Peters Township looks to continue moving forward in quest for playoff victory

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

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In the two years before T.J. Plack took over as head football coach at Peters Township, the Indians combined for four wins. They matched that total in a 4-6 campaign in 2016 and nearly doubled the total last year when they won five of their first six games on their way to a 7-3 regular season.

However, Peters Township’s first postseason trip since 2013 was competitive, but empty as the Tribe fell to Central Catholic, 27-20, in a Class 6A quarterfinals contest.

So was the 2017 season a turnaround year for the Indians?

“I have obviously been asked this question a couple times this offseason,” Plack said. “I do not look at it like a turnaround campaign. In our two years, we have done nothing but move forward, gain momentum and confidence, keep our competitive edge and continue to stay hungry. “

There is reason to believe last fall will be a building block and another step for the Indians with eight players back on offense and seven returning on defense.

The 2018 Peters Township team has plenty of experience up front with Ian Chaudhari (OG/DT), Shane O’Connell (C/DT), Robert Corrado (OT/DT) and Logan Clark (OT/DT).

“In the past year, our lines have created a chemistry that will contribute to our success this season,” Chaudhari said. “We have had injuries in previous seasons, but we have competent backups that can go in at a moment’s notice and perform their best.”

While the Indians turn to sophomore Logan Pfeuffer to fill the void of graduated quarterback Jake Cortes, the team’s two leading rushers return in sophomore Ryan Magiske and junior Adrian Williams. Magiske averaged more than 4 yards a carry with nine touchdowns, while Williams averaged 6.9 yards per tote with four scoring runs.

“Both young men are guys we would like to build our around,” Plack said. “Both are tremendous ball players, different, but extremely coachable and trustworthy young men.”

Other skilled players with high expectations are wide receivers Josh Casilli, Gabe Maloni, Aidan McCall and tight end Corban Hondru.

Plack believes this group has a lot of potential.

“Should have a couple guys on the outside able to stretch the field, as well as turn a simple play into a big gain,” he said.

While the Indians’ offense could put up its share of points, Plack also thinks they will be stingy on defense.

“Defensive line will and could remain disruptive, and we should have one of the better defensive backfields with Williams, Magiske, Casilli and McCall,” he said.

Peters Township enjoyed the program’s first winning season last year since a 5-4 campaign in 2009. Now the Indians are hoping for their first playoff win since a 47-3 crushing of Mt. Pleasant in the first round of the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs in 2003.

The 2018 season also marks the first time the Indians will not play in the district’s highest classification in football since they moved from Class AAA to AAAA in 2008.

Peters Township moved from Class 6A to the Class 5A Allegheny 8 Conference this season.

“On one hand, it’s nice to play games closer to Peters Township,” Plack said. “We will miss out on playing Mt. Lebanon, but cross over with Canon-Mac and have conference foes Bethel Park, Upper St. Clair, Baldwin, Woodland Hills and Chartiers Valley. On the other hand, it will still be a grind each and every week. “

Chaudhari also is ready for the move to 5A and for the 2018 season in general.

“I am very optimistic about this season,” he said. “The bond my teammates and I created will carry over into this season. It’s not just the players, but also the coaching staff at Peters Township that makes me confident about this season.”

Schedule

Coach: T.J. Plack

2017 record: 7-4, 4-2

All-time record: 225-321-16

Date, Opponent, Time

8.24, West Toronto Prep, Canada, 5 p.m.+

8.31, at Upper St. Clair*, 7:30 p.m.

9.7, Woodland Hills*, 7:30 p.m.

9.14, at West Allegheny*, 7 p.m.

9.21, at North Hills, 7:30 p.m.

9.28, Canon-McMillan, 7:30 p.m.

10.5, Moon*, 7:30 p.m.

10.12, at Chartiers Valley*, 7 p.m.

10.19, Bethel Park*, 7:30 p.m.

10.26, Baldwin*, 7:30 p.m.

*Class 5A Allegheny 8 Conference game

+Western Pa. vs. Everyone Showcase at Wolvarena

Statistical leaders

Passing: Jake Cortes*

109-188, 1,570 yards, 16 TDs

Rushing: Ryan Magiske

105-507 yards, 9 TDs

Receiving: Josh Casilli

29-485 yards, 8 TDs

Don Rebel is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Don at drebel@tribweb.com.

Tags: Peters Township