With young roster, Charleroi sets goal to be competitive in every game

By: Jose Negron
Thursday, August 24, 2023 | 6:01 AM

Previous Next

Playing under its third coach in as many years, Charleroi is hoping to move in a more positive direction after collecting just two wins in each of the last two seasons.

“We’ve talked a lot about just getting 1% better every day, and I think the guys have been doing that,” said first-year coach Tyler Aeschbacher, who was hired in February to take over the program.

“This season, we want to understand who we are and get our culture underway.”

The Cougars went 2-7 overall and 1-5 in Class 2A Century Conference play last season under coach Mark Gambino.

This year, under the tutelage of Aeschbacher and his staff, the goal is to be competitive in every game.

“That doesn’t mean we’re going to win every game. Obviously that’s the goal, but we want guys to compete all four quarters in every game of the season,” Aeschbacher said. “When we looked at film last year, that was something that concerned us coming in, but I don’t think that’s going to be a problem this year.”

The Cougars have a ton of youth at just about every spot on the field, including quarterback.

Jackson Keranko is only a sophomore, but he benefited from time spent as the starter under center last season.

“He’s the guy, and he’s as good as they come,” Aeschbacher said. “Just watching film from last year, I know it wasn’t the year everyone wanted, but he consistently showed that he’s tough as nails. He takes command, makes the right decisions and distributes the ball when we need him to.

“I’m so excited to have him for the next three years.”

Other playmakers the Cougars expect to rely on include senior running backs Gianni Pellegrini and Danny Hudock. Juniors Noah Pletcher, Daniel Nusida, Robert DiPiazza and Connor Luckock will play significant roles too, whether it be in the backfield or out wide.

“We’ll have a good mix of those guys,” Aeschbacher said. “I’m excited about the fact that we have those six guys, plus a few others that we can get the ball to.”

Aeschbacher admits his offensive line is young and doesn’t have a ton of size, but he raves about the toughness of the overall group up front.

That group includes sophomore Drake Lilley at center.

“When it comes to just doing his job and being tough, he definitely stands out,” Aeschbacher said. “I know the line was senior heavy last year, but he got a lot of playing time, and I think it shows. He’s done a lot with his body and has gotten so much stronger.”

Another starter on the offensive line will be Jon Tillman, a 6-1, 260-pound freshman who should benefit from the immediate playing time at left tackle.

“When you look at him, you’d think he was a senior just by his build,” Aeschbacher said. “He’s going to be thrust into it, but it’ll make him better in the long run.”

At left guard, the Cougars will turn to senior James Cole who, according to his coach “does everything the right way.”

“I’m super excited for him,” Aeschbacher added about the 5-6, 210-pound lineman. “He’s a little undersized, but he’ll make up for that with knowing where to go and doing the right things out there.”

Senior Lamont Pace-Davis will line up at right guard.

“He’s tough as nails and has been working super hard since we got him,” Aeschbacher said. “He’s bought into what we’re doing and I think he’s going to be great for us.”

Right tackle will be manned by junior Miguel Acevedo.

“Like some of the other guys, he’s lighter, but he’s another kid that does everything the right way,” Aeschbacher said. “We just need to play to our strengths.”

With 37 players listed on their roster, the Cougars will rely on a number of two-way players.

Aeschbacher raved about the way new offensive coordinator BJ Tempest and defensive coordinator Ramont Small have helped prepare the players for what’s to come on both sides of the ball.

“I’m so excited for those guys,” Aeschbacher said. “Coach Small definitely has them excited. When we had our first practice, guys were flying around, the pads were popping and it was electric.”

“I know we’re going to be undersized, but I think we’re going to be more athletic than a lot of teams.”

Charleroi will be joined in the Class 2A Century Conference by Brentwood, Keystone Oaks, McGuffey, Sto-Rox, Washington and Waynesburg.

“I think we can be competitive with everyone,” Aeschbacher said. “There are ways we can win every game. It’s on us to determine what that is and it’s up to the players to execute with what we put together.”

Charleroi

Coach: Tyler Aeschbacher

2022 record: 2-7, 1-5 in Class 2A Centruty Conference

All-time record: 570-463-60

SCHEDULE

Date, Opponent, Time

8.25 Steel Valley, 7

9.1 at California, 7

9.8 Yough, 7

9.15 at Sto-Rox*, 7

9.22 at Jeannette, 7

9.29 Keystone Oaks*, 7

10.6 at McGuffey*, 7

10.13 Washington*, 7

10.20 at Brentwood*, 7

10.27 Waynesburg*, 7

*Conference game

Tags: Charleroi