In past seasons, many Jim Thorpe football teams have relied on a strong running game, long drives and time clock possessions.

That may not be the manner of the Olympians’ offensive attack this season. Opposing defenses will have to prepare for quick air strikes for long touchdowns and ground sizzling runs to the house.

The offensive firepower begins with junior quarterback Cole Lazorick, who last year threw for over 1,700 yards and 16 touchdowns. The dual threat signal caller also ran for 700 yards and nine TDs.

“Cole is an exceptional athlete,” said head coach Mark Rosenberger, “and his experience from last year will make him even better as a decision maker when he looks downfield to pass. Besides his athletic ability, he has become a leader by example as well as a vocal presence when he needs to be.

“In all my years as a coach at Jim Thorpe, he is at the top of the list when it comes to his leadership qualities.”

Lazorick will be surrounded by multiple weapons, but his go-to-guy will be senior wide receiver Justin Yescavage. Last season, the pass-catching machine caught 50 balls for 964 yards and seven touchdowns. In 10 of JT’s 11 games, Yescavage averaged 10 yards or more for each reception. He can certainly be a game changer.

“Justin is a big weapon for us and has a good chemistry with Cole,” said Rosenberger. “He goes up in traffic with great hands for the ball and his route running has been really improving.”

Another quick strike receiver is senior Aaron Curran, who Rosenberger says has good hands and runs precision pass routes.

In the backfield — when he’s not another long pass target at the slot receiver position — will be junior speedster Joshua Louk. TJ Garritano and sophomore Aiden Irwin play in Rosenberger’s “mix and match” multiple set offense. All bring quickness and are breakaway threats to run to paydirt. Fullback Michael Antignani, who will also play middle linebacker on defense, has earned high praise from his coach.

“Michael is a hard-nosed football player. “He’s unselfish, very physical and a good blocker. On defense he will call our alignments.”

The tight end position will be manned by Ethan Moore and Connor Zurzawa, both good blockers with pass catching abilities on routes run over the middle.

The offensive line is mostly a work in progress. Starting will be three underclassmen with junior center Adam Kosciolek and sophomore guards Adam Ziolkiewicz and Logan O’Shura. At the tackles are seniors Blake Carroll and Aiden Curran. Rosenberger likes Kosciolek’s consistency with his shotgun snaps.

“We have good size, athleticism, and physicality up front,” he said. “Carroll and Curran are road graders at the tackles. Everyone has worked hard all summer and come a long way in their pass protections.”

Last season, the Olympians scored 231 points — which is above the national average for high school teams. On the other side of the ball, however, the Red, White, and Blue allowed over 300 points — a number the Red Swarm hopes to reduce this coming year to improve upon a 4-7 record.

Rosenberger will rely on his team’s quickness to get off the ball to the ball carrier. At defensive ends will be Moore and senior Zachary Lopez to protect the edges.

“They are both physical with good motors.”

At defensive tackles are sophomore Gavin Baker and junior Gavin Strohl who “explode off the ball and play with physicality.”

Antignani will man the Mike linebacker position with junior Zurwawa at the Sam and sophomore Kaden Hess at the Will. Lack of experience at the edges will be countered with their athleticism and effort from the second level of defense.

The strength of the defense is at the corner positions with Lazorick and Yescavage, along with Pierre Gothard rotating in. Aaron Curran will play strong safety and Louk will patrol the deep middle.

Kicking and punting duties will be handled again this year by Noah Geiser, who will come off the soccer fields to boot under the Friday night lights.

Olympian fans should be excited for the new season. Footballs will fill the air toward speedy targets. The running game displays athletic, big play potential with backs who have good downfield vision. A return of the Red Swarm defense could make this one of many memorable seasons during Rosenberger’s long tenure. Like most coaches, he hesitates to predict a number of wins and looks for his team to improve game-by-game.

“Moving into the Colonial League, we have some challenges ahead of us like Southern Lehigh and Northwestern. We need to stay healthy. Everything on offense starts up front. Our line needs to open holes and protect our quarterback. On defense, we are a work in progress and we hope to counter that with athleticism and multiple formations. We’re excited and looking forward to getting after it.”

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Jim Thorpe Position Breakdown

QUARTERBACKS

Dual threat Cole Lazorick returns from a stellar season and is primed to lead the offense. The junior will be a handful for opposing defenses with his strong arm and his fast feet, both with the ability to break a game wide open. Backing up Lazorick will be sophomore Kaden Hess.

RUNNING BACKS

As usual, Thorpe will hand the ball to a committee of athletic running backs. Joshua Louk provides breakaway speed. Sophomore Aiden Irwin has flashed a downfield charge along with TJ Garrintano, who can hit the hole with good vision. Fullback Michael Antignani can run inside for tough yards and open gaps with his blocking.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Justin Yescavage is one of the area’s top receivers and has game changing ability to go above defenders to make big catches. Senior Aarron Curran has shown the knack for separating from coverage. Pierce Gothard will be another solid weapon for Lazorick. Louk is a burner and given a crease, his speed can light up the scoreboard.

OFFENSIVE LINE

The success of a diverse attack will depend largely on a developing O-line. Junior Adam Kosciolek centers the trenches with sophomore guards Adam Ziolkiewicz and Gavin Baker. Logan O’Shura will work into the rotation. Senior Blake Carroll and junior Gavin Strohl will anchor the tackle positions with physicality. Aiden Curran is in the mix. At tight end will be Ethan Moore while Connor Zurwawa brings good hands for balls thrown underneath coverage.

DEFENSIVE LINE

A return of the Red Swarm tradition depends upon several factors. Keys to stopping the run game will be tackles Strohl and O’Shura. Baker will be in the mix. At the ends are Moore and Carroll, who can stuff the perimeter and rush the passer. Senior Zachary Lopez will work in at the edges with a never-ending motor. Kosciolek will get reps at end.

LINEBACKERS

The ignitor to the defensive fire will be the three mobile and agile second line of defense. Antignani mans the middle with Zurwawa and Hess on the flanks. Irwin, and Messiah Woodley will back up.

SECONDARY

The back line is solid at the corners with Lazorick and Yescavage. Aaron Curran will spell each of the offensive skill players. Louk and Garritano fill the two safety spots.