Indiana looks to carry momentum from positive offseason

By: Mark Nitowski
Saturday, August 12, 2023 | 11:07 PM

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If a winning football team is built in the offseason, Indiana coach Brad Wright saw evidence of his squad’s progress during a recent linemen challenge at Burrell High School.

“We finished second in the competition. That wouldn’t have happened last year,” said Wright, whose team posted a 3-7 overall record in 2022 in his first season at the Indiana helm.

Since taking over the program, Wright said he’s been focused on creating a culture that will enable the Indians to compete with Armstrong, Hampton, Highlands, Kiski Area, Mars and North Catholic in the Greater Allegheny Conference. Indiana went 1-5 against the schools last season.

“We’ve definitely established things in the weight room,” he said. “Last year, we started two or three seniors on both sides of the ball combined. We had a lot of younger kids who have matured naturally and put the time in the weight room that should help us close the competitive gap.”

If the Indians are to compete for a playoff spot, Wright expects senior quarterback Trevor Smith to lead the way. As a junior, Smith topped Indiana in passing and rushing.

“Trevor is a dual-threat kid,” Wright said. “He can beat you with his legs and has an accurate arm. He’s very calm in pressure situations.”

Smith showed his moxie in come-from-behind victories in consecutive weeks early last season. He rallied the Indians to a 32-31 overtime win against Knoch and then engineered a long drive for a field goal to edge Shady Side Academy, 23-22.

“Trevor was masterful in leading an 86-yard drive (against Shady Side) in the final two minutes,” Wright said.

Smith and the Indiana offense should benefit from a deeper roster, featuring multiple weapons.

“We have several skill positions where we’ll be splitting time with two different players because the kids can play,” Wright said. “We have some pretty athletic young kids.”

Running backs Levi Porter and Quinn Lipniskis certainly fall into that category.

“Levi is a sophomore and a really talented kid,” Wright said. “Lipiniskis is a junior who also runs very well.”

When the Indians decide to throw the ball, Smith can target a pair of tall senior receivers in Jimmy Mill and Tony Kowchuck.

“Jimmy is 6-foot-3 and was second team all-conference last season,” Wright said. “Tony is a 6-3 tight end. He’s a nice presence in the middle of the field.”

Anchoring the offensive line will be seniors Ben Cochran and Carson Beatty and junior Johnny Wyant.

On defense, senior Isaac Nygren is a three-year starter at linebacker. He was second-team all-conference as a sophomore and honorable mention last season.

Senior Evan Brocious, Smith and Mill return to what should be a solid secondary. Wright credited defensive end Wyant with having a great offseason.

“We need to be stouter against the run,” Wright said. “We also need to be better at situational football in third-and-long situations and not giving up big plays. We also need to create more turnovers. It’s easier to be a good defense when you’re creating turnovers.”

Wright graduated from Kittanning High School, which is now part of Armstrong High School. He sees the defending champion River Hawks as the favorite in the conference.

“I know Armstrong graduated some tremendous players, but it’s the biggest school in our conference, and they find a way to field a competitive team every year,” he said. “Until someone knocks them off, they’re the team to beat.”

North Catholic also should be a team to reckon with, Wright added.

“You don’t get a week off in the conference, and that’s a good thing,” he said. “You have to be at your best week in and week out. I wouldn’t have it any other way. If you’re successful, it gets you ready for the playoffs.”

As the Indians head into the 2023 season, Wright’s goal for his team is to play more consistent football.

“Let’s be better on first down so we’re better on third down,” he said. “If you’re not winning on first down, you’re not winning on third down. You have to win early to win late.”

Indiana

Coach: Brad Wright

2022 record: 3-7, 1-5 in Class 5A Greater Allegheny Conference

All-time record: 453-437-36

SCHEDULE

Date, Opponent, Time

8.25 Freeport, 7

9.1 at Knoch, 7

9.8 Shady Side Academy, 7

9.15 Mars*, 7

9.22 at Highlands*, 7

9.29 Kiski Area*, 7

10.6 at Armstrong*, 7

10.13 Hampton*, 7

10.20 at North Catholic*, 7

10.27 at Plum, 7

*Conference game

STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing: Trevor Smith

44-75, 449 yards, 6 TDs

Rushing: Trevor Smith

54-242 yards, 2 TDs

Receiving: Tony Kowchuck

12 -127 yards, 1 TD

FAST FACTS

• Indiana is located in PIAA District 6 but opts to compete in the WPIAL.

• Quarterback Trevor Smith is the son of IUP associate head football coach Jim Smith.

• Before coming to Indiana, Brad Wright coached at District 10 schools Warren (2009-13) and Punxsutawney (2015-19) and District 6’s West Shamokin (2020-21).

• Many Indiana followers consider 1961 graduate Jim Nance as the school’s greatest athlete. Nance was a standout in football, wrestling and track and field before starring at Syracuse University and then with the Boston (now New England) Patriots in the American Football League. He was the AFL’s all-time rushing leader (4,338 yards) at the time of the league’s 1970 merger with the NFL.

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