A familiar look for Knights

The Colony football program will have a familair look this year. Fans watching the 2003 version of the Knights may get a case of deja vu that takes them back to 2000.

Just like the 2000 season, this fall the Knights will have a Magner running the squad and a Magner under center.

Following the resignation of 2002 Northern Railbelt Coach of the Year Tom Lincoln during the winter, Randy Magner was enlisted once again to take the helm of the Colony High football program. It will be Magner's third tour of duty with the Knights.

And at quarterback this season is Magner's youngest son, Rhett. Rhett Magner will be sporting the knee-high socks and the number two, just like his older brother Cole did three years ago.

Rhett and Randy will try to help the Knights repeat what the program did in 2000, advance to the state championship game.

The Knights could have the resources to make a run for the state title game. Though Rhett will be in his first season at quarterback at the varsity level, he has already been hard at work adapting to the positon.

"I'm coming along pretty well," Rhett said. "I have been to three or four camps, so I have been getting a lot of reps."

Though Rhett is new to the position, he is not new to the offense or the varisty level. The junior was an all-state defensive back and kick returner last season.

Also returning on the offensive side of the ball is David Craig.

The senior was a standout at both fullback and linebacker last year and could handle a good portion of the Colony running game.

Contending for the tailback spot will be seniors Emil Nacnac and Randall Harvey. Newcomer John Stratton, a transfer from New Hampshire, could also make an impact in the Knight backfield.

The Knights will have an experienced corps of lineman blocking for the likes of Magner and the running backs. Seniors Curtis Shirley, Josiah Hubbard and Steven Busa and junior Dominic Bellotte all return. Colony also will have Rob Ray back, who missed all of last season with a broken leg.

The passing game should get a boost this year, something Rhett Magner is understandably excited about.

"We are looking good at wide recievers," Rhett Magner said. "We have a strong group."

Leading the pack of wideouts is Justin Schwartzbauer. A state champion in the hurdles, Schwartzbauer could be an imediate impact on offense with his athleticsm.

On the defensive side of the ball, the strength could be the interior defensive line.

Starters Bellotte and Busa return, but Colony defensive coordinator Jamie Mayo will have to find replacements for departed defensive ends Jake DeBuck and Tyler Nelson.

The Knights will also have to find replacements for a trio of starting linebackers who graduated in May. Auggie Manelick, Mike Craig and Nolan Smith are gone. David Craig should be the leader in the linebacking corps.

Regardless of Magner's status on offense, he will have a home in the defensive backfield, and start on both sides of the ball.

"I am confident and up for the challenge," Magner said.