Baldwin aims to change fortunes with turnaround season

By: Ray Fisher
Friday, August 9, 2024 | 6:01 AM

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Baldwin has not reached the football postseason since 2019.

Since then, the Fighting Highlanders have generated records of 2-3, 2-8, 1-9 and 1-9.

They are hoping they are able to change their fortunes on the gridiron this year, although it may prove to be an uphill climb.

Dana Brown had a sensational debut in 2023 in his first year as field boss when Baldwin trounced City League foe Brashear, 56-0, in the season opener.

But it was the only win all year for Baldwin, which ended up 0-5 in the Class 5A Allegheny Six Conference.

“I’m a lot more comfortable this year than last,” Brown said. “It’s not that I was uncomfortable last year, but you learn more about yourself, and the program that you inherited in that year span.

“I learned that I have the right ideas; we just have to execute them in ways my players can understand. One thing I learned is that Baldwin has the talent. It’s about getting them to come out and believe in what I’m preaching. It’s also about keeping those guys in the district that the Catholic schools tend to get.”

The Fighting Highlanders have eight returning starters on offense and eight on defense.

Offensively, FB Dalon Brown; WRs Jaden Duttine, Noah Saccani and Nico Mizell; TE Vince Broccolli; LT Andre Diven; RT Dom Brown; and RG Cenzo Pacella are back.

On the defensive side, returning starters are Landon Frantz (DE), Broccolli (DE), Pacella (DT), Da’Lon Brown (DL), Dom Brown (MLB), Devin Taylor (SS), Duttine (CB) and Saccani (CB).

Pacella and Dalon Brown were all-conference selections a year ago.

“Undoubtedly, one of our most respected leaders is Cenzo,” coach Brown said. “He’s vocal and leads by example. I’m expecting a big year for him; he’s playing with a chip on his shoulder.”

Pacella, at 5-foot-10, 250 pounds, is a fourth-year starter who will play on both sides of the line. He also participates in lacrosse.

“Don’t count out Baldwin. People are going to think ‘Same Old Baldwin’ when they see us on their schedule,” Pacella said, “but, unfortunately for them, they will be in for a surprise come Friday night on the first play of the game.

“I think the teams in the WPIAL are going to be shocked with our team’s running game with a new backfield and returning O-line. Expect to see big plays made within the tackles.”

Da’Lon Brown (5-10, 220) aims to make the all-conference team again and finish in doubles figures in sacks and tackles for loss.

“I expect a good season,” he said, “taking us into the playoffs. It all starts with the big guys up front offensively and defensively. Our run game has some power and speed in the backfield with Devin Taylor, Noah Saccani and myself.”

Da’Lon Brown started his football career at McKeesport but needed shoulder surgery as a freshman and sophomore. He transferred to Baldwin and is a second-year starter this fall.

“Before my shoulder surgeries, I was real big in baseball and took it as serious as football,” he said. “But I’m not sure if my throwing will be the same. I may possibly play baseball for my senior season.”

The Fighting Highlanders have high hopes for freshman quarterback Noah Mickolay, who has earned the starting job at the varsity level.

“We’re going to lean on (Mickolay) to win us some games,” said his coach. “He showed that he’s ready throughout our spring, and our summer 7-on-7’s. When he decided to stay in the district I knew he was going to be the guy. Maybe not this soon, but it’s here and I know he can handle it.”

Baldwin wasn’t shut out in 2023 but the purple-and-white were outscored 388-163 overall.

“My goal is to lead Baldwin to a winning season by being the best leader and motivator I can be,” said Brown, the all-conference player, “along with trying to help all the people around me encourage the younger generation to be great players.”

The Fighting Highlanders are Allegheny Six Conference members in Class 5A along with Bethel Park, Moon, Peters Township, South Fayette and Upper St. Clair.

Baldwin opens the season with nonconference tests against Thomas Jefferson, Fox Chapel, West Mifflin, Chartiers Valley and Elizabeth Forward.

“I like it,” coach Brown said. “It gives you time to work things out (and) find your true identity in time for conference play. That’s essentially going to get you into the playoffs.

“We have TJ in Week Zero. I like the matchup because our kids live in close proximity of each other, so there’s some bragging that goes along with that.”

Baldwin’s field boss offered his early expectations.

“Year in and year out, it’s to compete,” Brown said. “This year we’re going to do that and look to do something that hasn’t be done in 25 years around here.

“Last year, we left a few games with the feeling that we let it slip away. I couldn’t have asked for a better senior class to inherit in my first year as a head coach.”

Baldwin

Coach: Dana Brown

2023 record: 1-9, 0-5 in Class 5A Allegheny Six Conference

All-time record: 340-421-26

SCHEDULE

Date, Opponent, Time

8.23 Thomas Jefferson, 7

8.30 Fox Chapel, 7

9.6 at West Mifflin, 7

9.13 at Chartiers Valley, 7

9.20 Elizabeth Forward, 7

9.27 at South Fayette*, 7

10.4 Bethel Park*, 7

10.11 Moon*, 7

10.18 at Peters Township*, 7

10.25 at Upper St. Clair*, 7

*Conference game

STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing: Nico Macurak

49-114, 675 yards, 5 TDs

Rushing: Andrew Sharp*

179-1,068 yards, 13 TDs

Receiving: Evan Gude*

14-259 yards, 2 TDs

* Graduated

FAST FACTS

• Coach Brown is Da’Lon Brown’s older brother but no relation to Dom. The 33-year-old Brown is one of the WPIAL’s younger big-school coaches. He worked as an assistant athletic director at McKeesport and currently is dean of students at the school.

• Baldwin made a few additions to the coaching staff to help boost its offense. Vernon Andrews, Monessen’s offensive coordinator last season, is serving as an offensive assistant. Darrale Dunn is the quarterbacks coach, and Di’Andre Hicks is an assistant offensive line coach.

• Andrew Sharp, at running back, and John Kozar, as an at-large athlete, were first-team all-conference players in 2023. Keith Mincin was named to the second team. Sharp led Baldwin in rushing and scoring.

• Evan Gude, Mincin, Jaden Duttine, Noah Saccani and Sharp were the team’s leading receivers a year ago.

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