Southmoreland’s O-line returns intact

An old-time commercial was known for the slogan, “It’s what’s up front that counts.”
That phrase will take on a literal meaning for the Southmoreland football team this season.
Virtually the entire offensive line that opened holes for Jake Pisula’s season-rushing record of 1,609 yards returns for the 2014 Interstate Conference schedule.
The unit includes senior tight end Chas King, senior right tackle Jordan Pawlikowsky, senior right guard Travis Jones, junior center Jake Beistel, senior left guard Joe Espey and junior left tackle Doug Leighty.
As preseason practices began this week, the unit spoke about their closeness as a group and the pride they take in opening holes for Pisula and other members of the team’s backfield.
“We take a lot of pride in Jake being able to score touchdowns,” said King. “That’s like our reward. We like to call ourselves brothers.”
Entering his fourth year as a starting lineman, Pawlikowsky said, “It’s very gratifying to block for a runner who appreciates you and you appreciate him.”
Jones said the linemen feel like they were part of Pisula’s effort last year, which broke the 27-year record previously held by 1997 SHS graduate Ken Dworek.
“We know the record is as much ours as it is his,” Jones said. “We want to see if he can break his own record this year and we’d feel like a part of it.”
A three-year starter, Espey has a strong pedigree at Southmoreland. His father, Joe, was a lineman at Southmoreland, and his uncle, Randy, was part of the Scotties’ Keystone Conference championship team of 1979. That was also the last time the Scotties were in the WPIAL playoffs.
Espey said his father and uncle “talk about the old days and it makes me feel good. This year, we want to change the school’s (football) reputation around.”
A two-year starter, Leighty echoed Espey’s comments. “We’re looking to change our reputation to a winning reputation. We know it won’t be easy.”
Beistel has garnered some preseason hype as he returns at the center position he has held since his freshman year. Beistel said recognition, “feels great. But we have bigger things we need to do. We have the best coach I’ve ever had (Mark Adams). But I have a lot more work to do to be where I need to be. Actions speak louder than words.”
In his second year as coach, Mark Adams said his linemen have been a key part of changing the program’s philosophy to being more physical.
“This conference is a running conference,” Adams said. “Being physical and being strong can make a big difference offensively for us.”
The Southmoreland community is hoping that the difference on the front line can lead the Scotties to their first post-season playoff appearance in 35 seasons.