Shenango roster young but experienced

By: James Dotson
Monday, August 19, 2019 | 9:22 PM

A quality football team usually has a good combination of youth and experience on its roster. For Shenango, after a season where at times seven or more freshmen were starting, youth and experience come as a package deal.

“We have a lot of experience,” second-year coach Jimmy Graham said.

“It’s kind of a weird scenario for us. We’re really young, but we have a ton of experience based on last year’s season. It was a challenging season for us as a staff and also as a team.”

The ‘Cats were winless in the Class 2A Midwestern Conference last year, finishing 1-9 overall.

Injuries led to many freshmen getting opportunities on the field early in their career, and that experience will be pivotal to Shenango’s success this season.

“I think there’s something to be said about a ninth grader going out under the lights on a Friday night,” Graham said. “It’s hard to replicate that. Those guys are in awe of those lights on a Friday night and the crowd. We’re past that point, where now we can go play football.”

Those freshmen now not only have a season of varsity football under their belt, but also a year of familiarity with the program. And, maybe even more importantly, they have now had a year to get stronger.

“It’s nice to see the transition of their bodies from one year. We did the roster, and you could see they all got taller, they all got stronger and put on some weight,” Graham said. “That just shows the work ethic, that they’re working hard, and hopefully that translates to the field.”

One of those experienced sophomores is quarterback Tino Campoli, who threw for seven touchdowns last year. Leading rusher Reis Watkins returns as well, as does leading receiver Jason Kraner. The senior wide out scored seven touchdowns last year despite missing time with an injury.

Offensive line play could be key for Shenango. Seniors Jake Stephenson and Anthony Campoli both played through lingering injuries throughout the season. They’ll be joined by a multitude of underclassmen who got early experience and now have gotten bigger and stronger.

The team as a whole has had a good attitude coming off of a difficult season, according to Graham. A year of familiarity, whether it be in practice format or in learning a new offense and defense, getting to a level of comfort between players and coaches has been evident going into his second season. Knowing what to expect, player and coach alike, means now they can work on the details. That familiarity also should help a defense that allowed 46.6 points per game last season.

“Now we just want to go out and perform,” Graham said. “Just let them be athletes, that’s our goal this year.”

The success of the junior high program also has helped. With 31 players on the roster, it is likely that freshmen again will have to step up. Hunter Lively and C.J. Miller both figure to have roles with the ‘Cats this season. Graham also commended sophomores Trevor Valenti, Adam Bryant and Aaron Martin on their work in the offseason and in camp.

Shenango opens the year with a Week Zero matchup against county foe Union. The ‘Cats start their conference play the following week with a trip to Freedom, eager to get a new season underway.

“We have a little buzz among the guys. They have a bit of a chip on their shoulder,” Graham said. “One and nine (last year) and you know nobody wants to do that.

“We have a certain energy about the team this year that we really enjoy.”

Schedule

Coach: Jimmy Graham

2018 record: 1-9, 0-7

All-time record: 407-356-38

Date, Opponent, Time

8.23, at Union, 7

8.30, at Freedom*, 7

9.7, Western Beaver*, 7

9.13, at Serra Catholic, 7

9.20, Riverside*, 7

9.27, Mohawk*, 7

10.4, at Ellwood City*, 7

10.11, Southmoreland, 7

10.18, at New Brighton*, 7

10.25, Neshannock*, 7

*Class 2A Midwestern Conference game

Statistical leaders

Passing: Tino Campoli

66-147, 832 yards, 7 TDs

Rushing: Reis Watkins

82-327 yards, 3 TDs

Receiving: Jason Kraner

23-542 yards, 7 TDs

Tags: Shenango