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La Salle high school football looks to overcome lack of experience | Training camp preview

The Explorers' first three opponents – Imhotep Charter, North Penn and Malvern Prep – went a combined 27-9 last season.

Manny Quiles (13) is expected to be La Salle's feature ballcarrier this season. He rushed for nine scores last year.
Manny Quiles (13) is expected to be La Salle's feature ballcarrier this season. He rushed for nine scores last year.Read moreSTEVEN M. FALK / STAFF PHOROGRAPHER
    by Rick O'Brien | Columnist
    Published 

La Salle

Coach: John Steinmetz (fourth year, 21-13).

Last year: 7-4 overall; 4-2 Catholic League Red Division; advanced to the league final before losing to St. Joseph's Prep,  17-3.

Offense: Spread.

Defense: 4-2-5.

Offensive starters returning: 4.

Defensive starters returning: 3.

Players to watch: Sean Daly, WR/DB, 6-0, 180; Brendan Frusco, LB, 6-2, 210; Luke Hardy, WR, 6-2, 170; Lucas McNally, DL, 6-2, 170; Leland Mersky, OL/DL, 6-1, 230; Manny Quiles, RB, 5-8, 185; Ronnie Ross, OL, 6-3, 305, Liam Tatlonghari, FB-LB, 6-0, 210; Jalen Devose, RB, 5-10, 185; Jack Machita, QB, 5-10, 170; Dillon Trainer, LB, 6-0, 210; Rob Tatum, 6-0, 175, WR-DB.

Quick facts: Quiles rushed for a team-high 342 yards and nine touchdowns. … The Explorers suffered a major blow in the offseason, when savvy receiver and ballcarrier Brett Mallee suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament while playing lacrosse. The senior will play that sport at Yale. …  La Salle will count heavily on Mersky and Ross to create running room for Quiles. … One of the top targets for Machita, a junior and first-year starter, is Hardy.  … The Explorers open the season against PIAA Class 4A runner-up Imhotep Charter on Aug. 24 at Upper Dublin. Their nonleague slate continues with North Penn, Malvern Prep, and Haverford School. They open Catholic League Red Division play at St. Joseph's Prep on Sept. 29 at Widener's Quick Stadium.