Charleroi hopes to benefit from experience in Ty Aeschbacher’s 2nd season at helm

By: Liam Belan
Thursday, August 22, 2024 | 7:01 AM

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After fighting hard but failing to win a game last season, the Charleroi football program will enter Year 2 of head coach Ty Aeschbacher at the helm with more experience and continuity that they’re hoping will translate to success.

The Cougars finished 0-9 in the Century Conference, and their new conference foes will look very similar with Carlynton, Keystone Oaks, Seton LaSalle, Sto-Rox, Washington and Waynesburg Central.

“There were some games that got away from us last year that we were in,” Aeschbacher said. “I think being able to convert those games that we weren’t able to have a shot at victory or had to have a running clock in order to finish the game, being competitive in those games and figuring out how to turn those close games into wins will be our goal.

“We said when we got back here that we wanted to have better team camaraderie and that we want them to have a great experience, so being able to watch these guys grow and put the work in is great. Improving on that would make for a successful season for us.”

One of the most important players for the Cougars will be quarterback Jackson Keranko, who Aeschbacher believes has taken a strong step forward.

“I think he’s grown a lot and understands the offense well,” Aeschbacher said. “This is the first year that he’s had the same system back-to-back years, so I think he’ll do really well with that.”

For offensive coordinator BJ Tempest, there will be more returning players who will hope to make a difference.

Pass catchers Noah Pletcher, Daniel Nusida, Braedin Lunger and Jamael Payne will work with Connor Luckock, Bobby DiPiazza and Nate Rock in the backfield to try and get the offense going this year.

Additionally, a lot of the offensive line is back as center Jack Cardenas returns, Miguel Acevedo will play guard with Drake Lilley, and Jeremiah Kearns and Kaden Pace-Davis will also help anchor the trenches.

For defensive coordinator Justin Spangler, Lunger and Payne will make for strong cornerbacks.

“They’re super athletic, super strong kids that can run with almost anyone,” Aeschbacher said.

Pletcher will play at free safety with Nusida at strong safety, DiPiazza and Cardenas will start at inside linebacker with Luckock and Rock at outside linebacker, and Kearns will be on the defensive line with Lilley and Pace-Davis on the ends.

Charleroi soccer player Landon Barcus will return to handle kicking duties.

Aeschbacher said the squad put in plenty of work during the offseason when it came to the weight room, with numerous players transforming their bodies in a positive way that should translate to more strength.

Now the Cougars are hoping to reap the benefits of their devotion to the game and put together a successful season. In Aeschbacher’s second season at the helm, he sees this one as a big one to start putting the pieces together.

“I feel like we have a great opportunity to get the program back on track,” Aeschbacher said. “I think we did a great job of getting the foundation layed, and I think our schedule sets up where I think we can be very competitive. Obviously, we still have the heavy hitters in our conference in Washington and Seton LaSalle coming down, but I feel like we played well against those teams last year and ended up a couple of plays short.

“I think having the second year under our belt where the guys are feeling more comfortable with the playbook will help. I think it’ll allow these guys to play faster and freer, and from there we’ll see where the chips fall.”

Charleroi

Coach: Ty Aeschbacher

2023 record: 0-9, 0-6 in Class 2A Century Conference

All-time record: 570-472-60

SCHEDULE

Date, Opponent, Time

8.23 at Monessen, 7

8.30 Yough, 7

9.6 Bentworth, 7

9.13 Seton LaSalle*, 7

9.20 at Keystone Oaks*, 7

9.27 at Sto-Rox*, 7

10.4 Ligonier Valley, 7

10.11 at Washington*, 7

10.18 Waynesburg*, 7

10.25 at Carlynton*, 7

* Conference game

Tags: Charleroi