The task staring the Pine-Richland Rams in the face this season will be replacing more than 3,000 yards of offense and 50 touchdowns, as they need to totally reload their backfield.

Gone are quarterback Spencer Whipple, running back Vince Veltre and fullback Ben Scherer.

Their replacements have yet to emerge, but the concern of who the skill players will be is not the issue for Rams' head coach Clair Altemus.

The group consists of Eric Schaude, Ryan Haskins, Anthony DiPasquale, Mike Winsko and Ross Venturi, who was an all-conference tight end, despite not catching a pass.

"I'm not as concerned with the backs, with those guys up front," Altemus said. "Anyone who can read or cut will be able to find a hole and make yardage. We will hang our hats on the line."

The quarterback situation is also up in the air, as three will vie for the spot. It was assumed that last year's backup quarterback Zach Richert would assume the role, but according to Altemus, Richert has added more muscle and will likely start at fullback to make up for the loss of Scherer.

As he has proven in the past, Altemus is not afraid to start an underclassman at quarterback or a senior.

Vinny Nittoli is one player Altemus mentioned as a possibility.

"All our quarterbacks are very capable," he said. "Our situation there is great."

Altemus also has some decisions to make at tailback, where the starting spot is up for grabs. Good speed among the candidates is a plus, but it is also making the decision harder for the coaching staff.

Richert is one of six fullbacks who could go for the Rams. A deep group to say the least, they all possess different attributes, among them some good receivers coming out of the backfield.

The receiving corps will also need to be reloaded, with six players fighting for three positions.

Altemus is encouraged by the fact his skill players won both the Pitt and Penn State 7-on-7 events, as well as the Pine-Richland 7-on-7 tournament.

Beside the offensive line, will be tight ends Mike Felker and Phil Rader. Both players are 6-foot-3 or taller, offering big targets in the red zone and providing a safety net for the quarterback.

On defense, fans can expect the offensive line to turn right around and open holes for the linebacking corps as well. The linebackers will be anchored by Richert, who will start at inside linebacker along with Derrick Gonano and Nittoli.

"Their strength is being able to read on the run and their quickness and defense," Altemus said.

The defensive backs should impress again this season, thanks in part to the tutelage of former Steelers great Mike Wagner. The defensive backfield of Tyler Deal, Ian Hennessy, T.J. Kuban, Steve Valenza and Luke Conte figures to be a strong one for the Rams.

No head coach puts more emphasis on special teams than Altemus, proven by the fact that he coaches the unit personally.

Altemus will have his work cut out for him as Tom Randazza, who handled the kicking and punting duties, has graduated. Randazza was a special player, as he split the uprights from just a shade under 50 yards in the playoffs and boomed almost every kickoff into the end zone.

The job currently belongs to Greg Langer, Randazza's understudy. Langer, a junior, does not have the big leg just yet, but Altemus said his strength is his accuracy. The punting duties will belong to Matt Yoklic.

The Rams may be reloading in several areas, but an undefeated junior varsity team has the coaching staff feeling pretty good about things as the season nears.

The Rams have won six section titles in a row and seven of the last nine. The expectations are for the Rams to win, but Altemus sends a slightly different message.

"I always stress being competitive," he said.

"If you give it all and lose, lose knowing you did your best. Give your all and let the pieces fall where they may."