Aug 22, 2018 4 min read

Notice: Undefined offset: 0 in /usr/web/cs-washington.ogdennews.com/wp-content/themes/News_Core_2023_WashCluster/includes/single/strategically_placed_photos_article.php on line 412

Notice: Trying to get property 'term_id' of non-object in /usr/web/cs-washington.ogdennews.com/wp-content/themes/News_Core_2023_WashCluster/includes/single/strategically_placed_photos_article.php on line 412

by Joe tuscano

Everyone knew it, but it was better left unsaid.

Last year was a mess for Waynesburg University’s football team.

When Rick Shepas retired as coach in March of 2017, it set off a long and fruitless search for his successor. It wasn’t until early May that assistant Chris Smithley was named interim coach, leaving precious little time to assemble a coaching staff and even less time to recruit.

Having the title “interim” didn’t make it any easier. Smithley not only had to prove himself to the program – he wasn’t a finalist in the interview process – but also to the administration.

The results were not surprising. Waynesburg lost its first seven games, being outscored by an average of 35-12. But then things began to change.

The Yellow Jackets went on a winning streak, defeating Thiel and Saint Vincent before losing the regular-season finale against rival Washington & Jefferson.

But there was a different feel at the end of the season and Smithley had the interim title removed shortly after it ended.

Now, with enough time to recruit and add to his staff – former Waynesburg High School coach Russ Moore was brought on as an assistant coach – there is optimism the building process can be successful.

“It’s always difficult to lose and go through a losing season,” said senior linebacker John-Glen Davis, a Waynesburg High School graduate. “Getting his respect and gaining respect for him is a big part of the collaborative effort. That makes it more comfortable for us playing for him and him coaching us. The trust factor is important if you want things to go smoothly.”

Smithley was familiar with the program – he played there and was a coach on staff when hired – but it was hard juggling so many responsibilities in such a short amount of time last year.

“Just being more ahead (is a positive),” he said. “Last year, we were that far behind. Trying to catch up and (do) things quicker made it a challenge. I’m not making excuses. But that’s how it was.”

Smithley and the staff worked hard to make it seem as business as usual to the players.

“We didn’t want them to know we were in that situation but we were,” Smithley said. “Having a week to get our staff together; we only had three coaches through the month of July so recruiting was difficult. Once we got the staff together, we really did a good job.”

Smithley realizes that he will be judged more on the results on the field and the two recruiting classes of more than 60 players should make this a more formidable team soon.

“These are quality guys who chose your school for different reasons,” he said. “They all want to win.”

Fixing the offense has to be a priority and that starts with finding productivity at the quarterback position. Junior Tyler Perone and senior Jake Dougherty return. Perone started the first six games and Dougherty stepped in at the end when Perone was injured.

Both struggled, combining for a 48 percent completion percentage, seven touchdowns and 13 interceptions. It’s an open competition.

“Production is going to win that job, efficiency is going to win that job and someone who can rally a group of men and lead them is going to win that job,” Smithley said. “Those are the three qualities we’re looking for.”

Senior Austin Wilson leads a trio of running backs who combined for 863 yards and six touchdowns. Junior Chad Walker, who led the team in receptions with 28, also returns.

Davis led the defense with 91 tackles and recovered three fumbles. He must play a key role in the development on that side of the line.

“He’s relentless and all over the field,” Smithley said. “While he might make some mistakes, he makes up for it with his will to make the play.”

Davis played his best against the tougher teams in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference. He had double-digit tackles against Westminster, Thomas More and W&J.

“I lead by example. That’s how I play,” he said. “If I have a bad game, it’s on me and no one else. If you have high energy, other players will want to follow you.” o