SEASON OPENER The wait is over: YSU takes center stage at Stambaugh Stadium

Jon Heacock begins his third year as the Penguins' coach.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- Youngstown State coach Jon Heacock put his football team through as many game-time situations as possible during the preseason.
Tonight, Heacock will see how much that work has paid off, when the Penguins open the 2003 season against Edinboro at Stambaugh Stadium.
"We've put as much pressure on this group as we could," said Heacock. "We've used the 25-second clock all camp long and put them in every possible position on the football field. Now we'll see what they got from it all."
Third season
The Penguins were 8-3 and 7-4 in Heacock's first two seasons, but were left out of the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs.
"Our senior class has led this group all through camp and they have done a tremendous job," said Heacock. "But, we still have a lot of players who have never played a game here and we're anxious to see how they do."
Sophomore Aaron Marshall, who was 6-2 in the final eight games of last season, will be the starting quarterback. He'll control an offense that Heacock wants to be more balanced than in 2002.
"We will still be a running team, but we'll be doing a lot of different things to highlight the talent that we have," he said.
Seniors Michael Burns and Josiah Doby will be the featured backs this season, but Doby isn't expected to play tonight because of a sprained toe.
Senior Darius Peterson and sophomore Josh Cayson, who bring a speed element to the tailback position, should also see action. Senior Chris DiMauro will be the fullback.
Options
When Marshall goes to the air, he will have some outstanding targets, including sophomore wide receivers Kyle Smith and Damian Wright and tight ends Mike Roberts, a junior, and Shawn Carlson, a sophomore.
The offensive line features returning starters Josh Davis -- who was named to the All-Gateway Conference preseason team -- and Will Sanders.
Backing up Marshall will be freshman Tom Zetts of Boardman and junior Matt Rycraft. Rycraft will also see action as a wide receiver and on special teams.
Seven starters had to be replaced from the defense, including the entire line.
Most of the new starters saw action a year ago, including nose tackle Nate Baston and end Matt Briggs, both juniors.
Senior Steve Durbin of McDonald makes his debut at tackle.
"If we have a concern it's that we're not very big up front," said Heacock.
Dellarose injured
Fifth-year senior linebacker Justin Dellarose (hamstring) is questionable for tonight's game. If he can't go, sophomore Joe Juby will take his place. Junior Yancey Marcum and sophomore Mike Andrews are also expected to start.
The veteran secondary is led by seniors Sherod Holmes and Scott Thiessen and junior Mike Bracken. Senior Waymann Peters is the other starter, but he is also questionable for tonight. If he can't go, freshman Durrell Preston will get the start.
The Penguins' kickers have been outstanding in camp. Junior Nick Terracina will be the placekicker and freshman redshirt Joe Bishop is the punter.
"We've been impressed with our special teams work this camp and hopefully all that hard work will pay off for us this season," Heacock said.
mollica@vindy.com