Healthy Hartman ‘keeps everything solidified’ for Belle Vernon offense

By: Mike Kovak
Thursday, August 8, 2019 | 5:19 PM

It’s third-and-long. Belle Vernon breaks the offensive huddle and heads to the line of scrimmage.

In years past, the run-heavy Leopards might be tempted to call a run play, or with strong-legged punter Cameron Guess, kicking to the opposition and letting a stout defense go to work a little early would be safe.

The Leopards might gamble more this season, however, despite Guess being back and a defense that figures to be among the best in WPIAL Class 4A. The reason is the unlikely return of quarterback Jared Hartman and a dynamic group of pass catchers.

“We lost a lot of guys from last year, but the weird thing is we didn’t lose too many skill players,” Hartman said. “We’ve got experience at the skill positions, and we’ve got some new guys who are fitting right in. I feel like we have so many weapons, why not use them?”

That’s up to Hartman.

An accurate passer with a knack for finding the end zone on run plays, Hartman suffered ACL, MCL and lateral meniscus tears on a play during a 28-12 win against West Mifflin on Oct. 12. Initially, Hartman was told it would take a year to return. Thanks, in part, to physical therapy twice per week and two more weekly sessions in a pool, Hartman was cleared in early July.

“I never doubted that he wouldn’t come back. It was never a question,” Belle Vernon coach Matt Humbert said. “He’s the guy who kind of keeps everything solidified for us.”

Hartman, who completed 43 of 59 passes for 492 yards with seven touchdowns, two interceptions and seven rushing scores last season before his injury, hasn’t missed a beat since his return.

“He’s looked great in seven-on-sevens,” Humbert said. “We were top three at a West Virginia tournament, and he’s been sharp in every other tournament we’ve been in.”

Because of the injury, Hartman won’t be used in the run game as frequently, but that’s in good hands with Larry Callaway, who rushed for 635 yards and 12 touchdowns on 75 carries last year.

Callaway’s speed will be put to use in some third-down situations, but a group of receivers eager to make a bigger impact could make a difference for Belle Vernon, which has reached the WPIAL semifinals the past two years.

Hunter Ruokonen led the Leopards with 32 receptions for 465 yards last season. His five touchdowns were second to Nolan Labuda’s six, but the passing game produced just 952 yards, compared to a run game that racked up 3,294 yards and 49 touchdowns.

Ruokonen and Labuda are back, and they’ll be joined by Devin Whitlock, a multipurpose player who transferred from neighboring Monessen, and Andrew Pacak, who along with Labuda, filled in at quarterback after Hartman was injured.

“Having Jared back means everything,” Labuda said. “He’s always out there doing everything the right way. He plays hard, and he’s a big part of our success. … I think we’re ready. Everyone’s excited, hyped up.”

Speaking of hype, Belle Vernon is receiving plenty in the preseason.

The Leopards’ seniors have helped compile a 26-6 record the past three seasons, with the only losses coming against Thomas Jefferson (three times), West Mifflin (twice in 2016) and South Fayette (once).

Hartman’s return and the addition of Whitlock to the offense could be what Belle Vernon needs to finally get past those heavyweights in the postseason.

“If I didn’t know if I would be able to play this year, I would be devastated,” Hartman said. “I’m ready to give it my all. We all are.”

Tags: Belle Vernon