Steelers look to re-establish themselves

By Lynn Saternow
Herald Writer

When a team advances to the playoffs and even wins a game in the WPIAL Class A tournament, many schools consider it a successful season. Not Farrell!

"We had a losing season last year and that doesn't sit well, at least with the coaches," said veteran mentor Lou Falconi (170-59-5), starting his 21st season as Steelers' head coach. "The coaching staff has changed a little, so we're trying to re-establish ourselves. We've been working since January as a staff; we're convinced we need to work harder this year."

Last season, the Steelers routed Clairton, 33-15, in the opening round of the playoffs, but then lost to Fort Cherry, 34-16, and finished the campaign at 5-6. Gone from that team is leading offensive threat, quarterback J.J. Wilson, but Falconi is excited about this year's squad.

"We've got four sophomores, four seniors and three juniors starting," said Falconi, "with a couple of other juniors also playing a lot. We're a different team from last year. It's a young group, with no experience, but a lot of talent. We don't have any prima-donnas this year. It's going to take good coaching and a commitment on their part for a good season. But we've got to learn fast; there's a tough front load on the schedule."

Falconi said the Steelers already learned some lessons in their second scrimmage against Greenville.

"A lot of kids got baptized," said a smiling Falconi. "That's a gut check for us, it always helps bring us back down to earth.

"That's a very good AAA team (Greenville) against a decent Class A team. I think they're headed for a very big year."

Of course, Falconi hopes his squad also is headed for a big year, starting with making the WPIAL playoffs again. The top four teams from each conference advance.

"I think the top four from our (Big 7) conference will be Rochester, Farrell, Monaca and South Side Beaver," Falconi forecasted.

While Wilson put the ball in the air quite a bit last season, Falconi said the Steelers will count heavily on the running game.

"We have a lot of running backs about the same ability, so we'll probably run more of a full-house on offense. We have 3-to-5 backs who can carry the ball; we don't have one dominant runner. We'll go with two tight ends and power as much as we can. We've got some big linemen for Class A."

At quarterback will be inexperienced Torlando "Petey" Craig. Seeing time at running back will be Fred Brown, Kennard Davis, Dwayne Brown, Alan Claiborne and Justin Odem. Claiborne saw a lot of time last year as a freshman. Tight ends are Marcellino Manilla, who is a talented receiver as well as solid blocker, and Jason Marshall or Marcus Gregory. Tackles are Frank Holloway (280 pounds) and Brian Sanders (310 pounds); guards are Sean Kearney, 220-pound transfer from Neshannock, and Mark Rupnik (245 pounds); and center is Tim O'Connell.

On defense, the front five includes Holloway, Odem, Rupnik, Kearney and Marshall; linebackers are Brown and Claiborne, with Manilla at strong safety and Craig at free safety, and defensive backs Malloy, Davis or Ken Avery.

Claiborne is the extra-point and field goal kicker, while Marshall will kickoff. Malloy is the punter.

"We only have 35 kids on the team," said Falconi, "which reflects the school enrollment. There are only 18 boys in the senior class and nine are on the team."

Assisting Falconi on the coaching staff are defensive coordinator Tony Retone -- who takes over for long-time Farrell assistant Don Scarvel, who retired -- Tony Molinari, Brent Shrawder, Frank Tamber, Ed Turosky, Ron Cromartie, Frank Galati, Louie Falconi and scout Al Szakach.