Depretis helps anchor Baldwin’s ‘Big Skill’ offensive line

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, September 21, 2018 | 8:12 PM

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He’s indisputably a big man on campus.

At 6-foot, 265 pounds, Jason Depretis towers over most other students at Baldwin.

He also is a “man for all seasons.”

Depretis is in his third season as a starter on the offensive line on the Baldwin football team, which competes at the WPIAL Class 5A level. His regular workout routine includes rigorous conditioning drills and weight lifting.

But he isn’t a one-sport athlete.

Depretis also competes in ice hockey and indoor track and field in the winter months, participates in ourdoor track and field in the springtime, and until this year competed in inline hockey in the summer.

“Football is my favorite sport because I love the game, and all aspects of it,” he said. “I started playing football in middle school, and every year I can’t wait to get back out on the field. It’s all about playing under the lights on Friday night. I want to be the best lineman on the field every week.”

The starters on the Fighting Highlanders offensive line are a brawny bunch with Depretis and senior Elyon Phiri (6-0, 250) at guard; senior Lucas Perfetti (6-0, 260) and sophomore Maison Bourquin (6-3, 260) at tackle; and senior Harry DePetro (6-0, 240) at center.

Joey Pracel (6-0, 200), a junior, rotates at left guard and right tackle because Phiri and Bourquin also play defense.

As a group, their average weight is 246 pounds. And as a group, the Fighting Highlanders’ linemen have helped propel their team to a one of the top scoring averages in the entire WPIAL.

Depretis, who starts at left guard, is one of the biggest players on the squad.

“Jason is a really good athlete,” coach Loran Cooley said. “He is partly the reason why I call my offense line ‘Big Skill.’

“Jason not only possesses quick feet, but he is very strong.”

Cooley, a Pennsylvania state trooper, is in his second year as the Fighting Highlanders coach. He and his staff appear to be in the midst of turning around the recent misfortunes of the football program at Baldwin.

“Coach Cooley has gotten us into better shape and has worked us harder in the offseason than anyone has before,” Depretis said. “Since last year the (team) chemistry is better, and our attitudes toward the game have improved.”

Baldwin prepared for conference play with impressive victories at home against Fox Chapel and Butler.

“I think we have a great team this year,” Depretis said. “We have worked harder and we are in better shape then we have ever been before as a team.

“We are in great shape, and we’re physical. I can personally say we have a great offensive and defensive line.”

Depretis, son of Baldwin Borough mayor David Depretis, is keeping his options open following his senior year. He currently is enrolled at Steel Center, where is focus in on welding.

“At this point I’m undecided on what I want to do after high school,” Depretis said. “I am in my third year of welding, which I really enjoy. I have not ruled out the possibility of attending college.

“I love the game of football; it’s my passion. I want to make my senior season a great one. Stepping on the field at the last game will be emotional and difficult because I’ve loved being a Fighting Highlander, and I am going to hate to see it end.”

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.

Tags: Baldwin