Uniontown High School Preview
Graduation day had to finally come for a group of seniors Uniontown football coach John Fortugna had watched since they first strapped on the pads. Fortugna suffered through a couple of years and waited until they came up through the system and came of age, hoping they would help re-establish the Red Raiders’ football program.
They did not disappoint, making the playoffs the past two seasons and claiming the Keystone Conference title last year with an undefeated regular season (9-0), before falling to Highlands in the first round of the playoffs.
Graduation day did come, and with that, those seniors moved on, but left a renewed energy and confident attitude about Red Raider football.
Fortugna and his staff must replace two All-State performers. Kevin McLee and Carl Farrell both earned second-team All-State selections last season at linebacker and cornerback, respectively, although both were probably better known for their impressive numbers on the offensive end.
McLee, now at West Virginia, rushed for 1,637 yards and scored 23 touchdowns.
Farrell, Uniontown’s quarter-back who is now at a junior college in Mississippi, passed for 817 yards and nine touchdowns. If all goes well there, Farrell is expected to be a future member of the Mountaineers.
Also gone is wide receiver Dierre Jenkins, who had 23 catches for 533 yards (23.2 yards per catch) and found his way to the end zone eight times, as well as key players like Adam Bozick, Brett Carroll, Terrence Copney and Nelson Carter.
The time to reminisce, however, is over. The season is now and the numbers are excellent with at least 65 players going through pre-season drills. Fortugna will be helped along by the return of four senior offensive linemen. They include guards Harry Kaufman and Adam Muzika and tackles Steve Dillard and Mike Lengvarsky.
Behind that impressive line, look for 260-pound junior fullback Greg Leonard.
They should provide plenty of openings for junior running back Bill McLee, who rushed for 482 yards and six touchdowns last season.
At 6-1, 245 pounds, McLee is big enough to make his own holes when necessary. Todd Jackson will see time in the backfield to provide a little more speed.
“I do have a luxury of having more athletes on the field, especially at running back,” Fortugna said.
“Matt Ciampanelli, Matt Smalley and Alex Grote will also see some time at running back.”
There are some spots on offense which are getting a serious look.
“Junior Eric Sampson has the inside track at quarterback,” Fortugna said.
“I’m still looking to improve some of the skill positions. I’m looking for some young guys to step up and take over.”
Behind Sampson at quarterback, junior Ryan Guthrie and senior Chris Petruska are getting some snaps.
Junior Mays, a junior, and senior Nate Frizzell are getting a long look at wide receiver, while juniors John Boyle, Kellen Lieb and Nate Klingensmith battle for the tight end slot.
Defensively, Fortugna feels his defensive line will be solid, led by Kaufman, Lengvarsky (6-5, 240) and McLee. Muzika wll anchor the linebacking corps.
“Adam has played since his freshman year,” Fortugna said. “He’s a very intelligent kid. He’ll come up and hit you.” Senior Joe David will see time at linebacker, while twin brother Allen is expected to roam the secondary at strong safety.
In addition to losing Farrell and Jenkins from the secondary, Chris Jacobs also graduated, leaving a few holes to fill.
“My secondary will probably be the most inexperienced part of the team,” Fortugna said. “Todd Jackson has the most time back there, so they are going to have to learn as they go.”
Looking to the season, West Mifflin, a playoff team last season, will visit to open the year. Fortugna feels in addition to his Red Raiders, Belle Vernon and Greensburg-Salem will once again be in the hunt for a conference title.
Mt. Pleasant and Yough, with 19 seniors returning, are also expected to be much stronger.
“I’ve always said a coach is only as good as his athletes,” Fortugna said.
“We are finally getting more athletes to come out for football.”
Fortugna and his staff hope this crop of good athletes will translate into another conference title and playoff appearance.