Friday, June 09, 2000
East-West All-Star Football Game
East's goal: Wear down bigger West
By Dave Schutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Saturday's East-West All-Star game at Lockland's Roettger Stadium looks like a mismatch on paper.
“We know it will be a tough game but we're not intimidated playing against the West's six Division I linemen,” said East linebacker Ronnie Swearingin of Kings.
“If they kick our butts that's the way it goes. We're much smaller but by the fourth quarter, their biggers guys will be worn out.”
The East, coached by Kings' Andy Olds, has 14 players from Division I high schools while the West has 24 from Division I.
“The West is loaded, especially on the lines,” Olds said. “They have the two Fairfield kids (Justin Belarski, 270 pounds, and Jeff Ramsey, 265) and Travis Veser (Finneytown, 285) and Travis Saylor (Mason, 285).”
Several other players missed practices this week in order to participate in the East-West All-Star baseball series at Princeton High School and Cinergy Field.
“These are talented kids and you can't ask them to skip an all-star game,” Olds said. “We'll be all right. The kids are having a good time and this is a great experience for them.”
The East team will feature two different offensive styles behind quarterbacks Brian Reisert of Moeller and Tim Dooley of Madeira.
“(Reisert) is a drop back quarterback and an outstanding passer,” Olds said. “Dooley is different and we'll run and scramble more with him in the lineup.”
Mike Hurley (Kings), Michael Moore (Princeton), and Ryan Brown (Deer Park) will handle the running duties. Jamie Cooper (Purcell Marian), Ryan DeBra (Amelia), Mike Wright (Purcell Marian) and Joe Polaneczky (McNicholas) are the primary receivers.
“Jaime ran in the state track meet but never missed a practice,” Olds said. “He was limited on what he could do (to avoid injury) but he showed up every night.”
Olds' offensive approach is different from most coaches.
“Most teams try to establish a running game to open up the passing,” Olds said. “We'll have to make things happen passing the ball and then sneak in some running plays.”
Swearingin, a 5-foot-11, 205-pound Division II all-state linebacker who will play at Capital University (Columbus), is ready for the challenge.
“We're the underdog and that's how I like it,” Swearingin said. “The one thing we're out to do is earn respect and win the game.”
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. with admission $5.00 at the gate. Proceeds go to the Southwestern Ohio Football Coaches Association Scholarship Fund.
East roster and uniform number
1. Rob Phillips, Bethel-Tate
2. Ryan Brown, Deer Park
3. Jonathan Smith, Cincinnati Country Day
4. Chad Kelley, Batavia
5. Santino Turnbow, Woodward
6. Michael Moore, Princeton
7. Tim Dooley, Madeira
9. Jason Dranschak, Kings
10. Jamie Cooper, Purcell Marian
11. Matt Wilson, Goshen
12. Adam Schneider, McNicholas
15. Chris Kent, Batavia
16. Brian Reisert, Moeller
17. Steven Pickerell, Norwood
19. John Fishback, Clermont Northeastern
20. George Wells, Sycamore
21. Mike Rabin, Lakota East
23. John Croswell, Williamsburg
24. Mike Hurley, Kings
26. Jonathan Jackson, Walnut Hills
30. Ronnie Swearingin, Kings
32. Ryan Simmons, Princeton
36. Robert Hurt, Roger Bacon
37. Chad Bayowski, Turpin
38. Blake Betz, Loveland, 41. Ryan DeBra, Milford
42. Mark Streaker, Deer Park
44. Vic Cole, Indian Hill
45. Erik Jones, Lakota East
46. Richard Woods, Withrow
47. Ricky Ahrens, Anderson
51. Wes Couch, New Richmond
61. Oliver Hyams, Sycamore
62. Chris Hafertepen, McNicholas
63. Justin Simpson, Little Miami
65. Brett Henry, Sycamore
66. Scott Yelton, Princeton
67. Jon Perron, Moeller
77. Andy Wenstrup, Amelia
78. Brett Minturn, Loveland
85. Mike Wright, Purcell Marian
88. Joe Polaneczky, McNicholas
99. Shabbar Jones, Roger Bacon.
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