Allderdice eyes return to top of City League

By: Andrew John
Friday, August 25, 2023 | 12:33 AM

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In the last decade, the Allderdice football program has made eight appearances in the City League championship game.

The Dragons hope to return again to avenge their loss to the state runner-up Westinghouse.

They have navigated the offseason without coach Jerry Haslett at the helm for all workouts. Haslett suffered a broken hip after a fall, so special teams coordinator Mark Matson has handled head coaching duties as Haslett rehabilitates his injury.

The Dragons return six starters on both sides of the ball, including senior quarterback Azerick Jetter, who will enter his third-year as starter.

“I used to be more of a pocket passer,” Jetter said. “But now I’m starting to use my legs more to get out of the pocket and extend plays. If things are open downfield, I’m just able to get out of the pocket and extend plays.”

Senior Terrell James, last season’s leading rusher, returns in the backfield. Sophomore Deondre Hill and juniors Darryl Strong and Damiane Scott also will get carries.

Jetter will be protected by a big, physical offensive line that returns four players who either started or had some playing time last year.

The Dragons have four options who could see playing time at either offensive tackle spots — juniors Edward Simms, Jhamir Rainey and Lucien Pierotti as well as senior Terrance McCain.

On the interior, junior guard Amaree Venson returns, and seniors Braden Clark and Azure Martin will also see action. Freshman Lawrence Lynch has been making a push to potentially get some playing time at center.

“We are going to run the ball a lot so big, nasty, physical guys like that are going to help,” Matson said.

“Not the just the size but the attitude. These guys are much more focused and disciplined. Coach Pat Ferguson is taking over as offensive coordinator this year. His mentality is to pound the ball right down their throats.”

Ferguson is Allderdice’s all-time leading rusher.

The Dragons will look to get their tight end more involved as sophomore Lukas Stead moves from the offensive line to end. Jetter will have sophomore DJ Mellix and junior Kaden Ayre as his primary receivers.

During the offseason, the Dragons have reinforced playing a smart game and minimizing self-inflicted wounds.

“We’ve really emphasized discipline and work ethic,” Matson said. “Last year, I don’t think the guys took practice very seriously. We had a lot of seniors that had a lot of talent that didn’t really fulfill our potential. I think you are going to see a lot less pre-snap penalties that killed us last year.”

The Dragons defense will not include cornerback Cordae Weems, who transferred to Woodland Hills. However, Allderdice will return junior middle linebacker Mario Watkins, who was the team’s leading tackler last season.

Allderdice will have Ayre and Damiane Scott starting at corner, along with sophomore Nasir Scott and junior Matt Dorsett seeing action. Juniors Amari Eleam and Mekhi Butler will line up at safety.

The Dragons will open the season again against Class 6A power North Allegheny. Allderdice will have nonconference matchups at Altoona, Dover, Ohio and Steubenville, Ohio.

“Westinghouse is the gold standard right now,” Matson said. “USO is going to be a challenge. I think we have a team that can compete with both of those teams. I think there might be some real battles at the top of the City League this year. There are some really talented players.”

Allderdice

Coaches: Jerry Haslett/Mark Matson

2022 record: 4-7, 3-1

All-time record: 312-469-64

SCHEDULE

Date, Opponent, Time

8.25, at North Allegheny, 7

9.1, at Altoona, 7

9.8, at Dover, Ohio, 7

9.15, at Perry*, 3:30

9.21, at Westinghouse*, 7

9.28, Brashear*, 7

10.6, at Steubenville, Ohio, 7

10.12, University Prep*, 7

*Conference game

FAST FACTS

• Haslett enters his 15th season as Allderdice’s head coach.

• In the last 10 years, Allderdice has won City League titles in 2017, 2018 and 2021.

• Sophomore Lukas Stead has been given the nickname of “Baby Gronk.”

• The Dragons beat University Prep in back-to-back weeks last season — 21-20 in the season finale and 14-6 in the City League semifinals.

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