Herald-Standard Football Tab 2025

REFUELING FOR A REPEAT

Rob Burchianti, Jonathan Guth, Chris Dugan, John Sacco, Joe Tuscano, Bill Hughes, Mark Marietta, Lori C. Padilla

Flying high again

Rockets ready to battle in search of TCS championship repeat

BY JONATHAN GUTH jguth@heraldstandard.com

In Shane Ziats’ first three seasons at Jefferson-Morgan, the team has improved in wins each year, and finished last season undefeated in the regular season at 100, as the Rockets won the Tri-County South Conference championship.

Jefferson-Morgan also capped its first undefeated regular season since 1989 before a 39-30 loss to South Side ended the Rockets’ campaign in the first round of the WPIAL Class A playoffs.

The conference title and undefeated regular season were quite an accomplishment, but Ziats and his team know a repeat will be a much stiffer challenge, as J-M has gone from the hunter to the hunted.

“There are going to be expectations the next season when you win a conference championship, and we are aware of that,” Ziats said. “You never know what is going to happen week-inand-week-out in conference play.”

Jeff-Morgan also must replace quarterback Houston Guesman, who with Deakyn DeHoet, formed one of the best 1-2 punches in the WPIAL.

DeHoet will return for his senior season after pulling in 52 receptions for 1,038 yards and scoring 21 touchdowns. DeHoet returned three kickoffs and one punt for scores.

Lori C. Padilla

Jefferson-Morgan senior Deakyn DeHoet hopes to have the Rockets soaring to another Tri-County South Conference title this year.

DeHoet, who also plays baseball, worked on his speed this offseason in participating in track & field.

Despite having to compete for Beth-Center as part of a co-op, and not having a track & field facility to regularly work out at, DeHoet placed fifth in the 100-meter dash in the Class 2A boys at the PIAA Track & Field Championship after running 11.17 in the final. He has a personal record of 10.95 in the event.

DoHeot is still penciled in at wide receiver, but Ziats and his staff plan on doing whatever is necessary to get the talented athlete the ball.

“We are going to try and get Deakyn involved as much as we can,” Ziats said. “It could be inside or outside. We just don’t know yet, but we will see what puzzle pieces fit best.”

DeHoet is not a rah-rah guy, but his work ethic is noted.

“Deakyn is more of a lead-by-example type of guy, but he is getting better at being more vocal,” Ziats said.

In addition to Guesman, the Rockets will be looking to find replacements for four other key cogs that were seniors a year ago in Ryan Baker, Jase Bedilion, Ethan Crowe and Johnny Gilbert.

“Those seniors that we lost are going to be hard to replace,” Ziats said. “Hopefully, we got guys that are going to fill those shoes. We had 30 kids at our first day of practice. We will see how many stick around, but so far, so good.”

Junior Triton Farabee has been getting reps at quarterback, and will have a tall order in replacing Guesman, but Ziats is confident in his signal caller.

“I am pretty pleased with what he has done so far,” Ziats said. “He has been here all summer, and is learning what he has to do on offense.”

Senior John Woodward is back at running back, but as a former lineman himself, Ziats knows that the line drives the vehicle.

Twins Landon and Levi Heath and Eli Hill are fouryear starters on the offensive

and defensive lines. Fellow senior Remington Broadwater will also get the nod. Sophomore Jeremiah Rodriguez rounds out the line.

“If the line doesn’t go, the offense doesn’t,” Ziats said. “It’s as simple as that. We have our three four-year starters, and Remington has had a little bit of an injury bug for a couple of years, but he is back and ready to go.”

Jefferson-Morgan will bring a simplistic approach when it's on defense, but playing solid, fundamental football will be key.

“We want the kids to learn the technique and fundamentals and to do their job,” Ziats said. “We don’t want them to do anything that we don’t ask them to do. Just do what is required.

“Stopping is always key, and in this conference, probably more so with the amount of running that teams do. We must warp up and be a solid tackling team.”

J-M defeated California, 2827, in the regular-season finale to win the TCS, and the Trojans are looking for someone to try and fill the shoes of Lee Qualk, but Ziats expects another solid team in Coal Center under veteran head coach Ed Woods.

“He (Woods) always has a solid team,” Ziats said. “They are a tough team with a great coaching staff, but I don’t want to overlook any team. As a team, we have promise, but when it comes down to it, all that matters is what happens on Friday night.”

Ziats is assisted by Tom Corazzi, Ron Gallagher, Jacob Nace, William Rogers, Tony Ruscitto, Jake Rush and Alan Yanak.

Corazzi and Ruscitto come over from Beth-Center, where Ruscitto was the head coach last season. As a former Bulldogs, Ziats is eager to have both coaches on his staff.

“Coach Tony has a lot of experience and tutelage, and Coach Corazzi is also from Beth-Center,” Ziats said. “We are bringing in a mix of old school with the new.”

Shane

enters his third season as coach at Jefferson-Morgan. He led the Rockets to an undefeated regular season and a Tri-County South Conference championship a year ago.

SCHEDULE

Aug 22 – Chartiers-Houston, 7 p.m.

Aug 29 – Waynesburg Central, 7 p.m.

Sept. 5 – at Burgettstown, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 – at Mapletown, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 – Carmichaels, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 – at West Greene, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 – Beth-Center, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 – at Bentworth, 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 – Avella, 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 – California, 7 p.m.

Jonathan Guth | Herald-Standard Jefferson-Morgan quarterback Triton Farabee fakes a handoff to Alek Palko in a preseason practice at the Rockets’ workout facility behind Parker Field.

Lori C. Padilla

Ziats

Albert Gallatin Colonials

Dindl enters 8th year of successful reign at AG

BY ROB BURCHIANTI rburchianti@heraldstandard.com

When it comes to the four Fayette County independent teams, one has stood out clearly as the most successful.

Albert Gallatin under Drew Dindl has compiled a 29-20 record in six years outside of the WPIAL, including 6-3 last year which tied California (8-4) for the second-best winning percentage (.667) among local teams behind Jefferson-Morgan (10-1)

The Colonials went 0-10 in Dindl’s first season at the helm which was their last in the WPIAL before going independent. His overall record is 29-30 as he enters his eighth year at AG.

“It’s been good, a lot different from year one to year eight for sure,” Dindl said in looking back. “Those first couple years I was still trying to figure things out, trying to find my way. We seem to have a pretty good system now. I think we ended up with 3,300 rushing yards last year.”

The Colonials will continue with their vaunted ground attack led again by quarterback Bronx Jamison.

“Bronx will be a junior. He got some starts as a freshman for us and took over

full time last year,” Dindl said. “He did a real good job last year for us. Even now he asks real good questions.”

Albert Gallatin again spent time over the summer with Harding University, an NCAA Division-II school that won the 2023 national title.

“We welcomed them in again and they always have good things to say about Jamison,” Dindl said. “They actually brought their starting quarterback this year to help out. Even that kid was impressed with him.”

While Jamison runs the offense well, one area Dindl would like to see improvement in is the passing game which the Colonials rarely utilize although the potential for big plays through the air opens up at times with defenses concentrating on stopping AG’s running attack.

“He struggled there a little bit but he’s improved in the offseason with that with strength and delivery,” Dindl said. “We had some routes open but missed a few passes last year but I have confidence he’s going to hit those this year.”

Albert Gallatin’s feature running back will be senior Adam Pegg who exploded for several long touchdowns a year ago.

Photos: Rob Burchianti | Herald-Standard

Albert Gallatin coach Drew Dindl talks with quarterback Bronx Jamison during a game against Connellsville last season.

Albert Gallatin’s Tee Guesman (2) looks for running room against Uniontown during a game last season.

Gallatin’s Roman Smith runs for a chunk of yardage against Connellsville last season.

“One of our A-backs would be Adam who’s a big-play guy for sure,” Dindl said. “We’re still looking for that guy to replace Caleb DeHaven and also Nasir Moore. Pegg is our main guy and we’ve got Tee Guesman, a senior, and Roman Smith, a junior, at that B-back (fullback) position that will be huge for us.

“We moved Ethan Kennedy in from receiver, we’re trying him out a little bit at A-back to see if he likes it. If not we’ll move him back out to receiver. He’s a senior. We’ve got some freshmen that we may look at and then we have a sophomore, Clayton Bollinger, who has been repping there.”

The offensive line has several veterans returning.

“We’ve got a lot of guys back that

had playing experience,” Dindl said. “Aidan Garcia and J.J. Perrine are our anchors, they’re both seniors. We’ve got CJ Colgan coming back off a bad knee injury that occurred early last year for his senior year and Chris Rizer, who’ll be a sophomore, got some action as a freshman after CJ got hurt. Rizer will be the center. He had a heck of an offseason in the weightroom and has gotten bigger and stronger, so we’re excited to see what he does. CJ will probably be at guard.

“Brock Turney is another senior we hope we can count on.”

Dindl is hoping his team will develop some depth as the season goes on.

“Our roster will end up being around 35 or 40,” Dindl said. “We

might have a couple kids playing one way but not many. Hopefully we can get a few rotations in at defensive line. Some of our linebackers will be playing both ways. Pegg is one of our strong safeties on defense and probably won’t come off the field much. He’s just a good player.

“Kennedy is going to be a cornerback. He’s pretty tough, always in position. Roman, we’re going to be counting on him a bunch. He’s got to be that big middle linebacker who plugs up everything this year. We’ve got to get a lot out of Perrine, hopefully, also, on the D-line. He’s about 6-3, 6-4 and about 300 pounds. He’s a monster. Garcia will play linebacker on defense for us.”

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Rob Burchianti | Herald-Standard

Albert

The Colonials swept their three Fayette County opponents in 2024, knocking off Connellsville, 29-26, for the first time ever in their 14th meeting, and also defeating Uniontown, 36-21, and Brownsville, 48-6.

“Those are always big games, the ones the kids really want to win and it was nice to win all three last year,” Dindl said.

“Yeah we beat Uniontown and Brownsville and finally beat Connellsville in a close game, so I’m sure they’ll be coming back with a vengeance after that one. We play all three of those teams again this year.”

Albert Gallatin defeated Laurel Highlands two years ago but for the second year in a row the Mustangs aren’t on the schedule.

“We couldn’t work anything out with LH because of the WPIAL schedule, they didn’t have an opening,” Dindl said. “But one good thing is this will be the first year since we went independent where we’ll have a full 10-game

SCHEDULE

Aug. 22 – Greensburg Salem, 7 p.m.

Aug. 29 – at Carrick, 7 p.m.

Sept. 5 – at Connellsville, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 – Northern Garrett, Md., 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 – Uniontown, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 – at Allegany, Md., 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 – at Clear Spring, Md., 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 – Hedgesville, W.Va., 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 – at Brownsville, 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 – Weir, W.Va., 7 p.m.

schedule, five home games and five away.”

The Colonials open their season at home against Greensburg Salem in Week Zero on Aug. 22.

“Greensburg is always a good team and they beat us at their place last year,” Dindl said. “Our longest trip this year is to Clear Spring, Maryland.”

Dindl felt the time his team spent with Harding again was beneficial to his team.

“We did our summer workouts and they came in and worked with us and I think that helps

us a lot,” Dindl said. “Their terminology is very similar to ours so when they’re calling out what to do our kids understand and right away and go do it.”

Avoiding injuries will be one of the keys to success for AG, according to Dindl.

“I just think it’s staying healthy. We’re very thin,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of young guys that are going to have to get ready but they’re not quite there right now so our older guys have to be tough and stay healthy until these guys are ready to rock and roll and give us a few more able bodies to give the starters a break here and there.

“Hopefully we’re in good enough shape to make it to the fourth quarter and be able to keep playing with some of these teams that have bigger numbers and better depth.”

Albert Gallatin plays at Connellsville on Sept. 5 and at Brownsville on Oct. 17 and host Uniontown on Sept. 19. The Colonials also have home games against Northern Garrett, Maryland (Sept. 12), Hedgesville, West Virginia (Oct. 10) and Weir, West Virginia (Oct. 24).

Rob Burchianti | Herald-Standard

Albert Gallatin’s Adam Pegg breaks free for a long run against Connellsville last year.

Belle Vernon Leopards

No easing into Bryer era at Belle Vernon

BY JOHN SACCO

For the Herald-Standard

In the case of the Belle Vernon Leopards, don't judge a book by its cover – or its first five games.

First-year head coach Scott Bryer and Belle Vernon start this season with games against Aliquippa (home), at Central Valley, McKeesport (home), at South Fayette and then host Thomas Jefferson.

Bryer just chuckled when asked about the Leopards’ first five challenges after playing a second scrimmage against West Allegheny rather than a Week Zero game.

"We're not easing into anything," Bryer said.

Belle Vernon's offense will be led by senior quarterback Curtis Wade and senior running back Deaubre Lightfoot (5-10,165). Adding experience at receiver senior Nick Mahalko (6-2, 177).

“Offensively, skill-wise, with Curtis coming back and Lightfoot we'll have two there who have experience and production. We have three back on the offensive line," Bryer pointed out.

Those three players who saw significant playing time up front include senior Jude Minniti (6-3) – a starter last year – junior Ethan Barron (started a few games) and junior guard Dalton Daumit (6-1).

Defensively, Bryer thinks the Leopards will have a strong linebacking corps. That unit will include senior David Bergstedt and junior Jace Gedekoh (6-0, 173).

Belle Vernon, after winning consecutive PIAA championships in 2023 and 2024, went 4-5 overall last season. The Leopards finished 3-2 in the Class 4A Big Six Conference, losing to Thomas Jefferson, 4214, and to Trinity, 31-21, to finish in third place. The Leopards were eliminated from the playoffs by McKeesport, 34-11.

Belle Vernon will again contend with Chartiers Valley, Laurel Highlands, Ringgold, TJ and Trinity in conference play.

"We have a lot of new guys in terms of people filling in and in starting positions," Bryer explained. "We’re looking at improvement every week. We'll see progress through the effort and that's needed on a daily and weekly basis. I'm looking for them to show up every day with the right attitude, wanting to get better every day and being in it for the long run.

Mark Marietta

“Obviously, the beginning of our season is very difficult. I think our first five or six games are against teams that are legit contenders for win-

ning WPIAL championships and playing even deeper into playoffs. We have our work cut out for us and that just adds to the challenge. I know we have five new starters on offense and six new starters on defense, so I'm

SCHEDULE

Aug. 22 – West Allegheny, 7 p.m.

Aug. 29 – Aliquippa, 7 p.m.

Sept. 5 – at Central Valley, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 – McKeesport, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 – at South Fayette, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 – Thomas Jefferson, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 – at Chartiers Valley, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 – at Laurel Highlands, 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 – Ringgold, 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 – Trinity, 7 p.m.

putting some young and inexperienced guys out there in some tough situations right off the bat."

The top two teams in each Class 4A conference, plus two at-large wild

cards, will be selected to represent an eight-team postseason field.

"You're always going to put Thomas Jefferson at the top until someone knocks them off," Bryer

said. "Cherp (Jaguars' Coach Bill Cherpak) does a great job and they obviously had a great year last year. They return another strong team this year and you look at them to be up at the top again. Yeah, we battled with them the last year and with Trinity. I think they're going to have another really solid team as well."

Bryer is eager to start his first campaign as Belle Vernon’s head coach. He is an elementary principal in the Mount Pleasant School District and succeeds Matt Humbert.

Prior to being a Belle Vernon assistant, Bryer was assistant head coach/ defensive coordinator at Mount Pleasant from 2001-2008. He is a South Allegheny graduate and earned his teaching de-

gree from Robert Morris University and a master’s degree from PennWest California University. Bryer previously coached at Belle Vernon under former head coach Aaron Krepps.

“It's very exciting,” Bryer said. “It's more. It's an honor to be able to do it.

I'm glad that people think high enough of me to give me this opportunity. To be able to have so many good coaches come on staff just reinforces that excitement.

“I've known these kids for a long time and this program has meant so much to me and my family the last 10 to 15 years.

I'm excited to keep it moving forward and I look forward to all the challenges that come with it.”

Bentworth Bearcats

With Hays, Bentworth should be strong in TCS

BY JOE TUSCANO

For the Herald-Standard

If dedication means anything, then Bentworth should have a pretty good football season.

All summer long, one passing the weight room could hear the music blaring and the sound of iron slapping the floor.

"I'm not saying we'll be the best team in the conference, but we'll be midlevel," said Bentworth head coach Dave Pordash. "We lost a few players from last year and our numbers are a little low. We have a couple guys returning. But they all came to lift in the offseason and they were pretty dedicated. They wanted to be here, they weren’t just putting in their time."

One of the guys returning is senior running back Ben Hays, who had a spectacular season last year and was one of the best players in the Class A Tri-County South Confer-

SCHEDULE

Aug. 22 – Brownsville, 7 p.m.

Aug. 29 – at Burgettstown, 7 p.m.

Sept. 5 – Charleroi, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 – at California, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 – Beth-Center, 7 p.m.

Sept 26 – at Carmichaels, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 – West Greene, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 – Jefferson-Morgan, 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 – at Mapletown, 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 – Avella, 7 p.m.

ence. Hays rushed for 1,358 yards. He is now within about 1,100 yards of passing school leader Tom Lapcevic, who played in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Hays did a little of everything for the Bearcats. He also caught 16 passes and was credited with 18 pass completions in 20 attempts for 340 yards and six touchdowns.

"He meant a lot to the team last year," Pordash said of Hays. "He led the team in rushing and scor-

ing (17 touchdowns). He put on about 20 pounds and now weighs 190. In the offseason, he did a lot of lifting. He's one of the better talents in our conference. We'll get him the ball. Ben ran a lot of wideout and we'll have him do it again this year."

Ty Watson returns at quarterback after a solid 2024 season. Watson completed 51 of 113 pass attempts, threw six touchdowns and had six interceptions.

"Ty worked hard in the offseason," Pordash said. "He also put on 20 pounds. "We had a good lifting program this year. The kids were on it and the kids were dedicated.”

Jaquay Preston and Alex Leichty will join Hays in the backfield. Preston rushed for 253 yards and scored three touchdowns and Leichty gained 79 yards on 21 carries in an injury-shortened season.

Pordash used Hays on halfback passes and he was quite effective. Kaden Ayers and Timmy Bassich will be the main targets for Watson and Hays. Chris Harper is back after missing all of last season, but the Bearcats do need to find a replacement for Lucas Burt, who was the

team’s leading receiver a year ago.

Pordash also has to find a replacement for offensive and defensive tackle Alex Rusilko, a 6-5, 318-pounder who took his skills to PennWest California. Cameron Krejci (6-0, 185) will start at left tackle and Brayden Taggart (5-9, 220) is at left guard. Levi Urcho (6-3, 300) will center the line. Right guard will be Lucas Malanosky (6-0, 270) and manning the right tackle spot will be Gavin Haynes (6-4, 223).

"We do have some nice size," Pordash said. "We're looking for them to step up."

Quincy Brown (5-11, 250) joins Haynes at defensive tackle and Urcho and Krejci will man the defensive end positions.

Taggart and Jaquay step in at middle linebacker and Watson and Hays will be on the outside.

"Since I've been here, this is one of the strongest teams I’ve had," Pordash said.

Pordash feels the Bearcats will have to watch out for California, Jefferson-Morgan and West Greene if they want to improve on their 6-5 record and take a step up in the WPIAL Class A playoffs.

The Bearcats lost to Bishop Canevin at Dormont Stadium in the first round of the playoffs last season.

Beth-Center Bulldogs

Beth-Center trying to piece together a winner

BY JOE TUSCANO For the Herald-Standard

Any high school football coach will tell you that putting together a team is like finding the pieces to a puzzle, especially when it comes to smaller classifications.

Just ask Tim Trump, the first-year head coach at Beth-Center High School which went 1-8 overall last year.

The biggest piece to find is at quarterback, where Jonah Sussan graduated. Sussan led the Bulldogs in passing yardage and was a capable runner, and that's the first piece to the offensive puzzle Trump must find during camp.

"We have a lot of youth and lack depth," Trump said. "A lot of the guys got playing time so I'm banking on that this year. Some of them have to mature. Once they mature, I'm really looking forward to that because they are going to be really good. I hope it happens this year. I do think we're going to surprise some people."

Chase Bebout, who played sparingly last year, will get first shot at replacing Sussan. Bebout passed for 80 yards last year.

"Bebout is pretty accurate," Trump said. "He throws a nice tight spiral. When he's on, he's on. In some 7-on-7s, he threw some nice passes."

Bebout, who will run multiple sets, will have Danny Duncan, Cincere Cruse and Deasean Whipkey to throw to when he drops back.

In the backfield, Trump has Whipkey, a sophomore who led the team with 612 yards rushing and nine touchdowns last year. He will be joined by Teagan Veatch, who is the only senior in the backfield, and Homer Headlee, who will play fullback. Cruse has a chance to be an effective runner and receiver if he can stay healthy.

Trump said he won’t deviate from what has long been a Beth-Center offensive tradition.

"Right now, we are trying to split the carries up evenly," he said. "Whoever has the hot hand will carry the load. We tell the kids we want to win. We don't have selfish players.

SCHEDULE

Aug. 23 – at Riverview, noon

Aug. 23 – Leechburg, 7 p.m.

Sept. 5 – at Monessen, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 – Carmichaels, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 – at Bentworth, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 – Avella, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 – at Jefferson-Morgan, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 – Mapletown, 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 – at California, 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 – at West Greene, 7 p.m.

ABOVE: Sophomore tackle Blake Stopko and his defensive linemates drive the blocking sled as they prepare for play in the Class A Tri-County South Conference.

LEFT: Junior quarterback Chase Bebout leads his teammates through an agility drill.

These kids don't go around saying, 'I'm the man.' They are going to do whatever it takes."

Brody Bebout will handle left guard and Blake Stopko will play left tackle. Luciano Ruscitto, whose grandfather is former Bulldogs head coach Tony Ruscitto, will center the line. Bradley Detrick will be at right guard and Dominick Minucci will be at right tackle. Jax Taylor and Evan Miller will be the tight ends.

On defense, Brody Bebout, Stopko, Ruscitto, Detrick and Minucci should grab spots on the line. Cruse, Whipkey and Veatch will play either linebacker or defensive back.

Trump sees California and Jefferson-Morgan – the top two teams a year ago – as the ones to beat again in the Tri-County South Conference.

"I'm really excited to get this show on the road," said Trump, who played at Beth-Center and Waynesburg University. "That's what I'm really excited about, to work with the kids.

"We're trying to get kids to come out but it's difficult. I talked to everybody and they are struggling with numbers. (California head coach) Ed Woods told me he only has 28 kids out. Right now, I have 26. But I had 37 kids sign up. I think the cellphone is messing up these kids. You don't see them out in the neighborhood like you used to. I learned a lot (of football) on the street. I learned to tackle, to run. I think technology is screwing things up."

Photos: Mark Marietta

Brownsville Falcons

Castor striving for reversal of fortune at Brownsville

BY ROB BURCHIANTI rburchianti@heraldstandard.com

Brownsville will be playing football under its fourth head coach since the 2023 season began.

Chad Castor intends to stick around a lot longer as he tries to get the Falcons football program back on track.

Castor, a Uniontown graduate who starred for the Red Raiders and played four years at Penn State, has the transition underway at Brownsville.

“It’s just trying to raise the floor,” Castor said. “We’ve worked really hard to try to build them up as athletes in the weight room, trying to teach them schemes offensively and defensively, how we can come together to make this the best we can.”

Castor takes over a team that has gone a combined 1-37 the past four years but the past doesn’t matter to him as he tries to instill a winning attitude into his players.

“We talked the other day and said if you want to be the big dog, and everybody wants to be the big dog, you’ve got to knock off a big dog to do it,” Castor said. “We can’t just hope we transform into it, we’ve got to come into some of these games wanting to take it away from teams.

“I’m just doing the best I can everyday with these kids, trying to make myself better as we go along, evaluating my own choices to see how I can improve for what these kids need, and just trying to push them and I think it’s already been a very positive thing early on.”

Castor does have a veteran quarterback to lean on in 6-foot-4 senior Kaden Wimmer who quarterbacked the Falcons to their lone win of the last four years in 2023 although he didn’t play a full season in 2024.

“Kaden Wimmer is someone who took snaps early in the season last year as quarterback and he’s shown the strong ability to be able to handle that position again this year,” Castor said. “He throws a really nice ball. He’s a tall kid that can see over the top of everything. We’re hoping he can have a big impact for us.” Wimmer has pushed himself to take on a leadership role for the team.

“He stepped up at one of our most recent practices

SCHEDULE

Aug. 22 – at Bentworth, 7 p.m.

Aug. 29 – St. Clairsville, Ohio, 7 p.m.

Sept. 5 – at Uniontown, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 – Conotton Valley, Ohio, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 – at Martins Ferry, Ohio, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 – at Carrick, Cupples Stadium, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 – at Meyersdale, 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 – Albert Gallatin, 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 – Toronto, Ohio, 7 p.m.

Brownsville’s Jaiden Praster turns the corner to pick up a

out on the field and spoke to the team following that and I was extremely happy to see that coming from him because I think he is naturally a little bit of a quiet kid,” Castor said. “I’ve been trying to call three kids up at the end of every practice just to make sure the players are communicating with each other and taking some ownership of their team. When he stepped up with two other teammates I was very excited to see him do that. I think he was overcoming some of that quiet nature and showing his ability to lead.”

Castor is already familiar with Wimmer and several key players on the football team through being an assistant boys basketball coach last season.

“Exzavier Vargas, Kaden and Jaiden Praster are three seniors that I was able to work with on the basketball team,” Castor said. “Vargas is a returning running back. He’s a little bit shorter than most of our players but he is not lacking in heart and explosiveness. He’s definitely able to be fast and aggressive and hopefully will be assertive in the running game for us.

“Jaiden Praster is someone who catches the ball really nicely that I’m really excited for. Knowing those three have a good relationship from playing together in multiple sports, I’m looking forward to see what we can put together for them for their senior year.”

Brownsville has several more skill players of note.

Rob Burchianti | Herald-Standard

big gain against Uniontown last season.

FALCONS

“Some other people that have really stood out to me are Maxime Dieudonne, Cynseir Douglas and Silas Patterson who are also very good multi-sport athletes at our school,” Castor said.

“I can see Max and Silas as receivers and Cynseir as a running back as well as in the slot. Max and Silas both run track on the four-by-100 relay and are extremely fast kids. Cynseir is also a wrestler and has had some really incredible gains over

the summer in changing his physic a little bit.

“That’s been a big priority for me this summer with the kids is trying to teach them how to use the weight room properly. We just finished maxing out last week and I’m really excited to see some of the numbers the kids are starting to put up as they’re getting confident with their bodies.”

A consistent sore spot for the Falcons in the past has been the offensive and defensive line.

Castor is depending on a trio of players to help out in

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the trenches this season.

“One of our returning seniors is Anthony Ricco. He’s our center and he’s done a really good job in the past as I’m able to watch film,” Castor said. “He’s a very strong young man with lots of returning experience.

“We also have two other seniors, Kam Shumar and Blake Olesko, who’ve been working with us over the summer. I’m hoping with their size and seniority that they’ll be able to help us as we move people in the running game.”

Castor’s goal on defense is to have his team play well as a unit.

“We’re still looking for a leader on defense,” Castor said. “I think some strong pieces of it are going to be all 11 playing together. We have some strong young men that I’ve mentioned in the senior group and Max and Silas and Cynceir with their speed should be able to run to the football and finish plays in the open field.

“Some young sophomores on the team, Stevie Campbell, Thomasray Stimmell, Alex Remington and Logan Ross, have done really well also, so I’m hoping they can be contributors on the defensive side of the ball.”

Castor’s squad doesn’t have a lot of depth which means the Falcons will have plenty of two-way players.

“For about the last three weeks we’ve had about 20 to 30 kids, including some middle school kids working out,” Castor said. “So I am excited about how much involvement we’ve had through the summer. But I definitely envision people playing on both sides of the ball as the numbers are not as high as I’d like them to be.

“But I’m also trying to have a role for everyone on our team to the best of our ability. If they’re ready to play their role safely and protect themselves and help the team, it’d be great if we could balance out the

reps that are going to come across a game through all of our roster.”

With a new coach comes a new offense and defense, and the Falcons are trying to pick up Castor’s system.

“They’re learning it. We’ve been focusing on trying to repeat our installs offensively and defensively, so we’ve been able to put those in recently and we intend to repeat them during heat acclimate and the first install of camp so that the base offense and base defense are really well understood by the kids,” Castor said. “It’s more about how we run them than how many things we can run right now.

“It’s definitely been a teaching thing. We had them up in the classroom and I spent about a half an hour on the board trying to see what they were able to retain and asking them to come up and fill in information. It’s going to be a process because it is new to them and I told them straight forward it doesn’t

matter how well I know the stuff, it’s how well you guys know it. We’ve got to be able to try to start picking this up as best as we can. We’re going to give opportunities, trying to teach on the board, through some film and on the field as well.”

Castor has welcomed some outside help in an attempt to inspire his players further.

“We’ve had some great coaches working with them and one of them is Amonti Marsh, a former Brownsville athlete,” Castor said. “He’s been talking to the kids after practice the last couple days about stacking good days and I think that’s a really good message for us right now. The message I’ve been trying to relay is do the best you can until you know better and then do better.

“We’re definitely in a learning phase, trying to understand how we support each other on the football field and knowing the assignments of yourself and those nearby you.”

“Good Luck for the 2025 Season”

California Trojans

Expectations haven’t changed at California

BY JOHN SACCO

For the Herald-Standard

Consistency has been a key to Ed Woods’ high school coaching career.

That’s how he likes it and it remains the cornerstone of his and the California Trojans’ success.

“My expectations are the same every year,” Woods said. “I mean, I expect us to win the conference and I expect us to have success in the playoffs as well. I mean expectations don't change, only players do.

“I'll tell you what I'm very excited about the group this season. The kids are working hard in the weight room and we're going to (continue). I saw some nice results in there this year, and on the field the kids are working hard.”

The Tri-County South Conference will again feature Avella, Bentworth, Beth-Center, Carmichaels, Jefferson-Morgan, Mapletown and West Greene, in addition to the Trojans.

In 2024, California finished 8-4 overall and 6-1 in conference play. The Trojans finished as the TCS runnerup after a narrow losslate in the regular season to Jefferson-Morgan.

The Trojans upended Laurel in the first-round of the WPIAL Class A playoffs before bowing out in the quarterfinals.

California had a high-powered offense, averaging 37.5 points per game. The Trojans allowed 18.2 points per game.

The Class A playoff system remains the same as last season.

Mark Marietta

Quarterback Logan Hartley had nine of his 38 pass completions last year go for touchdowns.

SCHEDULE

Aug. 22 – at Serra Catholic, 7 p.m.

Aug. 29 – Cornell, 7 p.m.

Sept. 5 – at Waynesburg Central, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 – Bentworth, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 – at Avella, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 – at Mapletown, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 – at Carmichaels, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 – West Greene, 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 – Beth-Center, 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 – at Jefferson-Morgan, 7 p.m.

TROJANS

PAGE 15

Sixteen playoff spots are available. Playoff berths will be based on team records using conference games, the top three teams in each section qualify for a playoff spot plus four at-large bids, determined by the football committee.

The Trojans are expected to again battle Jefferson-Morgan for the top spot and last season’s loss to the Rockets is a huge motivation.

“Well, it's definitely motivation,” Woods said. “That's been discussed already.”

California’s roster isn’t huge but it is dotted with talent and possibilities.

One of the main attractions is senior Malachi

Peak (6-0, 231), a running back-defensive end. Peak was a complimentary running back a year ago to the Trojans’ Lee Qualk, a 2,000-yard rusher. Peak ran for 436 yards and averaged 8.9 yards per carry. He should get a larger workload this fall.

“Malachi has been known for defense but he’s on both sides of the ball now,” Woods said.

“He played some fullback last year and played a little tailback. So far, his strength has been defensive end but I think that he's going to have a breakout year as a tailback this year for us. He looks great and is working hard.”

Others who could shine for the Trojans are sophomore fullback-linebacker Brayden Crockett (5-9,205), junior wide receiver-line-

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California coach Ed Woods checks his play chart during last season’s WPIAL Class A quarterfinal playoff game against Clairton at Myron Pottios Stadium in Charleroi.

backer Elijah Carpenter (6-1, 212), junior offensive lineman-linebacker Colton Lowden (6-1, 212), senior fullback-linebacker Landon Abercrombie (5-10, 191), senior quarterback-defensive back Logan Hartley (6-3, 190) and senior offensive lineman-defensive end Noah Layhue (6-5, 240).

“Noah has really come a long way in one year in the weight room,” Woods said. “He put on a lot of weight and he's a wrestler, too. So, it's kind of tough

for him, with his weight. I think he really decided that he wants to try and play college football. It shows by the way that he's taking care of his body. I'm looking for big things from him on both sides of the football.”

Hartley had to attempt only 71 passes a year ago in the Trojans’ run-oriented offense. Nine of those attempts went for touchdowns.

Woods also identified junior running back-linebacker Chase Sheman-

sky (6-0, 165), sophomore running back-defensive back Alan Dennis (6-0, 180) as potential key contributors this season and beyond.

Woods pointed to Abercrombie, who plays fullback and inside linebacker. And to Hartley, the Trojans’ quarterback as plays who could take on larger roles.

“I’m expecting Abercrombie to have a solid year on both sides of the ball, and then we have our returning quarterback back,

Logan Hartley, and we're expecting him to improve this year,” Woods said.

“Chase Shemansky is another guy who has played a lot of slot receiver but also plays an outside linebacker position. I think he's going to have a nice year. Eli Carpenter, another receiver-outside linebacker kid who played a lot last year. We’re expecting a lot out of him. Colton Lowden, who we moved from tight end to offensive tackle, is also playing linebacker.”

Rob Burchianti | Herald-Standard

Carmichaels Mikes

Senior QB Bubka leads the way for Mikes

BY ROB BURCHIANTI rburchianti@heraldstandard.com

Carmichaels has had a string of successful dual threat quarterbacks in recent years and Cannon Bupka fills the bill for the Mikes in 2025 after a solid junior season.

“In terms of a playmaker we’re going to be relying on, that’s Cannon,” Carmichaels coach Ryan Krull said. “I’ll say this about Cannon, he’s the most physically gifted athlete that we’ve had here in my time. Cannon is every bit of 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, and he can run and jump.

“To have a kid that big and that athletic, I’ve not coached a kid like that before. He’s put on 15-20 pounds since last year. He looks really good and it’s not just by coincidence. He’s worked really hard in the offseason. I have to give credit where credit is due and he’s put in the time to change his body.”

With Bupka leading the way, the Mikes put together a winning record at 5-3 last year, including a 4-3 mark in the Class A Tri-County South Conference. That left Carmichaels in a three-way tie with Bentworth and West Greene for the third automatic playoff spot out of the conference which the Bearcats earned on a tiebreaker.

The Mikes then were at the mercy of the WPIAL which had to chose a wildcard team and took Brentwood, a fifth-place team out of the Eastern Conference, over Carmichaels.

This despite the fact two of the Spartans’ victories were over winless teams and they had one less win (4-6) than the Mikes who played two fewer games. Krull, in the third year of his second stint as Carmichaels coach and 10th overall, didn’t want to dwell on the past.

“The unfortunate reality of it is, we didn’t do enough last year,” Krull said. “We can sit here and whine and complain but that’s not doing us any good. We haven’t talked about it, we haven’t been disgruntled about it. We’re just OK, we’ve got to get better and that’s been our goal, to try to improve.”

The Mikes will again rely on a host of running

played receiver for us last year and he’s a junior this year,” Krull said. “What a hard-working kid he is. We expect him to be a major contributor for us on offense.

Carmichaels’ offensive style won’t change.

for us this year.”

backs led by senior Will Murray.

“As in year’s past we’ll have a bunch of guys touch the ball,” Krull said. “Right now Will Murray will be our starting tailback. He’s another guy who’s done a good job for us this offseason. He’s looked quicker than he has in years past. He got a good bit of playing time as a sophomore and that continued over into his junior year. He was one of our goto backs last year.

“Gage Kundly is a senior and he’ll see carries from different spots in the backfield for us.”

When it comes to throwing the ball, Stephen Lewis is the Mikes’ top target.

“Stephen is a guy that

“We have a young guy who’s going to be a sophomore this year named K.C. Shook who’s put in a lot of hard work in the offseason too, and changed his body around. We look for him to get some touches and make some key contributions.”

Carmichaels has some holes to fill in the trenches.

“We did lose three seniors on the offensive line,” Krull said. “One that stands out the most is Bradley Schoenfeldt, who was 6-3, 280. He was just mauling guys last year, pushing them all the way to the sideline. He’s gone, as are Jacob Deems and Carson Hillsman.

“But the guys that we have returning on the offensive line did get to play a good bit last year. So it’s not like this is their first time starting.”

“We like our quarterback to be able to run it and throw it and we like to get multiple guys touches just to keep the defense honest where they can’t just key on one gut the whole time,” Krull said. “That will stay consistent.”

Senior Maddix Connelly anchors the Mikes defensive line.

“Maddix is going to be playing nose tackle for us. He’s a great, big guy, about 6-3, 330,” Krull said. “We’re expecting him to be a good, solid player for us up front and give these linebackers a little bit of freedom and time to find the football.”

Junior Job Smith is another player Krull is counting on.

“Job played a good bit for us last year and was definitely a contributor,” Krull said. “He was the first guy to back any of our linebackers up and he did start a couple games for us. We’re expecting him to make a significant impact

Like most Class A schools, the Mikes will be using plenty of two-way players.

“We do not have great depth,” Krull said. “This is the smallest roster we’ve had since I’ve been here. We’ve got 25 guys currently on the roster. I don’t know how many of them are going to work themselves into position where they can see significant playing time on Friday nights.

“We tell our younger guys just because you’re a freshman or a sophomore doesn’t mean you can’t contribute. We’re hoping they do all the things we’re asking them to do so that they can contribute on Friday night and be a legitimate player for us, whether it’s being a key special teams player or a legitimate backup. We’re going to need them all. Hopefully those guys will take care of business but that remains to be seen.”

Photos: Rob Burchianti | Herald-Standard

Carmichaels coach Ryan Krull oversees a Mikes practice during heat acclimation week.

Carmichaels’ Gage Kundly (24) talks over a play with teammates during heat acclimation week.

Saving’s as easy as 1-2-3

Carmichaels’ Will Murray closes in on a runner in a non-contact drill during heat acclimation week.

MIKES

FROM PAGE 17

One goal Krull’s team met last year was his plea for an increase in toughness.

“I was really proud of the way our guys responded last year from a physicality standpoint,” Krull said.

SCHEDULE

Aug. 29 – Sto-Rox, 7 p.m. Sept. 5 – at Frazier, 7 p.m. Sept. 12 – at Beth-Center, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 – at JeffersonMorgan, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 – Bentworth, 7 p.m. Oct. 3 – California, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 – at Avella, 7 p.m. Oct. 17 – at West Greene, 7 p.m.

Oct. 25 – Mapletown, 7 p.m.

Carmichaels held conference champion Jefferson-Morgan, which went unbeaten during the regular season, to its lowest point total of the season by a touchdown in a 21-6 loss.

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“The Jefferson game I know we lost but I thought our guys played hard and played tough,” Krull said.

“It was 21-6 and it was 14-6 for a good bit of the game. We were able to hang with them but they scored one late on us.

“That’s a credit to our guys believing in our coaches and buying in to what we’re selling in terms of if you’re going to play football, it’s a contact collision sport and if you’re not willing to have collisions then it’s going to be darn near impossible for us to have consistency. I thought our guys last year significantly improved from the physicality standpoint.

“We did have a couple hiccups last year, against Bentworth and California. Those were not good.”

Krull again sees Jefferson-Morgan and California, the only conference team to win a playoff game, as the frontrunners again in the TCS.

“Every team in a smallschool conference like this has to deal with graduation.” Krull said. “But with that being said, California and Jefferson-Morgan were the best two teams in the conference last year and I think both teams have good players returning and until somebody knocks them off, I’d look at them as the two favorites in the conference.”

Krull’s coaching staff includes Joetta Andrews, Chad Caldwell, Fred Morecraft, John Morecraft, Brennen Pelzer, Ken Perkins, Dan Poland and Dave Rankin.

Rob Burchianti | Herald-Standard

Charleroi Cougars

Charleroi winning numbers game on roster

BY BILL HUGHES

For the Herald-Standard

One of the key aspects new Charleroi football coach Scott DeUnger wanted to hit upon when hired to take over the program was to build roster numbers back up during his first year.

Last season, the Cougars finished with barely enough players to field a team, but this year the numbers game is one that DeUnger and his staff shouldn’t have to worry about.

“We are getting good numbers,” the former Charleroi standout athlete said. “Sometimes it is hit or miss, but some guys have jobs.

SCHEDULE

Aug. 22 – Monessen, 7 p.m.

Aug. 29 – at Yough, 7 p.m.

Sept. 5 – at Bentworth, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 – at Seton LaSalle, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 – Keystone Oaks, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 – Sto-Rox, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 – at Ligonier Valley, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 – Washington, 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 – at Waynesburg, 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 – Carlynton, 7 p.m.

“For the most part, it has been pretty good. We have done a ton of installs, and I feel we are ahead of the ballgame.”

Depth, according to DeUnger, factors into his expectations for the season.

“I expect us to be more competitive,” he said. “They were in a lot of the games last year but didn’t have the numbers.

“We have a lot more players out this year. We will have the numbers and I think we can be a little bit surprising. They finished with 13 last year, but we currently have 38.”

Depth a year ago would have helped keep players fresh and possibly win a few more games. The Cougars lost three one-score games en route to a 1-9 record.

Numbers, alone, won’t change things for the Cougars, whose only win a year ago was against winless Sto-Rox.

DeUnger, a 1997 Charleroi graduate, is realistic about where the program is and knows getting things back on

track will take time.

“We aren’t where we need to be as a football program, and hopefully community support will be where it was before as we build high expectations,” he said.

“Can I be realistic and say a goal is to make the playoffs? We have a long way to go. These kids are coming in, working hard, and buying into stuff. You never know when that happens. We want to be more competitive and want people to see a change in what is going on.”

When asked to discuss the players who will be starting, DeUnger did not hesitate to respond.

“All starting jobs are open,” he said. “We have to pencil kids in, but they have to earn it.”

DeUnger did mention

four seniors who started a year ago and should play significant roles again this fall.

Jamael Payne started at wide receiver and at different positions on defense. Drake Lilley and Jerimiah Kerns both started on the line, and Nate Rock started at running back and was the Cougars’ leading rusher.

DeUnger also mentioned juniors Braedin Lunger and Brayden Todaro.

“(Lunger) runs track meets and is super fast,” DeUnger said. “He will be at receiver and cornerback.

“(Todaro) could potentially be at quarterback or tight end, and he will be at linebacker. He is raw, but he will find his way onto the field because he is athletic and plays

three sports.”

An influx of 23 freshmen helps Charleroi’s roster numbers, and they will learn from trial by fire. There is talent in the class.

“That class has had a lot of success (at younger levels), but they have to start over,” DeUnger said. “It is the ‘what have you done for me lately?’ approach. But they hit the weight room hard and are giving their all.”

Three freshmen DeUnger mentioned were Jaxon Klinger, Brody DeUnger, and Elijah Allah.

The Cougars will again play in the Class 2A Century Conference with Washington, Waynesburg, Carlynton, Keystone Oaks, Seton LaSalle and Sto-Rox.

The conference opener is Sept. 12 at Seton LaSalle.

Photos: Mark Marietta | For the Herald-Standard

Senior Drake Lilley and Charleroi linemen attack the blocking sled as they grind through practice.

Senior wide receiver Jamael Payne bursts past defenders.

McClean appreciates Falcons’ head coaching model

BY JONATHAN GUTH jguth@heraldstandard.com

Jace McClean will always tip his cap to a head coach.

One of Connellsville’s three head coaches, McClean knows that most folks turn their heads twice when they discover the Falcons employ a trio of head coaches, but after following the model the past three years with Chad Lembo and Mick Lilley, he really appreciates how one individual can handle all that goes into coaching a high school football team.

“To be honest, I really don’t know how one guy can handle being a head coach,” McClean said. “There is just so much that goes along with it. You have obligations with the media, then there is the paperwork, making sure you communicate well with the parents and administration, and all that is added to leading the team on the field.

“Oviously, that is what assistant coaches are for, but there are duties that only a head coach can complete. I think our system is working out well because everybody has a different role, and they don’t deviate from it.”

McClean is the defensive coordinator, while Lilley will direct the offense. Lembo coaches the offensive line and handles the weight lifting program.

Despite new offensive schemes that can start as early as youth league play, football games are still won and lost at the line of scrimmage, and Connellsville returns an experienced line that is senior laden.

“Our line is experienced, they have great feet, are smart and can get to the second level,” McClean said. “We want our kids to be strong, and they have been lifting, but technique is just as important, and I think Cooper Lembo is

Photos: Jonathan Guth | Herald-Standard

Connellsville quarterback Caden Matthews is about to release a pass during a preseason practice at Falcons Stadium.

Chad Lembo, who is one of Connellsville’s three head coaches with Mick Lilley and Jace McClean, observes a drill at a preseason practice at Falcons Stadium.

a prime example of that because he is not the biggest guy, but he plays the angles, is smart and has a ton of heart. “Cooper will also play middle linebacker for us. He is a wrestler, as are all our linebackers, and those guys, obviously, know how to tackle, and understand what hard work is all about.

“Cooper bumped up against many guys that were bigger in wrestling this past season, and that’s how he plays for us. He doesn’t back down against bigger guys.”

The Falcons had roughly 30 players regularly attend voluntary workouts this summer, while some were hindered by playing other sports and work commitments.

Ryan Brown is one of the anchors on the offensive and defensive lines, as he plays right guard and defensive end. McClean said the senior has transformed his body from last season to this by dedicating his offseason to the weight room and has been attending camps to improve his game.

Connellsville has between 20 and 22 seniors, including quarterback Caden Matthews, who is in his second year with the team after joining the

team from Southmoreland. Matthews dislocated his thumb in a game against Butler last season and needed surgery on his throwing thumb, but the senior has been a workhorse this offseason.

“He is going to a bunch of camps and has a quarterback coach,” said McClean of Matthews. “He is a very important part of our offense, so we are just going to keep him at quarterback, unless we need a spark on defense because he can do the job, but we want him to be staying upright.”

Senior Jayden Mickens is the proverbial scat back, and he will also line up at safety. McClean described Mickens as a “shifty player who knows how to hit the hole and also get open.”

Junior Linkon Keller can drive a defensive coordinator crazy as a multiple-position player, who can go anywhere from quarterback to running back to wide receiver. He will start at safety on defense.

“He is a talented kid who is really smart and a leader on defense,” McClean said. “He is also not afraid to tackle, and he will come up to pop

SEE FALCONS

Jace McClean, who is one of Connellsville’s three head coaches with Chad Lembo and Mick Lilley, observes a preseason practice at Falcons Stadium.

, 22

FALCONS

you if you are not ready. I will even leave it up to him to call some plays on defense.”

The Falcons’ offensive scheme will be predicated on the players’ strengths, and the staff will adjust if necessary.

“I believe you have to see what type of kids you have every year,” McClean said. “I know some hardcore coaches will stick with the same thing every year, but we will see what our kids have, and if necessary, tweak it. We have a good quarterback with a pretty good arm, two good backs, plus our H-backs, so I think we will be more balanced.”

Defensively, McClean wants his team to be solid tacklers, but will throw in different packages based on personnel and game situations.

“Tackling is huge, and

SCHEDULE

Aug 22 – at Latrobe, 7 p.m.

Aug 29 – at Meadville, 7 p.m.

Sept. 5 – Albert Gallatin, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 – at Spring Mills, W.Va., 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 – Morgantown, W.Va., 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 – at Butler, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 – DuBois, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 – at University, W.Va., 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 – Uniontown, 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 – Fairmont, W.Va., 7 p.m.

if you tackle, you will be able to compete,” McClean said. “We will throw some different things at them, but it really comes down to tackling.”

Connellsville will play an independent schedule for the second straight season.

McClean said the team is eager to play Fayette County rivals, Albert Gallatin and Uniontown.

The Colonials stunned the Falcons, 29-26, last season.

Connellsville ended its season on a high note in

defeating the Red Raiders, 27-6.

“We still have the ‘Coal Bucket’ tradition with Uniontown, and we want to keep that in our possession,” McClean said. “That was a tough loss to Albert Gallatin last year, but you have to give credit to AG and Drew Dindl, who does a heck of a job with his kids. We have been talking about that game all year, and we don’t want that to happen again.”

McClean also pointed out a 48-41 setback to

Connellsville quarterback Caden Matthews is about to make

tion drill at a preseason practice.

Meadville that ended in four overtimes.

“It was a great game with Meadville, but that

loss really stunned us,”

McClean said. “We were up 21-6 at halftime, and as a defensive coordinator, you always preach about finishing a game where you are leading at halftime.”

Photos: Jonathan Guth | Herald-Standard

the pitch during an op-

Frazier Commodores

Battaglini takes over as Commodores head coach

BY BILL HUGHES

For the Herald-Standard

After being hired in January to take over the Frazier football program, Tony Battaglini and his staff hit the ground running with offseason workouts.

How did they go?

“They surpassed our expectations and the kids have bought in,” he said with energy in his voice. “Coming to a new school, you never know how many kids will show up.

“We have had a core group of 25 players that have been there every day, doing what we asked. We have told them they will get out of it what they put into it, and it is exciting to see what they are doing.”

Battaglini and members of his staff bring plenty of championship pedigree with them, as he was part of six WPIAL and two PIAA championship staffs at Thomas Jefferson while his assistants have combined for five WPIAL and five PIAA championships.

A 2006 Frazier grad, Battaglini served as an assistant at Frazier under Mike Steeber and also coached for one year at Belle Vernon Area under Matt Humbert.

As far as his first team, Battaglini knows there is work to do and he will be flexible with their stylistic approach.

“We want to be multiple in what we do and let the other team dictate what we do any given week,” he said of the offense. “We will have an identity and would love to run the ball. We have a lot of skilled guys, some are new.

“Guys are making plays (thus far).”

Defensively, Frazier has depth and could use multiple fronts.

“We will probably be a 4-4 team or a five-man front,” Battaglini said.

SCHEDULE

Aug 22 – Summit Academy, 7 p.m.

Aug 29 – at Mapletown, 7 p.m.

Sept. 5 – Carmichaels, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 – Jeannette, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 – at Clairton, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 – Brentwood, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 – at Leechburg, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 – Riverview, 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 – at Greensburg Central Catholic, 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 – at Springdale, 7 p.m.

left guard and defensive tackle Brant Rice, senior tight end and defensive linebacker Noah Bachinski, senior wide receiver and outside linebacker Tyler Morrison,

“Brant (Rice) had an awesome offseason and will do pretty well on the line,” Battaglini said. “Noah was in and out of the lineup last year, is a dynamic player, and will be useful as a tight end. We want to get him into mismatches. Tyler, it is his first year playing and he had a fantastic offseason.

Battaglini, with Etling playing fullback and cornerback while Stull is a wide receiver and cornerback.

“They are good athletes,” Battaglini said.

Sophomore Owen Searcy will handle the kicking duties while the punting job is up in the air.

“Owen has been a pleasant surprise,” Battaglini said. "As far as the punting duties, five kids have said they can, so we will see who grabs it.”

What are Battaglini’s expectations for his first team?

“I want us to compete and to bring (the program) back to where Mike Steeber had it,” he said. “His teams came out and competed no matter who they played. We have the kids to be able to do that, but so much of it is a mental game.

“We expect to come out and compete and work as hard as we can. Be there for 48 minutes and make the other teams have to compete with us while doing the things we need to do.”

When asked about goals for this year, Battaglini did not hesitate.

“For us, the goal is to be in every game and compete,” he said. “A realistic goal is to sneak in and get a spot at the table. We want to set ourselves up and get into the (playoff) tournament.

Junior Brady Secrest split time at quarterback last season, and he returns plenty of game experience.

“He has a ton of potential, and it depends on him doing things a quarterback is expected to do,” said Battaglini. “We can throw it around if we want to, or we can line it up and run the ball.”

Alongside Secrest as key returning contributors from last season’s team that Battaglini is looking to for leadership include senior running back and middle linebacker Derek Dia-

“We have lucked out with some depth at some positions and will try to move guys around.”

mond, junior left tackle Dylan Krukowsky, who will play both tackle and end on defense, senior center and defensive tackle Gus Lion, and senior Chase Fulmar, who will play both running back and receiver on offense and at safety on defense.

“Derek has been playing since he was a freshman,” Battaglini said. “We will play through Chase and have to get the ball in his hands as he is a pretty good player.”

Battaglini named several players that are vying for starting positions, or at least, earning playing time.

The group includes junior

“Brant (Alekson) plays hoops, is 6-5 and 250 pounds, and has never played (football). Chris is a leader and played a lot last year while Lincoln Dye could possibly be the best athlete on our team. And while he didn’t play last year, he can run and jump.”

Battaglini also pointed out a trio of juniors who will also be counted on.

“Ethan Tabaj will play guard or tackle and will play some at defensive end, Brandon Gardner will be at outside linebacker and could see time at fullback, and Jett Murphy is another lineman who will be in the middle of things,” Battaglini said.

“Ethan is a tough kid and gets after it. Brandon is doing a good job, and Jett will be in the mix and had a good offseason.

Freshmen Kevin Etling and David Stull have impressed

“It shouldn’t be we hope to win two games or three games.”

Frazier plays in the Eastern conference. Clairton, Jeannette, South Fayette, and Greensburg Central Catholic are the teams Battaglini pointed out first.

“I think that when you look at it, we are in the toughest conference in 1-A,” he said. “It is a gauntlet every year.

“Even outside of the top dogs, it is a gauntlet every year as Leechburg is well-coached and is tough, Brentwood is competitive, as is Riverview.”

Frazier hosts Summit Academy Week Zero and opens up conference play in Week Three when it hosts Jeanette.

Rob Burchianti | Herald-Standard Frazier’s Derek Diamond bulls his way through a host of Mapletown defenders during a game last season.

Jonathan Guth | Herald-Standard

Laurel Highlands head coach Aaron Raffle speaks with his players during a preseason practice at Mustang Field.

Laurel Highlands Mustangs

Back to the beginning

Raffle excited to be back at alma mater Laurel Highlands

BY JONATHAN GUTH jguth@heraldstandard.com

Aaron Raffle is glad to be back at his alma mater, which will be a challenge, as Laurel Highlands competes in Class 4A’s Big Six Conference with the likes of defending WPIAL champion Thomas Jefferson, Belle Vernon, Trinity, Ringgold and Chartiers Valley.

Raffle, who played for the Mustangs from 1998 to 1991 before coaching in youth, high school, semipro, college, flag football and women’s professional leagues, believes his team can compete despite playing in a daunting conference.

LH was 4-5 last season, but 1-4 in conference play.

“Things have gone pretty well,” Raffle said. “The kids have been hitting the weight room since the end of January, and there is a lot of buy-in from them. They are excited and want to come in and make a statement. We know there are good teams out there, but we like what we have from the players and coaching staff.”

Senior quarterback Noah Lion returns after throwing for 635 yards and eight touchdowns last season.

Lion gained 151 yards on 96 carries. Scotty McClay (11-128) and Josh Reed (10-63) are two returning receivers Lion will rely on.

Raffle likes what Lion brings to the table, but he would not commit on any

starter, although Lion appears to be QB1.

“Noah would be the obvious choice for quarterback at the moment, but we will go with who shows up and does the best,” Raffle said.

“We are not going to just give someone a starting spot. Noah comes in as a veteran because he has game experience. He also has athleticism and size, and for a quarterback, that’s the big three. He is maturing into a leader

and looking to take command of the offense.”

Gio Guerriere is in the driver’s seat to start at running back and strong safety. The junior has been recruited by Fairmont State.

“Gio has a tremendous eye for the game,” Raffle said. “He knows where he needs to be and has a good technical foundation. Gio will be one to watch out for.”

GOOD LUCK TO ALL MUSTANGS

and SCHOOL BOARD

Laurel Highlands’ Gio Guerriere tries to maintain possession of the ball as he hurdles a tackler during a game against Indiana last season at Mustang Field.

Rob Burchianti | Herald-Standard

MUSTANGS

PAGE 25

Senior Brady Buehner and junior Alafia Calloway are tentatively penciled in at wide receiver and defensive back, but Raffle believes more players will emerge once the season starts.

“We have more than a few skill guys that should be able to make some things happen,” Raffle said. “The kids are learning new offensive and defensive systems, so there could be some mistakes, but we are not going to start yelling and screaming at the kids. We just want to make sure that the mental mistakes go away. If there are physical mistakes, that’s up to us as coaches to correct.”

Senior Jason Gardner, junior Talib Lovett and freshman Aiden Guittap are three linemen that have stood out in camp.

SCHEDULE

Aug 22 – Aug 22 – at Uniontown, 7 p.m.

Aug 29 – Ambridge, 7 p.m.

Sept. 5 – at Southmoreland, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 – at Indiana, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 – Mount Pleasant, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 – Chartiers Valley, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 – at Ringgold, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 – Belle Vernon, 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 – Trinity, 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 – at Thomas Jefferson, 7 p.m.

Raffle says Gardner “will be a force to reckon with” and Lovett is “in the mix.” He described Guittap as a “man amongst boys” at 6-1 and 282 pounds as a ninth grader.

Jackson Nairn is in line to start at kicker and punter. The 6-3, 211-pound sophomore was recruited from the soccer team.

“Jackson has a tremendous leg with good accuracy and is consistent,” Raffle said.

“I joke with him that I am going to put him on the line.”

The Mustangs had roughly 45 players on their roster in the preseason.

Pat Lion will serve as the offensive coordinator.

Jonathan Guth |Herald-Standard

Laurel Highlands quarterback Noah Lion passes during a preseason practice at Mustang Field.

After two injury-riddled seasons, Maples hope for progress

BY CHRIS DUGAN

For the Herald-Standard

It has been a very painful – literally –two-year fall for the Mapletown football team.

Since winning a school-record 11 games in 2022, the Maples have won only four of 20 contests and are coming off a 1-9 season. The common thread in both of those forgettable campaigns was an incredible and unlikely series of injuries that decimated the lineup at the WPIAL’s third-smallest football-playing public school.

At this time last year, Mapletown’s veteran head coach George Messich said, “In all my years of coaching, I never saw so many injuries” as he did in 2023.

Last month, however, Messich, who is in his 43rd year as Mapletown’s head coach, said, “Last season, the injuries topped 2023. It was just a freak thing. For exam-

ple, we’re playing West Greene in the fifth game of the season. West Greene kicks off to begin the game and our starting running back returns the kick for a touchdown. He’s also our kicker, and we tell him to squib the ball down the field. He misshits the ball and was running downfield trying to cover it and a guy takes out his knee. That’s how the season went.

“We had linemen with sprained ankles and knees. One game, we had seven starters out. When you’re a Class A team and you lose seven guys in one week, you’re teaching young guys to play positions they have never played before, and you’re doing it during the week.

“You look back three years ago, when we were undefeated, we didn’t have one injury that hurt us,” Messich continued.

“In Class A, I don’t care who you are, if you lose two of your top three players then you’re not the same football team. All those guys we had hurt last year

were starters. You tell somebody this and they say there’s no way that’s happening. Heck, I was thinking this can’t be happening. It was crazy.”

This year, Mapletown is hoping for a healthy dose of wins. After all, the Maples had plenty of players who gained valuable playing experience over the last two years, some of them out of necessity. That valuable playing time leads to maturity, which is never forfeited.

“We had a lot of kids get playing time and hopefully it will help them this year,” Messich said.

Back on offense are four returning linemen, each of whom Messich says “should be pretty good.” Chase Taylor is a 6-3, 275-pound senior who anchors the line. Also back are seniors Coltin Halbert and Cam Shaffer, who will be three-year starters, and junior Kaeden Lotspeich, who Messich says has much potential.

The Maples have four players battling for the one open line spot. Two of those players are freshmen, Josh DeBolt and Landon Walker.

Good Luck

Juniors Carson Vanata and Ashton Walker are returning starters in the backfield, but where each player lines up Messich is not ready to say. He did say each player has looked good during summer work. Vanata was the team’s leading rusher last year with 441 yards. Messich has praised two young players who will get time at running back, sophomore Matthew Howard and freshman Landon Johnson.

SCHEDULE

Aug. 22– at Avella, 7 p.m.

Aug. 29 – Frazier, 7 p.m.

Sept. 5 – Chartiers-Houston, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 – Jefferson-Morgan, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 – at West Greene, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 – California, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 – at Avella, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 – at Beth-Center, 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 – Bentworth, 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 – at Carmichaels, 7 p.m.

Monessen Greyhounds

Monessen has skill, but must be road warriors

BY BILL HUGHES

For the Herald Standard

MONESSEN — Now in his fifth season at Monessen, head coach Wade Brown is happy to see where his football program is today compared to his first year.

“When I first started, I finished the season with 13 players in the playoff game,” he said. “Getting the roster up to 25 to 30 players, getting them to participate is big.

“When you have limited access at a small school, it is what it is, and you try to put our best foot forward.”

Brown didn’t hesitate

when asked about his goals for the team this season.

“The goals are always to win a conference championship and WPIAL championship regardless of numbers,” he said. “If we want anything less, the players won’t think we are trying to get the best out of them.”

Brown seamlessly transitioned from his goals to the expectations he has for the team.

“Our expectations are the same, and we have some talent,” he said. “Like I tell them every day, we have the skill, but do we have the will? That’s what it boils down to every year.

We have to fight through the tough times. Can we come back if we are down? We started building some of that last year. It is an on-going process.”

Monessen has plenty of returning starters, with a handful of other players also getting key experience last year.

On offense, the Greyhounds have eight returning starters with a pair of four-year starters leading the way in seniors Rodney Johnson and Torrence Taylor.

Johnson will play tight end, fullback and H-back on offense while Taylor is a stalwart up front on the line.

Senior Tavian Taylor is a three-year starter at running back.

Sophomore linemen Roodly Destyl and Xavier Bell and junior receivers Jayvionne Jeffries and Kayden Kolbeck also return plenty of starting experience, as does junior Kaier Payne, although his athleticism is bringing on a position change.

Rodney Johnson is a versatile player on Monessen’s offense, capable of playing three positions.

can throw the ball.”

SCHEDULE

“He has played center, and he is now our quarterback,” Brown said.

“He is that good of an athlete that he can pull it off. We have other quarterbacks, but he played there in midgets. He did what we asked, and he

Brown said Payne’s flexibility is a great example of football at the small-school level.

“That’s why I think Class A football is some of the best football, and the players learn more than one position,” he said.

“Schools see that. Being on the field the whole game, it gives them character and diversity knowing a lot of positions.”

Aug. 22 – at Charleroi, 7 p.m.

Aug. 29 – at West Greene, 7 p.m.

Sept. 5 – Beth-Center, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 – at Serra Catholic, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 – at Fort Cherry, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 – South Side, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 – Chartiers-Houston, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 – at Burgettstown, 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 – Bishop Canevin, 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 – Cornell, 7 p.m.

Observer–Reporter

Mt. Pleasant Vikings

Vikings banking on strong line play

BY JOHN SACCO

For the Herald-Standard

For the 2025 Mount Pleasant football team it is all on the line.

The line of scrimmage.

“It’s pretty clear for us,” said Vikings’ coach Jason Fazekas. “Last year, we graduated a small senior class. It was only six kids. It’s small for us. We’re usually more than 12 out of a senior class, none of the graduating seniors were linemen. We are returning every starter and every backup that we had on the offensive and defensive lines. So, as I always say, it’s going start upfront. That’s where you must look first. That’s going to be a group that we’re going to think is the strength of our team to start the season off.”

The Class 3A Interstate Conference will again consist of Elizabeth Forward, Greensburg Salem, Southmoreland, Yough, Derry and the Vikings.

Last season, Elizabeth Forward won the conference championship. Mount Pleasant tied for second with Greensburg Salem and Southmoreland.

The Vikings, who went 5-6 overall in 2024, were 3-2 in the conference and lost to Freeport in the opening round of the WPIAL playoffs.

Mount Pleasant has qualified for the playoffs six consecutive seasons.

“We have to take care of ourselves, number one, and number two we have to make sure that our front is going to be as good as what we think,” Fazekas said. “It can be and then we must be able to find the kids that we can get the ball to who will score some touchdowns. I think those are just some of the key items for us right there.

“I can’t predict but I do know that (making the playoffs) is something we talk about in this program. We’ve put ourselves in a position to have that chance in the past. I don’t think any of our expectations have changed. We want to be in the conversation for those spots at the end of the year. We also recognize that you don’t just show up and have it happen. We’re trying to formulate that plan right now and, hopefully, we’re going to be in the spot at the end of the year to get into

SCHEDULE

Aug 22 – Jeannette, 7 p.m.

Aug 29 – Greensburg Central Catholic, 7 p.m.

Sept. 5 – at Burrell, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 – Ambridge, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 – at Laurel Highlands, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 – Yough, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 – Greensburg Salem, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 – at Southmoreland, 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 – at Derry Area, 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 – at Elizabeth Forward, 7 p.m.

the playoffs.”

Returning starters for the Vikings are senior twoway linemen Payton Schaum (6-0, 275) and Carter Strayer (6-5, 250), senior offensive linemen Caleb Pease (5-10, 290), Charles Stader (5-9, 215) and Alex Ferencz 6-4, 300), senior receiver Jonah Townsend (5-10, 150), junior two-way lineman Christian Brodak (5-11, 255), senior running back-linebacker Rage Suchar (6-0, 215), senior running back-defensive back Richard Shawley (6-2, 175), senior quarterback-defensive back Dane Firmstone (5-9, 205) and junior linebacker Stephen Predajna.

Fazekas listed the following players as “promising newcomers:” sophomore quarterback Cole Hart (6-0, 155), sophomore wide receiver-defensive backs sophomore Lukas Gonzales (6-0, 155) and senior Robert Hixson (5-11,170, senior tight end-linebacker Gage Valone (6-0, 185), running back-defensive backs sophomore Brady Brooks (5-11, 155) and Tristan Workiewicz

(5-8,145), tight end-defensive lineman Andrew Brodak (6-1, 185), linebacker Mike Reese, sophomore two-way linemen Dane Smitley (6-1, 255) and sophomore John Klejka (6-0, 295).

Mount Pleasant’s Richard Shawley (6) turns the corner for a gain against Southmoreland during a game last season.

Ringgold Rams

Rams on the rise, believe they can contend for playoffs

BY BILL HUGHES For the Herald-Standard

For Robert Heller and the Ringgold High School football program, one year has made a lot of difference.

When Heller was hired to return to take over his alma mater as head coach in January of 2024, the Rams were in the midst of what would end up being a 27-game losing streak.

The team was hurting for players, and it led to Heller and others to begin looking for players.

“Going into it, the team had the longest losing streak in WPIAL,” Heller said. “Last year, we had to go through the halls recruiting, mainly trying to get into that win column and get that zero out of there.”

How is the climate today, a year after having to look for players?

“This year it is different,” Heller said. “The 10thgrade class is special and I didn’t recruit. They (the players) recruited kids. I went after numbers last year.

“This year, whether it is 30, 40 or 50 kids, I want who is there. If I have to chase you, this probably isn’t for you.”

The Rams impressed many with their 7-on-7 performances during the offseason, and Heller hopes the hard work when no one was watching carries over to success on Friday nights.

“I think we have pieces that no one knows about,” he said. “They keep quiet and are hard workers.”

The Rams played a lot of young kids, including quite

a few freshmen, last year. Heller hopes the bumps and bruises the team had to endure were lessons and experience that will help the team this year.

Ringgold had a 2-8 record last year and ended its long losing streak with a 21-19 win over Yough in the third game of the season. The Rams also beat Chartiers Valley in the season finale.

“We played a lot of freshmen last year, and if you are going to rebuild, get them young,” he said. “They were thrown into the fire.”

Leading the way for the Rams will be junior wide receiver Demitri Lowe, an explosive talent who recently received his first Division I scholarship offer, from Akron, and Heller says the future is bright for him.

“It starts with Demitri,” Heller said. “He was top10 in yards last year, and I think he is our first player from here in 20 years to get a D1 offer. A year from now, he will have 20 offers.

“You might think I am biased, but he is the best receiver in the WPIAL. People don’t give him the credit he deserves. He is a stud.”

SCHEDULE

Aug. 22 – at South Allegheny, 7 p.m.

Aug. 29 – Indiana, 7 p.m.

Sept. 5 – Yough, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 – at Greensburg Salem, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 – at Southmoreland, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 – Trinity, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 – Laurel Highlands, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 – at Thomas Jefferson, 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 – at Belle Vernon, 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 – at Chartiers Valley, 7 p.m.

Nathan J Ferguson

Mark Marietta | For the Herald-Standard

Ringgold wide receiver Demitri Lowe has been attracting Division I recruiting interest.

Shoaf confident heading into first season with Scotties

BY ROB BURCHIANTI rburchianti@heraldstandard.com

Dustin Shoaf has taken his first high school football head coaching job head on at Southmoreland.

“First year as coach, first summer, it’s been good,” said the former Yough star. “There are a lot of new things, a lot more responsibilities and roles that you’ve got to take care of. But to be honest, you don’t learn unless you get thrown into the fire and that’s the kind of philosophy I have with that, just embracing it.

“I’m really enjoying it and I’m happy with my staff. The kids are getting along well with them. Transition can be tough at times but I would say it’s gone pretty well so far. We’ve had a lot of players showing up during volunteer workouts. They’re doing everything we’ve asked. It’s been a great start to the summer.”

The Scotties were 7-4 overall and 3-2 in the Class 3A Interstate Conference a year, finishing in a three-way tie for second place and qualifying for the WPIAL playoffs. Coach Tim Bukowski left Southmoreland and is now the head coach at Uniontown with Shoaf taking over the Scotties’ program.

Southmoreland does have a surplus of talent returning with several players taking on leadership roles for the 2025 season.

“Dawon Wolfe, who’s going to be a junior, has done really well stepping up as a leader, and Gage Kubasky is another, coming back as a senior, who has stepped up,” Shoaf said. “Others are Stanley Chapman, a junior who has shown a lot of growth as a leader, Makel Darnell and Ty Whoric are both seniors who have shown a lot of leadership also.

“Our seniors for the most part have done a really good job in that area.”

Wolfe will be one of two players vying for the starting quarterback job.

“Dawson will be in the running. He played some there last year when he was a starting inside linebacker also,” Shoaf said. “Then we have a freshman, Nick Carbonara, who has shown a lot of upside.”

Jackson Mickens and Cam Lee lead the way at the running back position.

SCHEDULE

Aug 22 – at Valley, 7 p.m.

Aug 29 – at East Allegheny, 7 p.m.

Sept. 5 – Laurel Highlands, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 – at Blackhawk, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 – Ringgold, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 – at Derry Area, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 – at Yough, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 – Mount Pleasant, 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 – Elizabeth Forward, 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 – Greensburg Salem, 7 p.m.

“Jackson is a sophomore who will be one of our running backs and play outside linebacker,” Shoaf said. “He’s another kid who has a lot of upside who had a pretty good year last year. Cam is another, a senior that we’ll expect good things from defensively and from a running back position as well. Avveryon Darnell is another one who’ll compete at running back. He’s a sophomore.”

Shoaf is confident in his pass catchers.

“We expect big things out of Makel Darnell,” Shoaf said. “He had a productive year last year as a receiver. We expect good things out of Ty Whoric. He’s been pretty successful on both sides of the ball for his three years so far. Chapman will play tight end and inside linebacker. We’re real excited to see what he can do this year.

“Stanley Betters, who’s going to be a junior, had a really good summer and we expect big things out of him. Kubasky is a kid that’s coming back from injury who’s had a really good offseason and summer and has shown a lot of upside as well.”

Shoaf will run a similar offense to what the Scotties did last year.

“We’ll be a base spread,” Shoaf said. “We believe we have a handful of guys that can contribute to us being successful. We’re really excited to lean on our offensive line as well.

“Justin Hribal, David Sager and Jake Govern are kids who have played and have some experience up front. Jake will be a senior that’s played all three years. Harrison Bechtold and Austin Jones are some other kids who’ve played some valuable time who we expect to compete up front, alongside Kaden Shannon who is wrestler who’s coming out for football for the first time. He’s a heavyweight so we’re excited to have him out to play both sides.

“We won’t rotate much with our guys up front offensively for the most part. But defensively we have a good rotation that we believe will help us to spell some guys.”

Wolfe is expected to be one Southmoreland’s top defenders.

Southmoreland’s Jake Govern makes a tackle during a game at Mount Pleasant last season.

Uniontown Red Raiders

Bukowski hopes his sophomores are sensational

Former Southmoreland head coach takes over at Uniontown

BY JONATHAN GUTH jguth@heraldstandard.com

The numbers are up, and new head coach Tim Bukowski has plenty of young talent, but Uniontown only has two seniors, as the team enters its fifth year competing as an independent.

Bukowski was hired May 5 to replace Keith Jeffries, who worked to bring in more players while breaking a long losing streak, but the former Southmoreland head coach is looking to turn around the fortunes of a program that has fallen on tough times the last 15 years.

The Red Raiders defeated Belle Vernon, 21-20, in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs in 2009 under longtime head coach John Fortugna, but the team hasn’t been back to the postseason since.

Jeffries led Uniontown to a 5-5 record in 2022, but Bukowski not only wants his team to compete, but to get back in the WPIAL and show the rest of the district what they can do.

“The plan is to play this year as an independent, and go back to the WPIAL next year,” Bukowski said. “We hope that will excite the players and get more kids out.

The previous staff did a good job of getting the numbers back up, but now, we want to get more competi-

tive because, at the end of the day, you are judged by wins and losses.”

The Red Raiders had 42 players to work with in preseason, and Bukowski looks for that number to grow, but he will have to do it with youth.

“Last year, they had 17 seniors,” Bukowski said. “In general, it is a very small senior class, as they only have a total of 59 boys. However, we are excited about our sophomore class. They are very talented, and even though we haven’t picked out our starters yet, I am going to say we will start a minimum of six sophomores on both sides of the ball. It is the biggest class we have.”

Bukowski has been coaching for 35 years, which included stops at his alma mater, Monessen, and Clairton, programs known for their athletic ability, but he and his staff are giddy when it comes to the potential of sophomore Marcus Evans.

“Marcus is a good-looking prospect as a defensive end and receiver,” Bukowski said. “He is 6-3 and extremely athletic. We have coached a lot of kids in the past few years that are similar to him, but we think he can be better. We are expecting huge things from him.”

Other sophomores that will be in the mix are running backs Michael Thomas and Nathan Hice, who will also play linebacker on defense, and wide receiver Taylor Galloway, who will play in the secondary on defense.

Bukowski described Galloway as “an electrifying receiver and defensive back.”

David Settles will be in the rotation at running back and will start at cornerback. Bukowski and his staff have been impressed with Settles’ work in the offseason.

Aden Brame will start at center and play on the defensive line, as Uniontown’s plethora of 10th-grade talent isn’t limited to “skill players.”

Senior Connor Hebda will provide the offensive and defensive lines with leadership.

Fellow senior Nick Smith, a player who was recruited from the soccer team, will handle the kicking and punting duties.

Jonathan Guth | Herald-Standard

Uniontown’s Cam Dugan (left) and Marcus Evans go oneon-one during a preseason practice drill at Bill Power Stadium.

Kyler Tibby played sparingly last season on the offensive and defensive lines, but Bukowski expects the 6-5, 260-pound junior to take on a starting role this season. The other two starters in the trenches have yet to be named.

Junior Cam Dugan, who played quarterback last season, will start at wide receiver and safety, but Bukowski said the objective is to get the ball into Dugan’s hands as much as possible.

“Cam is a good-looking athlete, and someone that we are definitely counting on,” Bukowski said. “He is a tough kid, and we will be using him as our ‘wildcat.’

Brayden Hinzy didn’t play football last year, but the junior has picked up the offense and studied the opposition immensely.

Hinzy has been tabbed as the front-runner to start at quarterback.

Bukowski said that if, for any reason, Hinzy can’t go, Dugan would step in at quarterback.

One concern Bukowski saw from watching last year’s games was the team’s tackling, which is something they have been working to correct.

“From watching the film, tackling was one of the things that they didn’t do well,” Bukowski said.

“Their tackling left something to be desired, so we are preaching it all the time, and hopefully, they will get better at it. We have a long way to go.”

Bukowski brought three of his assistant coaches at Southmoreland to Uniontown. He retained Joe Hazel, a former Red Raider who was the interim coach after Jeffries stepped down.

Dave Wojtanowski, Jordan Pawlikowsky, Tubby Hall and Dylan McRae round out Bukowski’s staff.

Bukowski has been welcomed at Uniontown with open arms, especially from the school’s athletic director, Harry Kaufman.

“Harry (Kaufman) has been great, but everybody in the school has been great,” Bukowski said.

“It is a fantastic team to work for, and I am really impressed with the whole school district, to be honest with you. They want to win, are supportive and good people. They turned over the keys of the football program to us, and we are excited about it.”

The Red Raiders have county rivals Albert Gallatin, Brownsville, Connellsville and Laurel Highlands on schedule, in addition to schools from the City League and outside Pennsylvania, including a Saturday afternoon tilt on Oct. 4 with Ironton, Ohio, who is a two-time state champion.

Bukowski said the choice to play Ironton has been one of the most asked questions since the schedule was announced.

SEE RED RAIDERS, 36

Jonathan Guth | Herald-Standard

Uniontown’s Zyon Hopes gets past teammate Taylor Galloway in a preseason practice drill at Bill Power Stadium.

RED RAIDERS

“A team dropped us off the schedule, so Harry went to work right away to see if there’s anybody available, and really, this is the only team that was available,” said Bukowski in response to why the game with Ironton was scheduled. “It was either sit out a week and only play nine games, or play a two-time state champ from Ohio. I would rather play than sit out a week. It’s going to be a challenge, for sure, but I think it will be good for the kids to play that kind of competition.”

SCHEDULE

Aug 22 – Laurel Highlands, 7 p.m.

Aug 29 – at Perry Traditional Academy, Cupples Stadium, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 5 – Brownsville, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 – at Allderdice, Cupples Stadium, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 19 – at Albert Gallatin, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 – Carrick, 7 p.m.

Oct. 4 – Ironton, Ohio, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 10 – Northern Garrett, Md., 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 – at Connellsville, 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 – at Southern Garrett, Md., 7 p.m.

Despite the struggles in football, Uniontown’s boys basketball team is still succeeding as a regular playoff participant, and have made deep runs in the WPIAL and PIAA tournaments over the past fours seasons, but Bukowski is quick to remind his team they can be winners in both sports.

“I preach to them all the time, ‘It’s OK to be good in two sports,’” Bukowski said. “We know they are good in basketball, but they can also be good in football.”

Uniontown’s Marcus Evans runs through a tackling dummy that is being held up by assistant coach Joe Hazel during a preseason practice at Bill Power Stadium.

Photos: Jonathan Guth | Herald-Standard

Uniontown’s Cam Dugan (left) and Marcus Evans go one-on-one during a preseason practice drill at Bill Power Stadium.

Waynesburg Raiders

Skill positions should make Raiders serious threat

BY JOHN SACCO

For the Herald-Standard

The offense has the skill position players to help Waynesburg Central get back to the WPIAL Class 2A playoffs for a third consecutive season.

However, before that can happen, the Raiders’ offense and defensive linemen must continue to grow and get better.

“I don't know if it's about my expectation,” said coach Joe Kuhns, in his first year of his second stint at Waynesburg, where he teaches art.

“I think the kids have pretty high expectations of themselves. I'm the new guy on the block and they were together last year. They know more about their expectations than I do. But I think the expectations are for us to get in the playoffs and try to make a run this year.

“This team has been together for so long. These junior and senior classes have been playing together for their whole lives and I think that's kind of the strength. They're very familiar with each other and it's a good team group.”

The Raiders will again compete in the Class 2A Century Conference against Carlynton, Charleroi, Keystone Oaks, Seton LaSalle, Sto-Rox and Washington.

Waynesburg is opening at home Aug. 22 against West Greene and will play at Jefferson-Morgan and then at home against California before moving into conference play.

Players Kuhns will be looking to for production include senior Zachery Jiblits (5-7, 130), senior tight end-linebacker Jef-

at Waynesburg for three seasons.

He most recently coached Beth-Center and California. He coached California to six consecutive playoff berths. Kuhns, a California University graduate, left the Trojans’ job in 2008 with a 38-36 record from 2002 to 2008. Following a strong 2005 regular season, Kuhns coached his team to its first playoff victory in 19 years. The following season, the Trojans won the 2006 Tri-County South Conference championship.

SCHEDULE

Aug. 22 – West Greene, 7 p.m.

Aug. 29 – at JeffersonMorgan, 7 p.m.

Sept. 5 – California, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 – Washington, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 – Steel Valley, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 – at Seton LaSalle, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 – at Carlynton, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 – at Keystone Oaks, 7 p.m.

frey Blair (5-10, 195), junior quarterback Teagen Crouse (5-8, 154), junior wide receiver-defensive end Jack Ricciuti (6-3, 190).

Crouse, who caught 24 passes a year ago, moves to quarterback, replacing Jacob Stephenson, who rushed for 1,081 yards and scored 20 touchdowns.

“Teagan's going to be really good,” Kuhns said. “He has his own personal quarterback coach. He's been doing it for quite a few years. He's good technique-wise and at being able to read defenses.

“He's football savvy for a kid who hasn't been a starting quarterback yet. If he must work on anything, it’s having fun. He's so darn serious about it.”

Kuhns succeeds former Waynesburg mentor Aaron Giorgi, whose job was opened in the offseason.

When Giorgi took over in 2021, Waynesburg’s recent history had been marked with tough times. The Raiders broke a 24-game confer-

ence losing streak in 2021. They went a little more than four years without winning a conference game prior to that. In all, Waynesburg had lost 45 of its last 48 conference games and 53 of 60 games overall.

Giorgi led the Raiders back to the WPIAL playoffs in 2023, its first time in the postseason since 2014.

Waynesburg went 7-4 in 2023 and lost to Imani Christian in the opening round of the playoffs. The Raiders’ four wins to open that season was the first time the program opened

4-0 in 23 years.

This past season, Waynesburg finished tied for second place in the Century Conference, going 4-2 in league play and 6-5 overall.

The Raiders defeated Washington, 21-13, for their first win over the Little Prexies and first win at Wash High Stadium since 2008.

Waynesburg lost to South Allegheny in the opening round of the WPIAL playoffs.

This is Kuhns’ second stint at Waynesburg.

He previously coached

In five years (2016-2020) at Beth-Center, Kuhns had a 19-30 record. The Bulldogs won 17 games in Kuhns’ first three seasons. Beth-Center qualified for the WPIAL playoffs all three seasons but lost in the first-round each time –twice against Steel Valley.

Derek Bochna will serve as the Raiders’ defensive coordinator. Other assistants

Oct. 17 – Charleroi, 7 p.m. Oct. 24 – at Sto-Rox, 7 p.m.

include Dave Sarra, Tim Bennett, Adam Knight, Colby Kuhns.

“I’m super excited,” the head coach said. “It’s hard to walk away once you’re into it.”

Mark Marietta

Teagan Crouse should continue Waynesburg’s recent run of strong play at the quarterback position.

West Greene aiming for continued improvement

BY JOHN SACCO

For the Herald-Standard

Daily improvement and incremental gain are of the utmost importance in the West Greene High School football program.

“We don’t like to put a lot of emphasis on wins and losses early in the year because we don’t know what we’re going to have until after camp,” said West Greene head coach Beau Jackson, who is now in his third season at the helm.

“There are a lot of factors out there that are out of our control, whether it be injuries or other things. We just try to get the best out of our guys.

The Pioneers have five starters returning on both sides of the ball, according to Jackson.

A year ago, the Pioneers went 4-6 overall and 4-3 in the Class A Tri-County South Conference to finish in a three-way tie with Bentworth and Carmichaels for third place and the final playoff berth. Bentworth won that spot on a tiebreaker. West Greene averaged 16.5 points per game while yielding 32.9 per game.

One of the players Jackson and the Pioneers will be counting on is senior offensive lineman and linebacker Colin Whyte (6-2, 260) – a fourth-place finisher in the PIAA Class AA wrestling tournament earlier this year. He takes that wrestling mentality onto the football field.

“He does everything we ask of him,” Jackson said. “He’s a hard worker and a tough player – a really tough player.”

West Greene’s Matthew Wassil (right) maneuvers past defenders in a drill during heat acclimation week.

HUCK'S OLLISION SHOP

45 Years in Business

Other players expected to boost West Greene include senior linebacker and wide receiver Matthew Wassil (6-8, 210) and senior two-way lineman Hunter Gorby (6-1, 190).

“He started for us last year and he started in spurts two years ago,” Jackson said of Gorby. “So, I guess you can say he’s a two-year starter.”

Another senior starter is Bruce Smith (5-10, 175).

“He’s a big weight room kid,” Jackson said. “He’s strong and we’re more than excited to see what he brings to the table this year as well.

“Really, with all those guys, we’re excited for the leadership that they will exhibit,” Jackson continued. “It’s just a really good group of kids. When we talk about character, we stress that it’s just about the talent you put onto the field. What happens off the field is just as important to us.”

Junior Mason Ansell (5-11, 190) returns up front and will be integral to the success of the offensive line.

The Pioneers do have to find replacements for quarterback Lane Allison, who passed for 1,411 yards and 11 touchdowns last year, and Hayden Hamilton, who was the team’s leading rusher and receiver.

gan and California at the top,” Jackson said. “I can see us and Beth-Center being in the same boat, except their kids are a little bit older than we are. They’re young but they’re going to be pretty talented. I can see them being up there.

“Other than that, I can’t really say. I don’t know. I think it’s going to be the other teams for that third or fourth spot. Bentworth has some skill kids and Carmichaels has some size. Mapletown is always going to be consistent and Avella is going to have a good line. I think they have a lot coming back.”

SCHEDULE

Aug. 22 – at Waynesburg, 7 p.m.

Aug. 29 – Monessen, 7 p.m.

Sept. 5 – at Fort Cherry, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 – at Avella, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 – Mapletown, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 – Jefferson-Morgan, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 – at Bentworth, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 – at California, 7 p.m.

Jackson said the conference could look a lot like last season with the early favorites being the top-two finishers from a year ago.

“I would say it’s probably going to be Jefferson-Mor-

Oct. 17 – Carmichaels, 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 – Beth-Center, 7 p.m.

Rob Burchianti | Herald-Standard

PennWest California Vulcans

Vulcans striving for carryover from highly successful 2024 season

BY JOHN SACCO

For the Herald-Standard

The PennWest California University football team enjoyed an outstanding season in 2024.

Last year, the Vulcans returned to the PSAC Championship for the first time since 2016. Cal finished undefeated in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference’s West play for the only the fifth time in school history to secure sole possession of first place in the divisional standings. The Vulcans earned a pair of victories in the 2024 NCAA Playoffs by a combined four points to advance to the Super Region One Championship for the fifth time in school history.

While the Vulcans lost to Slippery Rock – a team they soundly defeated during the regular season – in the NCAA Division II playoffs, nothing could dim the accomplishments and superlatives of last season.

“I think it just taught us how to work and how to play 60 minutes,” said Vulcans’ coach Gary Dunn. “I was extremely proud of the guys last year. There were several close ball games that we pulled out. There were some games that we had trailed and I think it just taught our young guys that it's a 60-minute ball game. I was really pleased with the way the guys prepared each week last year.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 4 – vs. Charleston, 6 p.m.

Sep. 13 – vs. West Chester, noon

Sept. 20 – vs. Lock Haven, noon

Sept. 27 – at Slippery Rock, 6 p.m.

Oct. 4 – vs. Seton Hill, noon

Oct. 11 – at Edinboro, 2 p.m.

Oct. 18 – vs. Clarion, 3 p.m.

Oct. 25 – at Indiana, 2 p.m.

Nov. 1 – vs. Frostburg State, 1 p.m.

Nov. 8 – at Gannon, noon

Nov. 15 – at Shippensburg, 1 p.m.

That's something that we must continue to do this year.

“Every week in the PSAC you must show up and play. We’ve been fortunate to handle our business but you know each week, anybody can beat anybody. You know it's going to be a grind and we play some tough road games this year. So, we must show up every week and work.

“That'll give us a better chance to compete on Saturdays.”

California opens the 2025 campaign with three consecutive home games after finishing last season with seven straight home games, including the NCAA Playoffs. The Vulcans will play

Running back Bobby Boyd Jr. was a First Team All-PSAC West player last year when he rushed for

10 games in a row at Adamson Stadium before playing their first road game in 350 days Sept. 27 at Slippery Rock.

The Vulcans’ returning starters include junior running back Bobby Boyd Jr., junior receiver D’Vay Johnson, junior offensive lineman Jacob King and sophomore offensive lineman Grady Rounds offensively. Boyd received All-PSAC West First Team honors in his first season as a starter. He nearly became the program’s first 1,000-yard rusher since 2019, as he finished with 938 rushing yards on nearly 200 attempts. Boyd has surpassed 1,500 rushing yards in his career while averaging 5.3 yards per attempt.

Returning starters on defense are junior defensive back Keith Charney, senior linebacker Grant Hopple and junior defensive backs Khalil Taylor and Amory

Thompson. Charney was PSAC West Freshman of the Year in 2023.

“We have talented kids in our program and I think we've built our program through high school guys and development players,” Dunn said. “We're not real interested in going to take 15 or 20 transfers every year. We recruit high school guys and develop those guys who have been our program for a year, two years, three years and now it's their turn to step up and be the guy. I'm extremely excited about our guys. We're young and sometimes that's a good thing. Sometimes when you're young and hungry, your guys have something to prove.”

Dunn was voted the 2024 PSAC West Coach of the Year to become the program’s first recipient of the award since 2007. He ranks second in school history in wins with a 66-24 over-

all record and a 48-11 mark in PSAC West play. Dunn is only the fourth coach to lead the Vulcans for at least a decade this year, and the first since John Luckhardt (2002-11) — the program’s all-time winningest coach with 88 victories.

“I'm super excited about the guys we have back,” Dunn said. “The leadership we have on defense is good.

I thought maybe last year we were a young defense to start the season. We got a lot of reps and a lot of experience. That’s probably going to be our strength. I think we're going to be strong up the middle. I think our experience on defense is going to pay dividends this year.” California opens its season Sept. 4 against Charleston (W.Va.).

Penn West California University

938 yards for the Vulcans.

Lori C. Padilla

PennWest California’s Keith Charney sacks Kutztown’s Judd Novak during last year’s PSAC championship game at Adamson Stadium. Charney, returns for his junior season, was the PSAC West Freshman of the Year in 2023.

Penn State University Nittany Lions

Penn State blocking out noise of big-game losses

Nittany Lions focus on second playoff run

ASSOCIATED PRESS

LAS VEGAS — New year, new slate, no outside noise.

That’s the mantra in Happy Valley, despite James Franklin being saddled with a 4-20 mark as coach at Penn State against teams ranked in the AP Top 10.

“Coming to Penn State, I came here to win Big Ten championships and win a national championship,” Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley said during one of the Big Ten media days.

“The beginning of every year, that’s expectations. Whatever happens, happens. But that’s how I go into the season every year.

“Coach Franklin does a great job of making sure we’re laser focused on the task at hand.”

Right now, the task is to open camp with a fresh mindset and zero in on the season opener against Nevada on Aug. 30.

Forget his collective 101-42 mark at the helm or the two College Football Playoff victories before falling to Notre Dame in last year’s national semifinal. As Franklin enters his 12th season leading the Lions, with 10 trips to the postseason in 11 years, the 53-year-old never seems to escape the narrative of losing big games.

Nittany Lions fans might be happy to know Franklin feels he has the best combined personnel he’s ever had at Penn State, from players and staff, to depth, to talent and experience.

“We’re very excited about that,” Franklin said. “There’s a ton of conversations that are happening nationally. We embrace that. We’ve earned that based on what we’ve been able to do and what we’ve got coming back.

“We were a game away from playing for the National Championship, and you could actually make the argument a drive away from playing for the National Championship, but it didn’t feel that way, right? Because the expectations at Penn State are really high. We embrace that.”

Wheatley, a fifth-year senior, agreed, saying it’s the best atmosphere he’s been around since landing on campus.

“The amount of film work and amount of extra work being put in, the energy around the building right now is electric,” said Wheatley, whose 16 tackles in the Orange Bowl against Notre Dame tied for the third-most recorded by a Penn State player in a postseason game. “With the amount of veteran guys we got coming back and leadership we got going on, it kind of flows from freshmen to seniors. Everyone feels good right now.”

Associated Press

Penn State head coach James Franklin, right, celebrates with running back Nicholas Singleton after a touchdown during the second half of the Fiesta Bowl College Football Playoff game against Boise State on Dec. 31 in Glendale, Ariz.

SCHEDULE

Aug. 30 – vs. Nevada, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 6 – vs. Florida International, noon

Sept. 13 – vs. Villanova, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 – vs. Oregon, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 – at UCLA, TBA

Oct. 11 – vs. Northwestern, TBA

Oct. 18 – at Iowa, TBA

Nov. 1 – at Ohio State, TBA

Nov. 8 – vs. Indiana, TBA

Nov. 15 – at Michigan State, TBA

Nov. 22 – vs. Nebraska, TBA

Nov. 29 – at Rutgers, TBA

University of Pittsburgh Panthers

STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

Holstein, Panthers aim for better finish SCHEDULE

For the first time since the Kenny Pickett era, Pitt will begin a season with a returning starter at quarterback.

Eli Holstein is back, and if he and running back Desmond Reid can stay healthy, the Panthers should be able to improve upon last year’s 7-6 record.

Holstein had an up-anddown season a year ago, his first at Pitt after transferring from Alabama. He led Pitt to a 7-0 start — during which he completed 64 percent of his passes for 1,808 yards with 17 TDs — but it devolved into an 0-6 finish.

Despite the late collapse, Holstein led an offense that averaged 32.9 points per game, a marked improvement under coordinator Kade Bell’s up-tempo system.

“It's nice to go into Year 2 of the offense with Coach Bell, Year 2 with Eli at quarterback. That's always special when you've got that continuity,” head coach Pat Narduzzi said. “There's nothing better than you’re going into the season knowing what Eli has done, what kind of football player he is. We're not sitting there wondering what's going to happen on game day. I think we all have a pretty good idea.”

It's hard to imagine Reid's role increasing after working as a running back, wide receiver and return specialist in his debut season. But the all-purpose player thinks he's capable of doing more, even if he’s only 5-8 and 175 pounds.

“Growing up, I was always a smaller guy, so my dad always told me, don’t worry about what people say about you, just do what you can do, handle what you can handle,” Reid said.

The diminutive Reid (58, 175) rushed for a teamhigh 962 yards on 183 carries, tied for the team lead in receptions with 52 for 579 yards, returned punts

Aug. 30 – vs. Duquesne, noon

Sept. 6 – vs. Central Michigan, noon

Sept. 13 – at West Virginia, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 – vs. Louisville, TBA

Oct. 4 – vs. Boston College, TBA

Oct. 11 – at Florida State, TBA

Oct. 18 – at Syracuse, TBA Oct. 25 – vs. N.C. State, TBA Nov. 1 – at Stanford, TBA Nov. 15 – vs. Notre Dame, TBA Nov. 22 – at Georgia Tech Nov. 29 – vs. Miami, Fla., TBA

ABOVE: Holstein celebrates after defeating West Virginia on Sept. 14 in Pittsburgh. BELOW: Pitt running back Desmond Reid carries during the second half gainst Clemson on Nov. 16 in Pittsburgh.

Photos: Associated Press

The return of starting quarterback Eli Holstein, right, could mean that happy times are ahead for coach Pat Narduzzii and the Panthers.

and scored 10 total touchdowns for Pitt after transferring from Western Carolina.

“He’s a team guy,” Narduzzi said, “and he’s got a chest cavity filled with a big heart.”

While Reid and Holstein form an intriguing combination, who will be Pitt’s third option on offense? It could be a combination of wide receivers Kenny Johnson (537 receiving yards, three TDs) and Raphael “Poppi” Williams Jr. (426 yards, six TDs).

The line, plagued by injuries last season, added three potential starters via the portal.

As a sophomore, linebacker Kyle Louis was named an All-American and first-team All-ACC. He finished third in conference Defensive Player of the Year voting. Along with 101 tackles, he led Pitt in tackles for a loss (15.5), sacks (7) and interceptions (4). He also added a pick6 and returned a blocked extra point for a defensive two-point conversion.

Along with fellow AllACC selection Rasheem Biles (15 TFLs, six sacks), Louis leads a defensive unit that must improve after allowing 28.4 points per game.

The interior is solid with returning tackles

Sean FitzSimmons and Nick James. Jimmy Scott and transfers Blaine Spires (Utah State) and Jaeden Moore (Oregon) fortify the end positions.

“I think our defense is better,” Narduzzi said.

“With Braylan Lovelace in the middle, Biles on one side, Louis on the other side, that's three guys who can run. And again, Lovelace … he's not the biggest guy in the world, but he can run and make plays.”

Safety Cruce Brookins, a big hitter, leads a secondary that is unsettled at cornerback. Sophomore Shadarian Harrison, a star in spring practice, could solidify one of the spots.

“I think we've got a talented football team,” Narduzzi said. “They're fired up. They're energetic. They're locked in. I think we have as good a leadership as I've seen here.

“I feel like we should have won 11 games a year ago. … We had a little luck early in the season. We didn't get lucky near the end of the season. We've got a talented football team. We've got to stay healthy. We've got to play complementary football offensively and defensively, which I think we will even better than we did a year ago.”

Photos: Associated Press

ABOVE: Reid carries the ball against Kent State on Aug. 31 in Pittsburgh. BELOW: Holstein looks to throw during the first half against West Virginia.

Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi, center, congratulates his team after they scored a touchdown against Toledo during the second half of the GameAbove Sports Bowl on Dec. 26 in Detroit.

Waynesburg University Yellow Jackets

Experienced Yellow Jackets seek to join PAC’s elite

BY JOHN SACCO

For the Herald-Standard

The struggle to gain entrance into the Presidents’ Athletic Conference’s top five football teams is real for the Waynesburg Yellow Jackets.

Over the last few seasons, Waynesburg has gotten close to breaking through. But the Yellow Jackets are still in search of that signature win that seems to somehow escape their grasp. What’s more, they sometimes don’t quite navigate the mine field that is the rest of the PAC field and lose a game they shouldn’t.

The Yellow Jackets are getting ready and the return of a strong offensive line, standout running back, a good crop of receivers and promising defense has Waynesburg poised to make significant gains in 2025.

Skeptics outside of Greene County remain.

In the preseason PAC poll, Waynesburg was voted as the number six team. The Yellow Jackets garnered 260 points from voting by the media, sports information directors and coaches. Waynesburg fell seven points short of Geneva.

Returning offensive starters are senior linemen Kory Ansell (6-2 285) and Jacob Brisky (6-3 280), senior running back Zayne Cawley (5-7, 185), senior offensive linemen Isaiah Grenway (6-0, 320) and Dalton Scruggs (6-5, 350), senior wide receiver Isaac Trout (5-10, 160), junior wide receiver Tyler Richmond, (61, 185) and senior tight end Dagyn Williams (6-0 205).

Returning defensive starters are junior defen-

Running back Zayne Cawley (20) ran through Waynesburg’s opponents for more than 1,225 yards last season.

sive linemen Virgil Doiron (6-3, 240) and John Johnson III (6-1, 300), junior linebackers Ewing Jamison (5-11, 205) and Kevin Willis (5-10, 215), sophomore linebacker Vinnie Heller (5-11, 180), senior defensive linemen Alex Paulson (6-0, 245) and Sebastian Ross (5-11, 245) and senior defensive back John Stewart (5-11, 205).

“Our most talented and deepest position that we have on our roster currently, and it has been the last several years, has been the guys out front,” said Waynesburg coach Dr. Cornelius Coleman. “We are excited about our offensive line. We're excited about the guys returning and we have four of our starters coming back.

“Those guys are put-

ting in a lot of work in the classroom and from the academic aspect, from the classroom standpoint of just learning how watching film and understanding the game, which is key in this day in age. They put in a ton of work in the weight room. I feel they collectively are coming together as teammates and brothers. So, we're excited about the returning guys up front and then obviously we feel as though our running back core, in general, is a good group of young men.”

Cawley will be the focus of the offense.

Last season he rushed for 1,225 yards on 219 carries for an average of 5.6 yards per carry with nine touchdowns and 122.5 yards per game. He also

caught 21 passes for 185 yards (8.8 yards per catch) and a TD.

“He's effective for a few different reasons,” Coleman said. “I've been doing this for 21 years and I've been around a lot of good players in the running back position. He is just generally doing things that stand out when you look at the numbers. When he first got here, he had older guys in front of him. He learned how to take care of his body, how to properly watch film and how to set adequate goals for himself.

“It's the little things for me that make him great.

The PAC is playing an unbalanced schedule this year, giving each team the opportunity to play two non-conference games at the start of the season.

Waynesburg will host John Carroll, a playoff team a year ago when it went 9-3, in its opener and then play at Dickinson, which was 5-6 and played in an ECAC Bowl game last season, in the second game. If the Yellow Jackets could earn a split in those two games, they could potentially open the season 4-1 as they would be considered the favorite, according to the preseason poll, in their next three games.

The two teams they are

“He represents our institution. Those are the reasons that he's great. I'm not the only one who sees that but his teammates see that. He has the right work ethic.”

not playing in the PAC are Westminster and Case Western Reserve – two of the top four rated teams in the conference.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 6 – vs. John Carroll, 1 p.m.

Sept. 13 – at Dickinson, 1 p.m.

Sept. 20 – vs. Hiram, 1 p.m.

Sept. 27 – at Thiel, 3 p.m. Oct. 4 – vs. Allegheny, 1 p.m.

Oct. 11 – at Grove City, 2 p.m.

Oct. 18 – vs. Geneva, 1 p.m.

Oct. 25 – at Washington & Jefferson, 1 p.m.

Nov. 1 – at Bethany, 2 p.m.

Nov. 8 – vs. Saint Vincent, 1 p.m.

Waynesburg University

West Virginia University Mountaineers

Familiar faces from multiple places for Rodriguez

BY SPENCER RIPCHIK

For the Herald-Standard

During offensive lineman Xavier Bausley’s recruiting visit with Rich Rodriguez at Jacksonville State, Bausley was handed a form to fill out to allow Rodriguez to speak with him. On the form, one of the questions was ”What’s one thing that’s unique about yourself?” Bausley, who is from Dunbar, West Virginia, answered as follows:

“My dad burned all the Rich Rod things, pictures, everything in 2007,” Rodriguez said while retelling the story. “He put it on fire. Cussed you out.”

Two years later, Bausley transferred from Jacksonville State to West Virginia, a year prior to Rodriguez coming back. The second time around, Rodriguez and Bausley’s father had a good laugh about what his son said after coming full circle.

“I said now if you wouldn’t have burned all your stuff, you might’ve already had some West Virginia stuff,“ Rodriguez said.

Reunions are a theme for the 2025 squad. Bausley is one of a couple of players who transferred from Jacksonville State to West Virginia a year prior to Rodriguez taking the job, creating some interesting conversations.

“I said, ‘Hey, Xavier, I’m back,’” Rodriguez said. “Are you going to leave again?”

The conversations are mostly out of good fun because a lot of them left Rodriguez and Jacksonville State to move up to a Power Four conference. Safety Kekoura Tarnue was one of them.

“He had nothing to do with it,” Tarnue said. “To me, in my opinion, he’s probably the best coach I’ve played for. Because just seeing how much he gets out of his players, how much he pushes them day in and day out. Not just on the football field, but to be a better person off the field.”

Tarnue didn’t know whether he was going to play another year since he ran out of eligibility, but then he

SCHEDULE

Aug. 30 – vs. Robert Morris, 2 p.m.

Sept. 6 – at Ohio, 4 p.m.

Sept. 13 – vs. Pitt, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 – at Kansas, TBA

Sept. 27 – vs. Utah, TBA

Oct. 3 – at Brigham Young, 10:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 – at Central Florida, TBA

Oct. 25 – vs. TCU, TBA

Nov. 1 – at Houston, TBA

Nov. 8 – vs. Colorado, TBA

Nov. 15 – at Arizona State

Nov. 29 – vs. Texas Tech, TBA

saw online that players were getting granted another year. Shortly after, Rodriguez was named as the coach, so Tarnue gave him a call and told Rodriguez he was going to try and get back to play for him.

“He was like, ‘Come on, let’s do it,” Tarnue said.

There are eight players, whether they transferred

a year ago or this offseason, who played together at Jacksonville State. Wide receiver Jarod Bowie came from the Gamecocks with Rodriguez, and he reunited with players like Tarnue.

“We are all about to be back together again,” Bowie

Rich Rodriguez was united with several of his former players from Jacksonville State when he began his second stint as West Virginia’s head coach.

said. “Like the brotherhood we had back together at Jack State.”

Bowie said the Gamecocks do hang out together because that’s who they are most familiar with, but he said the team doesn’t really break off, and they try to include everybody.

“We don’t all hang out with just people who we are comfortable with,” Bowie said. “We all separate. Hang around QBs, running backs, everybody on the team. We keep it all close.”

The former Jacksonville State players are the only athletes who can see if Rodriguez has changed since taking a jump up in levels and coming back to West Virginia. Rodriguez said he’s running things a lot faster now that he’s here, but his players haven’t noticed anything too different from when he coached them at Jacksonville State.

“That’s coach Rich Rod,” Bow-

ie said. “He ain’t going to change for nothing. He is going to do his job and do it very, very well.”

There are pros and cons for the players who’ve already played for Rodrigeuz before. The pros are that it’s familiar and should be quicker to pick up, and they know that Rodriguez is not afraid to tell you what he thinks. The negative is that he’ll hold you to a high standard, so when you do mess up, there’s no excuse.

For Bowie and Tarnue, the positives heavily outweigh the cons, and there is a reason Rodriguez brought all these Jacksonville State players with him. That’s because he thinks they can help WVU win.

“My expectations for them, because they played a couple of years ago on defense, they played for Coach Alley in this system, and obviously the guys on offense, the same system, so they should understand,” Rodriguez said. “They’ve done a good job. They are going to help us win.”

Associated Press

West Virginia quarterback Nicco Marchiol (8) looks to pass against Towson during a game on Sept. 17, 2022, in Morgantown, W.Va.

Good Luck PITTSBURGH Pittsburgh 2025 Schedule

Good Luck PITTSBURGH Pittsburgh 2025 Schedule

Major changes

Steelers banking on refurbishment leading to playoff success

BY JIM WEXELL

For the Herald-Standard

The Pittsburgh Steelers were a playoff team last season but then they were rolled by the Ravens.

Not kind words to anyone in Western Pa., but changes were made.

While many fans wanted even bigger changes, there were major changes, and in fact enough that 10 of the 24 positions will have new starters.

It's been quite a refurbishment for a playoff team, but a refurbishment that's certainly brightened the room.

Here's the breakdown:

QUARTERBACK

Aaron Rodgers is 41 with his legendary release intact, his arm still strong, and his legs still working well enough to escape a fast, hungry, rookie outside linebacker for a 5-yard gain on a Friday night in downtown Latrobe. Rodgers doesn't look the part of an old man, but he talks like one, spreading wisdom to all willing listeners and providing precise instructions for his blockers and receivers. It comes as no surprise that, after two losing seasons with the Jets, Rodgers has embraced this environment and taken to his role with enthusiasm.

Behind him is a solid backup in Mason Rudolph and impressive rookie Will Howard. The sixth-rounder is big, strong, smart, a powerful runner in the Bobby Douglass mold (any other old-timers remember him?), and is an enthusiastic and willing learner. In spite of a broken bone in his hand that will keep him out of preseason games, Howard will take in much about the professional game as a rookie behind Rodgers.

Grade: B

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is a four-time NFL MVP who says this season might be the last of his career.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 7 – at NY Jets, 1 p.m.

Sept. 14 – vs. Seattle, 1 p.m.

Sept. 21 – at New England, 1 p.m.

Sept. 28 – vs. Minnesota, in Dublin, Ireland, 9:30 a.m.

Bye week

Oct. 12 – vs. Cleveland, 1 p.m.

Oct. 16 – at Cincinnati, 8:15 p.m.

Oct. 26 – vs. Green Bay, 8:20 p.m.

Nov. 2 – vs. Indianapolis, 1 p.m.

Nov. 9 – at LA Chargers, 8:20 p.m.

Nov. 16 – vs. Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

Nov. 23 – at Chicago, 1 p.m.

Nov. 30 – vs. Buffalo, 4:25 p.m.

Dec. 7 – at Baltimore, 1 p.m.

Dec. 15 – vs. Miami, 8:15 p.m.

Dec. 21 – at Detroit, 4:25 p.m.

Dec. 28 – at Cleveland, 1 p.m.

TBD – vs. Baltimore, TBD

offseason acquisitions.

RUNNING BACK

While the quarterbacks are better than expected, the running backs are less. Rookie Kaleb Johnson has shown flashes of breakaway running skills, but his hands are unreliable and his pass-blocking below average. He will need more time, but has obvious skills and thus potential.

Pass-catching back Kenneth Gainwell is being worked in the slot when two backs are on the field. He's an excellent receiver, but too slight to help, either, as a pass protector. That leaves Jaylen Warren for third-down duty even though, as the veteran returnee, he's destined to start the season and is intent on surprising fans as a lead back. Evan Hall is going to be a difficult cut as the No. 4, and Trey Sermon has had his moments as well.

The front office has done a good job in bolstering depth across the board, but there's still a need for a "bell cow."

Grade: B-

WIDE RECEIVER

DK Metcalf is the most impressive ath-

lete on offense. The unit's highest-paid player, Metcalf came to the Steelers for a second-round pick and has shown why in training camp. He's working hard with camp roommate Rodgers to become the veteran QB's security blanket.

The two showed off their potential on the first pass during 7-Shots of training camp. Rodgers utilized perfect timing in throwing a scoring pass from the 2-yard line that — at that height — will be difficult to stop by even the best NFL cornerback. Metcalf is listed at 6-4, 235. When the now 27-year-old came out for the draft, he ran a 4.33 40, benched 225 pounds 27 times, and vertical-jumped 40.5 inches at the NFL Combine. That size, speed, power, and explosiveness have all been on display throughout camp. Think of a jacked-up, highly motivated, even sometimes-agitated-at-underperforming-teammates George Pickens and you'll know Metcalf.

The problem, though, is that he doesn't have a proper No. 2 as a complement. Calvin Austin is the best of the group, but he's only 5-7 1/4. Austin is a

terrific punt returner and is becoming a polished route runner, with 4.3-plus speed, but is better suited as a third wide receiver. Roman Wilson is another slightly built contender, but belongs in the slot. So does 33-year-old vet Robert Woods, who should serve Rodgers well on critical downs.

All three have been outplayed at camp by Scotty Miller, who's played with Tom Brady and under Arthur Smith at previous stops in his seven-year career. Miller works well with Rodgers, and of course his experience — while still retaining speed and explosiveness — has been a boon to his performance at camp.

Clearly, all four No. 2 candidates have their assets, but none has stepped forward convincingly. Brandon Johnson is the top sleeper from last year's practice squad; Roc Taylor is a fast and powerful — albeit raw — undrafted rookie; and converted-running back Max Hurleman, undrafted out of Colgate/Notre Dame — (a Rich Erenberg clone, for you throwbacks) — has been very impressive as an all-around jack of all trades.

Hurleman figures to stick around in some capacity.

Grade: B-

TIGHT END

Pro Bowl acquisition Jonnu Smith figures to make up for the lack of a bluechip No. 2 WR with his obvious playmaking skills. He's also been used as a running back when the Steelers trot four TEs onto the field.

Smith, Pat Freiermuth, and Connor Heyward make a strong trio of playmakers, while the only true in-line blocker of the TE group is Darnell Washington.

The hope among fans is that the 6-7 Washington continues to be used in the red zone for Rodgers as often as he has in this camp. But for the most part, Washington will be used to help the tackles protect the 41-year-old QB on pass downs.

Undrafted free agents JJ Galbreath (pass catcher) and DJ Thomas-Jones (fullback) have been impressive at camp.

Grade: B+

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) is defended by Jalen Ramsey (5) during a training camp practice. The pair were two of the team’s biggest

STEELERS

OFFENSIVE LINE

The Steelers last season allowed 49 sacks (ninth most) and averaged only 4.1 yards per carry (eighth worst), so the line wasn't taking many bows.

The bright side is that three rookies are moving into their second season, and Dan Moore, who led the NFL with 12 sacks allowed (per Pro Football Focus), is gone. Broderick Jones, who allowed 11 sacks last season, moves over from RT to replace Moore at LT. Last year's firstround pick, Troy Fautanu, returns from a season-long injury with his second impressive camp and will be the RT. Next to him will be a much-improved Mason McCormick at RG, next to last year's top Steelers rookie Zach Frazier at C. Isaac Seumalo is the 31-year-old former Pro Bowler at RG.

The depth on the line will likely be addressed next draft. The personnel men who helped build both lines on the world champion Eagles should be able to put the finishing touches on rebuilding the OL in Pittsburgh with a multitude of extra draft picks.

Grade: C+

DEFENSIVE LINE

For a team that's being labeled as an

Heyward to form a physically imposing defensive interior.

Veteran Isaiahh Loudermilk, free agent acquisition Danuel Ekuale, and last year's fifth-round pick, Logan Lee (IR all last season) should provide more depth than is generally known. Harmon, often playing between Heyward and OLB/DE T.J. Watt, has enjoyed a strong camp. While he benefits from playing between two potential Hall of Famers, those Hall of Famers will benefit from the rookie's size and explosiveness.

While Harmon checked in bigger than Benton, Black, at 6-5, 330, is even bigger than Harmon and provides solid run support.

Of course, in the Steelers' last game, the Ravens rushed for 299 yards. It broke a team playoff record by 67 yards. Those 1973 Steelers, after being embarrassed by the Raiders in the playoffs, allowed rushing yardage measured in inches in their next playoffs.

This defensive front has that kind of potential.

Grade: ALINEBACKERS

over-the-hill type, the front office seems to have rebuilt both lines with youth. This year's draft included first-rounder Derrick Harmon and fifth-rounder Yahya Black. They join 2023 second-round pick Keeanu Benton and of course Cam

Since the Steelers play so much four-man front, OLBs Watt and Alex Highsmith are part of that strong D-line grade.

and special-teams bomber Mark Robinson are also in the mix in forming the type of linebacking corps for which the Steelers are famous.

Grade: A SECONDARY

In calling down the echoes of past Steelers champions and handing out high grades to the previous two position groups on defense, we come to the unit that has performed best of all this camp. Jalen Ramsey is that good.

While Minkah Fitzpatrick is one of the best safeties in the game, Ramsey is one of the best corners, and, like his hero Charles Woodson before him, Ramsey wants to also play safety to help confuse opposing QBs.

He's been an elite defender at this camp, possibly the best player on what could become an elite NFL defense. Ramsey, Darius Slay and Joey Porter Jr. give the Steelers three tough man-toman corners, and give Mike Tomlin the ability to call on more of the growing NFL trend, Cover-4.

Strong safety DeShon Elliott has been the hub of communications at this camp, while free agent acquisition Juan Thornhill provides veteran stability in place of Fitzpatrick at free safety. It's an outstanding group of five starting DBs, with another inexpensive but young free agent, Brandin Echols, providing depth.

The Steelers drafted impressive rookie Jack Sawyer in the fourth round, and at 260 pounds, he is also more end than linebacker. Sawyer has not only shown off his physicality at training camp, he's shown an ability to get after the quarterback with quickness and suddenness. It also must be mentioned that Sawyer is a true football lover. He'll talk about the game incessantly, can recite the end of Jack Lambert's Hall of Fame speech, and was excited to learn he's been moved into James Harrison's former locker. But Sawyer's only the No. 4 OLB, behind Nick Herbig.

Cory Trice, James Pierre, Chuck Clark, and undrafted rookie Sebastian Castro give this group a deep underpinning of veteran, rookie, and special teams depth.

Grade: A+

SPECIAL TEAMS

One DB not mentioned above deserves to be here as captain of the NFL's No. 1 ranked special teams unit, and that's Miles Killebrew.

The talented pass-rusher looks even stronger and quicker in his third camp, and will present the Steelers with a contract dilemma next offseason. The inside linebackers were new to the team last season and that inexperience was partly to blame for the 299 allowed to the Ravens. But Payton Wilson, in his second camp, is much stronger and more confident this season.

Last year's top free agent acquisition, Patrick Queen, is also much more comfortable in his second season calling the defenses.

Behind them are a healthy Cole Holcomb (the former starter until a wicked knee injury cost him 1.5 seasons) and big run-stuffer Malik Harrison. Rookie seventh-round pick Carson Bruener

The unit is led by the league's best kicker, Chris Boswell, but one of the top punters, Cam Johnston, returns from last year's season-long injury and is booming the ball at his former Pro Bowl level. The punt returner will again be Austin, who drew unabashed praise from Tomlin this camp. Austin could become the league's breakout return specialist this season. He was fifth in the NFL last season among those with 20 or more punt returns.

Running back Johnson could become an ideal kickoff returner. The Steelers were ranked No. 1 in the league in overall special teams last season by famed special teams analyst Rick Gosselin. The Steelers should be even better this year.

Grade: A

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