Keystone Oaks players adjusting to new roles after playoff season

By: Josh Rizzo
Sunday, August 17, 2025 | 5:01 AM

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Keystone Oaks coach Steve McCormick identified Owen Gearhart as a strong option at quarterback. The benefit of rotating players into different roles is that when a new year comes around, they are capable of handling a variety of tasks.

Gearhart will be tasked with helping the Golden Eagles attempt to navigate their way back to the WPIAL Class 2A playoffs.

“He played at cornerback for three seasons,” McCormick said. “He’s a tough, smart kid who likes to get better each day.”

Gearhart caught 15 passes for 114 yards last season. He attempted four passes and threw for 86 yards and two touchdowns. Gearhart can also run, which will be important as an offensive line with no starters returning gets its feet wet.

“He repped a little for us last year,” McCormick said. “We like to run the ball. He’s a kid who can be a dual threat as a runner as well as a passer.”

Versatility served Keystone Oaks well last season, as the Golden Eagles were able to go 4-6 and reach the WPIAL Class 2A playoffs.

McCormick said he’s happy with the progress the offensive line has made this offseason.

“We’ve had plenty of guys who had meaningful reps last year,” McCormick said. “They’ve been working hard in the offseason, and they are eager to prove themselves. They had a great first day, and I’m excited to see what they can do as we start to get into season.”

Carmen Pellarin, a 6-foot-6 wide receiver/linebacker, will give Gearhart a big target in the passing game. Pellarin caught nine passes for 76 yards last season.

Sean O’Brien will also contribute at wide receiver. Nate Rohe will play a key role in the backfield. O’Brien, who plays at strong safety, and Rohe, who is a linebacker, were both all-Century Conference players on defense last year.

Keystone Oaks is in the Century Conference with Carlynton, Charleroi, Seton LaSalle, Sto-Rox, Washington and Waynesburg. The Eagles will open the season against Deer Lakes on Aug. 22 at Dormont Stadium.

McCormick said he hopes the Eagles will use the first few weeks of the season to get their new players some experience.

“We had a few guys come out and join us late in the year,” McCormick said. “A few newcomers joined a few weeks before the season started. We want to have guys rep each position in case the injury bug bites us.”

Keystone Oaks

Coach: Steve McCormick

2024 record: 4-6, 4-2 in Class 2A Century Conference

All-time record: 465-459-37

SCHEDULE

Date, Oppponent, Time

8.22 Deer Lakes, 7

8.29 Quaker Valley, 7

9.5 South Park, 7

9.12 at Sto-Rox*, 7

9.19 at Charleroi*, 7

9.26 Carlynton*, 7

10.3 at Washington*, 7

10.10 Waynesburg*, 7

10.17 Seton-LaSalle*, 7

10.24 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, 7

*Conference game

STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing: Brendan Quarles*

63-104, 575 yards, 5 TDs

Rushing: Billy Bricker*

119-775 yards, 9 TDs

Receving: Jack Hrivnak*

15-198 yards, TD

*Graduated

FAST FACTS

• Keystone Oaks wide receiver Carmen Pellarin placed third in the WPIAL Class 2A high jump last season.

• The Eagles put a scare into Mohawk before losing 35-28 in the first round of the playoffs last season.

• Keystone Oaks will open the season with three nonconference games.

Tags: Keystone Oaks