Defense answers every question for defending WPIAL champion Pine-Richland

By: Ted Sarneso
Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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Coming into the 2025 season, the Pine Richland football team knew what it had on offense.

Top statistical leaders in passing (Aaron “Oobi” Strader), rushing (Maclane Miller) and receiving (Jay Timmons) all returned to an offense that averaged 35.6 points a game last year.

More on them later.

But the top question mark at the beginning of the season was a defense that surrendered just 11.6 points a game last year but saw half its starters graduate.

The unit looked to rely on a player or two at each level, beginning with seniors Grant Pillar at linebacker, Timmons at safety, Dajaun Webb at corner and returning starter junior Dajour Webb along the defensive line.

“There were a lot of new components to that side of the ball,” coach Jon LeDonne said. “We have some sophomores and a couple of freshmen at times on the field, so we’re still learning and getting better. Right now, we seem to be hitting our stride.”

LeDonne knew it would take some time for his defensive unit to mesh together, and it got off to a great start by holding Findlay (Ohio) in check in a 38-7 victory.

Then came a rough, bruising 34-20 loss to Central Catholic the next week.

“We had some mistakes that were costly in that game,” said LeDonne. “We looked at that game as a measuring stick, got in the film room and corrected a lot of what we saw.”

In their next game, the Rams defeated Seneca Valley, 49-20, and they wouldn’t allow an opponent to score 20 or more in their next five contests as they climbed to the top of the Northeast Conference in Class 5A with a record of 4-0 and are 7-1 overall.

“We talk about getting off the field, trying to limit our opponents’ offensive possessions, and we do a pretty good job at times,” LeDonne said. “We’ve created a couple of turnovers in that span, but it’s been mostly about getting off the field on third down.”

It would have been understandable if the Rams failed to replicate the impressive results turned in by last year’s team, but looking at the numbers, they could easily reach the 11.6 points-per-game number again this year.

Through eight games, the defense has allowed just 13.75 points a game. Last year’s unit through eight games gave up 15.12 points a game, and that was with a pair of shutouts, something this defense has yet to accomplish.

Digging deeper, opponents are averaging 176.51 total yards per game and have scored just 14 touchdowns.

Pillar leads the team in tackles (61) and sacks (six) while Colton Andrighetti is second in both categories with 52 tackles and five sacks.

The unit has forced 11 turnovers through eight games, recovering five fumbles and collecting six interceptions. Dajaun Webb leads the team with two picks and four others are tied with one.

What once was a question mark for the Rams has now become the perfect balance to accompany an offense outpacing its production from last season.

Through its first eight games last year, the offense was averaging 36.75 points a game. Now, that unit is scoring 47.5 ppg and averaging 446.13 yards a game.

And as is the running theme with the 2025 squad, balance has been the key for the offense.

Strader has completed 99 of 162 passes for 1,580 yards with 21 touchdowns and just five interceptions. Miller has run the ball 112 times for 778 yards and 10 touchdowns.

“They complement each other very well,” LeDonne said. “There are times when Mac (Miller) will run for 200 yards or games where Oobi will get 300 yards through the air, but neither complains and is happy for the other. It just goes to show the growth and the leadership of both guys.”

Strader’s top target this year has been senior receiver Jalen Neals, who has hauled in 31 catches for 411 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Timmons and Khalil Taylor (the 11th-ranked junior wideout in the country, according to Rivals) have identical stat lines, each catching 19 passes for 317 yards. Taylor has 10 touchdowns to Timmons’ six. Taylor played in seven games and Timmons just four.

Taylor also has returned two punts and two kickoffs for touchdowns.

Add it all up and it looks as though the Rams have what it takes to be the first Class 5A team to repeat as WPIAL champions.

Just as he has done since the offseason, LeDonne reiterated that it’s not going to be easy.

“I think any classification it’s a difficult task, but it’s harder in 5A because of the depth and quality of the opponents,” LeDonne said. “It’s certainly a challenge, but we talk about every year being a different team, having a different makeup. We try not to look back at what we’ve done in the past and focus on the here and now.”

Which also means they will not look forward to what the future holds. At press time, the Rams still had two games left in the regular season and were taking things a day at a time, something they will continue to emphasize once the playoffs begin.

“We’re focusing on our next practice, so we’re focused on tomorrow and as long as we do that, we’ll put ourselves in a good situation for where we need to be come November and December,” LeDonne said.

Tags: Pine-Richland