Frazier hoping to take next step in rebuilding process

By: Jason Black
Thursday, August 24, 2023 | 11:37 PM

Previous Next

For the Frazier football team, a few years of struggles have certainly taken their toll on a proud program.

However, coach Mike Shannon doesn’t believe the Commodores have to stay down for long. After a winless season in 2021, they took a step forward by earning a win in 2022. One win may not seem like a lot, but for a program looking to break a long losing streak, it was a much-needed victory.

“The message is that we have to build on that win,” Shannon said, noting that the team had heard all the talk about how the Commodores had one of the longest active losing streaks (17 games) in Pennsylvania. “Now we have to start to string wins together.”

From all accounts, the message is being received. Shannon was impressed with the way his team battled through some tough obstacles last season, including some big injuries to key players.

“Our attitude greatly improved last year,” Shannon said. “These kids want to win, and you can see that they want to win. This is not a program that is going to roll over. The results weren’t what we thought they would be (last year), but the young kids really stepped up last year and you have to have that positive energy.”

Right from the start, the Commodores were dealt a heavy blow due to injuries.

“We played our first four or five games without a starting quarterback, but we didn’t quit and that is a testament to this team,” Shannon said.

Another testament to the team’s desire to have success has been the amount of players who have regularly shown up for offseason conditioning.

“We had consistently 20 to 25 kids every time,” Shannon said. “I like what I have seen from them in terms of work ethic.”

This season, Shannon is hoping that he can take a healthy group of players into the start of the season, which would give him and his coaching staff several options at a number of positions.

The likely candidates to start the season at quarterback are senior Brennan Stewart and junior Dailan McManus.

“Brennan came out last year and he is a leader by his actions,” Shannon said. “Dailan is a three-sport athlete and he also has a lot of leadership qualities.”

Shannon pointed out that whether it is Stewart or McManus under center, both athletes will see plenty of playing time, often playing at the same time.

In the Frazier backfield, look for senior Austin Wilson to get plenty of touches. His explosiveness could create a lot of problems for opposing defenses.

“Austin Wilson is one of the quickest kids in the conference,” Shannon said.

Sophomore Derek Diamond, who rushed for more than 100 yards in a loss to Greensburg Central Catholic last season, will also get his share of work in the ground game, as will sophomore Chase Fulmer, who also brings the speed element.

The job of making holes for those backs will fall to the offensive line. Senior Bruno Sammartino will likely play at one of the guard positions, as will junior Josh Girvin. Senior Lucas Stevens is expected to handle duties at one of the tackle positions.

“We’re looking for the (upperclassmen) to lead and we’re looking for guys to step up,” Shannon said.

The tight end group features some depth as Diamond could play the position in addition to his spot in the backfield. Sophomore Gus Lion and junior Dagan Baccino will also handle chores at tight end.

“They are a young group and they’ve been working hard and coming along,” Shannon said.

Frazier’s offense could feature a strong ground attack, but the Commodores will certainly be looking to make chunk plays through the air.

The biggest threat in the passing game figures to be junior wide receiver Andrew Bandish.

“We want to get him the ball a lot,” Shannon said, explaining that Bandish had a tremendous offseason, including strong 7-on-7 showings. “He knows how to high point the ball, and he is a tremendous rout runner.”

Bandish won’t be the only downfield threat.

If not playing quarterback, McManus will be involved as a wide receiver. Sophomore Jacob Fabus and junior Ethan Farquhar will also be looking to make an impact when the Commodores go to the air.

Shannon knows that his offense as a whole may not have the size that some teams in the conference possess. But he also knows that his players have plenty of other attributes that could potentially help the Commodores score.

“Our biggest strength is versatility,” Shannon said. “We aren’t the biggest team, but we have a lot of speed, and we can do a lot with that.”

Shannon also noted that he wants the offense to be a little more complex this season, which could present a problem for the defensive group lining up against the Commodores.

“We need to expand out and not be one dimensional,” Shannon said. “Given the athletes that we have, we have a chance to make plays.”

Speed won’t just be limited to the offensive side of the ball for Frazier. Along the defensive line, speed could be a major factor there as well.

Stevens will play along the defensive front, as will Diamond, Lion and sophomore Alex Selinger.

“They are quick, and they’ll be playing on both sides of the ball,” Shannon said.

Look for Sammartino to play one of the inside linebacker positions, along with Girvin. Wilson and Stewart are penciled in to play outside linebacker.

“They are two of the best tacklers on the team and we expect them to clean things up,” Shannon said of Wilson and Stewart.

Sophomore Noah Bachinski exemplifies some of the versatility that Shannon talked about. He is capable of moving around as an inside or outside backer.

In the secondary, expect Fulmer and McManus to play cornerback with Bandish making the switch from pass-catcher to pass-defender as a safety.

“Those guys are really quick,” Shannon said in regards to his secondary unit.

On special teams, Frazier will rely on senior Ram Ten to handle the kicking duties.

The Commodores will play in the Class A Eastern Conference and will be battling against Clairton, Greensburg Central Catholic, Jeannette, Leechburg, Riverview and Springdale. Frazier’s one win last season came against Springdale late in the season. One of the challenges this season will be to knock off a few more section rivals.

“I think we will be more competitive,” Shannon said. “The conference is very strong, but I think we can be competitive and contend for a playoff spot.”

Beyond competing for a playoff spot and racking up wins, there is another important goal that the Commodores will try to meet this upcoming season.

“We are trying to build a winning culture,” Shannon said. “Frazier is a good football program. We’ve taken a couple steps back in recent years, but it’s about getting back to where we were and we want people to be excited for Friday night games.”

Having the excitement return to a high level in the stands on Friday night is something Shannon wants and something the fans deserve.

“Our fans are great and we just want them to come out and support us like they always have,” Shannon said, noting that on game nights in Perryopolis, he gets the feeling that is portrayed in the movie Friday Night Lights, which depicts entire towns shutting down for high school football. “All the businesses close up and everybody turns out here for Friday night football.”

In addition to Shannon handling the head coaching duties, he will be supported by seven assistant coaches. Those coaches are Ken Poling (defensive coordinator/linebackers/running backs), Jacob Girvin (linebackers), Jared Hartman (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks), Ian Baccino (defensive line), Colton Arison (defensive backs/wide receivers), Jacob Celaschi (offensive line) and Joe Latta (defensive backs/wide receivers).

While no one knows how the 2023 season will unfold for the Commodores, one thing is certain, the Frazier coaching staff and players are anxious to take another positive step or two in the rebuilding of the program.

“We’re ready to go,” Shannon said. “We’re excited to put on the pads and see where we stack up.”

Frazier

Coach: Mike Shannon

2022 record: 1-9, 1-5 in Class A Eastern Conference

All-time record: 340-458-16

SCHEDULE

Date, Opponent, Time

8.25 at California, 7

9.1 Mapletown, 7

9.8 at Monessen, 7

9.15 Jeannette*, 7

9.23 at Riverview*, noon

9.29 Leechburg*, 7

10.6 at Greensburg Central Catholic*, 7

10.13 Springdale*, 7

10.20 at Clairton*, 7

10.27 Northgate, 7

*Conference game

Tags: Frazier