Architect of dominant Serra Catholic defenses returns to give Eagles a boost as head coach

By: Liam Belan
Thursday, August 21, 2025 | 6:01 AM

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From 2017-2022, the Serra Catholic defense was coached by defensive coordinator Akeeme Robinson, known by most as “Coach Keem.” His passion and devotion to player development shined as the Eagles broke a WPIAL record by forcing nine turnovers in the 2021 WPIAL Class 2A championship game, resulting in a lopsided victory.

After a few years away, Coach Keem had two words to reintroduce himself to the Serra Catholic football family over the winter: “I’m back.”

The ode to Michael Jordan was intentional. Robinson hopes to return to Serra, this time as head coach, with a goal to bring the Eagles back to winning championships.

“The No. 1 thing is just coming in and bringing the belief back for the whole student body and the Serra community,” Robinson said. “Then we want to get back to playing football the way we know. When I was there, all we did was play to win. That was our mindset, and we want to bring that back to the kids now.

“But we have to get back to the basics, to the fundamentals of the game, and bring back the belief that they can compete and win.”

Robinson has already begun laying the groundwork. Still, mindset is one thing and the fierce competition awaiting Serra Catholic is another. The Eagles’ winning mentality will be tested with nonconference matchups against California and Clairton, as well as a rugged Black Hills Conference slate featuring back-to-back WPIAL champion Fort Cherry, Bishop Canevin, Cornell, Monessen, Chartiers-Houston and Burgettstown.

“If you ask me, we have the best conference in (Class A),” Robinson said. “You’ve got the defending back-to-back champs, a tough Cornell team, Monessen, Bishop Canevin, plus Chartiers-Houston and Burgettstown, who both play formidable ball. It’s a really tough conference.

“We don’t shy away from the opportunity. When people thought of Serra, they thought of winning big games. This is the type of schedule you want. It’s my first time in (Class A). (Serra previously played in Class 2A). So I’m excited to see the teams and compete with these coaches.”

To spark a change in mentality, Robinson said he will focus on building a fresh culture.

“I’m a big culture guy. We have to make sure the culture of belief is there, but we’re still building that today,” Robinson said. “Culture’s not built in a day. It’s a consistent habit, built over time. We want kids that are mentally tough, that do the right things and focus on the little things. We’re preaching physicality, being a good teammate and consistently reinforcing the habits it takes to win.

“We’re not putting up signs around the school saying, ‘We have to play like this.’ We’re building the habits that allow us to go out on Friday nights and win.”

Robinson is optimistic about his personnel. Sophomore quarterback Rayshawn Pritchard will take over under center, with senior Brady Vrcic, sophomore Marcus Holt and freshman Zion Smith leading the rushing attack. Pritchard’s top targets include junior Shane Andiorio, freshmen Chris Green and Cordarrell Rodgers, sophomore Elijah Austin and junior newcomer Brayden Graham.

“The unique thing this year is that all of our skill guys are 6 feet or taller,” Robinson said. “We feel like we can match up with anyone. If we can hold up up front — where our depth is thinner — we’ll be fine.”

On the lines, senior Bryson Blue returns from injury for his final season, and junior Micah Farabaugh-Martin is expected to be a key piece. Robinson admitted some roles still need to be solidified.

Defensively, everyone will have to contribute, as numbers are still limited, though improved from last season.

Transitioning from coordinator to head coach has been a major adjustment.

“As a coordinator, you just focus on your side of the ball,” Robinson said. “Now it’s about the entire team — making sure every player is improving, whether they’re a starter or on the third string. And then there’s the off-the-field side — working with administration, parents, kids, boosters. It’s different, but my experience as a business owner has helped me manage it all.”

Even with his prior impact on the Serra program, Robinson made it clear he’s not back just to maintain the status quo.

“First and foremost, I want us going into every game believing we can win,” he said. “Outside of that, we have to run the ball well. I’m young, but I’ve got an old soul — we have to establish the run. We’ve got athletes on the perimeter and we’ll get them the ball, but running has to be the staple of our offense. Defensively, we’ve got to stop the run. We can defend athletes, but stopping the run is what I want to see.

“We have to play together and stay healthy. Our numbers aren’t where I’d like, but they’re better than last year. We’re at about 30 kids. Health is huge for any (Class A) team. If we stay healthy, if our seniors lead, and if we have patience with our younger players, we’ll be fine. It’s our job as coaches to limit their mistakes and help them grow as quickly as possible.”

Serra Catholic

Coach: Akeeme Robinson

2024 record: 3-7, 2-4 in Class A Black Hills Conference

All-time record: 248-351-6

SCHEDULE

Date, Opponent, Time

8.22 California, 7

8.29 at Clairton, 7

9.5 at Leechburg, 7

9.12 Monessen*, 7

9.19 Summit Academy, 7

9.26 Cornell*, 7

10.3 at Bishop Canevin*, 7

10.10 at Chartiers-Houston*, 7

10.17 Burgettstown*, 7

10.24 at Fort Cherry*, 7

*Conference game

Tags: Serra Catholic