North Hills aims for 2nd-half surge

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, September 30, 2017 | 1:39 AM

Halfway through the season, the North Hills football team is on the outside looking in at the playoff picture.

At 2-3 overall and 1-3 in the Class 5A Allegheny Nine Conference, the Indians are in sixth place, but are still in striking distance and have a favorable schedule compared to the teams in front of them.

Although they were all losses, North Hills has already played the top three teams in the conference in Moon, Upper St. Clair and West Allegheny.

“There have been times where we have been really good this season, but we continue to have some mistakes in terms of penalties,” coach Pat Carey said. “We are still a confident team, but we need to get this thing back on track.

“We have played some pretty good teams and they will exploit some of your mistakes. We have some kids that are young in their positions.”

The Indians' best game of the young season may have came against West Allegheny, the top-ranked team in Class 5A.

Coming in as underdogs, North Hills took the conference favorite to the brink before eventually losing 29-28 in overtime.

“We felt like we should have won that game,” Carey said. “We played well against them and that gave them confidence.”

The Indians followed that with a 31-17 win at Fox Chapel before having another setback in a 38-31 home loss to Moon.

A big reason the Indians have been in every game and are confident about their playoff push is because of their high-powered offense.

They are averaging 28.4 points and are led by senior running back Melvin Blanks.

Blanks leads the team in receiving, rushing and scoring. He has offers from Wheeling Jesuit and Seton Hill.

“He has been excellent,” Carey said. “His running style is unique. He has carried the load for us. He has been terrific for us. With continued good play his interest will increase.”

Also excelling for the Indians is senior Kamron Taylor and junior Tyler Brennan.

“The end goal is to make the playoffs and make a run,” Carey said.

“If we can play good football during the end of the season, we have a shot. We feel like we can play with anybody. Once we get in, who knows what can happen.”

Drew Karpen is a freelance writer.

Tags: North Hills