Last season, the team put forth a solid 19-3 campaign, earning a District 6 Class 4A title and also becoming a 4A state qualifier for a second straight season.

Clark returns a lot of familiar names to this year’s coaching staff.

Assisting Clark this season will be Rick Hall (Varsity Assistant), Nick Capparelle (Varsity Volunteer), Drew Bryan (Varsity Volunteer), Josh Brown (JV Head Coach) and Adam Gearhart (JV Assistant).

There were some key losses following last year’s run due to graduation. That stout senior class consisted of Trevor Johnson, Braedyn Kormanic, Josh Brown, Levi Purnell, Jake Corman, Ryan Fraley and Ethan Tomasacci.

TIM WEIGHT/For The Express Bellefonte’s Cole Houser returns for the Red Raiders. Bellefonte is looking to build on the two consecutive district titles it’s won.

On a positive note, the Raiders return four letterwinners. Those returners are Peyton Vancas, Parker Capparelle, Oliver Thornburg and Cameron Lucas.

In the leadership department, Clark will be looking to his seniors to provide it.

“We will be looking for leadership from our seniors (Peyton Vancas, Parker Capparelle, and Caleb Auman),” said Clark. “Excited to see which underclassmen start to emerge as leaders. We’re replacing 7 starters – two who were four-year starters and three who were three-year starters.”

The Bellefonte underclassmen are brimming with talent could certainly be fighting for playing time this season.

“We have about 13 to 14 underclassmen competing to fill the seven spots,” said Clark.

In terms of strengths, inner competition is one thing Clark sees could fuel it throughout the upcoming season.

“I would say our strengths will come from the internal competition which will challenge guys as we attempt to fill the seven spots left open by graduating seniors,” said Clark. “I have told the guys that I anticipate things will change throughout the season and I believe that is a good thing as we have 13-14 guys who are competing daily for a spot in the starting lineup. I also think that creates pressure situations in practice that can mirror the pressure felt in games.”

Clark doesn’t believe in the concept of weaknesses for his team.

“I don’t believe in weaknesses; I prefer to see them as challenges or areas we need to improve (or grow) from. That being said, I think our youthfulness and varsity experience is our greatest challenge,” said Clark. “The guys competing for spots primarily played JV last year and had success. We are now looking to see who can make that jump/transition to varsity (as the jump from JV to Varsity is not an easy one.) I like how our guys have adjusted so far.”

The veterans have set the goals for this squad both individually and team wise.

“We want them to compete in practice and games (internally challenging ourselves),” said Clark. “Put ourselves in a position to compete for a district title and opportunity to enter the state tournament (the two go hand in hand).”

In its second season in the Laurel Highlands, Clark doesn’t just see one team as tough to beat. He sees the league as a whole as tough.

“One year into our new conference (LHAC), I don’t see any teams as being easy. The league is packed with talented teams that will challenge you day in and day out,” said Clark. “I think it is one of the toughest leagues in the state. So, I would say the season is packed with tough teams.”