Puzzle pieces need placed for talented Charleroi

By: Jeremy Sellew
Thursday, August 22, 2019 | 8:01 AM

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There’s something surrounding the Charleroi football team that hasn’t been there the past few seasons: a semblance of mystery.

Last season, the Cougars were carried by 10 seniors and a high-powered offense to the WPIAL Class 2A semifinals.

This season, they return eight seniors with plenty of winning experience to lead the way.

There are some hurdles, though, that coach Lance Getsy and his staff will have to deal with.

“We have to replace our entire offensive line,” Getsy said. “And defensively, I can probably narrow down who’s going to play. We just have no idea right now what spots they’ll be in.”

The Cougars must also fill the holes left by the graduation of quarterback Geno Pellegrini, wide receiver Dakota Romantino and running back Hunter Perry.

“I don’t ever compare these kids to what last year’s kids did,” Getsy said. “I’m not asking anyone to be Geno Pellegrini. I’m not asking anyone to be Dakota Romantino or Hunter Perry.

“We’re going to utilize our players’ strengths and put them in the best position to be successful. But I’m not asking anyone to pick up the yards Dakota did, or do the things that Hunter did. That’s unfair to those kids.”

Taking over under, or behind center, will be senior Alex Conrad.

“He has an understanding of the offense, and he’s excited about the opportunity,” Getsy said. “I think he’ll work to get better. His work ethic is really good. We have to work on mechanics. He was the JV quarterback last year and played wide receiver, so he knows where people are supposed to line up and he understands the motions. It’s not a huge curve in the teaching part of the schemes.”

The Cougars return 1,000-yard rusher Brayden Mihalcin. Fellow senior Evan McGuire also will see carries.

“Hopefully, Nikko Pellegrini keeps working hard and developing where I can start utilizing him a little bit,” Getsy said. “He’ll likely get some carries.”

Last season, Mihalcin ran for 1,062 yards and 15 touchdowns.

They will be running behind a youthful, inexperienced line. But they have size.

Lorenzo Axton likely will be at left tackle with Dyelan Edwards at left guard. Matthew Alton is working at center.

“I know Jake King is going to be either the right guard or right tackle,” Getsy said. “If King is at guard, at tackle, it’s going to be a matter of who steps up. There’s three guys right now, and they’re going to have to battle.”

Up for the final starting position on the line are Mario Celaschi, Donald Boyd and Darius Cooper.

At wide receiver, Legend Davis returns as a leader.

“He’s a special player,” Getsy said. “He has very good hands and really knows how to go after the ball. He’s learned the art of route running, which has improved greatly from last year.”

Joining Davis at the position will be seniors McGuire and Ethan Codeluppi. On the smaller side, both are quick and shifty with good hands.

Defensively, look for many players in different positions.

“Dyelan is the only lineman back that started on the defensive line last year,” Getsy said. “Lorenzo Axton did get significant playing time, though.”

Without a doubt, line play is going to be key for the Cougars’ success on both sides of the ball.

“They have a huge task in front of them,” Getsy said. “I think they worked hard in the weight room in the offseason, and they set themselves up for the opportunity to be successful. It’s all going to depend how they respond to adversity going through the season. When things get tough, are they going to keep fighting or are they going to cave in? That’s something we’re going to find out.”

Getsy will put Davis at corner.

“He is one of the best, and he lives on shutting down teams’ best receivers,” Getsy said. “It’s literally moving parts. Ethan (Codeluppi) will be somewhere, either strong safety or will linebacker. Cooper will start somewhere and Brayden will be at defensive end or linebacker. We’re really thin. So thin, I don’t know where anyone is going to be.”

Joey Caruso, a first-team all-conference selection last season, returns to handle the kicking duties.

The Cougars return to the Century Conference, where they will see a heavy dose of competition.

They are joined by Washington, McGuffey, Beth-Center, Brownsville, Carmichaels, Frazier and Southmoreland. They have nonconference games against Riverview (Sept. 6) and at Apollo-Ridge (Oct. 25).

“It’s a tough conference and a tough schedule. We’re going to be tested,” Getsy said.

Schedule

Coach: Lance Getsy

2018 record: 10-2, 6-1

All-time record: 557-441-60

Date, Opponent, Time

8.30, at Washington*, 7

9.6, Riverview, 7

9.13, at Frazier*, 7

9.20, Carmichaels*, 7

9.27, Beth-Center*, 7

10.4, at Southmoreland*, 7

10.11, at McGuffey*, 7

10.18, Brownsville*, 7

10.25, at Apollo-Ridge, 7

*Class 2A Interstate Conference game

Tags: Charleroi