Seton-La Salle sets sights on conference title

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, August 24, 2017 | 9:51 PM

Rob Carter jumped into the head coaching waters for the first time last year.

It was a season-long learning experience for the Seton-La Salle field boss, who had been an assistant since 2002.

“Having a full offseason was great to establish goals, expectations and a plan for the season,” Carter said. “This allows (for) confidence and comfort going into camp.

“I learned to take nothing for granted. Reflections on last year helped us learn from our mistakes and how to better prepare.”

Carter, 37, who teaches AP/honors computer science and ninth grade world history, played football at Seton-La Salle from 1995-98, then attended IUP and Robert Morris, earning degrees in computer science and social studies.

He previously coached every position except quarterbacks at Seton, and served as defensive coordinator in 2014 and ‘15.

Seton-La Salle finished 5-4 last season, which included a 4-3 slate in the Class 3A Allegheny Conference. The Rebels are expected to contend for the conference title this season, and are ranked No. 3 in Class 3A by the Tribune-Review, behind Aliquippa and Central Valley.

“We have a plethora of returning lettermen,” Carter said, “as well as seven or eight starters returning on each side of the ball.”

The headliner is senior running back/defensive back Lionel Deanes, who led all 3A rushers last year with 1,814 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Deanes (5-7, 185), nicknamed “The Train,” has accounted for 3,158 yards rushing and 31 scores in his varsity career.

“Lionel Deanes…ahhh, what to say? This is ‘The Train's' senior ride. I will miss this fine young man,” Carter said. “Anyway, I asked Lionel what his expectations were for his senior season. He said, ‘I just want to help my team win.' I was very happy with that answer.

“The coaching staff expects ‘The Train' to lead this team to a 1-0 record each week, and compete for a conference title and a chance at a WPIAL title. Lionel needs to lead by example, let his work ethic and attitude help this team achieve the goals that they set.”

Other starters back from last year are seniors Matt Banbury (QB/DB), Nistal Baldwin (RB/LB), Shane Dugan (TE/DL) and Cullen Vereb (K); juniors Nick Vari (WR/DB), Nate Ault (WR/DB) and Jamar Shegog (WR/LB); and senior linemen Josh Blamer, Nick McNally and Brendan Perone.

Vari, Ault and Shegog lead the team's receiving corps, while Baldwin returns at linebacker.

Additionally, senior TE/DL George Mike, juniors Tyler Hillebrand (WR/DB) and Mike Visnich (RB/LB); and junior linemen Mike Kutshke, Dean O'Toole and Jesse Byerly are returning lettermen.

“I have very high expectations for the team,” Deanes said. “We are very strong offensively all-around, starting with our line to the coach calling the plays.”

Carter is anticipating a big year from Banbury, who completed 42 of 86 passes for 623 yards and eight touchdowns last season.

“Matt is 20 pounds stronger and has grown some since last year,” Carter said. “Matt worked hard this offseason and is expected to have a tremendous year. We expect our quarterbacks at Seton-La Salle to be tough, be a leader, be the first one in the weight room and on the field. They need to be smart and athletic.

“Since the early 90's to now, our quarterbacks have been Richie Ingold, Mauro Monz, Shawn Lamonde, Shane Patterson, Bruce Gradkowski, Anthony Doria, Bill Stull, Matt Rodgers, Anthony Rizza, Luke Brumbaugh and Tyler Perone; just to name a few. A tip of the hat to head coaches Greg Gattuso, Lou Cerro and especially Greg Perry for that position of excellence over the years. Now, it's Matt's turn.”

Banbury (6-2, 205), who owns a 4.0 grade-point average, also plays basketball at Seton-La Salle.

His expectations the fall season?

“Win the conference,” Banbury said, “and I think we have a good shot to win the WPIAL. In my opinion, we are very solid all-around; we have a lot of experience. Obviously, I'd like to perform to the best of my ability every play, but as long as we are winning games stats don't matter to me.”

Carter said the presence of so many veteran players is a team strength. There are 14 seniors and 15 juniors on the squad. He also lauded the Rebels' offensive and defensive lines, paced by the likes of Blamer (6-4, 250), McNally (5-11, 260), Kutschke (6-0, 280), Perone (6-1, 231), Dugan (6-1, 215), O'Toole (6-5, 325) and Byerly (6-0, 230).

“Special teams is an area in need of improvement for the preseason,” Carter said. “The surprise at camp has been the freshmen and sophomores. They have been stepping up where needed and working hard. We are very excited for when their time comes.”

Keystone Oaks (7-0), Apollo-Ridge (5-2) and Valley (5-2) were the top three teams in the conference last year. Other conference squads are Freeport, Burrell, Deer Lakes and Shady Side Academy.

Carter believes Keystone Oaks, Valley and Freeport should be leading contenders in 2017.

Seton-La Salle is scheduled to play four “home” games this season — two at Peters Township and two at Thomas Jefferson.

The Rebels open up Sept. 1 at Shady Side Academy, followed by another road game Sept. 8 at Valley.

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.