Veteran corp leads Moose

Gone is Ali Larijani, the Palmer Moose football squad's main ingredient in last year's recipe for success.

Though the Moose will miss Larijani, an all-state fullback and the team's leader from a year ago, the cupboard is not exactly bare.

Palmer does return several key players from the 2002 squad that advanced to the state semifinals.

Leading that list are returning starters Charlie Bentti, Mike Weber, Junior Aumavae and Nick Pilch.

Bentti returns for his third season as Palmer's starting quarterback.

"We're excited to have the leadership of Charlie and the leadership of the line," Palmer head coach Rod Christiansen said.

The Moose will have the luxury of experienced linemen to protect their veteran quarterback.

Palmer returns four of five starting linemen from last season. The only player missing from the 2002 line is Shane Omer.

Aumavae and Pilch will play in the guard spots for the second straight season. Aumavae was an all-state selection last year and each player should contend for that honor in 2003.

"Nick was overshadowed by Junior last season," Christiansen said. "Sometimes he has graded out higher on film. There are a lot of good linemen in the state. There are some good ones in our conference."

Also returning is Tory Johnson, who started at center last season as a sophomore.

"Tory is so much improved," Christiansen said. "Feet-wise, he will be so much quicker. Now that he knows what he is doing, he will be a very good center in this state."

At one of the tackle spots will be senior Justin McCain. Christiansen said that McCain is another much-improved lineman. The other tackle position is still up for grabs. Colby Yuill will be among the Moose fighting for the spot.

"He is a hard-nosed kid," Christiansen said of Yuill.

The Moose may not ask just one person to replace graduated all-state fullback Larijani.

"It will be running back by committee," Christiansen said.

Weber will most likely be the leader of that committee. The senior ran for over 100-yards in a handful of games last year.

"We ask Mike to do a lot," Christiansen said.

Weber, a wing back, could also time at fullback. Christiansen also stressed Weber's importance on special teams. Among the group of young running backs contending for playing time will be J.C. Forrester, Jake Huen and Steel Tubbs. The Moose will also have to establish a target or two for Bentti.

Dustin Eley and Dustin Mason, Palmer's leading receivers from 2002, are both gone.

Possible replacements include Sam Zimmer and Devon Conroy, members of the Palmer track and field teams.

Many of the Palmer veterans who will impact the offense, will also impact the defense. With Aumavae, Pilch, Johnson and McCain, a possible strength on defense could be the front line.

"If they aren't tired, they will be the strength of our team," Christiansen said.

The Palmer coach added with the school's limited numbers, a host of the Moose standouts are going to have to go both ways.

The group of sophomores contending for the running back slots will also be competing for spots in the linebacking corps.

Another young player who could make an impact on defense is Jeremy Weber.

Jeremy, the younger brother of Mike, is also the team's backup quarterback.

Palmer has been dealt with a very difficult schedule.

In addition to a very tough set of conference games, the Moose will face perennial Anchorage powers Service and Bartlett and also must travel to Juneau.