[tps_title]Pottstown Trojans [/tps_title]
Fischer set to remake Pottstown’s culture
POTTSTOWN >> A 2-9 season wasn’t what anyone in Pottstown had in mind as a follow up to their appearance in the District 1 Class 3A playoffs two short seasons ago.
Yet, that’s where the Trojans fell, a 23-6 thumping by Owen J. Roberts on Thanksgiving Day culminating an entirely forgettable campaign that saw the departure of head coach Gary Rhodenabugh after lasting only one season. 
Now, under first year head coach Mark Fischer, a former assistant at Phoenixville High School, the Trojans are already building back a culture that former head coach Don Grinstead had cultivated. One that relied on discipline, perseverance and grit.
“There were no consequences for anything we did,” offensive and defensive tackle Tom Doyle said.
“We have more discipline,” returning defensive back Jamal Adams said. “We had a lot of players coming in and doing what they wanted last year. Our coaches are holding us accountable this season.”
The results to the new staff are evident. The Trojans saw a well-attended offseason lifting and summer program and are seeing an increase in depth at multiple positions, a major shakeup to what had been a major thorn in the team’s side the past few seasons.
“I knew coming in that we had a good group of guys,” Fischer said. “We have a lot of sophomores, a lot of seniors and a good group of juniors so we have a good mixture. Just in terms of trying to keep things pretty simple, they’ve taken the offense quick, defense as well and we look good with what we have so far.
“We’ve tried to build depth all summer by giving a lot of players reps and moving them around into different positions. Offensive line is an area where we want to continue building depth but everywhere else we feel like we have enough depth from seniors all the way down.”
Departed are the team’s leading rusher Isaiah Mayes (810 yards on 156 carries and seven touchdowns), linebacker Ernest McCalvin and linemen Jaylen Chestnut and Ja’Vonte Tinson. But with a returning group of captains Adams, Doyle, fullback Anthony Wiggins and quarterback Owen Morton and eight returning starters on both sides of the ball, the Trojans maintain a core group of players that will supply leadership and hopefully get the team into the win column some more in 2017.
“We need everybody to make this thing work,” Fischer said. “No matter who you are on this team, whether you’re on the scout team or you’re starting, it takes all of them to win on Friday nights. We hold everyone accountable.”
Need for Improvement
Offense. The Trojans ranked 11th in the PAC in yards per game (193.4) and last in points per game (11.5). Their 140.9 yards per game on the ground was a noticeable drop off from 2015 where the team finished second in the conference, averaging 219.8 yards per game.
Bright Spot
Pottstown’s defense stood tall most of 2016, allowing 283.2 yards per game (sixth-best in the PAC).
Solar Eclipse
The Trojans start another season against Sun Valley, the fourth straight time the team has played their Ches-Mont foe. Pottstown is 1-3 against their competition, the team’s only win coming two seasons ago via a 21-0 victory.
By Sam Stewart; sstewart@pottsmerc.com
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