Oct 3, 2002 By Rob Burchianti 4 min read

Laurel Highlands has been on a roller-coaster ride this football season, one that plummeted steeply downhill during a three-game losing streak, and then took a sharp turn skyward during its current two-game winning streak. First-year coach Scott Knee is hoping the tracks continue on their current angle when the Mustangs host Derry in a key Keystone Conference battle Friday night.

“It’s still early, but this week could go a long way in determining what path we take the rest of the way,” Knee said.

Laurel Highlands is known mostly for its passing attack, led by quarterback Matt Humbert and wide receiver Antwjuan Cox, but it’s the defense that has helped turn the team’s fortunes around.

The Mustangs’ gave up an average of 35.7 points per game during its losing streak while scoring only 9.0. In winning the past two weeks, LH has averaged twice as many points on offense (18.5) while giving up about 25 points per game less on defense (10.5).

While Cox is clearly one of the top receivers in all of Class AAA with 31 receptions for 391 yards, his defensive play isn’t as widely known.

“Our secondary, with players like Antwjuan Cox, Corey Nesser and Tony Patitucci, is one of the strongest points of our defense,” Knee said. “They’re all very good at covering people, and that has allowed us to be more aggressive and put more pressure on the quarterback.”

Knee explained that Cox’s value on defense prevents him from using him solely on offense, therefore he’s on the field most of the game.

“He had a catch the other night that would make any highlight reel in the country,” Knee said. “You start to think what he could do if he was playing just one way. But he’s on the field all the time.

“I think being a receiver helps him on defense in terms of knowing the routes a little bit, and I think it’s the same thing with Tony. They have a feel for it. And Corey is so fast; he covers so much ground; he’s very valuable back there.”

Nesser, like Cox, is a key skill player on offense, as the Mustangs’ halfback, in addition to being a defensive starter.

Knee pointed out a few more standouts on LH’s stop unit in defensive end J.T. Stefanik, defensive tackle Dave Friend and linebackers Mike Elias (who will miss this week’s game due to injury) and Tim Hirsch, among others.

The real key has been the Mustangs’ ability to hang together through the tough times and stick with the program, according to Knee.

“Our defense is playing better, and I think it’s because our defensive coaches have done a tremendous job in terms of keeping after the kids about what we’re doing,” Knee said. “They weren’t selling the farm after the first three games. We were doing a lot, adjusting as a team then, trying to find the right position for people.”

Knee feels the second half of a 31-0 loss to Belle Vernon was a turning point.

“At that point, even though we were down and they could’ve folded up, instead, they played aggressive and came after them,” Knee said. “We played very well on defense in the second half.

“I think that started the transformation. I think that’s when the light came on. Against Ambridge we had to play without Matt, who was injured, and our defense stepped up, as did Andre Ramsey at quarterback. Against Yough, we had two goal-line stands that changed the momentum of the game.

“I think we’re getting into the mentality that defense is going to win football games.”

Now the Mustangs will try to do what they haven’t done all season: win at home.

Huntingdon (35-7), South Park (41-20) and Belle Vernon each traveled into Laurel Highlands and came away with a double-digit victory.

The Mustangs’ two wins were on the road at Ambridge (19-9) and Yough (18-12).

Knee is hoping the Mustangs can ride the momentum they’ve created the last two weeks.

“We dug ourselves into a deep hole,” Knee said. “Now we’re trying to climb out of it together.”