Knoch, Southmoreland square off in battle of unexpected unbeatens

By: Paul Schofield
Wednesday, September 13, 2023 | 5:00 PM

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Some might be surprised by the Southmoreland and Knoch football teams starting the 2023 season at 3-0. Their coaches certainly aren’t among that group.

The WPIAL Class 3A teams collide in a nonconference matchup Friday in Saxonburg looking to stay unbeaten. This is only the fourth time the teams have met on the gridiron. Southmoreland won last year’s battle 33-24. Knoch’s wins came in 1998 and 1999.

Southmoreland is coming off its third WPIAL playoff appearance in the past four seasons, while Knoch has won more games this season than it did in the past three combined. The last time Knoch made the WPIAL playoffs was in 2014.

“So far, so good,” Southmoreland coach Tim Bukowski said. “Last year at this time, we were 1-2. I’ll take the start over last year’s.”

The 2023 season is much different for both teams, and in some cases they mirror each other on offense.

Both have a feature running back. Southmoreland’s main runner is senior Da’sjon Craggette, the second-leading rusher in the WPIAL with 544 yards and seven touchdowns. Four of his scores are from 50 yards or more.

Knoch counters with Tony Nicolazzo, who has scored five touchdowns and teams with quarterback Codi Mullen in the run game. Mullen has completed 41 of 66 passes for 768 yards and seven touchdowns. His main target is Kaden Spencer, who has 19 catches for 417 yards and five scores.

Southmoreland also has a potent passing attack led by quarterback Kadin Keefer and wide receiver Ty Keffer. Keefer is 20 of 37 for 295 yards and four touchdowns, three to Keffer, who has 13 catches for 182 yards.

Both teams won close games in Week 2. Southmoreland rallied to edge Derry, 24-21, and Knoch used three touchdown passes to Kaden Spencer to stun Beaver Falls, 27-24.

“Derry played well against us,” Bukowski said. “They were physical up front and made it tough. Luckily, Jake (Kaylor) came through for us.”

Kaylor kicked 24- and 32-yard field goals in the fourth quarter to rally the Scotties. Kaylor actually missed on the 32-yard attempt but got a reprieve when the Derry coach called a timeout before the kick.

“Jake said he heard the whistle and let up,” Bukowski said. “He told me before the game he hit one from 50. I trust him from 42 to 45 yards.”

Bukowski said Derry deserves a lot of credit for making it tough on his defense. But the Scotties were missing two big pieces from the defense: nose guard Jarrell Braxton and middle linebacker Stanley Chapman. Braxton missed the game, and Chapman was injured on the opening kickoff.

“We were hurting defensively,” Bukowski said. “I’m hoping we get them back soon.”

Knoch coach Tim Burchett said the key to his team’s turnaround has been the players’ commitment.

“We’re off to a good start, but there is still a ways to go,” Burchett said. “The team has bought into what we’re trying to do. It started in the offseason, and it comes down to being more experienced.”

Mullen is the key to Knoch’s attack. He threw for 1,011 yards and six touchdowns in 2022 and has already thrown more touchdowns (seven) this season. Spencer is his top target.

“He’s a tough cookie,” Bukowski said of the Knoch QB. “We got after him last year but couldn’t stop him. He gave us fits. He’s the perfect player to run their offense.”

Burchett said his team has thrown more than Knoch fans are accustomed to.

“Codi drives us,” Burchett said “I liken him to a point guard in basketball. He gets the ball to the right person. Kaden is making NFL-type catches. The sky is the limit for him.”

And while this game is only a nonconference contest, both coaches want to see their squads continue to improve as they prepare for conference play, which begins Sept. 29.

Series history

Knoch leads the all-time series with Southmoreland, 2-1

1998: Knoch, 14-10

1999: Knoch, 28-14

2022: Southmoreland, 33-24

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

Tags: Knoch, Southmoreland