[tps_title] Upper Dublin Cardinals [/tps_title]
Bob Raines–Digital First Media
Upper Dublin’s Malik Bootman breaks out for a long run against Hatboro-Horsham Oct 21, 2016.
Building Blocks for Cardinals in ’17
UPPER DUBLIN >> In each of the last three seasons, the Upper Dublin football team has found itself in the PIAA District One playoffs, although last year the Cardinals snuck in by virtue of being a Class 5A school, down from the 6A classification of the previous season.
This year, with a combined three starters back from a year ago, the Cardinals will need a run of good fortune to hit a district grand slam. 
Unlike each of the last three years, the Cardinals are not among the considered favorites in the Suburban One League’s American Conference (both Quakertown and Hatboro-Horsham are mentioned when the subject arises), and with a new quarterback, a new style offense and a lot more questions than answers, Upper Dublin’s postseason chances, for the moment, will be written in pencil.
“Our numbers are down,” said Cardinals head coach Bret Stover. “We don’t have a lot of returning starters — three on offense and two on defense — so we have to look at this year as one for our young players to cut their teeth.”
Offensively, the Cardinals will rely on Chris McDermott and Quinton Derr up front along with running back Malik Bootman, the team’s leading rusher from a year ago.
“Malik is going to do it all,” Stover said with a smile. “He’s a real talented kid, and he’s going to be responsible for a lot, offensively and defensively.”
Defensively, Bootman will team with fellow linebacker Max Winebrake to account for the lone two returning starters.
Not exactly the Steel Curtain, but Stover said this will be a transition year.
“We could go 6-3 or 3-6,” he said, “but I know the young kids will be getting experience, so that’s how we have to approach the season.”
The season begins at Perkiomen Valley, not exactly a foe that will give the Cardinals a true indication of how good or bad they are.
“It was either them or Imhotep,” Stover said with a wide smile. “If we get a face plant in Week One, then we get a face plant.”
From there the Cardinals take on Lansdale Catholic before opening their league schedule at Cheltenham followed by a Saturday morning game at Quakertown.
“From where we were two seasons ago, I don’t think we’re that much farther behind those other teams,” said newly-installed quarterback Julian Gimbel. “I think we all realize we have large shoes to fill, but all we can do is work hard and do our best to fill those shoes.”
As for the offense, it will be built around Gimbel, whose forte is running rather than throwing.
“He’s waited his turn,” said Stover, “and he’s worked really hard. He just has a different skill set.”
The offense will be run-based, at least for starters, and will grow as the season extends.
That means plenty of work for Bootman and the trenchmen.
Defensively, the team will be keyed by Winebrake and Bootman inside, but with the likes of defensive backs Anthony Cerminara and Nick Sowers, the Cardinals will not be completely vulnerable.
“I’d like to see us n there battling for the conference title,” Stover said. “And if we stay healthy, I think we can do it.”
EXPECTATIONS
Defensive End Anthony Cerminara: “I think we have a lot of guys who’ll be exciting to watch. As a full unit, we’re pretty good.”
NEW QUARTERBACK
Julian Gimbel: “I love football. I’ve been playing my whole life. I love being with my teammates. You get to work hard all week, and then let it all go and Friday nights.”
By Dennis C. Way; dway@21st-centurymedia.com
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