While some may wonder why someonew ith Pat Dowling's coaching resume would want to take over a program that hasn't won a game in its last 29 attempts, rest assured, Dowling came to Allentown for all the right reasons.

PHOTOS BY ERIC SUCAR staff Above: Allentown High School's Mike Ballo (l) and David Loichle (r) run through a tackling drill during a recent practice. Below: Linemen run through a drill in preparation for the team's first game this weekend against Robbinsville. "They advertised for this position, and I saw this as a new challenge," the coach said. "I've been through a similar experience with a struggling program up in North Jersey that didn't win many games, and we were able to have some success up there. I looked at Allentown and felt that I might be able to help out with the situation here too. It felt right.

"And I love the whole small town environment," he added. "The whole community's been great. They've embraced me and what I'm trying to do, because I think they realize, it's like the old cliché, it's going to take the whole town to get this program turned around."

And while recent seasons have certainly not given the Redbirds' fans as much to cheer about as they would like, Dowling said that there doesn't appear to be any misunderstanding of exactly what his arrival means to the program.

"I feel good, but I do almost feel like there's some pressure on me," he said. "I don't think that anyone is necessarily looking at me like I'm some kind of savior or anything, though. I think the people here are pretty realistic. I think just like me, they're hoping we can get a win and go from there. Nobody suddenly has aspirations of a league championship."

That being said, Dowling did not come to Allentown not expecting to build a winning program. And in the short time he's been there, he has already seen some encouraging signs.

"The numbers are decent, especially for a team that hasn't won in so long," he said. "We've got about 40-45 guys on the roster, and about 30-35 healthy and practicing. It's not like we had to go out and find kids to play.

"I'm definitely pleased with the progress that I've seen already," he added. "We've got 25 freshmen, and about 20 sophomores in the program. I think that's encouraging because you'd think that with the way this team has struggled that there wouldn't be that many younger kids that would want to be part of the program."

But Dowling does have those kids in the program, and more importantly, they're giving him everything he's asked for.

"The kids are working hard, and have been all summer, and we're building from the ground up," he said. "There's already a lot more accountability with this team, and the kids are buying into it.

"We played a pretty rigorous scrimmage schedule because I'm a firm believer that that is how you get better and get battle-tested," he added. "Once you start the regular season, everyone's 0-0 all over again."

While this year's Allentown team isn't rich on experience (there are 15 seniors, though only two have seen any significant varsity time), Dowling does recognize some talent on his roster.

The Redbird offense has some experience, led by senior fullback Anthony Morolda and senior tailback Marc Niven. Junior Chris Fatigato and senior Kris Bachmann will also see time in the backfield in the team's multiple-I, pro-style set.

"That offense has been my foundation," Dowling said. "But it depends on if the kids show any progress. As they get more comfortable with what we're trying to do, we'll provide more formations and looks. But right now, we're in the basic beginning stages."

Senior Drew Ferraro and junior Sean Eccles are the team's two quarterbacks, though Dowling is leaning towards starting Ferraro in the season-opener.

The offensive line will be anchored by senior center Matt Patterson and co-captains Dan Cifelli and Adam Kwietniack.

Senior Mike Pallo will be a big target at tight end, while the wideouts include senior Vincent Rini and juniors J.C. Fowler and Matt Moeller, who Dowling said is doing a good job despite never playing organized football before.

Defensively, Allentown will feature many of the same players, led by Morolda, Pallo and junior Chris Tyminiski on the defensive line, and Fatigo, Eccles and Ross Schuermann in the linebacker spots. Sophomore Sam Schonk is a strong addition to the secondary.

While it's far too early to predict any victories for this team, Dowling's track record offers a promise that must seem like a breath of fresh air to the Allentown football community.

"I said back in May, in our first meeting, that I expect progress," he said. "I'll have a much better idea where we stand on Saturday (when the team opens with Robbinsville on the road)."

If his players can continue to match Dowling's enthusiasm and level of commitment, Allentown may well be on its way to capturing that elusive victory.