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Centennial Conference Athletics

Juniata College Eagles

 

Head Coach Tim Launtz

Launtz (Juniata ’80) was named head coach at his alma mater in 2011 and has a 4-16 career record … he has served 15 years on the Juniata staff, including the last seven as quarterbacks coach … Launtz was head coach at West Branch (Pa.) High School in 1980 and 1981 … he is the 22nd head coach in Juniata history and the sixth alumnus to guide the program.

Lettermen Returning/Lost: 36/11
Offensive System: Spread
Defensive System: 3-4

 Offensive Preview

 Starters Returning (8)
QB-Ward Udinski, Jr., 6-3, 215
RB-Zach McCaulley, Sr., 5-9, 180
OL-Zach Doyle, Sr., 6-2, 290
OL-Josh Gongloff, Jr., 6-0, 355
OL-Frank Marin, Soph., 6-5, 284
OL-Derek Schultz, Jr., 6-2, 255
OL-Nathan Shaffer, Soph., 5-11, 250
TE-Kyle Schuck, Jr., 6-2, 222

A new day is dawning in Huntingdon, as the Eagles registered three wins in a season for the first time since 2003 and are looking for more in 2013 ... junior QB Ward Udinski is emerging as one of the top signal-callers in the Conference ... he led Juniata in rushing (458) and passing (2,431) for the second straight season and accounted for 18 touchdowns ... junior WR Colton Myers (15 rec) is the top returning receiver, along with junior TE Kyle Schuck ... senior RB Zach McCaulley rushed for 294 yards a year ago and caught 13 passes out of the backfield ... all five starters return on the offensive line, led by senior Zach Doyle and junior Josh Gongloff, a honorable mention All-CC selection.

 

Defensive Preview

Starters Returning (9)
DL-Brandon Felus, Sr., 6-3, 240
DL-Jared Shope, Sr., 6-3, 245
LB-Kevin Gorman, Sr., 6-0, 230
LB-Greg Nixon, Sr., 6-0, 220
LB-Jonah Plymire, Soph., 6-0, 205
LB-Ethan Wilt, Jr., 6-3, 200
DB-Brendan Cohn, Sr., 5-9, 185
S-Demetrius Floyd, Soph., 6-0, 165
DB-Charles Sweigert, Soph., 6-0, 180

The Eagles showed continued improvement on the defensive side of the ball, ranking second in the CC against the rush and third in sacks in 2012 ... senior DL Brandon Felus was a first-team All-Centennial pick after registering 56 tackles, including 16.5 for loss and 11.5 sacks ... classmate Jared Shope makes a potent 1-2 combo ... a second-team All-CC choice, he had 44 stops with 14.5 for loss and 6.5 sacks a year ago ... senior Kevin Gorman is a four-year starter at LB ... he led the team with 71 tackles and two interceptions on his way to second-team All-Centennial honors ... junior LB Ethan Wilt had 60 tackles and broke up six passes ... senior Brendan Cohn is the leader of the secondary.

 

Special Teams Preview

Starters Returning (2)
P-Jonah Plymire, Soph., 6-0, 205
K-Ken Kysor, Jr., 5-8, 160

Sophomore Jonah Plymire averaged 38.6 yards per punt last fall ... junior Ken Kysor returns to handle kickoffs and will be in the hunt for the place-kicking duties as well.

2013 Outlook

Juniata has struggled in the Conference since its entry in 2007 but that may be changing ... the Eagles opened some eyes last season, winning two of their final three games, and return a veteran squad led by a dynamic QB. The first .500 season since 2002 is attainable while contention for the Centennial title may be down the road.

 

Goodman Field at Knox Stadium has been the home of Juniata football since 1923, when a group of alumni helped the college purchase the land east of Scott Street to expand the existing athletic field. Current Eagle football players are part of a tradition that has seen Juniata compete in the same place for 96 seasons.

The current stadium, grandstand, and press box were opened and dedicated in the fall of 1988, and named in honor of NFL coaching legend and Juniata College alumnus Chuck Knox '54. Prior to the dedication, it was known as College Field until 1962, and New College Field until 1987.

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