Veteran New Brighton looks to continue upward trend

By: Sean Saputo
Monday, August 19, 2019 | 9:22 PM

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Previous Next

Through five weeks of the 2018 season, New Brighton had 1-4 record. What had the look of a third consecutive year of missing the postseason took a complete turn in the right direction. The Lions went 4-1 down the stretch.

“The second half of the year we just kept gaining confidence,” coach Joe Greco said. “Our players also continued to grow and develop over that time.”

The 4-1 second half allowed the Lions to finish in third place behind Freedom and Mohawk, who split the conference championship.

A key component to that team was quarterback Jackson Hall, who returns under center for a fourth year.

“Last year, (Hall) led us down the stretch,” Greco said. “He won us games with his arm and his decision making. This year, now being his fourth year, he is working to be even better.”

Hall threw for 1,588 yards and 11 touchdowns with eight interceptions.

On the defensive side of the ball, New Brighton brings back a strong core that grew immensely as last season progressed.

In the first five games last year, the Lions’ defense allowed 154 points, just a touch over 30 points per game. Over the final five games, the defense allowed just 67 points, just 13 points per game.

This year, New Brighton will be led by its anchor at inside linebacker, Rocco Beightley, but it doesn’t stop there.

“We have a lot of key guys back,” Greco said. “Nya Green next to Rocco, Dylan Hupp on the line and Jake Francona in the secondary are going to be playmakers for us this year.”

New Brighton will face rival Rochester on Friday, a matchup that would not necessarily be possible without the additional week.

“We are able to schedule our own game,” Greco said. “It allows us to renew a rivalry with Rochester who we wouldn’t get to play because we are in different classifications. Our kids have prepared and will be prepared. We like the game atmosphere Week Zero brings compared to a second scrimmage.”

The goal this season for the Lions is to take it week by week, but not only that, take home the Midwestern Conference championship and be better in the playoffs.

“Last year, we saw just how fun (the postseason) really is, and this year we don’t really want it to end early,” Greco said. “When the foundation is built, the experience grows, and that’s what is happening here.”

Schedule

Coach: Joe Greco

2018 record: 5-6, 5-2

All-time record: 545-472-59

Date, Opponent, Time

8.23, Rochester, 7

8.30, at Mohawk*, 7

9.6, at Ellwood City*, 7

9.13, Avonworth, 7

9.20, at Seton LaSalle, 7

9.27, Neshannock*, 7

10.4, at Freedom*, 7

10.12, at Western Beaver*, 12:30

10.18, Shenango*, 7

10.25, Riverside*, 7

*Class 2A Midwestern Conference game

Statistical leaders

Passing: Jackson Hall

99-180, 1,588 yards, 11 TDs

Rushing: Jacob Francona

74-308 yards, 8 TDs

Receiving: Caleb Shuler*

38-883 yards, 9 TDs

*Graduated

Tags: New Brighton