Experienced Ligonier Valley again returns strong lineup

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, August 18, 2018 | 7:13 PM

Don’t expect the Ligonier Valley football team to slow down after winning consecutive District 6 Class 2A and Heritage Conference titles.

The Rams are primed to make another run.

Ligonier Valley has played 29 games the past two seasons, posting a 27-2 record. Those extra games have been beneficial. The losses came in the PIAA playoffs, in the 2016 semifinals to Southern Columbia and in the 2017 quarterfinals to Dunmore.

The Dunmore loss came after the Rams lost wide receivers Jackson Daugherty (Cal Pa.) and Aaron Tutino to injuries during the same series in the second quarter.

“That game is history,” Ligonier Valley coach Roger Beitel said. “The kids have high expectations, and if you match it with the work ethic they’ve had this offseason we have a reason to be excited and have those expectations.

“We have a lot of experience, and throughout their careers, they’ve learned how to win. At this point, we’re hoping they can have the same success as previous classes had and teach the younger kids what it takes to win so we can keep it going.”

Ligonier Valley was picked as the favorite to win the Heritage Conference by eight of the 10 coaches.

The Rams lost a talented group that included Daugherty, Aaron Sheeder, the late Joey Dubics, Nathan Burns, Cole Peters, Jake Neiderhiser and Matt McVicker, but there are plenty of offensive weapons remaining.

The returning group is led by Tutino, who caught 55 passes for 1,030 yards and 16 touchdowns and rushed for 317 yards and five more scores a year ago.

Senior John Caldwell returns at quarterback after throwing for 1,500 yards and 20 touchdowns. Caldwell didn’t begin the season as the starter. Junior Sam Sheeder started the first four games before a knee injury ended his season.

“When we lost Sam it, changed our whole complexion of our football team,” Beitel said. “It changed the role of Jackson, and John came into the fold. John did a tremendous job and what he and others did in the playoff game against Dunmore was great experience.”

With Tutino and Daugherty sidelined, the Rams almost pulled off the victory behind Caldwell, who connected with Sullivan Schueltz and Cage Dowden for big plays.

“Sam’s role will be expanded in the backfield,” Beitel said. “He’ll do some of the things Jackson did for us. I expect big things from him, as well.”

Daugherty completed 26 of 35 passes for 544 yards and nine touchdowns, rushed for 1,040 yards and 19 scores and he caught 42 passes for 876 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Sheeder completed 19 of 27 passes for 327 yards and five touchdowns before the injury.

The Rams return two offensive linemen — junior Mike Petrof and senior Blake Bridge — but must find a replacement for a three-year starter at center, Matt McVicker.

Beitel said the strength of the team is on the defense, where Petrof, Bridge and 6-foot-5, 240-pound junior Christian Jablonski return. Jablonski recorded a standing broad jump of 9 feet, 7 inches at a college camp.

“That is one the measurables college recruiters look at,” Beitel said. “Christian opened some eyes.”

The Rams secondary should be strong with Zach Beitel, the coach’s son, Tutino and Schueltz returning. Beitel said senior Andrew Kuzemchak, a former soccer standout, is the talk of camp and is looking for big things from him.

“He came out as a junior, looking to help us in kicking,” Beitel said. “But he fell in love with our weight program and fell in love on how we prepare athletes. He’s flourished at a couple seven-on-sevens and other activities. He’s penciled is as a starter.”

And the Rams don’t seem ready to slow down anytime soon.

Schedule

Coach: Roger Beitel

2017 record: 13-1, 9-0

All-time record: 439-491-40

Date, Opponent, Time

8.24, at Homer-Center*, 7 p.m.

8.31, Penns Manor*, 7 p.m.

9.7, at United*, 7 p.m.

9.14, Saltsburg*, 7 p.m.

9.21, at West Shamokin*, 7 p.m.

9.28, Purchase Line*, 7 p.m.

10.5, at Marion Center*, 7 p.m.

10.12, Northern Cambria*, 7 p.m.

10.19, at Blairsville*, 7 p.m.

10.27, WestPAC Crossover game, 7 p.m.

*District 6 Heritage Conference game

Statistical leaders

Passing: John Caldwell

88-140, 1,500 yards, 20 TDs

Rushing: Jackson Daugherty*

108-1,040 yards, 19 TDs

Receiving: Aaron Tutino

55-1,030 yards, 16 TDs

*Graduated

Paul Schofield is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Paul at pschofield@tribweb.com or via Twitter @Schofield_Trib.

Tags: Ligonier Valley