Despite roster turnover, winning expected to continue at McKeesport

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

In Matt Miller’s first year as head football coach at McKeesport, he helped guide the Tigers to the first WPIAL Class 5A championship game at Heinz Field, where after twice thinking they had sealed the deal on gold, they ended up losing in heartbreak fashion in overtime to West Allegheny.

Last year, they avenged that excruciating loss to the Indians with a thrilling, 22-21 triumph over West A in the district quarterfinals, but lost to eventual champion Gateway, 28-21, in the semifinals, one victory away from a return trip to Heinz Field.

McKeesport will not be going to Heinz Field again this year. Nor will any 5A team as the venue for that classification title game is not on the North Shore the next two seasons.

“(Class) 5A is the most competitive conference from top to bottom,” Miller said. “Each section will be extremely challenging for each team. The 16-team format for the playoffs makes it a tough journey to make it to Heinz … my bad, Norwin.”

To reach the finals a few miles down Route 30, McKeesport will have to rely on a lot of new faces, with only four starters back on offense and five returning on defense.

The three-headed monster that led the Tigers flexbone offense to 362 points a year ago, third highest in 5A behind the two finalists Gateway and Penn-Trafford, have all graduated.

“It is definitely hard to replace Division I talent like Layton Jordan (Temple), John Harper (Youngstown State) and Carlinos Acie (Navy),” Miller said, “but we have guys that are ready to take on that challenge and become the next great running back from McKeesport.”

Senior Konota Gaskins will take over under center. In limited action last year, Gaskins threw for 56 yards, rushed for 68 yards and scored two touchdowns.

“I’m very excited for the opportunity to lead my team,” Gaskins said. “There are a lot of new faces on varsity, but they’re not new to me. I’ve been playing with these guys since eighth grade. I know they will give their all no matter what.”

Another senior, Devin Sims, is expected to lead the Tigers’ ground attack. On defense, Sims was the team’s leading tackler from his strong safety position.

On offense, the Tigers do have some experience up front, with three returning all-conference linemen — senior Dylan Vaniel (6-3, 265), senior Brandon Brooks (6-0, 215) and junior Andy Mellinger (6-0, 245).

Miller feels the strength of the McKeesport defense will be inside the box.

“Our linebackers and defensive line have a lot of varsity experience, but our weakness will be in the lack of playing time by our defensive backs. I feel confident about the players that we will put out at all of our positions. It’s just getting the reps they need to feel comfortable on the big stage.”

Gaskins said while there has been a lot of turnover in the starting lineup, McKeesport will continue to be successful.

“I know what to expect from them, and I’m confident in what we can achieve this season,” he said, “if we stay humble and leave all out on the field every Friday night.”

Schedule

Coach: Matt Miller

2017 record: 8-3, 6-2

All-time record: 642-400-47

Date, Opponent, Time

8.25, Erie+, 2 p.m.

8.31, Connellsville*, 7 p.m.

9.7, at Albert Gallatin*, 7 p.m.

9.14, Penn-Trafford*, 7 p.m.

9.22, Plum*, 1 p.m.

9.28, at Latrobe*, 7 p.m.

10.5, at Indiana, 7 p.m.

10.12, Kiski Area, 7 p.m.

10.19, Franklin Regional*, 7 p.m.

10.26, at Gateway*, 7 p.m.

*Class 5A Foothills Conference game

+Western Pa. vs. Everyone Showcase at Wolvarena

Statistical leaders

Passing: John Harper*

13-32, 230 yards, 1 TD

Rushing: Layton Jordan*

139-1,313 yards, 16 TDs

Receiving: Branson Smith*

6-182 yards, 1 TD

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

Tags: McKeesport