Chartiers Valley makes adjustments, finds stride in rewarding football season

By: Ted Sarneso
Sunday, October 26, 2025 | 11:01 AM

The 2025 season began very rocky for the Chartiers Valley Colts.

They came into the year with a new head coach, Steve Spence, who came from Washington & Jefferson College, and had to learn new schemes and new terminology. And as the season opened against South Fayette, they were without their starting quarterback.

But the Colts’ resolve was never in doubt. Their starting quarterback returned, they were playing stout defensively and went 4-1 in their first five games.

“The key to it all was the way we practiced,” said Spence. “The intensity and the attention to detail our guys brought every day in practice helped us to continue to get better every week. It was the difference in our nonconference slate.”

Senior Luke Miranda sprained his ankle against Bethel Park in a preseason scrimmage, which forced Michael Lawrence into the starting role for the season opener, a 38-15 loss to South Fayette.

Although Miranda and Lawrence have different styles when under center, each is capable of leading the team. Lawrence offered more in many other areas.

“He is like a Swiss Army knife for us,” said Spence. “He versatility allows us to do so much. He can play receiver, running back, tight end, pretty much anywhere. He’s a tremendous football player and selfless teammate and is willing to do whatever it takes to win.”

Spence moved Lawrence back into his versatile role and called on junior Owen Weagraff as the starter in Week 2 and Week 3 against West Allegheny and Indiana. The Colts won those games 29-28 in overtime and 42-6.

It also helped that the Colts had weapons Julius Best and Damien Halloway on the outside as well as last year’s leading rusher, Tayshaun Lewis, in the backfield to accompany Lawrence.

“We fell behind against West Allegheny and were down 14 in the fourth quarter,” said Spence. “We constantly reminded them to hang tough and keep playing and stick together. They did that, and it’s a testament to our seniors and our leaders.”

As they headed into their Week 4 matchup with Baldwin, Miranda was ready to return and Chartiers Valley cruised to two more wins against the Highlanders and a week later against Hampton.

“I was happy for our players,” said Spence. “They worked very hard this offseason and did everything the right way and earned everything in those first few games. They took no shortcuts.”

The Colts outscored their opponents 170-97 in those first five games, and the team was finally getting into a rhythm as it headed into conference play.

“With the injuries we sustained, which aren’t an excuse, it took us a while to find that rhythm and settle into what we wanted to do offensively, how we wanted to attack teams,” Spence said. “The same thing happened defensively.”

In the beginning of the season, the Colts had a lot of moving parts on the defensive side of the ball, and it took some time for the players to feel comfortable in the system and the style of play Spence wanted.

“I give credit to two guys that came over with me from W&J, defensive coordinator Max Garda and line coach Bill Gallagher,” said Spence. “They’ve been instrumental in having our guys prepared every week.”

The team was healthy and finding its groove just in time for conference play, which began with a 62-7 rout of Laurel Highlands, which led into a matchup with Belle Vernon the following week.

Last year, the Leopards routed the Colts, so the matchup was one the players were up for and ready to play.

“We knew it was going to be a great challenge,” said Spence. “They’re a very physical, hard-nosed football team and we knew we’d have to match that style of play to be in the game. I thought we played with great energy and enthusiasm.”

Chartiers Valley came away with a 36-35 win on a touchdown pass from Miranda to Weagraff and a 2-point conversion pass from Miranda to Lewis.

The Colts sat at 6-1 and had two wins in the Class 4A Big Six Conference, but two huge matchups loomed with conference leader Trinity and powerhouse Thomas Jefferson.

“Going in, we treated those games and the weeks leading into them as we had done all season, which was to the best of our ability,” said Spence. “We knew they were big games as we came down the stretch of our season.”

It didn’t go well for Chartiers Valley as Trinity cruised to a 42-18 win and Thomas Jefferson rolled to a 45-6 victory.

“Trinity has arguably the best quarterback in Western Pa., and that’s to go with a very good running back and a good defense,” said Spence. “They’re a well-coached team, do a really good job of running a good program there, and it was a situation where we had our moments and our chances, but we couldn’t finish the deal.”

The two losses put the Colts at 2-2 in conference and sitting in third place, just outside a guaranteed playoff spot.

As they prepared to take on Ringgold on Oct. 10, a game played after press time, they knew a win would help the Colts’ case for an at-large wild card bid.

“There’s still a lot to play for there,” Spence said. “But our focus isn’t on a conference title or the playoffs. Our focus is week to week. Looking at what’s in front of us, and that’s what has gotten us to this point.”

Even if the Colts fail to make the playoffs, Spence knows it was a solid showing from his team, which has already posted its best record and most wins since 2012.

“For me, it was a constant learning experience. The best coaches have the ability to adapt and adjust to what fits their team and what’s best for the team and program,” said Spence.

“We have a lot of young talent, our JV team went 6-1, and the future for Chartiers Valley football is very bright. We’re going to continue to work to get this program to where we know it can be.”

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