After roster turnover, Shady Side Academy to rely on speed

By: Marty Stewart
Monday, August 19, 2019 | 10:50 AM

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The Shady Side Academy football team won its first 10 games before falling to South Side Beaver in the WPIAL Class 2A playoffs a year ago.

Third-year coach Chuck DiNardo will have to replace several key members of that team, including quarterback Skyy Moore and explosive receivers Dino Tomlin and Billy Frohlich.

“We lost 12 outstanding seniors to graduation,” DiNardo said. “This will require us to replace nine starters on both offense and defense. Moreover, we will need to replace the leadership that was so integral to our success last year.

“With losing so many experienced guys, we will need to come together as a unit in a hurry. I am excited to see some new guys step into leadership roles and younger guys move into more significant spots.”

The playmaker role will now be in the hands of senior wide receiver/defensive back Mason Tomlin (5-9, 160) and senior running back/safety Eddie Faulkner (5-9, 175).

“We certainly had some guys that were fun to watch with the ball in their hands,” DiNardo said. “I’m looking forward to seeing some new guys embrace these roles and drive our offense. We have guys like Mason Tomlin who has been a starter for the past two seasons and has a great understanding of the offense. We have also added some new faces like Eddie Faulkner that should provide some electricity on Friday nights.”

Stepping into replace Moore under center is junior Josh Castro (6-2, 190), who also will play safety. A pair of freshmen also will contend for playing time at quarterback.

“Replacing a guy like Skyy Moore will not be easy,” DiNardo said. “We have a great group of quarterbacks right now that will continue to battle through camp for the starting spot.”

Other returning starters are junior center Jack Keating (6-2, 240) and senior linebacker Tanner Thomas (6-1, 195). Returning lettermen include seniors Jack Calihan (TE/LB), Alex Ludwick (WR/DB) and Andrew Meyers (OL/DL); juniors Ari Gutstein (RB/LB), Sam Morton (OL/DE) and Watts Coulter (OL/DL); and sophomores Rian Fitzgerald (WR/S) and Andy Marous (OL/DL). DiNardo is also hoping for contributions from sophomore newcomer Chris Sullivan (WR/DB).

“This year’s team will rely on team speed as well as their ability to make plays in space,” DiNardo said. “We also have a squad that worked extremely hard in the offseason and is willing to make sacrifices for the greater good

“My main concern is with losing so many experienced guys from the 2018 team, we will need to come together as a unit in a hurry. I am excited to see some new guys step into leadership roles and younger guys move into more significant spots.”

DiNardo said competition in the Class 2A Allegheny Conference will be a tough.

“I think that Avonworth is always a contender and returns the majority of their team from a very successful 2018 season,” he said. “They are well coached and have added in some transfer players that could make them tough to deal with. East Allegheny also brings back the bulk of their roster from a playoff team, as well. They have some playmakers and a lot of speed to contend with.”

Schedule

Coach: Chuck DiNardo

2018 record: 10-1, 6-0

All-time record: 528-426-46

Date, Opponent, Time

8.30, at Brownsville, 7

9.6, Valley*, 7

9.13, Steel Valley*, 7

9.20, at Neshannock, 7

9.27, at Apollo-Ridge*, 7

10.4, Summit Academy*, 7

10.12, Fort Cherry, 2:30

10.18, at East Allegheny*, 7

10.25, Avonworth*, 7

*Class 2A Allegheny Conference game

Statistical leaders

Passing: Skyy Moore*

40-75, 1,275 yards, 16 TDs

Receiving: Dino Tomlin*

18-644 yards, 18 TDs

Rushing: Moore*

71-1,049 yards, 19 TDs

*Graduated

Tags: Shady Side Academy