Nowhere to go but up for the Blue Devils
Burgettstown sophomore quarterback and defensive back Brad McLaughlin practices passing drills.
Burgettstown players practice defensive drills.
Senior Jacob McKee hands the ball to junior fullback Caleb Swecker during practice.
It would be easy for Burgettstown football coach Terry Havelka to feel like Sisyphus, the figure in Greek mythology who incessantly pushes a boulder up a hill only to watch it roll back down. Over and over.
Like Sisyphus, Havelka’s been pushing his football team the past two seasons, only to see it fail to win a game.
His Blue Devils finished 0-9 in 2012 and 2013, losing by an average score of 48-8 last fall.
Will that rock come rolling back down this season?
Or will it stay at the top?
Havelka won’t make a guarantee either way, but he is encouraged by the dedication his players and coaching staff have displayed in the offseason. He said his roster has grown by nearly 10 to approximately 45 players, and morale is stronger than ever.
“We’ve made strides,” said Havelka, entering his third season. “People don’t know or see that, especially when you’re losing 55-7 on a Friday night, but there is a positive vibe about this group. They’re not thinking about what happened in the past. They’re moving forward in a positive manner. We all are.”
With only four players gone from last season, the roster is loaded with returning starters. Of course, the argument can be made that those starters did not win a game, but Havelka believes the negative experiences have sharpened his team’s focus. He even entertained the idea of finally tasting victory.
“I think it’s going to be awfully gratifying to get that monkey off our backs,” said Havelka, whose team absorbed losses of 74-7 to South Fayette and 55-3 to Steel Valley. “I think the kids, the community, the school, the coaches will all be gratified. It’s been some tough Friday nights and Saturday mornings around here. But everyone’s endured. That moment of winning is going to be sweet for these kids, and I believe it’s coming this year.”
What gives Havelka hope is a revamped weight program, authored by several members of his coaching staff, and a move from the Class AA Century Conference to the Interstate. In the Interstate, Burgettstown will face new opponents, such as Southmoreland, Derry, Washington, McGuffey and Mt. Pleasant instead of Steel Valley and South Park.
“It’s like a breath of fresh air for us,” Havelka said. “Not that the other conference wasn’t a good one, but we like the change of scenery. We have a more natural rivalry with a lot of teams in this conference because we play them in other sports. It’s all part of our new beginning here at Burgettstown.”
Leading the charge on offense will be sophomore quarterback Brad McLaughlin, who took the majority of snaps during summer workouts. Per Havelka, McLaughlin provides a blend of running skills and a solid arm. The coach pointed out that others will challenge for the spot, but he’s been impressed with McLaughlin.
“He wants to be a good football player, and you like seeing that in a kid,” Havelka said. “He’s put the work in.”
The running game will be a three-pronged attack, spearheaded by senior returner Jake McKee. Sophomore Cole LaRocka and junior Caleb Swecker will be used in multiple ways at H-back and fullback, respectively.
“If we can get things blocked up front, those guys have a chance to make plays for us,” Havelka said. “Let’s face it, we have to block better, run faster, catch more balls. We need our offense to grow in all areas.”
At wideout, junior Jake Shipley presents matchup problems for defensive backs with his size – 6-2 – and speed. Shipley made several big catches in traffic last season and could blossom into a playmaker. He’ll be joined by experienced senior Brandon Sell, who flourished in 7-on-7 drills this summer, and senior Dylan Dhans.
On the offensive line, Havelka expects to see a much-improved unit, given the team’s offseason weight training regimen. Senior Jim Reedy (6-2, 290) will provide the anchor at tackle. He’ll be joined by junior center Brad Hucik, junior guard Aaron Bonacci, junior Devon Wojoetowicz and senior Brandon Krynak. Scott Schmidt will play tight end.
The defense has undergone a facelift after allowing nearly 50 points per game last season. The unit is moving to a 4-4 scheme, in hopes of better utilizing personnel. Havelka said his players have embraced the change.
“It’s about keeping it simple, letting them run to the ball and make plays,” he said.
The majority of offensive linemen also will work along the defensive front, as will Zach Richards, Nick Langston and Dylan Sestric.
At linebacker, the three running backs will be joined by Bryan Crynac. LaRocka offers the ability to stop the run and make big hits, while Mckee has the potential to get to the quarterback.
The secondary will be led by McLaughlin, Shipley, Dhans, Leroy Camp and Robert Dupain.
“I like the kids we have here,” Havelka said. “I like the effort. There’s an air around here that things are getting better, and I believe that they are.”