Blue Devils aim to continue momentum
Burgettstown defensive coordinator Rich Druga, a former head coach of the Blue Devils, instructs Devon Wojtowicz during drills in practice.
Burgettstown’s sophomore quarterback and defensive back Bradley McLaughlin practices passing drills during football training.
Jake Shipley, Reed Reitter and Ethan Brothers head up the hill to the practice field for football camp.
Burgettstown head football coach Mark Druga instructs members of the team on different plays during a practice.
The football program at Burgettstown High School has struggled with back-to-back winless seasons in 2012 and 2013.
Last year, the Blue Devils began the season winning only one of seven games. However, they gained some momentum for this season by winning their final two games to finish at 3-6.
That’s what Mark Druga is emphasizing as he begins his first season as head coach after replacing Terry Havelka.
“Definitely, we are building off of last season’s success,” Druga said. “I want to take everything Coach Havelka did to the next level. That is what we are trying to do for the future. Our seniors learned so much from that losing streak as freshmen and sophomores. We stress that family is first and that is what we are.”
Druga has been a Havelka assistant since 2007 and was the popular choice as successor when Havelka resigned from the position. Havelka is still Burgettstown’s athletic director and wrestling coach.
“I thought it was the right time for me,” Druga said about becoming head coach. “We started turning the corner last year. Everything was looking positive for the future. I was ecstatic.”
Druga spent the last three years as special teams coordinator along with being wide receivers and defensive backs coach. He began one of two coaching stints at Burgettstown as an assistant under his brother, Rich Druga.
He also spent three years on the coaching staff at Fort Cherry, was at Carlynton for one season and Ambridge for two.
On offense, the 40-year-old Druga has maintained Rob Bennett as coordinator and there is an interesting twist in filling the defensive coordinator position. Mark Druga brought in his brother, Rich. The Blue Devils will be switching to a 3-4 defense.
“I am very fortunate to have a great staff,” Druga said. My brother left West Allegheny to be my defensive coordinator. Rob Bennett stayed as offensive coordinator. I grew up with both of them and know them quite well.
“It is a lot of planning and I am very fortunate to have coordinators who I can trust. It allows me to control all the other responsibilities as a head coach.”
Mark Druga is confident he will grow into the job as the season unwinds.
When in-game situations require split-second decisions, he will have veteran assistants to rely on.
“My brother has told me to keep an open mind,” Druga said. “He tells me about everything involved with coaching (that is) not football related. He has so many ideas and input that I have been taking (in). It has helped me out a lot with my adjustment period.”
On offense, the Blue Devils will run a spread package led by junior quarterback Brad McLaughlin, who returns after passing for 451 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for 124 yards.
“He is a quick quarterback,” Druga said. “He has better arm strength and accuracy through our 7-on-7s this summer.”
Other playmakers are Jake Shipley, Cole LaRocka and Brad Hucik. Shipley is a four-year starter at wide receiver and has the ability to have a breakout season.
“Across the board, he wants to be a good player,” Druga said. “He wants to play at the next level. He will play at any position. He runs track to get better on the football field.”
Hucik is going to center the line. LaRocka is the Blue Devils’ leading returning rusher. He suffered a knee injury during the basketball season but is now healthy and ready to play.
On defense, the Blue Devils are led by senior linemen Nick Langston and Devon Wojtowicz.
A member of the Class AA Interstate Conference, Burgettstown will begin the season at home Friday against Waynesburg. The Blue Devils are looking to secure a playoff spot for the first time since 2009.
“One of our goals is to improve on wins and losses,” Druga said. “I have been stressing to also be competitive in every game this season.”