[tps_title]Lower Merion Aces [/tps_title]
TOM KELLY IV – DAILY TIMES
DCS’s Amir Dorsey (30) runs the ball in front of Lower Merion’s Elijah Smith (25) during the Delaware County Christian School at Lower Merion in Saturday afternoon football.
Aces to focus on speed, athleticism
LOWER MERION >> Lower Merion head coach Bryan Scopelliti, whose squad lacks the size and depth of many of its bigger Central League opponents, is trying to capitalize on the Aces’ assets – — speed and athleticism — this fall.
“We’ve got speed and some great athletes on our roster, and it’s my job to find ways to utilize them,” said Scopelliti, whose squad posted a 2-9 record last year. 
One way Lower Merion aims to do this is through a spread offense. The Aces feature a wide array of receivers, led by 6-3, 175-pound senior wide receiver Deion Davis.
Davis said, “We should be better this season, because we’re more [familiar] with the offense, and we had some wide receivers out last season with injury.”
Other Lower Merion receivers include twin brothers (and juniors) Ian Goodman (5-8, 160) and Jalen Goodman (5-11, 160); junior wide receiver Jaden Helton (5-7, 150) and junior Marcus Green (5-11, 160).
In the backfield, leading the way at running back is third-year starter Elijah Smith (5-11, 170). Last year’s quarterback, Matt O’Connor, is sidelined with a knee injury and might not be ready for the start of the season. Taking the reins at the signal-calling spot is the team’s top linebacker, 6-foot, 175-pound senior Marek D’Alonzo.
Lower Merion’s top offensive linemen include senior left tackle Justin Wooten (6-1, 210), senior left guard Will Savistani (6-1, 235), junior center Bram Hollis (he’s got great feet,” said Scopelliti), junior right guard Will House (5-8, 200) and junior right tackle Micah Buckman (6-0, 198).
“We’re a little undersized [on the line] — we’ll have to battle,” said Scopelliti.
Athletic linebackers
On defense, Lower Merion will use a 3-5 defense instead of the 4-4 defense it used last year, in an attempt to better utilize its athletes. D’Alonzo will lead the way among the five linebackers, as an interior outside linebacker.
“We have guys, athletes, who can play in space, and we want to get the linebackers and defensive backs in there [as much as possible],” said Scopelliti.
Lower Merion has a solid linebacking corps, led by D’Alonzo and senior co-captain Ben Rubin (6-2, 190). Other linebackers for LM include Elijah Smith, Marcus Green, junior Andonntrell Williams (5-11, 150) and 140-pound junior John Trainer (“a really hard worker” said Scopelliti).
The defensive backfield should be led by the Goodman twins, Deion Davis and Jaden Helton. One promising newcomer for Lower Merion is sophomore Roger Roberts (5-11, 165), who was home schooled as a freshman. According to Scopelliti, he can be used as a defensive back, running back or wide receiver.
Up front, Lower Merion features senior Tahj Wheeler (6-4, 250) at nose guard and junior Xavier Stockman (5-10, 200) at right tackle.
Opening goal
Lower Merion is opening its season against Chichester, against which it has lost two very close contests the past two years. “Our aim is to open the season with a good game against Chichester — we think we can be competitive with them,” said Scopelliti.
Teaching character
For 30 minutes after each daily practice, the Lower Merion coaching staff runs a class for the players called, “Character Education.” According to Scopelliti, the class program was written by assistant coach Ernest Pendleton (one of Lower Merion’s all-time leading running backs). “Each day, we give the players a survey, we have a discussion, and they have a writing assignment, and it’s for them to keep and reflect on,” said Scopelliti. “Today’s topic was about being respectful in home and in class. Whether the seniors leave with two wins or eight wins this season, we want them to leave with something more important [than wins or losses].”
By Bruce Adams; badams@21st-centurymedia.com
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