Plenty of new faces to be featured as Bethel Park moves to Class 5A

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, August 14, 2018 | 9:48 PM

It is the silver anniversary for Jeff Metheny as head coach of the black and orange.

So what keeps him going now in his 25 ^th season at Bethel Park and his 33 ^rd year coaching high school football?

“I would say just the coaching fraternity here at Bethel and the relationships with the student-athletes,” he said.

Winning helps, as well.

Last year, Bethel Park was a perfect 6-0 as champions of the Class 6A Southeastern Conference. The Black Hawks finished 8-2 overall after losing 30-28 to Penn Hills in a WPIAL quarterfinal game.

Bethel Park has made the playoffs 17 straight years under Metheny and this fall marks the 10 ^th anniversary of the Black Hawks’ 2008 WPIAL championship win over Gateway, 10-6, and a PIAA state title game loss to Bethlehem Liberty, 28-21.

This year could be a challenge to keep the Hawks tradition flying high as they return only three starters in quarterback Anthony Chiccitte, linebacker Tiger Burkes and safety Jared Yantek.

Despite the lack of experience coming back, Metheny said expectations have not changed.

“The goal is the same, win a section championship and go deep into the playoffs,” he said.

Yantek agreed with his coach.

“Even though we have very few starters returning, I can share my experiences with the younger group and let them know how to be prepared,” he said. “I feel comfortable in a leadership role, and I have to step up and show the new guys how to work.”

Last fall, first-year starting quarterback Chiccitte hit on 50 of 98 passes for 999 yards, with nine touchdowns and four interceptions.

“Chiccitte will be better,” Metheny said. “He has experience and will have to be a leader.”

With running backs Tanner Volpatti, John Delano and Luke Mattola graduated, Burkes will be leaned upon to help lead the ground game. Last year, he had 16 carries for 111 yards — a 6.9 yards per carry average.

“I expect this team to compete and outwork the other teams,” Yantek said, “because that is the way we are coached to do it.”

Metheny believes in his young Black Hawks, but he knows they have to stay healthy to compete.

“We have some talent but lack depth and experience,” he said.

Yantek believes his head coach gives the young Black Hawks an edge.

“Coach Metheny in his 25 ^th year still has a great football mind, and he’s one of the core reasons this team will be successful.”

This marks the first time Bethel Park will not compete in the WPIAL’s largest classification as realignment has moved the Black Hawks from Class 6A to 5A where they will compete in the new Allegheny 8 Conference.

“(Class) 5A is tough,” Metheny said. “Woody High, USC, West A, Peters and Baldwin are all good. The others (Chartiers Valley and Moon) we have not played much.”

Schedule

Coach: Jeff Metheny

2017 record: 8-2, 6-0

All-time record: 450-371-31

Date, Opponent, Time

8.31, Woodland Hills*, 7:30 p.m.

9.7, at West Allegheny*, 7 p.m.

9.14, Shaler, 7:30 p.m.

9.21, Central Catholic, 7:30 p.m.

9.28, at Moon*, 7 p.m.

10.5, at Chartiers Valley*, 7 p.m.

10.12, Baldwin*, 7:30 p.m.

10.19, at Peters Township*, 7:30 p.m.

10.26, Upper St. Clair*, 7:30 p.m.

*Class 5A Allegheny 8 Conference game

Statistical leaders

Passing: Anthony Chiccitt

50-98, 999 yards, 9 TDs

Rushing: Tanner Volpatti*

165-1,213 yards, 24 TDs

Receiving: John Doleno*

18-240 yards, 12 TDs

*Graduated

Don Rebel is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Don at drebel@tribweb.com.

Tags: Bethel Park