HS football preview: Laurel Highlands
Raffle excited to be back at alma mater Laurel Highlands
Aaron Raffle is glad to be back at his alma mater, which will be a challenge, as Laurel Highlands competes in Class 4A’s Big Six Conference with the likes of defending WPIAL champion Thomas Jefferson, Belle Vernon, Trinity, Ringgold and Chartiers Valley.
Raffle, who played for the Mustangs from 1998 to 1991 before coaching in youth, high school, semipro, college, flag football and women’s professional leagues, believes his team can compete despite playing in a daunting conference.
LH was 4-5 last season, but 1-4 in conference play.
“Things have gone pretty well,” Raffle said. “The kids have been hitting the weight room since the end of January, and there is a lot of buy-in from them. They are excited and want to come in and make a statement. We know there are good teams out there, but we like what we have from the players and coaching staff.”
Senior quarterback Noah Lion returns after throwing for 635 yards and eight touchdowns last season. Lion gained 151 yards on 96 carries. Scotty McClay (11-128) and Josh Reed (10-63) are two returning receivers Lion will rely on.
Raffle likes what Lion brings to the table, but he would not commit on any starter, although Lion appears to be QB1.
“Noah would be the obvious choice for quarterback at the moment, but we will go with who shows up and does the best,” Raffle said. “We are not going to just give someone a starting spot. Noah comes in as a veteran because he has game experience. He also has athleticism and size, and for a quarterback, that’s the big three. He is maturing into a leader and looking to take command of the offense.”
Gio Guerriere is in the driver’s seat to start at running back and strong safety. The junior has been recruited by Fairmont State.
“Gio has a tremendous eye for the game,” Raffle said. “He knows where he needs to be and has a good technical foundation. Gio will be one to watch out for.”
Senior Brady Buehner and junior Alafia Calloway are tentatively penciled in at wide receiver and defensive back, but Raffle believes more players will emerge once the season starts.
“We have more than a few skill guys that should be able to make some things happen,” Raffle said. “The kids are learning new offensive and defensive systems, so there could be some mistakes, but we are not going to start yelling and screaming at the kids. We just want to make sure that the mental mistakes go away. If there are physical mistakes, that’s up to us as coaches to correct.”
Senior Jason Gardner, junior Talib Lovett and freshman Aiden Guittap are three linemen that have stood out in camp.
Raffle says Gardner “will be a force to reckon with” and Lovett is “in the mix.” He described Guittap as a “man amongst boys” at 6-1 and 282 pounds as a ninth grader.
Jackson Nairn is in line to start at kicker and punter. The 6-3, 211-pound sophomore was recruited from the soccer team.
“Jackson has a tremendous leg with good accuracy and is consistent,” Raffle said. “I joke with him that I am going to put him on the line.”
The Mustangs had roughly 45 players on their roster in the preseason.
Pat Lion will serve as the offensive coordinator.