Coaching continuity keeps Eagles flying

Hubbard takes a 7-0 record against Girard Friday night.
By JOHN BASSETTI
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
HUBBARD -- Different cast, same show.
After having made the playoffs four of the last five years, Hubbard High is on the verge of doing it again as one of three unbeaten area teams.
The Eagles (7-0) began the season with less experience than the year before and without the hype of players such as Shaun Lane and Anthony Smith in recent years.
But there is a super staff that has helped coach Jeff Bayuk over the years.
Key to success
"One of the key ingredients to success, over time, has been stability in staff," said Bayuk, in his 14th year at Hubbard. "Because of the program and continuity, it's been able to perpetuate itself. Whether the kids like it or not, they know what to expect. They feel an obligation to uphold the tradition that's been established."
The holdovers of Ron DeJulio, Mickey Sikora, Rod Greenamyer, Rich Perline, Denny Mathews and Steve Hunt grew by one when Gary Zetts came on board.
To accommodate Zetts, who took over as pass offense coordinator and quarterbacks coach, Greenamyer continued as run offense coordinator.
Not that Bayuk needed more help.
Impressive record
Prior to Zetts' arrival, Bayuk-coached teams at Hubbard produced 95 wins. His 100th came on Oct. 1 against Lakeview. Bayuk is 102-43 at Hubbard and 126-69 including his years at Canfield.
Tailback Tony Giancola, quarterback Bryan Boyce and fullback Ben Lane are the players with the best offensive numbers on a unit that is averaging 37.8 points per game.
Giancola has 943 yards rushing on 100 attempts. The junior has 11 touchdowns rushing and three TD catches. His 84 points also leads the team.
Lane has scored 68 points on 11 touchdowns and one two-point conversion. Boyce has completed 56-of-89 passes for 800 yards and seven touchdowns.
"He's really blossomed as a quarterback under the tutelage of Zetts," Bayuk said of Boyce. "Gary enjoys working with Bryan because he's so coachable."
Passing dimension
The passing dimension has helped Hubbard's arsenal.
"Normally, we don't throw the ball," Bayuk said, "but it's helped keep us diverse."
Boyce was the starting QB in 2003 when Hubbard went 8-2, but missed the playoffs.
Giancola started in the secondary as a sophomore, but was second-string tailback behind Shaun Lane. Giancola's father, Ray, was a 1,000-yard rusher for the Eagles in the early 1970s.
Defense strong
Hubbard's defense is allowing only 4.8 points per game.
Linebackers Andrew Chick and Ben Lane have 45 and 38 tackles, respectively, while end Scott Patterson has 43 tackles and eight sacks.
Because none of the interior offensive linemen play defense, they stay fresh and concentrate on their job.
Center Sam Gonder is a three-year starter, while guard Larry Wolf and tackle Rob Zingale are two-year starters.
"We didn't have a whole lot of returning lettermen, but those we did have had some experience," Bayuk said.
Kicker Raphael Lima was hurt in soccer before the season and hasn't seen any action. In his place, sophomore Steve Cinicola has made 20-of-26 PATs and one field goal. James LaCivita handles kickoffs and Giancola punts.
Can clinch TAC tie
Hubbard can clinch a tie for the Trumbull Athletic Conference crown if it beats Girard this weekend and win it outright if the Eagles win the season finale against Brookfield.
A 9-0 finish would be Hubbard's second unbeaten regular season in recent years. The Eagles were 10-0 in 2001.
The 2004 season opener against Albert Gallatin was canceled due to lightning.
"It remains to be seen whether that'll hurt us," Bayuk said of the playoff ramifications of a nine-game season. "We've got to take care of business these last two weeks."
bassetti@vindy.com