Oct 9, 2014 5 min read

After starting the season with back-to-back losses to Black Hills Conference rivals Avonworth and defending state champion North Catholic, Chartiers-Houston’s football team studied its remaining schedule. How many wins would it take to make the WPIAL Class A playoffs?

The Buccaneers were outscored 86-13 in those two losses and sat at the bottom of the standings. With a young, inexperienced team, having to face two of the top programs in Class A didn’t help, but head coach Terry Fetsko and his staff preached a simple philosophy – don’t flinch. The Bucs could not blame the travel in the new conference or doubt themselves. Doing so with seven games to play would spoil C-H’s shot at its first playoff berth in three years.

Fetsko’s team has responded brilliantly. Chartiers-Houston (3-2, 4-2) has won four straight games with an average margin of victory of only 8.25 points.

The winning streak has the Bucs in position to clinch a spot in the playoffs if they defeat Brentwood (2-2, 3-3) tonight at 7:30 p.m.

“We knew we were down two games,” Fetsko said. “When you look at the big picture of things, you sort of know how many games you have to win to get to the playoffs. I give our team so much credit. Every game we’ve won has come down to the last minute.”

Chartiers-Houston is winning games in thrilling fashion with a stingy defense and a first-year starting quarterback who is effectively managing Fetsko’s spread attack. While the Bucs allow other teams to drive into their side of the field, a big play by a defensive player seems to always occurs at an opportune time.

Whether it be an interception, a pass defended on third down or a sack of the quarterback, C-H is finding ways to keep opponents from the end zone. Since starting the season with the back-to-back losses, the Bucs are allowing just 12 points per game.

Chartiers-Houston’s offense, meanwhile, is averaging more than 20 points per game during that span. The Bucs’ offense gains chunks of yards behind senior quarterback Alec Ferrari, but has trouble converting inside the 20-yard line. It helps having the leg of junior kicker Mike Cushma, who has made seven field goals, but settling for three points could cost C-H.

“We struggle a little more when we get into the red zone because we run the spread,” Ferrari said. “We take advantage of speed and spread teams out, but once you get inside the 20 yards, it takes away that ability. You kind of need to ground and pound to get it in the end zone. I think we might focus on putting a little more power-type stuff in instead of being cute with it.”

Chartiers-Houston has been without sophomore running back Spencer Terling, who dislocated his kneecap in win at Bishop Canevin two weeks ago, but he is expected to return this week. Junior Dylan Briggs and sophomore Cody Scears have helped fill the void.

With the running game struggling to gain momentum, the Bucs have leaned heavily on Ferrari, who has thrown for six touchdowns and almost 500 yards. After missing last season because of structural damage to his shoulder and a blood clot, Ferrari has improved every week.

“Alec has stepped up and even though he’s a senior, he’s a first-year starter at quarterback and he’s done extremely well,” Fetsko said. “He sort of comes up with the big play when we need it. He has a good ability to scramble in the pocket when it breaks down and he does a good job of keeping his eyes on the receivers downfield.”

For the past two seasons, Chartiers-Houston has lost close games to Brentwood that cost the Bucs a spot in the WPIAL playoffs. The Spartans are much like in previous years. They have a strong quarterback in 6-3 senior Connor McWilliams, who has thrown for nine touchdowns and 939 yards, and running back Pat Carr has scored five touchdowns.

Brentwood is also big on the offensive line and sophomore wide receiver Tayron Kyser brings speed on the outside.

“Their quarterback is excellent. He’s a big player who has a very strong arm,” Fetsko said. “They like to throw the football. Our pass defense is very important in this game. We know they’ll get yardage, but we have to contain them.”

The energy surrounding Chartiers-Houston’s team was evident in practice this week with up-tempo drills and players enjoying the preparation for tonight. The Bucs are eagerly awaiting a chance to spoil Brentwood’s playoffs hopes and punch a ticket to the postseason.

“We’re excited. Practice has had great energy,” Ferrari said. “We know if we win, we’re in the playoffs. This is a big week for us. The past few years, we lost a couple close ones to Brentwood so that really makes us want to get this win.”