Led by versatile Brock Cornell, West Allegheny determined to finish stronger

By: Josh Rowntree
Saturday, August 10, 2024 | 6:01 AM

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Over the last couple of years, West Allegheny has shown signs of a potential return to the program’s championship ways. Unfortunately, those signs have been fleeting.

The Indians went 6-5 last season, falling in their last three games, including the first round of the Class 4A playoffs to Latrobe, 39-7.

“When you look at the entire season overall, we were a little disappointed with how things ended up,” coach Dave Schoppe said. “We felt good going in if we could stay healthy. We got some kids banged up along the way. Our backups came in and did a nice job for us, but we ran into a couple of teams who were pretty damn good.”

But, midway through the year, West Allegheny looked as if it had the makeup of a top team, nearly pulling off a stunning upset of Aliquippa in a 29-22 loss in Week 4.

“The past two seasons we’ve played well against Aliquippa,” said Schoppe, whose team fell to the Quips by three points in 2022. “Our kids look forward to that game because they know it’s going to be a battle.

“We’ve got some kids who will give everything they have and when they have that opportunity to go against one of, if not the best team at that level in the state, they really were up for that game.”

One of those kids is undoubtedly Brock Cornell, a bruising, do-it-all athlete who Schoppe utilized in numerous roles last year.

Somewhat amazingly, Cornell led the team in passing, rushing and receiving yards, taking over at quarterback midway through the season. He paced the defense with 109 tackles and even led West Allegheny in kickoff and punt return yards.

“We did a lot of wildcat last year and worked on throwing the ball,” said Schoppe, who laughs a bit at the statistical accomplishments of Cornell. “He’s a tremendous defensive player, as well. When you have a kid like that on both sides of the ball, it’s like having a coach on the field. He knew what everybody was supposed to be doing.”

The Bucknell recruit came into this season, according to Schoppe, determined to be a better leader on and off the field. How Schoppe manages his health, however, is a challenge.

“He’s a little bigger, a little stronger and faster,” Schoppe said. “He’s done a good job in the offseason. But we are conscious about his health. Last year, we found ways to get the ball to other kids on the offensive side and take some of the load off Brock.

“This year, we have some other players. We’ll need to keep him involved the entire season and into the postseason. I’m excited to see how his senior year turns out and how he leads this team.”

Cornell will again see time all over the field and will take snaps as quarterback, though there are multiple other options at that position that could allow West Allegheny to exploit matchup issues for opposing defenses.

Roman Police will join Cornell in the backfield and is also an exceptional outside linebacker. He led the team in sacks in 2023 despite dealing with an injury that was cleaned up via surgery this offseason.

“We’re excited to have him back and healthy,” said Schoppe, who added that Brock Cornell’s younger brother, Brodie, will see time in the backfield.

Teagan Tomei and Noah Pfeffer are strong route runners at receiver and Tyler Hatton enters his sophomore year as a bruising, 6-foot-4 tight end who also plays defensive back. He’ll help pave the way with an offensive line anchored by JC Bozic and Brock Stickley.

Like the offense, West Allegheny’s defense returns nine starters, with Cornell leading on that side of the ball.

“Having nine guys back on each side, they know what the schemes are, they know what the calls are,” said Schoppe, who enters his fifth season.

Expectations are always high at West Allegheny. The program went through a period of instability following the resignation of Bob Palko in 2018. But Schoppe has brought stability back to the program, which now looks to take the next step.

“I feel pretty good with the direction and trend we’re on,” he said. “I can’t say enough about my assistant coaches. When you have guys who stay with you and are loyal and pulling in the same direction, you’re going to have success.”

West Allegheny will rev up to Parkway Conference action with a pair of tough nonconference games midway through the year against rival Moon and defending WPIAL Class 5A champion Peters Township, which Schoppe hopes provides a strong test for his team two weeks before a rematch with Aliquippa.

“We’re excited for this season,” he said. “But it’s about staying healthy, because a lot of guys will play both ways. When you don’t stay healthy, seasons are short.”

West Allegheny

Coach: Dave Schoppe

2023 record: 6-5, 4-3 in Class 4A Parkway Conference

All-time record: 391-371-14

SCHEDULE

Date, Opponent, Time

8.30 Chartiers Valley, 7

9.6 McGuffey, 7

9.13 at Moon, 7

9.20 Peters Township, 7

9.27 Ambridge*, 7

10.4 at Aliquippa, 7

10.11 New Castle*, 7

10.18 at Blackhawk*, 7

10.25 at Montour*, 7

* Conference game

STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing: Brock Cornell

28-51, 392 yards, 4 TDs

Rushing: Cornell

138-1,043 yards, 16 TDs

Receiving: Cornell

6-140 yards

FAST FACTS

• Schoppe has a record of 20-18 since taking over in 2020. His seven wins in 2022 are his most in a single season.

• Bozic is receiving Division II and Division III interest, while Stickley is one of the state’s top long snappers.

• Brock and Brodie Cornell’s father, Bryan, has been West Allegheny’s baseball coach for the last 21 years, winning four WPIAL titles.

• The Indians have won eight WPIAL titles, tied for the sixth-most in district history. Palko was the head coach for all of those wins.

Tags: West Allegheny