Play of offensive linemen key to Seton LaSalle’s success

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, October 20, 2017 | 4:12 PM

One of the keys to the Seton LaSalle football team's undefeated season has been the dynamic performance by senior running back Lionel Deanes.

The 5-foot-7, 185-pound Deanes, whose nickname is “The Train,” has rushed for a WPIAL-leading 1,565 yards and 17 touchdowns on 194 carries. He averages close to 225 yards rushing per game, and 8 yards per carry.

One of the keys to Deanes' stellar season has been the diligent effort turned in by Rebels' offensive linemen.

The blocking up front has been handled by seniors Nick McNally (5-11, 260), Josh Blamer (6-4, 250) and Brendan Perone (6-1, 231); and juniors Mike Kutschke (6-0, 280) and Jesse Byerly (6-0, 230).

“We take great pride in what ‘The Train' has accomplished,” said McNally, a third-year starter and letterman. “We all work together as a unit trying our hardest to open holes and give him space because we know how good he is. The Train gives us motivation and pride.”

Juniors Dean O'Toole (6-5, 325), Logan Baldinger (6-0, 220), Rob Matthews (6-3, 290) and Andrew Yurick (6-0, 210) have added valuable depth on the line for the Rebels.

“The O-line unit has done an outstanding job as a unit,” coach Rob Carter said. “Coaches J.J. Beggan and Tony Mendicino do a great job preparing the offensive linemen each week.”

Seton LaSalle is undefeated at 7-0, including a 6-0 record in the Class 3A Allegheny Conference. The Rebels have outscored the opposition by a 245-98 overall margin, or by an average score of 35-14.

“I think we have done what is expected of us by our coaches and by ourselves,” McNally said. “We are striving toward our conference championship, then the WPIAL championship, and then the state playoffs.”

McNally, 17, also has played lacrosse at Seton LaSalle for two years and was a member of the boys swim team for one year. He's played CYO basketball at St. Louise de Marillac for three years.

In the classroom, McNally has a 3.2 GPA, and he participates in Junior Achievement and the English Festival.

Two of the Rebels' catalysts on defense this season have been seniors Nistal Baldwin, at linebacker, and Shane Dugan, at defensive end.

“Nistal and Shane are the energy and toughness that this defense embodies,” Carter said. “Nistal plays with a chip on his shoulder. Shane has a high motor and a will to win.

“Junior Jamar Shegog also can't go unrecognized (at linebacker). He is the coach on the field for the staff. He echos all our calls, and is the calming voice during what sometimes can be chaotic times.”

Seton LaSalle utilizes a group of players on the defensive line.

“We are able to rotate six to eight athletes on the defensive line,” Carter said. “This keeps us fresh and energetic. Coaches Evan Kelly, P.J. Duff and Bronson Pryzbilinski have done an excellent job preparing this unit and teaching them the game of football.

“One defensive lineman who has really improved each week is (senior) George Mike IV. I have enjoyed watching his progression.”

Seton LaSalle has clinched at least a tie for first place in the conference. On Friday, the Rebels host Quaker Valley (7-1) in a nonconference matchup at Peters Township.

“I'm very happy with how the season is going,” Carter said. “The players have done a great job taking it one week at a time. The seniors are keeping everyone focused on each week's goals and expectations. I am just very happy for the team. I hope they embrace every moment and enjoy this journey we are on.”

Quaker Valley won its first seven games before dropping a 22-7 decision to Aliquippa last week. The Quakers, who were averaging 45.1 ppg prior to last week's loss, are in second place in the Beaver Valley Conference.

Aliquippa, Seton LaSalle and Quaker Valley are the top three teams in Class 3A in the Tribune-Review high school football rankings.

“Hopefully, we do our job this week and are able to add another mark to the win column,” Carter said. “Quaker Valley is a very explosive team and does a great job in all facets of the game.”

Along with leading the WPIAL in rushing, Deanes leads the WPIAL in scoring with 20 touchdowns (120 points), and is closing in on the 5,000-yard mark in career rushing.

He was the leading rusher in Class 3A last season when he rambled to 1,814 yards and 15 touchdowns, and was named all-state and all-conference. He also ran for 1,291 yards and 16 touchdowns as a sophomore.

Deanes has accounted for 4,814 yards and 48 touchdowns in his career.

Seton LaSalle senior QB Matt Banbury has completed 79 of 136 passes for 964 yards and nine touchdowns this season.

Banbury's favorite targets are junior Nick Vary, with 27 receptions for 250 yards and three scores; and sophomore Max Schipani, with 20 receptions for 149 yards and one TD.

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.