[tps_title] Pennridge Rams [/tps_title]
Gene Walsh Digital First Media
Pennridges Stephen Dadio at practice August 11, 2017.
Rams hope size up front will be difference
PERKASIE >> One could say with full confidence he was meant to play the position.
“Well, when I was born, I was a big boy. I didn’t get much of a decision as to where I was gonna play,” Pennridge’s Stephen Dadio said with a smile. “It’s a special thing, being a lineman. We have a special bond with one another.”
And it’s a particularly special group this year for the Rams, one that should allow Pennridge to hold its own against the other beasts of the Suburban One League’s Continental Conference. 
“Our line’s looking pretty strong,” said Randy Bahmueller, one of two 300-pounders — along with Brian Lafty — the Rams have along their front wall. “We’ve beefed up over the offseason and we’re ready to go.
“We’re ready,” Bahmueller said eagerly. “There shouldn’t be anybody that can get through us.”
Dadio (6-foot-1, 250), Bahmueller (6-1, 300) and company look to help pave the way back to the playoffs, brick by brick.
“We love opening up the holes,” Bahmueller said, “especially for our running backs. We have some quick people back there. If we can just make the smallest hole, we know they’ll make something out of it.”
Pennridge has multiple backs to try and exploit those holes, including senior Josh Pinkney.
“He has as much speed as you’ll see at the high school level,” coach Jeff Hollenbach said. “Ryan Garner, the other back, also has excellent speed.”
Pennridge will run primarily a spread attack as well as some flat-out power formations. Along with their size, the Rams’ offensive line has been emblematic of how Pennridge has attacked the spring and summer months.
“We’ve had a terrific offseason,” Hollenbach said. “Guys have worked very hard in the weight room. I love their attitude.
“I really like the offense. There are a lot of options there,” the coach added. “We have some nice size up front, which I love.”
Hitch a Ride
The Rams have a transfer from Michigan this season, and that would be one Matt Weisberg, who gives Pennridge another sensational linebacker in its arsenal.
“He’s a really strong kid and he’s got really good speed too,” Hollenbach said. “It’s kind of like if you want a great quarterback on offense, you want great linebackers on defense. And I think we have some.”
Early Tests
Pennridge finished last season by pushing unbeaten Neshaminy to the brink in the first round of the District 1-6A Playoffs and then toppled area rival Quakertown on Thanksgiving.
The Rams go right back to work to start 2017, with a schedule they feel should prepare them for more big games in October and November. After hosting Norristown in the opener, the Rams travel to Neshaminy before hosting Perkiomen Valley.
“Last year we opened up on a Saturday against Norristown (and won 49-20), and everybody gears up for that first Friday night,” Hollenbach said. “And to play that game on a Saturday was really kind of a downer. We played well, but it’s much better to play Friday night.
“So we’ll be here that first week, Friday night the 25th, and it’s before school starts but I think we’ll get a good crowd. The next week, we get Neshaminy, down there, and we lost two tough ones to them last year. So we’re really hoping we can improve on that this year. And then Perk Valley is Week Three (at home) and we know they have a great program. So that’ll be another test for us. But I like that. I wanna get some good tests in there.”
By Kev Hunter; khunter@21st-centurymedia.com
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