2024 PFN Team Preview: Central Columbia Blue Jays
Tagged under: Conference Previews, District 4, News, pfn, Schedule
Davin Ridall | August 22, 2024
Central Columbia Blue Jays
Head Coach: E.J. Smith (3rd Season)
PIAA District 4 – Class 3A
League: Heartland Athletic Conference – Division 2
Assistant Coaches:
– Brett Comstock
– Kevin Bradley
– Doug Brown
– Isaac Gensemer
– Jeff Groshek
– Jon Hidlay
– Jeremiah Johnson
– Brad Keller
– Grant Marshman
– Bill Monahan
– Davin Ridall
– Steve Toczylousky
– Dave Wood
2023 Season Record: 1-9 (0-9 League)
2024 Schedule
08-23
|
@ Midd-West |
|
08-30
|
@ Mount Carmel |
|
09-06
|
vs. Executive Education Academy |
|
09-13
|
@ Danville |
|
09-20
|
@ Southern Columbia |
|
09-27
|
vs. Montoursville |
|
10-04
|
vs. Milton |
|
10-11
|
@ Mifflinburg |
|
10-18
|
vs. Warrior Run |
|
10-25
|
vs. Bloomsburg |
Interview with Coach E.J. Smith:
What are your expectations for the team this season?
I am excited about his year’s team. We are replacing a few seniors that were big contributors last year. I believe that our offensive line will be good as well as our running backs. Defensively, we have a bunch of returning of starters. I believe we will be led by a good group of lineman and linebackers. On Special Teams, we have both our kicker and punter returning along with return man Aidan Huntington. We are excited to build on a successful year on special teams.
What do you think are the biggest question marks for the team this year?
Our biggest question mark going into this season on offense is our Quarterback and Receivers. Parker Day will be our new starting QB, and we have a committee of receivers that will try to replace Eli Book who graduated. On defense the biggest question mark is in our secondary. We are replacing 3 seniors that were very good for us last year.
When your team is on offense, what are the keys to success?
The keys to success for us on offense is our offensive line. We have several players returning that started or played last season. Another key to us is understanding our new offense and limiting mental mistakes. We would like to stay ahead of the chains this season.
When your team is on defense, what are the keys to success?
The keys to us have success on defense is getting helmets to the football. Our defense will relay on a very good defensive line along with athletic linebackers. Our goal is to attack offenses and get them out of rhythm.
Key Starters Lost:
What players should we keep an eye on this year?
