Aug 27, 2002 By James Albani For The 3 min read

Jan Haiden is starting his 11th season as head coach and 17th overall as part of the Rocket coaching staff. He is hoping to have a quick start as he did last season, but he is hoping it continues through the entire season.

The Rockets opened last season defeating Frazier, Geibel Catholic and West Greeene, but did not win a game after that.

They are hoping to rebound after the 3-5 season, but the Rockets lost some valuable players to graduation.

Starting tailback Bryan Lorence, quarterback A.J. Curtis and tight end C.J. Moon all left big voids in the Rocket team.

The Rockets are looking to use a real team effort, especially when it comes to filling some of the positions.

The team has 44 players competing for playing time this season and 10 of them are fighting for three running back spots. The only person to have one of the spots secured is fullback Eric Swinchock, who is returning this season as a senior.

Nine others are looking to fill the other two spots. The list includes seniors Chris Shaffer, Alan Yanak, and Joe Culp; juniors Brian Taylor and Avery Pritchett; sophomores Dave Basinger and Jonathan Meyers; and freshman Jeremy Weaver.

According to Haiden, “They are all close in talent level.”

The same players are seeking starting positions in the defensive backfield. None of the positions have been secured and all of the players are competing intensely.

Quarterback is another spot where the Rockets have two players fighting for the starting spot, juniors Jimmy Basilone and Matt Ferencek.

“The starting quarterback will have to take charge and be the leader,” said Haiden. “Right now, I don’t know who that will be.”

Overall, the Rockets are going to be a young team, sporting only nine seniors, but a lot of the jobs are up for grabs. With the competition so tight at many of the positions, the Rockets will have depth in many of its spots. This can be helpful for any size school, but especially for a Class A squad.

“We are looking for someone to step up,” noted Haiden on the open spots. “They are all in a battle now.”

One area Haiden feels will be a strong point is the offensive and defensive line. Both have starters returning.

“We should be alright at offensive and defensive line,” said Haiden. “We have some experience there.”

The experience Haiden referred to there includes senior Jeff Weaver, who will take over at tight end and outside linebacker; sophomore lineman Eric Cox, who started last year as a freshman; senior lineman Cody Moore; junior lineman Brian McNett; and junior tight end and defensive end Mike Myers, who started the last two years.

The Rockets will again be competing in the Tri-County South Conference, which Haiden sees as very competitive and tight.

“Monessen, Carmichaels and California all are strong,” he said. “All three have at least eight starters or so back.”