Aug 17, 2003 By Jim Wexell For The 3 min read

In his first two years as coach, Jesse Cramer guided Belle Vernon to two playoff berths and last year’s Keystone Conference championship. But if you think the momentum is building at Belle Vernon, think again.

“Our numbers are down from last year,” said Cramer. “We had about 65 to 70 come out last year and ended up with 58. This year we started with 44 and are down to 42 after the first week.”

The problem is a miniscule sophomore class boasting only 10 members. Add that to a 13-member senior class and the numbers are down, even for a team that became more competitive in Cramer’s second season. He was asked if he had an explanation.

“I don’t know. I’ve talked to some of the other coaches and their numbers are down, too,” Cramer said. “It’s just one of those things. Today, kids have cars and Nintendo and a million other things to do with their time.

“People don’t want to dedicate themselves to the sport. They want to just walk out on Friday and play, but that’s not the way it works.

“Yes, the numbers are down but I’m optimistic we have some quality kids. You play the hand you’re dealt and the ones here are the ones I want.”

If that sounds like the perfect motto, Cramer has one that’s better.

“We should be the few, the proud, like the Marine Corps,” he said.

Well, the Belle Vernon Marines, or Leopards, are shooting for a 10th consecutive playoff appearance, counting the seven in a row put together by former coach Gary Dongilli.

Cramer was asked if the streak is in jeopardy because of the low numbers.

“I don’t think so,” he said. “I don’t see why we can’t make the playoffs, even though there are going to be some good teams in the conference. Uniontown has a nice team coming back. Their whole backfield is back. Greensburg Salem has some good boys coming back. Yough will be a lot better and so will Mt. Pleasant. I don’t know about Laurel Highlands or Derry. I just can’t remember what they have, but I think those teams will be better. It’s going to be a dogfight. One play here or there may determine one game and therefore the conference championship.”

The areas of concern for Belle Vernon are special teams and the offensive line. The latter has only one returnee – Brad Yates, a three-year starter at center who made the all-conference team last year.

The special teams would seemingly be a problem due to the lack of numbers, but Cramer isn’t worried about that as much as he is the loss of kicker Jon Fowler.

Last year, Fowler punted for a 39.4 average, kicked off (10 touchbacks), made 19 of 20 extra points and made 10 of 21 field goals. He led the team with 49 points. He’ll be replaced by Doug Ivill, who punted once last year for 23 yards.

The highlights this year should come from senior quarterback Trent Scott, who filled in for injured Derek Brletich last year, senior fullback Anthony Guerra and senior halfback Nick Maise, who played behind all-conference back Andrew Bell but still managed 203 yards on 35 carries.

“With only 10 sophomores, it’ll be a little tough,” Cramer said. “But those 10 sophomores aren’t just filling up space. Sometimes that’s a plus.”