Fox Chapel toughs it out through rash of injuries, rebuilding season

By: Josh Rizzo
Saturday, October 28, 2023 | 11:01 AM

Fox Chapel offensive tackle Kristofer Bandurski had a few options after having his ankle rolled up during a mid-September game against Upper St. Clair.

He could either have gotten surgery, which would have likely ended his season, or done physical therapy. With how many of Bandurski’s teammates were already out injured, he opted to work his way back.

“It hasn’t been easy,” Bandurski said. “I was out for four games. It was hard watching from the sideline. I didn’t like watching my teammates play when I could have been out there.”

Rebuilding was always going to be tough for Fox Chapel. But a high number of injuries have put a lot of pressure on the few who remained for first-year coach Dave Leasure.

Fox Chapel (0-9, 0-4 Northeast Conference) has turned to fourth-string sophomore quarterback Nathan Johnson, who was also expected to start the season finale against Shaler on Oct. 27.

Leasure said the way that Fox Chapel prepares helps the younger players to be ready should their number be called.

“He kind of knew,” Leasure said. “He looked around and he was the last one standing. It didn’t faze him. He’s a competitor and a tough kid. He gave all he had.”

The Foxes have lost 20 consecutive games. Fox Chapel’s last victory was a 13-10 upset win over Upper St. Clair in the first round of the WPIAL Class 5A playoffs on Nov. 5, 2021. This season has been difficult because of the number of players who have been out of the lineup.

“We’ll dress 35 for Shaler,” Leasure said. “A lot of those 35 are freshmen. That’s one part of it. The schedule has taken its toll.”

Leasure felt playing Pine-Richland, Upper St. Clair and North Hills in consecutive weeks hurt the team’s depth. Leasure said he’s proud of how the offensive line has played. Luca Poli, Thomas Billings and Andrew Shepard have all been major contributors.

Owen Metric, now injured, has also played well at center.

“A lot of our younger kids have gotten better,” Leasure said. “I’ve been most impressed with the offensive line. They continue to get better.”

Leasure said that the Foxes prepared younger players even before the injuries started to pile up. They rotate the players through practice so that the coaches work with everyone.

“I feel like coach Leasure has done a great job of teaching us everything and keeping us positive,” Bandurski said. “It doesn’t matter if the score is 100-0. He keeps it positive and does a good job getting us prepared for games.”

Fox Chapel lost its last game 39-8 to Kiski Area. Results from the Foxes’ game against Shaler were too late for this edition.

“It doesn’t come easy that things will happen,” Bandurski said. “Tough times aren’t here to stay, but tough individuals are.”

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