Expectations elevated for Carlynton after snapping playoff drought

By: Josh Rizzo
Sunday, August 17, 2025 | 5:01 AM

Carlynton senior linebacker Grant Freidhoff has an idea of what things should look like when everything is going well. The Cougars closed out last season with three consecutive wins to end a 23-year playoff drought and earn a WPIAL Class 2A playoff spot out of the Century Conference.

While Western Beaver bounced Carlynton out in the first round, the Cougars were energized by the final five weeks of the season. Before Carlynton’s three-game winning streak to end the regular season, the Cougars lost narrowly in overtime to Waynesburg Central and dropped a three-point decision to Keystone Oaks.

But the blueprint for what Carlynton has to do to return to the playoffs has been laid out.

“I think our attention to detail,” Freidhoff said. “Everything is important. We are going to have to make sure we understand what is happening on every play.”

Carlynton, which finished 6-5 overall and 3-3 in conference last season, will need everyone to be on the same page as they deal with a significant loss of seniors. Quarterback Devonte Dean, who passed for 1,383 yards and rushed for 858, graduated.

So did leading rusher John Sciulli, who finished with 924 rushing yards. All-conference wide receiver Damien Holloway, who led the team with 569 receiving yards, transferred to Chartiers Valley.

Sophomore Maddox Horrell will take over under center.

“Maddox is tough,” Carlynton coach John Tortorea said. “He’s not afraid. He’s going to be a good one, we just need to get him experience.”

The Cougars return three starters on the offensive line. Freidhoff said the Cougars have worked hard to ensure their offense remains as effective.

The Cougars will count on Justin Berger and Ashton Donlin to carry the load in the backfield.

“Ashton is a flashier runner, more of a speedster,” Tortorea said. “Justin is more of a downhill runner. Both players can run every play in the playbook.”

Defensively, Tortorea said the Cougars return the most experience at linebacker. Freidhoff and Berger will fill out two of the positions in the 3-3-5 stack Carlynton runs.

Braedy Hill will also be counted on to make contributions at linebacker.

“We like to attack,” Freidhoff said. “We like to read and watch the play develop. It’s all about instincts and what’s in front of you. You have to have full trust in yourself and not second-guess yourself.”

Tortorea is excited to see how the program continues to grow. Going into his third season, he feels the Cougars’ expectations have been set.

“When I first got here, we had to teach them how to be successful,” Tortorea said. “Last year, they learned how to handle success. This year, this group knows what they need to do. They understand our expectations.”

Carlynton

Coach: John Tortorea

2024 record: 6-5, 3-3 in Class 2A Century Conference

All-time record: 184-336-10

SCHEDULE

Date, Opponent, Time

8.22 Carrick, 7

8.29 Avella, 7

9.5 South Allegheny, 7

9.12 at Apollo-Ridge, 7

9.19 Seton-LaSalle*, 7

9.26 at Keystone Oaks*, 7

10.3 Waynesburg*, 7

10.10 at Sto-Rox*, 7

10.17 at Washington*, 7

10.24 at Charleroi*, 7

*Conference game

STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing: Devonte Dean*

83-160, 1,383 yards, 15 TDs

Rushing: John Sciulli*

170-924 yards, 11 TDs

Receiving: Damien Holloway**

30-569 yards, 7 TDs

*Graduated

**Transferred

FAST FACTS

• Carlynton made the playoffs for the first time since 2001 last season.

• Cougars coach John Tortorea previously coached at Quaker Valley, where he compiled a 30-28 record over six seasons.

• The Cougars will host City League opponent Carrick to start the season.

Tags: Carlynton