Go up and get it.

Lehighton head coach Tom McCaroll’s offensive philosophy has always been about balance, but this season, with his weapons at the wide receiver position, the Indians’ offense could be all about airing it out.

Returning starters Zach Hunsicker and Hunter Crum may very well force Coach McCarroll’s hand. Hunsicker (6-1, 180 pounds) came away with 35 catches for 502 yards a season ago, while Crum, (6-1, 190 pounds), had a solid sophomore season, hauling in 15 catches for 207 yards and two scores.

The Indians are returning a combined 709 receiving yards, with 50 catches at just over 14 yards per catch from their two standout wideouts.

“Since we have been here, our goal offensively has been to be a balanced offensive football team. But we really like what we have at wide receiver. Zach and Hunter are big and strong and they have gotten even bigger, faster and stronger from last season,” said McCarroll. “So I think we will see some match-ups this season where we like what we have on the outside. But we also have some nice young talent at wide receiver too that can contribute this year as well. I think you could see some four wide receiver sets from us. I think we can be an exciting offense.”

Looking to get the ball to the Tribe’s talented receiving group will be senior quarterback Richard Fronheiser, a first-year starter. The success of the Indians’ offense flows through the quarterback position, so it will be key for the inexperienced Fronheiser to work out any kinks early in the season.

However, Lehighton might have a deterrent for any growing pains Fronheiser might experience at the start of the season in an experienced and big offensive line.

The Indians, who return three starters from a season ago, will be led by three-year starter Brendan Zimmerman at center. Returning starter Michael Yeakel (6-3, 270 pounds) will anchor the right side of the line and returning starter Gage Hartney (6-1, 245) will be at the left guard spot. Richard Houser (6-4, 265 pounds) will protect Fronheiser’s blind side at left tackle. The other offensive line position is still up for grabs.

“We like the way Richard (Fronheiser) has looked for us, and as most people know a lot of what we do offensively is predicated upon our quarterback play,” McCarroll said. “Richard is a little different than the last few quarterbacks who have played for us. You’re not going to necessarily see the running aspect, but one thing that stands out is arm strength, and that’s going to be key for us with the weapons we have on the outside.

“And then, I really love what we have up front this season. We have size and strength, and I think that’s really going to help Richard’s development. With J.J. McDowell coming back at running back this season, with his speed and game-breaking ability, I think we can turn to the run with our size up front to take the pressure off our passing offense.”

Defensively, the Indians struggled to stop the run last season, giving up nearly 200 yards per game on the ground. But McCarroll is making a switch schematically to his defense that will utilize the team’s size and speed up front, with the objective of putting more pressure on opposing offenses.

Lehighton will be switching to a four-man front this season in its new 4-2-5 look.

“I think this scheme suits our personnel better and it will give our guys on the outside the ability to really just get after it and get into the backfield,” said McCaroll. “Then we have size in the middle that can plug up the run game and cause some disruption there as well. With the talent we have in the secondary, I think it’s really key for us to generate pressure up front defensively.”

After reaching the District 11 3A championship in 2017, the Indians have gone a combined 7-15 over the past two seasons. But with the number of experienced players returning at vital positions, coupled with established talent, 2020 looks to be a year where Lehighton could get back to its winning ways.

“Our focus isn’t on the past, we’re very much focused on this season,” said McCarroll. “I think our kids have done an amazing job handling the adversity this season has brought with it and they have responded very well. Their attitudes have been awesome. I believe this group is locked in.

“This is a high-energy group that I think is going to play with a lot of passion and fly around the football. We’re looking forward to getting this season going.”

POSITION BREAKDOWN

QUARTERBACKS - Senior Richard Fronheiser gets the call to lead the Indians offense. It’s Fronheiser’s first season under center in a starting capacity, but he saw significant varsity time last season at other spots and served as the backup quarterback. Freshman Brady O’Donnell will be the backup.

RUNNING BACKS - Senior J.J. McDowell (50 caries, 204 yards) will be back at running back. After an injury plagued junior season, the speedster will be looking to stay healthy and make an impact for the Tribe. Senior Chance Neeb and junior Zach Miller will also see time in the backfield.

WIDE RECEIVERS - An impressive position group for Lehighton will be spearheaded by returning starters Zach Hunsicker (35 receptions, 502 yards) and Hunter Crum (15-207). Both standing at 6-1, the duo will be tough to contest with on the outside. Sophomore Ian Rarick, senior Branden Kocher, senior newcomer Richie Yturrino and sophomore Ethan Buchert will also be in the mix.

OFFENSIVE LINE - The group will be led by three-year starters Brendan Zimmerman (C) and Michael Yeakel (RT/RG). Two-year starter Gage Hartney (LG) also returns, with Richard Houser (LT), protecting Fronheiser’s blind side. The fifth offensive linemen position is up for grabs between Cooper Hartsell, Doug Endy and Wyat Sherer.

DEFENSIVE LINE - Lehighton will be going with a four-man front this season. Crum and Fronheiser will be at the defensive end spots, with Yeakel and Hartney plugging up the middle. Nolan Stein (DE), Dakota Staddtmueller (DE) and Houser (DT) will also be in the rotation.

LINEBACKERS - Chance Neeb and Zimmerman will be leading the way with Brayden Lutz and Miller also see time.

SECONDARY - A tough group to deal with for opposing offenses will be led by Hunsicker and Rarick at the safety positions. McDowell will anchor the cornerback spot, with Buchert and Yturrino seeing time at the other corner. Christian Salerno will also help out at cornerback, and Steven Fritzinger will see some time at safety.