Peters Township draws matchup with McKeesport’s triple-option in Week 1 nonconference clash

By: Chris Harlan
Friday, August 30, 2024 | 7:01 AM

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McKeesport runs an offense that’s rather unique in the WPIAL, leading opponents to scheme up new ways to defend against the triple-option.

That uniqueness would seem to benefit the Tigers most weeks, but it also can put them at a scouting disadvantage when breaking down video of opponents. Many teams will revamp the base defense they showed against traditional offenses.

That can leave McKeesport guessing as well.

“It is such a headache,” McKeesport coach Matt Miller said. “I think it was Barry Switzer who made the statement, ‘I’ll know what defense they’re in after the second play.’ It is true. You have no idea what they’re going to do to try to stop you.”

That’ll be part of the chess match Friday night when McKeesport visits Peters Township, a team that already runs a defense with a varied look. The Indians host the nonconference matchup of ranked teams at 7 p.m.

Peters Township (1-0), the top-ranked team in WPIAL 5A, was the state runner-up last season. McKeesport (0-1), ranked fourth in 4A, was the WPIAL runner-up.

“It is a little bit different,” Peters Township coach T.J. Plack said of McKeesport’s offense. “But we were fortunate enough to play a Cocalico team in the state semifinals that was kind of similar. Obviously, McKeesport has a couple of more weapons. Cocalico had one game-breaker who was dangerous, but they ran their system extremely well and put a lot of stress on us.”

McKeesport is well aware.

“They played a triple-option team last year, so they’re familiar with it,” Miller said. “It’s not like this is a playoff game and they only have only four days to prepare. I’m sure they’re going to have a lot of wrinkles in what they’re trying to do.”

Peters Township is coming off a 42-17 victory over Canon-McMillan. The Indians fell behind 17-0 before rallying behind a couple of return touchdowns. Nick McCullough returned a punt 55 yards, Mickey Vaccarello took an interception 17 yards and they pulled within three points by halftime.

The Indians won the second half 28-0.

“We just couldn’t get started on offense and their defense did a pretty good job against us,” Plack said. “Once we got stuff clicking, I think the momentum changed.”

Peters Township quarterback Nolan DiLucia, the WPIAL’s leading passer last year, completed 16 of 21 passes for 289 yards and a touchdown. McCullough had six catches for 174 yards and a score.

Indians running back Nick Courie rushed 15 times for 59 yards and three touchdowns.

“It was probably good that happened to us, because we do have a lot of inexperienced ball players,” Plack said of falling behind in Week Zero. “They saw that if we keep grinding, we can fight back.”

McKeesport, which played in a Week Zero showcase at the Wolvarena, wants to bounce back from a two-overtime loss. Lake High School of Uniontown, Ohio, successfully went for two in the second OT and won 36-35.

“It was a little frustrating because we made some really bad mistakes,” Miller said. “It was a little disheartening how we lost that game. It was not indicative of what we usually do.”

McKeesport sophomore Kemon Spell, a Penn State running back commit, rushed for 89 yards and three touchdowns on nine carries. Tigers senior Anthony Boyd ran 15 times for 60 yards and a touchdown.

Miller said Lake was one of those opponents who arrived with a revamped defense from what coaches had seen on film.

“They were totally different than what they’d done in their preseason game and everywhere else,” Miller said. “So you’re kind of on the fly for a while, trying to figure out how you want to run your blocking schemes.”

Chris Harlan is a TribLive reporter covering sports. He joined the Trib in 2009 after seven years as a reporter at the Beaver County Times. He can be reached at charlan@triblive.com.

Tags: McKeesport, Peters Township