Every coach will tell you that the one thing you can’t teach is speed.

Jim Thorpe’s Mark Rosenberger begins his 27th season as head coach and he is excited about the blazing playmakers his team has at the skill positions. Coming off their first losing season since 2013, the Olympians hope to get back on the winning fast track, using both the passing and rushing game.

The starting quarterback position is a tossup, but will be decided before Thorpe’s first game against Blue Mountain. Rosenberger likes what he sees in both candidates beginning with dual-threat sophomore Cole Lazorick, who comes in as a field general having taken a few snaps at the varsity level a year ago as a freshman.

“Cole is very athletic,” Rosenberger said. “He’s got good arm strength and is fast on the run as well.”

Junior signal caller Nikolas Schwartz brings a solid set of skills to the position.

“Nik has been very good on his receiver reads. He understands what we want to do on offense and we think both he and Cole can get the job done,” Rosenberger said.

Jim Thorpe’s backfield is “explosive” and once in the open field can go all the way, according to Rosenberger.

Senior Sal Capria returns after gaining nearly 900 yards last year and an average of almost 7 yards a rush. He’s ticketed to be the go-to guy for the Olympians’ ground attack.

“Sal runs strong at the line of scrimmage. He has great balance and vision downfield. We can run him between the tackles and he possesses plenty of speed to get around the perimeter,” Rosenberger said.

Senior Ben Goldberg will play fullback. He’s a downhill runner and he too can explode through the hole.

Getting repetitions in the backfield will also be sophomore Joshua Louk and senior Joshua James. Both are track team members.

The Olympians have good hands and fast feet at the wide receiver position beginning with 6-1 junior Justin Yescavage.

“Justin will be a primary downfield target for us. He’s a good route runner and he’ll win the ball if he has to jump up for possession against a defensive back,” Rosenberger said.

Louk will also be a deep threat from the slot position in Thorpe’s multiple set motion offense. Junior Aaron Curran has become a solid physical performer at wideout because of his dedicated offseason workouts.

The tight end position will be manned by senior Chase Whaley, who moves from an interior line position he played a year ago. Rosenberger likes his athleticism and his ability to use his hands to separate himself for running pass routes.

The offensive line is a work in progress except for one huge returnee at tackle. All-State selection and Syracuse commit Noah Rosahac (6-6, 275 pounds) will be the anchor on pass plays and the bulldozer the backs will run behind in short yardage situations. The remaining offensive line is young with little experience at the varsity level. Junior Marcus Muffley and sophomore and Adam Kosciolek have shown promise at center and performed consistent shotgun snaps back to the quarterback.

Senior Austin Fronheiser brings size and mobility to the offensive guard spot along with Muffley who can also move over one position. Junior Blake Carroll will be in the mix. On the other side of the ball from Rosahac will be junior Aidan Curran or sophomore Gavin Strohl.

Jim Thorpe’s defensive line will feature Rosahac and senior Peter Almeida (6-5, 280). Defensive ends are Whaley and Fronheiser.

Rosahac may also see some time at the edge.

Linebackers have experience and quickness at the second level. Antignani will man the middle with Goldberg and Capria on the outside. The secondary has the ability to be lockdown opposing wide receivers. At the corners will be Yescavage and Lazorick with Schwartz at strong safety. James brings his speed to the free safety spot.

“Josh will cover the deep middle and Nick is a good tackler when he steps up into the box,” Rosenberger said.

What are the expectations for this year’s Jim Thorpe Olympians?

Rosenberger believes his team can compete for a Schuylkill-Colonial League title.

“We have fast athletes and solid football players. The question mark will be how our offensive line comes along and how we control the line of scrimmage on defense,” he said.

POSITION BREAKDOWN

QUARTERBACKS

A decision will be made between sophomore, Cole Lazorick and junior Nikolas Schwartz as to who will be a first year starter for the Olympians. Lazorick is a dual threat. He’s fast on his feet and has shown a strong arm. Schwartz is savvy and makes good reads with open wide receivers.

RUNNING BACKS

Coach Mark Rosenberger has a stable of speedy backs beginning with senior Sal Capria who gained nearly seven yards a carry a season ago. Ben Goldberg, Joshua James, Joshua Louk, and Michael Antignani are all quick and run downhill.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Junior Justin Yescavage leads a group of wideouts with his ability to win the ball in close coverage. From the slot, track team members Louk and James can both fly and make yardage after the catch. Junior Aaron Curran will be in the mix.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Up front, Thorpe is developing with Rosenberger’s misdirection and jet sweep attack. Only one starter returns. Senior tackle Noah Rosahac stands 6-6 and sports 275 pounds of bulldozing power. Guards will be Austin Fronheiser and Blake Carroll with center, Marcus Muffley moving one spot over when Adam Kosciolek is the shotgun snapper. Gavin Strohl and Aiden Curran will see time as the opposite tackle from Rosahac. Tight ends, Chase Whaley and Connor Zurwawa can seal the edge and catch the ball down the seam.

DEFENSIVE LINE

This year’s edition of the Red Swarm will have Rosahac and 6-5 280 pound Peter Almeida plugging the line of scrimmage. Strohl will also see action. Edge rushers manning the perimeters will be Whaley and Fronheiser, but depth will be an issue at the defensive end position.

LINEBACKERS

Mobility and athleticism come with Goldberg who led the team in tackles a season ago. Capria, Antignani, and Zurwawa will also patrol the second level.

SECONDARY

Lazorick and Yescavage will cover the corners along with Pierce Gothard. Experience is with Schwartz at strong safety and James as the last man standing in the deep post area of the field.