Heading into his fifth season as head coach of the Roughies' program this fall, Tom Falzone admittedly is heading into unchartered territory. That is, one category in general.

While his club recently completed its fourth passing camp and will soon complete its fifth, Falzone and his troops aren't accustomed to having a view from the penthouse. After a runner-up finish in the PIAA District 11 Class AA title game last season, the Roughies are dealing with high expectations.

"This is a new territory for me and my coaches," said Falzone. "This is the first time in five years people are placing us at the top. We are probably more comfortable and used to being in an underdog role.

"But this will be a different team. The kids are hungry and ready to go. We'll be changing a few things."

His players are eager to take the field for their opener on August 30 against Wilson.

"We as coaches have high expectations," said Falzone. "We're also hungry from last year. But we still have to keep everything in perspective and know it is hard to have back-to-back seasons. We'll again take it week-to-week and right now we're focused on Wilson."

Falzone has also been impressed with soon-to-be senior starting quarterback Zac Bradley.

"He (Bradley) has done a very good job during the passing camps," said Falzone. "He has been hitting his strides and his timing is good. He wants to take us far this season."

Falzone also credited the performances of wide receiver Paryss Marshall and tight end Jacob Stopay, both of whom are coming off a solid seasons. He has also been impressed with Ricky Houser, Devin Flores, and Derek Bond, all who will be vying for receiving spots left behind by Alex Parker and Zach Labezius. Ra'Von Burton will again handle the bulk of the rushing duties this fall.

"All of them have looked good and they are all competing for a couple spots," Falzone said. "We'll have a god mix."

Defensively, the Roughies will need to fill some holes on the front line with the graduation of Zach Labezius, Donald Hunter and Jimmy Deily, but Houser, Jordan Madaya, and Dave Wetherhold all have looked good in the secondary. Burton will be back to be a force in the middle.

Up front offensively, the Roughies will have a stronghold with returnees Tyler Trobetsky (left tackle), Brandon Purrone (left guard), Rhaine Sziy (center) and Brandon Nosal (right tackle). Sziy and Nosal were first-team, All-Colonial League selections last fall. Satchel Stauffer already established some ground as a possible replacement.

Falzone will have a better feel on how his team can adjust when they open with a scrimmage against Lehighton Aug. 17.

"We have had a busy summer and we'll take some time off before we start it up," said Falzone of the opening practice Aug. 12. "Some teams have been in full pads since May, but we want to take it slow and let it build. We feel like we have a few things in place for August."