PALMYRA -- What's left for the Central Penn Piranha to do?
Win another national championship, that's what.
Central Penn held its first practice of 2013 on Sunday at In the Net in Lebanon County and the team is eager to defend its title. Not surprisingly, the Piranha is ranked No. 1 in the Gridiron Developmental Football League's preseason poll.
"Every year they come out with the same goals," said owner/head coach Ron Kerr of his players, many of whom have been with the organization for years. "A few years ago, we stumbled; then went on a 30-game winning streak."
The team also announced it will now play its home games at West Perry High School in Elliottsburg. West Perry has a turf field. Central Penn had been playing on natural grass at East Pennsboro.
“Moving from a grass field to a turf playing surface will only enhance the speed of our players and allow them to better showcase their talents," said Kerr in a statement released by the team.
The Piranha (16-0) defeated South Buffalo 49-14 on October 20 to win the Gridiron Developmental Football League (GDFL) title at Chambersburg's Trojan Stadium. The GDFL is comprised of more than 90 minor league teams nationwide.
Central Penn's first game is May 4 at home against the Capital City Atoms.
Following the Piranha in the GDFL's Preseason Top 25: No. 2 (Columbia) South Carolina Venom; No. 3 Indianapolis (Ind.) Tornados; No. 4 Fayetteville (N.C.) Horizon and No. 5 Cuyahoga County (Ohio) Spartans.
Many of the Piranha's top players were able to attend the first practice, including quarterback Mark Jarmon. "We actually have some pretty good numbers here today," said Kerr.
"We're excited for this year. We really are."
This story has been updated from a previous version to reflect change in team's home stadium.
