Increased roster numbers boost optimism for Shaler football

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, August 14, 2018 | 9:46 PM

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Senior defensive end/tight end Matt Bendel worked hard to convince classmates to come out for the Shaler football team. Leaving the program without winning on home turf was an unacceptable notion for Bendel.

With Bendel’s effort — along with pushes from coaches and other teammates — the Titans were able to get eight seniors out. Selling the program was a little easier once the program was bumped down to Class 5A for this enrollment cycle.

“For sure, I tried to get a lot of my friends, and a lot of them came out,” Bendel said. “I just said 5A also, this is our last year and last chance to play football. Why not come out and help us? A lot of them can help us this year.”

Moving down isn’t going to be a magic elixir to help the Titans win. Landing in the Northern Conference put Shaler in with perennial playoff qualifiers Mars, North Hills and Penn Hills. Nonconference games against New Castle and Franklin Regional will also present stiff challenges for the Titans, who have lost 24 straight games.

“It won’t give us an advantage, but it could level the playing field,” Bendel said.

Shaler’s streak of futility at home dates back even further.

The Titans’ last home victory was a 41-28 win over McDowell on Oct. 8, 2011.

Second-year Shaler coach James Ryan has been pleased with how his influx of new players has helped breathe life into the program.

“The kids are motivated, and they are so eager to work,” Ryan said. “We’ve seen a lot of new kids from other sports, basketball players and baseball players. We have a lot of senior guys out this year from other years, and I’m pleased with them.”

Shaler will return its starting quarterback — junior Darin Mizgorski — and leading rusher — senior running back Joey Kremer. Finding a way to make the offense more dynamic will be crucial for things to keep moving forward.

The Titans were outscored 415-80 by their opponents last season, including 270-21 in conference play.

“We’ve added new plays to the playbook,” Mizgorski said. “People are working hard.”

Justin DeSabato is one of the first-year seniors who will contribute to the offense as a wide receiver. Billy Hartung came on board as a lineman, while Ian Scarberry will also look to make an impact.

“We have a lot of skill guys we can use and have a bigger line this year,” Ryan said. “We’re going to try and get the most of the guys we have.”

Shaler wants to continue making a dent.

The Titans want to start to turn the program around.

“We have to win. It’s all about winning,” Mizgorski said. “When you win, people show up. When you win, people come out of the stands and come down on the field.”

Schedule

Coach: James Ryan

2017 record: 0-10, 0-6

All-time record: 353-410-30

Date, Opponent, Time

8.24, at New Castle, 7 p.m.

8.31, at Kiski Area*, 7 p.m.

9.7, Hampton*, 7 p.m.

9.14, at Bethel Park, 7:30 p.m.

9.21, at Franklin Regional, 7 p.m.

9.29, Mars*, 1 p.m.

10.5, at Armstrong*, 7 p.m.

10.12, at Penn Hills*, 7 p.m.

10.19, North Hills*, 7 p.m.

10.26, Fox Chapel*, 7 p.m.

*Class 5A Northern Conference game

Statistictal leaders

Passing: Darin Mizgorski

45-111, 615 yards, 4 TDs

Rushing: Joey Kremer

150-696 yards, 1 TD

Receiving: Brian Colarusso

24-463 yards, 4 TDs

Josh Rizzo is a freelance writer.

Tags: Shaler