Antonio Marra looking for injury-free season at Yough

By: Paul Schofield
Thursday, August 24, 2023 | 4:30 PM

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Antonio Marra’s high school football career at Yough has not gone as planned.

Injuries have sidelined the talented senior wide receiver.

He played in only four games during the 2022 season before a broken ankle ended his season. Before the injury, he caught two passes for 113 yards and a touchdown against Derry. They were his only catches of the season.

“We’re hoping for an injury-free season for Antonio; that should allow him to show his talents,” Yough second-year coach Ben Hoffer said. “We’re counting on him to be an offensive threat.

“Keeping healthy is his main thing. When he’s on the field, he’s definitely a good asset both offensively and defensively.”

Marra said he has worked hard during the offseason so he can stay healthy. He injured a knee his sophomore season and an ankle his junior season.

“It’s been frustrating because I’ve been waiting my whole life to play high school football,” Marra said. “I finally get up here, and then my doctor told me I had to wait a year. I haven’t gotten a break. I’m looking forward to a big season. I deserve that.”

Marra said he’s been putting extra time in the weight room to get stronger with assistant coach Joe Korpar. He also eliminated junk food from his diet.

“I’ve been lifting a lot with Coach K,” Marra said. “He’s been pushing me a lot. I’m watching my diet, trying to eat clean. I have to stay away from pizza.”

Marra said he’s studying the position to become a more polished player. He’s been watching a lot of film so he can understand the game more.

Hoffer said Marra’s speed and quickness have improved through his workout routine.

“His work ethic in the offseason has been great,” Hoffer said. “He’s been working for Joe, and he’s been tremendous with him. He’s been there all of the time.

“He’s a captain and a leader. He’ll be a two-way starter and will get a lot of touches on offense and be a leader on defense by making tackles and getting a couple interceptions.”

Marra is expected to be one of the main targets of quarterback Raidon Kuroda in the Cougars’ passing game. He said the two have gotten together and run patterns.

“We’ve been friends since midget league,” Marra said of Kuroda. “I expect him to have a good season.”

Hoffer said he’s confident Marra can handle the pressure of playing in big games despite his lack of experience.

“Where he goes, we’re going to have to go,” Hoffer said. “He has to stay in the game, stay in the moment and don’t let the moment overwhelm him.

“He needs to get a couple things going positive for him, get some confidence his way and if does that, things will roll downhill for him. He has to be itching to get back.”

And Marra said there is no reason the Cougars can’t make more noise this season.

He said Hoffer brings a lot of electricity to the field and wants to see the team succeed.

“Coach Benny wants us to make the playoffs, and hopefully we can get there,” Marra said. “He loves this sport more than anything. He’ll do whatever it takes to make us better.”

As for himself, Marra wants to have a big season for various reasons.

“I’m trying to go to college; that would make my mom and dad proud of me because they’ve been pushing me to that decision,” Marra said. “And I just want to show myself and family that I can do it, that I’m good enough to play at the next level.

“I’m looking to put up a bunch of yards, get a couple interceptions and hopefully have a good season. I can’t wait to get started.”

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

Tags: Yough