Expectations high for talent-laden Elizabeth Forward

By: Jeremy Sellew
Thursday, August 22, 2024 | 7:01 AM

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You’ll have to excuse Elizabeth Forward head coach John DeMarco for smiling so much as he oversees practices this fall.

That’s because his Warriors team is loaded with talent all over the field and is aiming to get back on top of Class 3A’s Interstate Conference.

South Allegheny is out and down in 2A, and the defending WPIAL and PIAA 3A champions from just down the highway (Belle Vernon) are back up in 4A. Derry and Yough have joined the conference, joining holdovers Greensburg Salem, Mt. Pleasant and Southmoreland.

“A lot of folks are looking at that conference with Avonworth, Beaver and Central Valley as the toughest in 3A, but I think we have some good teams in our conference,” DeMarco said. “I think we’re going to be a really good football team, and I think Southmoreland is going to be good. Coach (Tim) Bukowski and I are really good friends and we talk all the time. He’s got a really good group. Mt. Pleasant is always tough and their offense has a lot of nuances to it. They’re always a tough matchup.”

But the Warriors’ group isn’t too shabby either.

Offensively, it’s all going to start with junior quarterback Ryan Messina. As a sophomore, Messina completed 61% of his passes for just under 1,800 yards and 15 touchdowns.

“He’s put on some pounds and is a lot stronger heading into this season,” DeMarco said. “He knows how lucky he is with the weapons he has all around him. I think he’s going to lead us and our offense to a lot of wins and points this season.”

Behind Messina will be tailback Jace Brown, a monster of a back at 6-foot-2, 215 pounds.

“Jace is a big boy and he hits the hole and I know guys aren’t going to want to get in front of him. He’s going to deliver some blows out of the backfield,” DeMarco said. “He’s getting some pretty good looks from the next level, probably more once this season starts.”

At wide receiver, Messina will be throwing to speedster Connor Stokes, a sprinter on the Warriors track team. He’ll be joined by shifty senior Charlie Nigut, junior Anthony St. Angelo and senior AJ Grese, who averaged more than 15 yards per catch last season.

Stokes only caught eight passes, but half went for touchdowns and he averaged 30 yards per reception.

“Charlie is one of the best football players I’ve been around. The kid has heart, he does everything well. He’s a great athlete,” DeMarco said.

Nigut also rushed for 897 yards last season with Brown running for over 500. Also in the mix at running back will be Trystyn Skrinjorich, a junior.

For success to come the Warriors’ way, they’ll have to rely on the guys up front.

Christopher Climes, a Buffalo commit, will play left tackle with senior Alex Dziadyk at left guard. Senior Joel Surdyn will be at center with junior Daymein Rice to his right and sophomore Matt Gatto at right tackle.

“I think our offense is going to be able to score a lot again this year,” DeMarco said.

Defensively, the line will again be a strength with Climes leading the way.

“He’s just unbelievable in the weight room and he continues to work,” DeMarco said. “He’s up to 300 pounds, but hasn’t lost any speed or agility. He’s not real vocal, but he’s the lead-by-example guy for us.”

Dziadyk and Surdyn will again be on the line with Climes.

At outside linebacker, Brown will be leading the charge. He’ll be joined by a player DeMarco is really excited about.

“I think (junior) Brendan Stroschein is going to really make a big leap this season,” he said with enthusiasm. “The kid’s about 6-3, 200 pounds and can move so well. I think both him and Jace are going to be super players.”

One of the biggest battles in camp has been for the two middle linebacker spots. Jostling for the spot are St. Angelo, Skrinjorich, freshman Aaron Ulmer and sophomore Travis Dusi.

“Those guys are going to make it tough on the coaching staff,” DeMarco said. “They’re out there competing every day and making a run for those spots.”

Grese and Stokes will be at corner with Nigut roaming the middle of the field at safety.

“Charlie really sees the field well and he’s not afraid to come up and hit you and fill the holes,” DeMarco said. “With his speed, vision and just his football IQ and understanding of the game, he saves a lot of touchdowns for us.”

Sophomore Luke Holdren returns to handle all the kicking duties after being used mostly on extra points last year. Nigut will be the punter.

As excited as DeMarco is about the players on the field, he may be more excited about his coaching staff.

Back as defensive coordinator is former coach Mike LeDonne.

“He’s brought a lot of energy to that unit,” DeMarco said. “He’s a great DC. Our line coach Jason House is doing a fantastic job, and I think Tony St. Angelo is one of the best offensive coordinators in the WPIAL.

“We have a lot of young guys on the staff, so it gives us a great mix of talent on the sidelines as well. With the way it has all come together, I think we’re poised to have a great season.”

Elizabeth Forward

Coach: John DeMarco

2023 record: 10-2, 4-1 in Class 3A Interstate Conference

All-time record: 447-507-36

SCHEDULE

Date, Opponent, Time

8.23 at West Mifflin, 7

8.30 at Highlands, 7

9.6 at East Allegheny, 7

9.13 South Fayette, 7

9.20 at Baldwin, 7

9.27 Greensburg Salem*, 7

10.4 at Derry*, 7

10.11 Yough*, 7

10.18 Southmoreland*, 7

10.25 at Mt. Pleasant*, 7

* Conference game

STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing: Ryan Messina

107-175, 1,745 yards, 15 TDs

Rushing: Charlie Nigut

146-897 yards, 17 TDs

Receiving: Isaiah Turner*

50-835 yards, 8 TDs

*Graduated

Tags: Elizabeth Forward