published Tuesday, August 27,1996
FARRELL
Team SCHEDULE // ROSTER
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Coach Lou Falconi and the 1996-97 Farrell High Steelers.
(Gene Paulson/Herald)
Farrell seeks to repeat as ``A'' champs
Farrell High football team is big, both size-wise and talent-wise. Coach Lou Falconi hopes his Steelers don't get too big in another area _ ego.
``My biggest problem is trying to keep their heads on their shoulders,'' said Falconi, whose team is being picked by many to have a good shot to repeat as PIAA Class A state champion.
``I had a meeting and yelled at all the seniors about the way we were practicing,'' the veteran coach said. ``They think they can just turn it on Friday nights; it doesn't work like that. We've got to be ready and have the proper attitude. People are going to come after us. I'm worried about that.''
Athough Farrell has a small enrollment, Falconi makes the most of it. ``We have 45 kids out for the team,'' he said. ``I think that every kid in the school that should be here is here. We're still a small school, but we're having a good run of athletes right now.''
``A good run'' might be a gross understatement. In fact, nine starters return for the Steelers, with starters returning to seven spots on offense and seven on defense.
Lost to graduation from the state title team which posted a 14-1 record are some key players, however, including All-State selections Stan Kennedy, a 1,476-yard rusher, and Bill Mercurio the heart of the Steelers defense at noseguard. Other key losses are quarterback/defensive back Anthony Pegues and tight end/defensive end/punter Jon Rado.
``It's hard to replace a runner as good as Stan Kennedy, but we've got a great group of backs,'' said Falconi. ``Pegues will be harder to replace at quarterback because we've got to replace a leader. Right now it looks like Rennie Gash (a junior) will get the nod at quarterback. He's got good physical talent, but we'll see how well he can lead the team.''
If Gash can't do the job, Falconi doesn't have to look too far for a replacement. His son, Louie, will serve as backup. ``After all those years around me, he knows almost as much about the game as I do,'' Falconi said.
Carlos Daniels, a powerful runner, may move from his familiar fullback spot and run some out of the tailback slot. Keygen Bryant would step in at fullback. Jason Kennedy (Stan's brother), Demarco Wilder, Terrance Gash (a transfer from Hickory) and Lamar Claiborne also should see a lot of action in the backfield.
``The biggest problem is, we don't have enough balls to go around,'' said Falconi. ``Of course a lot of coaches would like to have our problem.''
Halfback or wide-out, depending what set the team runs, will be Chico Pinkins, a great receiver. Louie Falconi will be his backup.
Tight ends will be Willie Evans and Derrick Newell, with Newell at split end in a pro set. Tackles are Dante Newell, big Ernie Somerset (330-plus pounds) or Sterling Austin. Guards are Sim Harrison and James Pulliam, with Brian Kucik at center.
On defense, noseguard will be Pulliam, Harrison and Newell at tackles. Daniels, a solid linebacker for the Steelers last season, will move to a down position at defensive end along with Evans. Linebackers will be Kennedy, Bryant, Terence Gash or Marino Harris. Secondary will include Wilder, Pinkins, Derrick Newell, Claiborne, Falconi or Rennie Gash. Pinkins is the punter and place kicker, while kicking of chores will fall to Kennedy or Lorenzo Ham.
``The defense will be the key, that sets the tone. Just like in the state game last year when we won 6-0. I'll take that.
``But offensively, I think we'll be explosive. We can throw the ball too.''
Falconi is excited about opening up this season on Saturday at Kennedy Christian.
``I think a lot of people are looking forward to the game,'' said Falconi. ``It's a natural pairing. They've developed into one of the top Class A programs in District 10 and we're one of the top in the WPIAL (District 7).
``It's a good opener for us and our kids can't take this game lightly. If we play the way we're capable of playing, we'll win, but if we don't...''
Falconi is also looking forward to Sept. 13 when the Farrell High Stadium will be officially dedicated in honor of long-time Farrell coach Anthony Paulekas. ``His son and daughter will be here to accept the honors,'' said Falconi, ``Plus anyone who ever played for Paulekas will get a free ticket to the game.''
The WPIAL has made a change in its playoff system this year, with three teams from each conference, rather than two, advancing. The top team in the conference will receive a bye, while the second and third place teams will square off. Teams will only play nine regular season games.
Assisting Falconi on the coaching staff are Don Scarvel, Tony Molinari, Jim Cardamon, Brent Shrawder, Frank Scarvel, Billy Michaels, Brian Sanders, Al Szakach (scout); junior high, Jim Falconi and Leon Avery.
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Updated August 29, 1996