Shady Side Academy looks to learn from losses, thrive in Class 2A

By: Josh Rizzo
Friday, August 16, 2024 | 6:01 AM

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Shady Side Academy coach Chuck DiNardo would like to see the Bulldogs learn from the adversity they faced last season.

During the last two weeks of the regular season, Shady Side Academy had a pair of six-point losses that impacted its playoff seeding.

“Being in tight games like that is always good,” DiNardo said. “That way, you have the experience of it, and you better learn from it. When it doesn’t go right, you have to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

After finishing 5-6 overall last season with a 2-3 record in conference play, the Bulldogs will open this season knowing they will be dropping down to Class 2A.

Shady Side Academy will be in the Allegheny Conference with Apollo-Ridge, Ligonier Valley, OLSH, South Allegheny, South Park and Steel Valley.

But the transition also saw Shady Side Academy suffer big losses between losing players to graduation and to transfers.

Starting quarterback Devin Harris transferred to Penn Hills, along with one of his top receivers, Carter Bonner. Shady Side Academy also lost highly recruited kicker Harran Zureikat to Fox Chapel.

The Bulldogs have competition at quarterback to replace Harris. Cam Mallory, a junior who also plays defensive end, will compete for the job along with Eric Swan, a freshman.

“We have a couple guys right now,” DiNardo said. “We are going to wait to see how everyone does in our scrimmage and make a decision then. Eric is doing a nice job pushing Cam.”

Mallory played a little bit at quarterback during the playoff game with Beaver last year. DiNardo likes what Mallory brings to the table. He especially likes that he plays quarterback and is willing to line up on the defensive line as well.

“Cam is a really athletic kid,” DiNardo said. “No. 1, the size alone on him. He’s 6-foot-4 and has slimmed down to 229 (pounds). He has done a great job of maturing into a leader for us. He’s not just a big body that can run.”

Darrin Haynes will return at running back for the Bulldogs. He got injured during Shady Side Academy’s season opener last year. Nico Grzymkowski will return at wide receiver.

RaSon Bookert and Jack Bellinotti are Shady Side Academy’s two returning starters on the offensive line. Marcus Burkley will contribute on the defensive line.

“I’m excited about the experience and depth we are returning,” DiNardo said.

Shady Side Academy

Coach: Chuck DiNardo

2023 record: 5-6, 2-3 in the Class 3A Sllegheny 6 Conference

All-time record: 552-452-46

SCHEDULE

Date, Opponent, Time

8.23 Greensburg Central Catholic, 7

8.30 at Burrell, 7

9.6 Clairton, 7

9.13 at Ligonier Valley*, 7

9.21 Apollo-Ridge*, 2

9.27 Steel Valley*, 7

10.4 at South Allegheny*, 7

10/10 Seton-LaSalle, 7

10.19 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart*, 7

10.25 South Park*, 7

* Conference game

FAST FACTS

• Steven Uhrinyak was the first of five Shady Side Academy players to play in the NFL when he played one game with Washington in 1939.

• The Bulldogs will open Allegheny Conference play Week 3 against Ligonier Valley.

• Shady Side Academy lost in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs to Beaver last season.

Tags: Shady Side Academy