Former Frazier quarterback working to restore program’s luster

By: Jeremy Sellew
Thursday, August 21, 2025 | 6:01 AM

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Settling in as Frazier’s new coach, Tony Battaglini begins to think more and more that the team has underachieved the past few seasons.

Now it’s time to turn the Commodores’ program around.

Battaglini has brought a coaching staff full of, not just experience, but championship experience to Perryopolis and has made it his mission to rebuild the culture of the red and white.

Battaglini, a former Frazier quarterback, saw and lived the program’s most recent glory days. That’s the direction he wants the team to go.

“So far it’s going great,” he said. “With the core group of guys we have here, it’s obvious they wanted to and are willing to make a change. They’ve proved it with their effort. They’ve showed up to the summer activities. They take it upon themselves to do the work other than the couple of hours a day they’re with the coaching staff. That’s something we’ve stressed. You have to be willing to do things on your own to improve.”

Senior Chase Fulmer said the change has been evident since the beginning.

“The culture is better already,” Fulmer said. “The players are motivated and excited. It’s been fun being around Coach Bat, the staff and my teammates. We’re looking forward to getting things going this season.”

As camp begins, the Commodores sit with a roster of 30 players, which is up from last season when Frazier went 2-8, 1-6 in Eastern Conference play.

“Honestly, I watch workouts and the stuff we do and I wish I was here two years ago,” Battaglini said. “We’re senior and junior heavy this season. There is talent in that group. We’re going to have a tough time figuring out how to get the ball into some of these guys’ hands.”

The Commodores will have junior quarterback Brady Secrest back after he split time last season at the position. Any time a team has a quarterback with experience returning, that’s a big deal.

Battaglini, who worked with some of the WPIAL’s best quarterbacks as the QB coach at Thomas Jefferson, is excited about what Secrest brings to the field.

“He has all the physical tools you need at the position,” he said. “He can make the throws. With him, it’s about realizing there’s a lot more to playing quarterback. We’ve been working on it a lot. That’s the biggest step he’s taking.”

Along the line protecting Secrest will be junior Dylan Krukowsky (6-0, 220) at left tackle and Brant Rice (6-1, 230) at left guard.

Gus Lion (5-10, 220), the only senior on the unit, will be at center.

There are some position battles going on for the right-side spots. Battaglini is sure those will be worked out at camp, but all involved will see playing time.

At right guard, junior Jett Murphy (6-2, 220) and sophomore Marty Diamond (5-9, 220) will duke it out for the starting spot. At right tackle, it’s a battle between juniors Ethan Tabaj (6-1, 180) and Noah Varga (6-2, 220).

“There’s only one senior in the group. We’re young, but a lot of those guys have experience coming back,” Battaglini said of the unit. “They’ve been together for a while and haven’t missed any workouts. They’re all on the same page, and they’re aware they have to be that cohesive unit and play together to have success.”

Battaglini likes to run a three-receiver set and will do the same with the Commodores. Fulmer and fellow senior Tyler Morrison will both be on the outside.

A combination of senior Chris Petruska, junior Brant Alekson and senior Lincoln Dye will man the other receiver spot.

Secrest will also throw to senior tight end Noah Bachinski, a big target at 6-0, 215 pounds.

“We’re going to be multiple in what we do,” Battaglini said. “Of course, you strive to have that balance where you run the ball 20 times and throw it 20 times. Then there are games where the defense is going to dictate what we do. You want to load the box, then we’ll take our shots throwing to those guys outside. You want to spread out and give us that look, we’ll look to take advantage of the running game.”

Running back is going to be a mixed bag. Fulmer has the ability to play there and can be a home-run hitter. Senior Derek Diamond is a wrecking ball between the tackles.

Dye, freshman Kevin Etling and junior Brandon Gardner can also see carries.

Jeff Ogrodowski, who won WPIAL and PIAA championships as a member of Matt Humbert’s staff at Belle Vernon, is the new defensive coordinator for the Commodores. He’s brought a wealth of teaching and experience to Perryopolis.

“We wanted a re-do from top to bottom,” Battaglini said of the process of building his staff. “Coach O has done a fantastic job. We wanted to focus on the teaching part … teaching the game of football. The kids have really responded well to him and the entire staff.”

Joining Battaglini and Ogrodowski are Josh Stewart (O-line), Aaron Szakal (D-line), former Commodore Ryan Keebler, Bill Hiller, Rob Dorcon and former Charleroi and Waynesburg University receiver Dakota Romantino.

Across the Commodores’ defensive line will be Krukowski, Alekson and Tabaj at the defensive end spots. Inside will be Rice, Lion and senior Alex Sellinger (6-1, 205) along the four-man front.

Morrison, Gardner, Etling and sophomore Camden Stokes will be lined up as outside linebackers with Derek Diamond, Bachinski and freshman Cannon Merrill on the inside.

“We have a lot of athletic guys. We don’t have the biggest guys, but we’re fairly athletic from the front to back of the defense,” Battaglini said. “I think overall we have more team speed, so we’re really pushing to make sure we get all 11 guys to the ball and tackle well.”

Fulmer will be the quarterback of the defense, lining up at free safety.

Dye, Chris Petruska, junior Jayden Rothey, freshman David Stull and sophomore Cooper McMasters will be the corners.

Sophomore Owen Searcy will do the kicking and punting. Fulmer, Dye and McMasters will return kicks.

After winning two games last season, Battaglini is hoping to see his team win more this season. Conference play will be tough with a loaded Eastern Conference.

The Commodores will face perennial powers Clairton and Jeannette once again in conference action, along with Greensburg Central Catholic, Springdale, Leechburg and Brentwood. They have nonconference games against Summit Academy, Mapletown and Carmichaels on the slate with two of those at home.

“The biggest thing for me is having the kids see that the hard work is paying off,” Battaglini said. “I want the fun back in football here. They deserve that high school football experience, and they deserve more than they’ve had here. I’m excited and hopeful I can bring that from a coaching standpoint and see them have more success.”

Frazier

Coach: Tony Battaglini

2024 record: 2-8, 1-6 in Class A Eastern Conference

All-time record: 343-475-16

SCHEDULE

Date, Opponent, Time

8.22 Summit Academy, 7

8.29 at Mapletown, 7

9.5 Carmichaels, 7

9.12 Jeannette*, 7

9.19 at Clairton*, 7

9.26 Brentwood*, 7

10.3 at Leechburg*, 7

10.10 Riverview*, 7

10.17 at Greensburg Central Catholic*, 7

10.24 at Springdale*, 7

*Conference game

Tags: Frazier