A dominant offense. A stingy defense. A perennial conference powerhouse on the gridiron. And no one weighs more than 165 pounds.
Welcome to sprint football.
"It's a hard-hitting game that features players who are only on the field for one reason -- they love to play the game," Penn senior running back Mark Gannon said. "It's flat-out fun to watch a bunch of undersized kids playing football with great heart and determination."
That "other" Quakers pigskin power, the sprint football team, has sky-high expectations for the upcoming season, and deservedly so.
The Red and Blue return an astonishing 17 starters from a team that finished with only two losses last season.
On the defensive side of the football, all four starters are back from a defensive line that anchored the Collegiate Sprint Football League's second-best defense in 2001.
That unit is led by five-foot-six John Pinto, a junior two-time first-team All-CSFL player.
Chris Malachowski, the second leading tackler from 2001, spearheads the linebacking corps.
But the most intriguing battle of the preseason is in the defensive backfield, where 13 players are vying for four starting spots.
Rayford June, who started last year, will likely take one spot.
The vacancies left by graduated co-captains Diego Morales and Matt Ragsdale, however, leave a gaping hole in what could be a very deep and competitive secondary.
This year, as in seasons past, the team will be driven by a high-scoring, high-flying and most of all, balanced offense.
It all starts with the running game, where Penn has led the CSFL in yards four of the last five years.
That remarkable statistic shows no signs of abating in 2002, as the Quakers return Gannon -- the CSFL's most prolific rusher from a season ago.
Among Gannon's rushing accomplishments from last year are league bests in rushing yards, rushing TDs, attempts, and yards per game. For his play, Gannon received first-team All-CSFL honors.
The conductor of the Red and Blue's offensive locomotive--the man from whom Gannon takes his handoffs -- is Penn quarterback Jimmer Donapel.
Donapel, since taking over the starting job in his 2000 rookie year, has started nine consecutive games.
The five-foot-nine Donapel, an equal threat to run as to put the ball in the air, led the Quakers in total offense in 2001, and finished second in the CSFL in both passing yards (660) and QB rating (113.2).
On the off chance that Donapel and Gannon are both shut down (a rare feat to say the least) senior Jeff Bagnoli -- son of Penn football coach Al Bagnoli -- and sophomore Pat Monaghan flank the offense as returning and capable receivers.
Head coach Bill Wagner, the embodiment of longevity in his 32nd season at the helm, is teamed with five assistants -- who possess a combined 43 seasons at Penn -- in an attempt to give the program its fourth CSFL title since 1996.
"Sprint football doesn't enjoy the glory attached to heavyweight football programs around the country," Gannon said. "But the players on our team love what they are doing."
Usually overshadowed by their larger pigskin partners to most on campus, the Sprint Football team has a chance to produce a special season, one which demands the respect and attention of any doubters.
As for those colossal expectations? Penn believes it's up to the task.
"We can replicate the success we had in 2000 [an undefeated season]," Gannon said.
Season Preview Home venue: Franklin Field Last year: 4-2, 2-2 CSFL Key returning starters: RB Mark Gannon, QB Jimmer Donapel, LB Steve Willard Key game: Army, Oct. 19. "Beat Army" will be the cry as the Quakers try to avenge last season's 35-3 loss. Player to watch
Jimmer Donapel
The junior QB has been a force in his two years, named first team All-CSFL last season.The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
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