SEMI-PRO FOOTBALL: Rage are bigger, stronger in 2008

By John D’Onofrio<br><a href="mailto:donofrioj@gnnewspaper.com">E-mail John</a>

LOCKPORT July 02, 2008 09:45 pm

— Solidifying their biggest offseason needs up front wasn’t easy for Lockport Rage head coach Carl Stiles.
After finishing 5-6 in the New York Amateur Football League last season, Stiles knew he already had plenty of talent and speed to burn. What he needed was more beef up front — an “O-line” that could protect his talented returning quarterback Lamont Rhim and a “D-line” that could put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
So Stiles did what every good semi-pro football head coach does and he brought in a quality line coach, Lockport’s Roger Poole, who has beefed up Lockport’s line with at least two strong additions on the left side, tackle Eric Hinton of Lockport and guard “Big Ben” Marotta of Cambria.
“Roger’s a great asset to this team,” Stiles said while putting his team through a workout Wednesday at Dolan Park.
“With the additions we’ve had and the work Roger has done with the them, our lines are much improved — definitely a lot bigger and stronger this year.”
Key additions to the offensive and defensive lines, along with the return of several other players should make the Rage among the top teams this season. They’ll open their season July 12 at Lyndonville. Lockport’s home opener is July 26 against the Buffalo Gladiators at Outwater Park.
Along with Hinton and Big Ben on the offensive line, the Rage will benefit from the return of center Tevon Campbell and right guard Jason Barnoff, both of Lockport; and right tackle Brian “Big Country” Harvey of Lewiston.
The Buffalo trio of Dallas Bell, Jerry Simon and Richard Posey will be joined by Lockport’s Marcus Loyche on the starting D-line, which backed by one of the league’s most outstanding linebackers in Will Stiles and Isiah Johnson of Lockport. Among other Rage linebackers are Lockport’s Tom Covey, Jason Richardson and Wayne Huber.
Offensively, Rhim is expected to once again terrorize opposing defenses with his ability to both run and pass. When Rhim’s not running the ball, he’ll be handing it off to outstanding running backs P.J. Harris and Kyle Huntley, both of Lockport. The team’s fullbacks this year are Jermaine Kimmons of Lockport and Artie Daniels of Buffalo.
Flashy, game-breaking wide receiver “Baby T.O.” Jeremy Brown returns, along with receivers Jayme Howard of Niagara Falls and Kenny Spencer of Lockport. Tight ends are Lockportians Sean Vincton and Al Scott.
There’s good news and bad at special teams with the return of Lockport’s John Granchelli as the Rage’s kicker and punter. Granchelli, who booted a last-second, game-winning field goal last year against Lyndonville, is only expected to play half the season because of other commitments. Granchelli has looked impressive in the preseason and in the last game kicked a 45-yard field goal as Lockport finished its exhibition slate 2-0.
Stiles said he can live with Lockport’s 5-6 inaugural season a year ago, but felt the team could have done better.
“We got a lot of respect from the other teams around the league. I thought we should have done better, but for a first-year team to make the playoffs — I mean what more can you ask for?” Stiles said.

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