Chartiers Valley making every moment matter
Coach Dan Knause explains the importance of a drill during summer workouts at Chartiers Valley High School football camp.
Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac
Anthony Mackey eyes his target as he prepares to throw a pass during a summer workout. Mackey is projected as the starting quarterback for Chartiers Valley this football season.
Dan Knause
Anthony Collura makes a reception during summer football workouts at Chartiers Valley High School.
By Eleanor Bailey
Almanac Sports Editor
ebailey@thealmanac.net
Dynasties are not built in a day, but 24 hours enables Chartiers Valley the opportunity to progress in that direction. In fact, “Make Today Count” continues to be the Colts’ football motto.
“We are only guaranteed today,” explained coach Dan Knause, who enters his fourth season at the helm. “Our philosophy is embrace each day. Treat it as an opportunity.”
With five starters returning on offense and six back on defense, the Colts have the chance to improve upon last year’s 2-8 campaign. They also anticipate experiencing their first winning season in almost a decade now that they have dropped down a classification.
After the WPIAL realignment, CV will compete in the Class 4A Parkway Conference against Aliquippa, Beaver, Blackhawk, Montour and New Castle. In 2019, the Colts went 0-7 in Class 5A against Baldwin, Bethel Park, Moon, Peters Township, Upper St. Clair, West Allegheny and Woodland Hills.
“We are excited to play new opponents with similar depth,” Knause said. “One of our challenges, and we never talked about it, was we were one of the smaller schools (in Class 5A). Nevertheless, we are going to be facing elite teams with a lot of tradition.
“Our goal is to be in a position to win each and every week,” Knause continued. “We want to give these kids the opportunity to win each week.”
Though the Colts have managed just seven victories under his supervision, Knause has laid a “nice foundation” for success this fall. CV also boasts the “most depth” since he returned to his alma mater.
“We may not have the wins we’d like but we have made improvements in numbers and in physicality,” Knause said.
The Colts are thrilled to have veterans returning in the trenches.
Senior Chase Bruggeman (5-9, 230 G/T), Romello Sanford (5-11, 215, TE/DE) and Seth Bauman (6-0, 260 C/DE) have all been two-way starters.
Jacob Adwar started at offensive tackle last season. The 6-0, 240-pound senior will also play end on defense.
Chris Slaven (6-4, 330 OT/DT), Mason Copeland (6-6, 315 OG/DT) and Issac Minnetti-House (5-10, 220 OG/DE) also will contribute on both sides of the line.
Abraham Ibrahim and Donovan O’Malley are linebackers on defense but as tight ends boast ability to make receptions.
“We are excited about our line and we have additional players so we are able to create some depth,” Knause said.
In particular, Sanford and Ibrahim are “intriguing” because of their athleticism, strength and grit. Sanford came back and played after dislocating his elbow last fall.
“Romello has the ‘It’ factor,” Knause said. “He knows what it takes to play at high level.”
The Colts anticipate huge years from Anthony Mackey, Socrates Boulis, Anthony Collura, Jordan Demus and Sam Pocci.
Mackey has the most “meaningful” experience at quarterback. He’ll also plays cornerback on defense.
Boulis is a quarterback prospect along with sophomore Gavin Owens. Boulis starts at safety on defense and excelled as a wide receiver last season. Owens is “excellent” at linebacker.
“Anthony has the most experience and based on that he’s the frontrunner. Socrates gives us an athletic option. Gavin is raw. He has a very special arm but needs to progress with the run and read game.
“All three are good athletes and we need to find ways to get them all on the field.”
Collura, like Boulis, returns as a starting wide receiver and safety on defense. The senior matured into his 6-1, 175 frame during the off season.
“We look for him to be a major contributor. He’s going to be fun to watch,” predicted Knause.
Demus and Pocci likely will carry the ball, along with Joey McCabe and Patrick Mulligan, in an offense designed for balance. Last year, the Colts’ top three rushers each gained more than 500 yards.
“It’s a whole new group,” Knause said of his backfield. “They all have different traits and we will ride them at different times.”
CV will utilize Pocci and Mulligan along with Ibrahim at outside linebacker while Austin Stein (5-11, 182) and O’Malley are the inside linebackers. Though plagued by injuries in the past, McCabe will find a way onto the field as an inside linebacker because he is “fast and aggressive.”
Krause is expecting a “productive” season from O’Malley. “He’ll be a leader,” he predicted. “He’s put in the work. He’s a kid who wants to play a higher level and has the ability to do so.”
In the defensive secondary, Demus has started since his sophomore year. The 5-11, 165-pound cornerback is joined by seasoned safeties: Collura, Boulis and Jason Bui.
“He’s a special talent. Smooth,” Knause said. “He’s covered some excellent, elite receivers.”
With so many similar players on both sides of the line, Knause’s concerns on offense and defense circle around big plays: preventing them and making them.
“On offense, we have experience up front so we are looking for guys who can make the splash plays. On defense, we’ve played great competition in the past but we have given up too many big plays. Our focus needs to be minimizing those and create more turnovers.”