New set of conference opponents set to stare down vaunted McKeesport flexbone

By: Jeremy Sellew
Thursday, August 22, 2024 | 7:01 AM

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After reaching the WPIAL championship game last season, the McKeesport Tigers are hoping for a repeat trip.

Only this time, the Tigers are looking to get over the Aliquippa hump and bring home a title to their city.

McKeesport has shifted conferences in the new-look Class 4A. The Tigers will see new foes in the Greater Allegheny Conference with the likes of Hampton, Indiana, Knoch, Mars and neighboring West Mifflin.

“It’s going to be a little different, but I’m excited to get to play some new teams,” Tigers coach Matt Miller said. “We played Mars a couple years ago in the playoffs. I can’t remember the last time we played Indiana and Knoch, other than in softball. There are some good programs in there and we’re really looking forward to it.”

The Tigers may have an advantage in the lack of familiarity with their scheme, that patented flexbone.

“That was the thing. Playing against TJ and Belle Vernon, those teams know what they want to do and have seen us the last few years,” Miller said. “We’ll still see those teams, but in our conference, the teams don’t know much about us. But it works both ways. We don’t know much about them until we see film.”

The Tigers will be explosive and have the capabilities of hitting some big plays, as they always do. But they’re going to have to do it behind an entirely new offensive line.

“With the way we like to move the ball, the line is always the key. This year, we’re pretty inexperienced there. But our kids are big, strong and they’re athletic,” Miller said.

Up front, it’ll be junior Nasir Dordies (5-10, 216) at left tackle with Javiere Bray at left guard. Bray brings new meaning to big and athletic with his 6-foot, 382-pound frame.

“Bray is a monster and he brings a lot of varsity experience with him there,” Miller said.

Matt Sebilia (6-1, 220) will be at center next to freshman right guard Justin Powell (6-1, 220). Junior Kaedyn Daniels (6-2, 227) will be at right tackle and Abraham Miller, the coach’s nephew, will be the tight end.

“The offensive line is definitely a work in progress, but it’s working itself out,” Miller said. “It’s trickled down to about six or seven kids that will get the bulk of the time there.”

Taking over at quarterback will be Brady Eastman, a 6-foot, 160-pound senior.

“It’s his time,” Miller said. “Our QB position has kind of morphed over the years by skill set. When Jahmil (Perryman) was here, it was more run first. Last season, Garrett (Tarker) was able to throw the ball really well.

“I think Brady brings the best of both. He’s big, strong and fast. He can run it or throw it. I’m extremely comfortable with him taking over that role.”

Senior Anthony Boyd returns at fullback with senior wing backs Valdez Stuvaints and Anthony Cromerdie. Sophomore sensation Kemon Spell, a recent Penn State commit, will see time at wing and fullback.

Boyd rushed for over 1,200 yards last season.

“He’s really taken a big step this season as a leader,” Miller said. “I expect he’s going to pick up exactly where he left off last year.”

Miller said Spell should continue his upward trend after showing he was one of the most dangerous weapons in the WPIAL last season.

“He’s such a humble kid, and he always has a smile on his face,” Miller said. “We’re going to move him all over the place. It’s kind of like pick your poison. You want to try to shut him down, well, we have plenty of weapons all over the field we can distribute the ball to.”

Defensively in the Tigers’ 3-4 scheme, Bray will be the nose tackle with Sebilia and Alex Winowitch as the defensive ends.

Matthew Miller, the coach’s son, will be at outside linebacker with Taier Swindell on the other side. Avont Hudson and Daniels will be inside.

“I really love what we’re bringing at the inside linebacker spot,” Miller said. “I think Daniels is going to be the next big-time prospect for us. He’s a big kid with great speed and he’s not afraid of anyone in the hole.”

The Tigers will return an experienced secondary with Cromerdie and Stuvaints at corner and Spell and Boyd at safety.

“We’re explosive and experienced on the back end of the defense,” Miller said. “I think they really help us when it comes to avoiding other teams hitting those big plays. They make up for a lot back there.”

The Tigers beefed up their nonconference schedule, taking on Lake (Ohio) in Week Zero at the KDKA Kickoff Classic at Woodland Hills.

They’ll travel to Peters Township and Thomas Jefferson before hosting Belle Vernon and Upper St. Clair.

“We’re going to be tested and we’re going to learn a lot about ourselves,” Miller said. “We’re playing a great schedule and we’re looking forward to starting it off with some good teams and good football.”

McKeesport

Coach: Matt Miller

2023 record: 11-2, 6-0 in the Class 4A Big Eight Conference

All-time record: 722-426-51

SCHEDULE

Date, Opponent, Time

8.23 at Lake (Ohio) at Woodland Hills, 5

8.30 at Peters Township, 7

9.6 at Thomas Jefferson, 7

9.13 Belle Vernon, 7

9.20 Upper St. Clair, 7

9.27 at Hampton*, 7

10.4 West Mifflin*, 7

10.11 at Mars*, 7

10.18 Indiana*, 7

10.25 at Knoch*, 7

* Conference game

STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing: Garrett Tarker*

44-93, 773 yards, 8 TDs

Rushing: Anthony Boyd

176-1,353 yards, 13 TDs

Receiving: Colton Kotouch*

10-136 yards, 3 TDs

* Graduated

Tags: McKeesport