Fitzpatrick brings new excitement to CV
Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac
Lamont Payne is a Penn State commit. The all-state performer is a key weapon on offense and defense for Chartiers Valley.
Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac
Aaron Fitzpatrick is the new head coach of the Chartiers Valley football team. He looks over is charges during a recent practice session.
Aaron Fitzpatrick is the new head coach of the Chartiers Valley High School football team.
Chartiers Valley coach Aaron Fitzpatrick addresses his players during a summer preseason practice session.
By Eleanor Bailey
Almanac Sports Editor
ebailey@thealmanac.net
Aaron Fitzpatrick wants Chartiers Valley’s opponents leaving the football field feeling the way did when he learned he had been hired as head coach of the Colts – speechless.
“I still don’t have the words,” he said, to describe how thrilled he was to gain his first head-coaching position. “I’m very excited and I know the guys are ready to turn a new leaf. There is a lot of energy here.”
Fitzpatrick is enthused because he has big plans for the program, which was 18-30 under the previous regime.
In the short term, Fitzpatrick wants the Colts to be recognized as one of the top teams in the conference.
“We want to have a winning season and gain a berth in the playoffs. We have talent and there is a whole new element of excitement here.”
At 32, Fitzpatrick still oozes the enthusiasm of youth. Yet, he possesses the wisdom of the educator. He is a second-grade teacher.
“It’s a breath of fresh air,” he said of teaching compared to coaching. “But it’s a well-balanced gig for me. When I was in school, I always knew I was going to coach but with education I reach a different population.”
Hence his long-range goals have a worldwide view.
Fitzpatrick wants to continue what Dan Knause started. Fitzpatrick served on his coaching staff since 2013, most recently as the varsity pass game coordinator and JV head coach. In April, Knause took the coaching job at Trinity.
Fitzpatrick said his expectations at CV are to continue to build a strong program “that encourages young men to be successful citizens in the community.” That was the first lesson during his initial practice.
“You have to be contributing men in society,” he instructed. “At times there can be an overwhelmingness about that but in the long run it’s a positive for the players and the community.
“I feel (CV) is my family and my home away from home,” Fitzpatrick added. “I want the kids to feel that way, too.”
In 2020, the Colts enjoyed success. They were 6-2 overall, 4-1 in the Parkway Conference, and reached the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs. However, last fall, the injury-riddled Colts slipped to 2-8 and out of the playoffs with a 1-4 conference record. They were outscored 378-108.
Those statistics simplify the task at hand for Fitzpatrick and his Colts, who will be competing in a conference that features Central Valley and Aliquippa. Both were WPIAL champions, in Class 3A and 4A, respectively, in 2021. The Warriors finished 15-0 and as PIAA champions. The Quips were 13-1 overall with the lone loss coming in the state final.
“For us to be successful, we need to make sure we are in the red zone and then we need to capitalize once we get there. We also have to tighten up on defense and utilize the skill guys we have,” Fitzpatrick said.
Lamont Payne is CV’s primary weapon. A Penn State recruit, the senior earned all-state accolades in Class 4A last season as a defensive back.
As a wide receiver, he had 33 catches for 431 yards and seven scores.
“Lamont needs to be a technician and a leader. He can motivate anybody, reach the younger guys and raise the bar. That’s what good athletes do.
“He’s special. Extremely humble and puts his team first. With the ability he has, he has a great future.”
Alongside Payne will be Logan Buerkle. He played in all 10 games last season and is a ‘great possession’ receiver. Joseph Heckroth also played in all the 2021 games and Dion Drewery, a sophomore, will also lead the receiving corps.
“Joseph is shifty and Dion complements him He’s a down-hill threat,” Fitzpatrick said.
The Colts have Gavin Owens at quarterback. He gained experience last year when Anthony Mackey (1,019 yards, 12 TDs) was injured in the eighth week of the season,
Owens completed completed 32 of 69 passes for 467 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for 216 yards and another four scores.
“Gavin stepped up,” Fitzpatrick remarked. “He can do it all. He’s a hard-nosed runner with a big arm. A dual threat that is battle-tested.”
In the trenches, CV is experienced. Tony Vanzin returns at center while Jake Thompson and Tayvon Sherrell shore up the interior at guard and tackle. DeShawn Sanford and Ishaak Adams will add their talents to the line as well.
“We bring a lot back and have a couple of newcomers who have size and good footwork,” said Fitzpatrick. “We like both of our lines.”
A sophomore, Nicholas Evangelista (6-2, 260) will be a presence on the D-line. He should also play on the offensive line, paving the path for a host of running backs.
Austin Efthimiades and Chase Dalbon will be the main ball carriers for the Colts.
“But we have a whole corral of backs. Let’s call it the Colt Corral,” said Fitzpatrick with a smile. “Oh yeah, we have depth at that position.”
At defensive back, Payne picks up the unit, which will also be spearheaded by Drewery, Ruddy Morris, Owens and Heckroth.
“We have a strong secondary with not much fall off. We do have guys who come close to matching Lamont’s talent, but the thing about him is he elevates the game of the others.”
The Colts are ecstatic to return Tyler Glover. A junior, he anchors the linebacking corps in the middle of the defense. Efthimiades and Howard Clellen are the other inside backers.
Buerkle spearheads the outside linebackers along with Jackson Kulbago. Both veterans and will be complemented by newcomers Anthony Trout and Joseph Zajicek.
On special teams, Joseph has displayed a strong leg. He honed his skills during the offseason by attending camps and can make 50-yard field goals.
“I’m excited about things to come,” Fitzpatrick said. “We have concerns about scoring in the red zone because last year we had many trips but did not capitalize and we have to not give up as many points as we did last year.
“Right now, I see us in the middle of the pack. A playoff contender,” he continued. “I don’t want to play down the boys but I think we can be top-four in the conference. We can beat teams and win the day. It’s just believing. We have to develop belief.”