The Allegheny-Clarion Valley baseball team could say the same thing heading into the 2008 season.

The Falcons are coming off of a 5-8 campaign, but they are returning five seniors and 10 letter-winners from last year, so experience is not a concern for A-C Valley manager John Irwin.

“The five seniors are definitely going to lead the team,” said Irwin. “If the younger freshmen and sophomores can step it up and bring it through with these seniors, the talent is there.

“This is one of the most talented groups I have seen, this freshman and sophomore class, and our goal coming into this season was to have a winning record and make the playoffs, and I believe we can get it this year, it’s just a matter of getting a winning attitude back at A-C Valley.”

The Falcons have not made an appearance in the District 9 baseball playoffs since 1999.

One of the five seniors that will play a role in A-C Valley ’s season will be outfielder/pitcher Jesse Mangel. Mangel hit .357 with a slugging average of .643. Mangel also had one homer, four triples and 10 RBI. On the mound, Mangel is the ace of the staff with two wins and a save plus 38 strikeouts in 38 innings pitched and he finished with a 4.56 earned run average.

Another senior who will be a key for the Falcons will be returning third-team all-conference shortstop John Stumpner. Stumpner was the Falcons top overall hitter with a .421 batting average and an eye-popping .789 slugging average. Stumpner knocked out four dingers and had 16 RBI along with seven stolen bases.

“Johnny is just an all-around ball player,” said Irwin. “Defensively, you just don’t get much better than Johnny Stumpner up the middle.”

The Falcons also have an experienced veteran behind the plate in the form of Nick McGuirk. McGuirk led the team in batting average, hitting .483.

“Nick calls a super game,” said Irwin. “I don’t think there is a time when I don’t have confidence in him calling a game. He knows what he wants, he knows what the pitchers want, he knows where to place it.

“He is just an all-around super catcher.”

Nick McGuirk will have competition for the catching job in the form of his brother Blayne McGuirk. Blayne McGuirk is only a freshman, but Irwin sees big things from the youngster.

“Blayne is going to push (Nick) for some time,” said Irwin. “(Blayne) is as good as Nick right now, so I am set at catcher for the next four years.”

Nate Silvis will be the A-C Valley second sacker for 2008. Silvis was the team’s second baseman from last year and will be one of leaders of the squad this season.

Rounding out the Falcons’ infield at first base will be a platoon situation with freshman Alan Eaton – who will also be a starting pitcher – and sophomore Reed Terwilliger. Eaton will be the starter at first with Terwilliger seeing action when Eaton is on the hill.

Third base for the Falcons is still up in the air. Blayne McGuirk is the probable starter at third, but sophomore Bobby Amsler and utility man Josh Best will also see time at the position.

“It’s really hard to tell until we get outside,” said Irwin. “I’m just going on experience from last year.”

The A-C Valley outfield will be anchored by senior Ryan Austin.

“Defensively, you don’t get much better than ( Austin ) in the outfield,” said Irwin. “He’s tough.”

Left field will be occupied by Matt Bartley. Bartley was also a starter in left last season as a freshman.

The Falcons will have three players sharing time in right field in 2008. Eric Page, Josh Austin, and Alex Bryson will all see action in the right-field slot during the season.

Behind Mangel, the A-C Valley pitching staff will be composed of Eaton and Terwilliger filling out a three-man rotation.

Irwin is optimistic that his blend of youth and experience can do damage in a KSAC that saw eight teams make it to the District 9 playoffs last season in both Class AA and A.

“You can’t rule any of these (KSAC) teams out,” said Irwin. “This conference is loaded; I mean there is a lot of talent in the KSAC. I really believe in our kids.

“(These kids) are special. We’ve got to turn this program around, and it is just a matter of getting that winning attitude.”