 6A
The Phantoms removed all 6A PAC schools from their schedule in 2016, forgoing games against Perkiomen Valley, Spring-Ford, Methacton, Boyertown and Norristown. The Phantoms were 3-12 against those schools — minus newcomer Norristown — the past three years. Those schools have been replaced by non-league games against Oxford, Chichester and Strath Haven with stiff tests from Great Valley and Upper More land, both who won
at least nine games last season.
He Weighs How Much?
Matt Garcia has gained 15 pounds of muscle this offseason, boosting his weight to 165-pounds. Earlier this offseason, the senior running back deadlifted 540-pounds; nearly triple his body weight.
Reverse Route 29Woes
The Phantoms have lost four straight in their annual “Route 29 Showdown” against rival Great Valley. The team’s last victory came in 2011 with a 43-27 victory.