Avonworth hopes to challenge in Allegheny Conference with new QB Penrod

By: Josh Rizzo
Monday, August 19, 2019 | 10:50 AM

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Playing quarterback for Avonworth will provide Park Penrod plenty of opportunities to shine.

Penrod saw that while backing up Derek Johncour, who passed for 2,694 yards and 24 touchdowns last season.

“I know the offense like the back of my hand,” Penrod said. “I know how it’s run. I didn’t get a lot of varsity time, but I’ve been working on reading the coverages and understanding where the players are going to be this summer. I’ve improved on sticking the ball in the window between the corners and safeties during practice and seven-on-sevens.”

Engineering a similar offensive output won’t be a task Penrod, who passed for 91 yards and completed 10 passes last season, has to take on by himself. Avonworth, which finished 7-4 last season before losing to Freedom in the first round of the WPIAL Class 2A playoffs, will have plenty of experienced teammates to help out.

Seeing how Penrod develops is something Antelopes coach Duke Johncour is looking forward to watching. Penrod is a three-sport athlete and has what Johncour describes as a live arm.

Turning the talent into production will require Penrod to prove himself.

“We’ve put new routes in during practice because we saw him throw a particular concept well,” Johncour said. “He will have to make some minor tweaks and changes. He’s going to have a good year. He’s a smart kid.”

Being able to distribute the ball among a bevy of returning weapons will provide Penrod with relief.

Senior running back Jax Miller led the Antelopes in rushing with 950 yards on 184 carries. Senior wide receiver Ethan Syam and junior receiver Drew Harper, who were Derek Johncour’s second- and third-most frequent targets a year ago, return after finishing 2018 with 575 and 534 receiving yards, respectively.

“That’s huge. We have a lot of seniors and veterans who know what they are doing,” Penrod said. “They have all be in playoff games before.”

Syam and Harper spent extra time trying to help Penrod get up to game speed over the summer.

Having depth is a luxury for Syam, who also plays defensive back and has been a four-year starter.

“We’re lucky this year,” Syam said. “We have 60 kids on the team. We have depth at the skill positions. We can be subbed in late in games. We don’t have to worry about being tired and beat down late in games.”

Transitioning new players in will determine how Avonworth competes in the Allegheny Conference. The Antelopes are ready to challenge section stalwarts Steel Valley and Shady Side Academy.

“I think we need to stay the course,” Johncour said. “Stay healthy and keep working and keep focusing on the task at hand every week. If we are able to stay within ourselves and take baby steps, we will be fine.”

Schedule

Coach: Duke Johncour

2018 record: 7-4, 4-2

All-time record: 401-500-15

Date, Opponent, Time

8.23, Neshannock, 7

8.30, Valley*, 7

9.6, at Steel Valley*, 7

9.13, at New Brighton, 7

9.20, Apollo-Ridge*, 7

9.27, Summit Academy*, 7

10.4, at Seton LaSalle+, 7

10.11, at East Allegheny*, 7

10.18, McGuffey, 7

10.25, at Shady Side Academy*, 7

*Class 2A Allegheny Conference game

+At Peters Township

Statistical leaders

Passing: Derek Johncour*

201-315, 2,694 yards, 24 TDs

Receiving: Turner Grau*

68-996 yards, 15 TDs

Rushing: Jax Miller

184-950 yards, 23 TDs

*Graduated

Tags: Avonworth