Young players take on key roles for Brentwood

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, August 16, 2018 | 10:00 PM

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There are only a handful of seniors on the Brentwood football team.

The bulk of the squad consists of juniors (11) and sophomores (11).

There will be growing pains.

“We have a lot of inexperience this year,” coach Kevin Kissel said. “Obviously, we will be playing some young guys. Everyone on this team has a chance to play. It’s a good group; they work hard.”

Two seniors, Drew Wilson (WR/DB) and Nick Czerwien (OL/LB), are returning starters, and are joined by seniors Jared Thomas (WR/DB), Tom Clibbens (WR/DL) and Noah Green (OL/DL).

The top five skill position players on last year’s playoff team, Michael Trent (QB), Evan Vickless (RB) and WRs Austin Veatch, Brendan Donnelly and John Gomez, have graduated. Another senior, Michael Folino, manned the h-back position, while senior Tanner Wells anchored the lines.

Vickless, Veatch, Donnelly and Gomez also played in the Spartans’ secondary.

Wilson and Thomas will start this year as wide receivers; Czerwien returns as the starter at center.

Czerwien, Wilson and Thomas are expected to be catalysts on defense from their linebacking, cornerback and safety positions.

Other returning lettermen looking to make an impact for the Spartans are juniors Ian Thomas (RB/LB), Eddie Gomez (WR/DB), Aidan Davis (RB/LB) and Luke Bauer (OL/DL), plus sophomore Aiden Wardzinski (RB/LB).

“Physically, this is the smallest team we’ve ever had,” Kissel said. “We’re not very big. Our two running backs, Ian Thomas (6-2, 205) and Aiden Wardzinski (5-8, 170), are two of our biggest kids.

“And we have only two experienced linemen, Nick Czerwien (5-7, 190) and Luke Bauer (5-10, 200).”

Brentwood finished 5-5 overall last season, advancing to the WPIAL playoffs for the ninth time in the 10 years.

The Spartans tied for fourth place with Avonworth in the Class 2A Three Rivers Conference, behind Steel Valley, East Allegheny and Serra Catholic.

“We had a decent season. It was up and down; I thought we’d do a little better,” Kissel said. “It was fun; we had a fun year. There were no major injuries. We had kids who had great seasons, but we had trouble running the ball.

“We’re not going to change anything on offense. We’re pretty basic on offense. Defensively, that’s a little tougher. That’s our problem with being so small.”

Bauer proved to be a defensive stalwart for the Spartans in 2017. He was an all-conference selection on the defensive line.

“Luke was our best defensive player,” Kissel said. “He had an outstanding year defensively. He has a great motor; he’s the kind of kid who just goes. And he’s a dedicated kid. He’s going to be very good.”

Bauer, Czerwien and junior Matt Veatch are expected to solidify the Spartans in the trenches.

On offense, John Milcic, a 6-4, 165-pound junior who missed most of last season with a broken ankle, has inherited the starting quarterback job.

Milcic also plays basketball and competes in track and field. He was a WPIAL finalist in the hurdles.

“I evolved into being a quarterback,” Milcic said, “with the coaches having me try it and I stuck with it.”

Milcic also may see playing time on defense at safety.

“Our early expectations are to win our first few games, get on a roll and make playoffs,” Milcic said. “My personal goals would be to have as few interceptions, and as many touchdowns, as possible.”

The Three Rivers Conference has been realigned for this season. Brentwood, Carlynton, Serra Catholic and South Allegheny have been joined by Burgettstown, Fort Cherry, Seton LaSalle and South Side Beaver.

The Spartans’ conference opener is set for Aug. 31 at home against South Allegheny.

Schedule

Coach: Kevin Kissel

2017 record: 5-5, 3-3

All-time record: 406-395-28

Date, Opponent, Time

8.24, Carrick, 7 p.m.

8.31, South Allegheny*, 7 p.m.

9.7, at Seton LaSalle*, 7 p.m.

9.14, Fort Cherry*, 7 p.m.

9.21, at Frazier, 7 p.m.

9.28, South Side Beaver*, 7 p.m.

10.5, at Serra Catholic*, 7 p.m.

10.12, at Carlynton*, 7 p.m.

10.19, Burgettstown*, 7 p.m.

10.26, at Ellwood City, 7 p.m.

*Class 2A Three Rivers Conference game

Statistical leaders

Passing: Michael Trent*

141-268, 1,826 yards, 17 TDs

Rushing: Evan Vickless*

104-507 yards, 8 TDs

Receiving: Austin Veatch*

54-848 yards, 12 TDs

*Graduated

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.

Tags: Brentwood