South Side focused on process over results with experienced group

By: Brennan Valladares
Thursday, August 21, 2025 | 6:01 AM

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From 2021-23, it seemed like South Side football was on track to capture its first WPIAL title in 25 years.

During that span, the Rams went from the WPIAL quarterfinals to the championship in three consecutive seasons. However, with no WPIAL title to show for it, the team was eager to reach the mountaintop in 2024. But progress isn’t always linear, and after advancing to the Class A quarterfinals for the fourth straight season, the Rams were defeated by No. 3 Bishop Canevin, ending their championship quest early.

“We were a very young team last year,” coach Luke Travelpiece said.

“We were replacing seven starters on offense and similarly on defense. I think we had three, four returning starters on defense, too, so relatively young and a lot of juniors and sophomores that made up the starting lineup for us last year. So, you know, the game experience for a lot of our guys, you know, is just such a huge advantage coming into this year.”

And while game experience and a large returning senior class place South Side in another advantageous position this year, Travelpiece isn’t worried about capturing that elusive third championship, but rather being process-oriented.

“You know, we try to strive away from … it’s championship or bust, or (Acrisure Stadium) or bust,” Travelpiece said.

“… Our goal is each and every year, come in and work hard every day and get better each practice, right? Take it day by day, game by game. … You know, I’d love to get back down to (Acrisure Stadium), right? I think we all would. And when you live in Pittsburgh and play within the WPIAL, that’s every team’s goal, but the way that we need to do it is not look at the end result but look at the process of how we get there.”

Fortunately, a large part of that process played out last year, with the developments of key returnees such as Andrew Corfield and Lucian Williams.

Corfield, an all-conference selection the last two seasons, is coming off a year where he combined for over 1,000 yards rushing and receiving. He also scored nine total touchdowns.

“He’s our playmaker,” Travelpiece said.

“… He was the guy that we relied on to make a play when necessary. He’s the best athlete on our team, and oftentimes the best athlete on the field. Just a tough runner, intrinsic runner. Knows how to, you know, avoid the large hit, but it’s great speed as well. You know, great hands — able to go up and get the ball for us. You know, we’re expecting him to just kind of continue to set the tone. Come in, work hard.”

Corfield has high expectations in his final high school season, but the boys up front will be key to his success. Four-year starter Williams will be joined by fellow all-conference selection Cody Mehlmauer, junior Paul Poelcher, junior Anthony Hage and sophomore Ryan Shaw.

“We think we’re going to have a very stout front on both sides, offensively and defensively,” Travelpiece said.

Entering camp, the quarterback position was up for grabs. Sophomore Dawson Frazier returns after becoming the first freshman in Rams history to win a playoff game. The second-year gunslinger threw for 408 yards and two touchdowns after stepping in for Will Morgan, who got injured early in his junior season.

“From the outside, the natural assumption is, you know, (Dawson Frasier) is back, he’s the guy,” Travelpiece said, “but, you know, we want to see him and Will (Morgan) compete.

“You know, we tell everybody ‘No job is secure’, and right now they’re rotating, and we’ll continue to do that, you know, throughout camp and throughout the scrimmage and quite possibly the first few games.”

With all of this returning talent, Travelpiece believes South Side can compete for its third WPIAL title. However, the road ahead won’t be easy, especially with teams such as Neshannock, Fort Cherry and Clairton all reloading for this season. So, instead of being results-oriented, Travelpiece is coaching his team to stay present and focus on getting better one day at a time.

“… It’s going to be a meat grinder whoever makes it out on top,” he said.

“So, I’m not going to sit here and tell you, ‘it’s going to be us,’ it’s not going to be us.’ We hope we’re a part of that conversation. But, I just named how many teams that I know are in the same boat. So, you know, just get better each and every day. We think we have the pieces to be able to be there, but who’s going to be healthy at the end? Who’s going to make those strides? And hopefully it’s us.”

South Side

Coach: Luke Travelpiece

2024 record: 7-4, 4-2 in Class A Big 7 Conference

All-time record: 310-333-19

SCHEDULE

Date, Opponent, Time

8.22 Sto-Rox, 7

8.29 at Western Beaver, 7

9.5 Beaver Falls, 7

9.13 at Summit Academy*, 12:30

9.19 Shenango*, 7

9.26 at Monessen, 7

10.3 Northgate*, 7

10.10 at Neshannock*, 7

10.17 at Laurel*, 7

10.24 Rochester*, 7

* Conference game

STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing: Dawson Frasier

32-61, 408 yards, 2 TDs

Rushing: Andrew Corfield

139-924 yards, 7 TDs

Receiving: Corfield

19-250 yards, 2 TDs

FAST FACTS

• Travelpiece is entering his 10th season as South Side’s head coach.

• The Rams have gone 40-11 (19-4) over the last four seasons.

• South Side graduated six seniors, including punter/kicker Mateja Pavlovich, who committed to Syracuse in July.

Tags: South Side