Peebles gives Falcons an explosive backfield

After failing to win a Class D North game a year ago, South Lewis won three nonleague contests and finished the 2009 season on an up note.

Hopefully, that will carry over to this year as veteran coach Brian Greene welcomes back a good number of quality performers to help the Falcons keep the momentum going.

First and foremost is senior tailback Dylan Peebles. Peebles, who already holds the school single-season and career rushing records, scampered for 1,651 yards and 19 touchdowns a year ago as the Falcons' main offensive weapon. The 6-2, 195-pound speedster has put on some muscle and figures to be even tougher coming out of the South Lewis backfield.

Now, Greene must find some adequate support for his star tailback, who was almost unstoppable a year ago despite defenses specifically designed to slow him down. That starts with new quarterback Kyle Fenton, who takes the spot vacated by A. T. Ripp. Fenton, a 5-8, 180-pound senior, saw only limited duty in a back-up role last season.

Backs such as Anthony Manning, George Trainor and Charlie Dorn must help give Peebles a little breather. And Greene is counting on returning starters Travis Williams, Levi Dosztan and Mike Pawloski to open up holes up front for the backs.

On defense, Peebles, Fenton and Trainor and Matt Payne anchor the unit at linebacker, while Hunter Chrusicki is a solid defensive back.

"We've got many of the skill position players back, so that will hopefully make us competitive every week,'' Greene said. "But the young kids need to continue their development and we must avoid injuries.''

SOUTH LEWIS FALCONS

2009 record:3-6, 0-5 Class D North.

Coach:Brian Greene (10th year, 27-49).

Players to watch:Dylan Peebles (Sr., RB/DB); Anthony Manning (Sr., RB/DB); Kyle Fenton (Sr., QB/LB); Mike Pawloski (Sr., OL/DE); Dominck Ventura (So., RB/DB).