After ending long losing streak, Ringgold ready to take next step forward

By: Adam Brewer
Thursday, August 21, 2025 | 6:01 AM

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Last fall, Ringgold broke a 27-game losing streak and earned its first conference win since 2021.

While those victories in 2024 were only baby steps, second-year coach Robert “Bean” Heller believes they marked the beginning of a much larger turnaround.

“First and foremost, we had to get rid of that losing mentality,” said Heller, a Ringgold graduate. “We had to eliminate lazy, bad habits. We couldn’t accept losing or doing things the wrong way. We had to start practicing and playing with confidence.”

The Rams finished the season 2-8 overall and 1-4 in the Big Six Conference. After opening the year with two straight losses, they finally broke through with a nonconference win over Yough, which was their first victory in more than three years.

After a rough patch in the middle of the season, which included a Week 7 forfeit to Thomas Jefferson, the Rams ended the campaign with a conference win over Chartiers Valley.

“I think we matured as a team as the season went along,” Heller said. “We battled injuries and some close early losses, but credit to the kids — they stuck with it. It’s like night and day from where we were at the start. The program is already in a better spot.”

Ringgold returns this fall with a roster of 52 players — including 12 seniors — and one clear goal: making the playoffs. Heller is optimistic that a postseason appearance is within reach.

“The goal for 2025 is the playoffs,” he said. “At times last year, we had four or five freshmen on the field. Those kids have matured and gained varsity experience. If we can start off with some wins in nonconference play, that’ll set us up well for the Big Six.”

The conference slate again features some stiff competition, including Belle Vernon, Chartiers Valley, Laurel Highlands, defending WPIAL Class 4A champion Thomas Jefferson and Trinity. Heller sees a path for the Rams to climb the standings.

“TJ is still the top dog, and you’ve still got the GOAT on the sidelines,” he said, referring to longtime Jaguars coach Bill Cherpak. “Trinity brings back a really good quarterback and some strong linemen. Until someone beats those two, they’re still the top teams. But that third spot? It’s wide open. With three new head coaches in the conference, there’s a lot of unknowns.”

One of Ringgold’s most consistent strengths in 2024 was its defense, which allowed 25 points per game and kept the Rams competitive against several high-powered offenses. Heller said that defensive unit was better than people realized.

“We have the skill on defense, and that group was very underrated last year,” he noted. “Sometimes the offense put them in tough situations, but overall the defense was stout. We were strong up front and slowed down a lot of rushing attacks. Our key is to play with belief and unity.”

Senior defensive end Ty Anderson, one of nine returning starters on defense, is a cornerstone of that group.

“We have a lot of pride in our defense,” Anderson said. “We want to control the line of scrimmage and live in the opponent’s backfield. Last year, we had some big defensive moments. This year, our goal is to create more splash plays — sacks, fumble recoveries, interceptions.”

Sophomore Cole Konek will line up at the opposite defensive end, while the interior line features senior Gordon Altamare, junior Tyler Jones and sophomore Keanen Anderson.

Seniors Grant Nicklow and Curtis Watkins will handle the inside linebacker positions, with sophomore Dominic Fonzi leading the competition for the outside spots.

In the secondary, juniors Demetri Lowe and Ashton Mincin will man the cornerback positions, while senior Amoni Ward and junior Dennis Hawkins — a transfer from Monessen — will play at safety.

The Rams’ offense showed some life late last season and looks to build on that in 2025. Ward returns as the starting quarterback after ending the year on a high note.

“Amoni is super athletic, and he needs to use his legs more,” Heller said. “He ran for over 100 yards against Chartiers Valley to end the season. We want him to be more aggressive — both through the air and on the ground.”

Watkins, a transfer from Virginia, will lead the backfield and brings speed and shiftiness to the position.

“I’d describe myself as an elusive, shifty running back,” Watkins said. “I like to make the first guy miss and use my speed to get to the second level. The line’s been great in camp. We have a lot of playmakers on offense, and I’m excited to be part of it.”

Wide receiver is perhaps Ringgold’s deepest position. Lowe (6-3) and Hawkins (6-4) bring size and athleticism to the outside, while slot receivers Mincin and senior Xavion Thomas, both 6-2, add even more height to the unit.

“Lowe is just a beast,” Heller said. “He can high-point the ball and run after the catch. If he played at Central Catholic, he’d have a ton of D-1 offers. Hawkins is another dependable weapon. Xavion’s a basketball standout, and we’ll use his athleticism. Ashton is a hard worker with great hands.”

The offensive line remains in flux with several ongoing position battles, but Jones, Nicklow, Altamare and sophomore Silas Miller will anchor the trenches.

“We’re very confident in our line,” said Jones, who is penciled in as the starting center. “We’ve been playing together for years. There’s a lot of heart and pride in our group, and it shows on the field. We want to be the group that turns this program around.”

Junior Bill Cameron will handle kicking and punting duties.

Ringgold

Coach: Robert “Bean” Heller

2024 record: 2-8, 1-4 in Class 4A Big Six Conference

All-time record: 251-302-12

SCHEDULE

Date, Opponent, Time

8.22 at South Allegheny, 7

8.29 Indiana, 7

9.5 Yough, 7

9.12 at Greensburg Salem, 7

9.19 at Southmoreland, 7

9.26 Trinity*, 7

10.3 Laurel Highlands*, 7

10.10 at Thomas Jefferson*, 7

10.17 at Belle Vernon*, 7

10.24 at Chartiers Valley*, 7

*Conference game

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