Carrick hopes to build off late-season victory

By: Andrew John
Friday, August 23, 2024 | 6:01 AM

The Carrick football program finished last season with a win and is using that as a springboard into its second season under coach Dennis “Shor D” Wolford.

The Raiders ended last season 1-6 after a 26-16 win over Perry in the final week of the season. Carrick had a chance to win a few weeks earlier but lost to Brownsville, 36-30, in overtime.

“The guys are excited,” Wolford said. “After that one win, the team started to see if we actually played together the way we are supposed to and the way they are coached to that we actually can win games. We are going to take that momentum and roll into it with them.”

The Raiders will be led by senior Zion Frye under center. Frye (6-0, 175) turned some eyes during the offseason and has been getting college interest as a defensive back.

Frye will be trying to connect with seniors Marcus Fields and Amari Eleam at receiver, as well as junior Kejuan Johnson.

Junior Stephon Malloy returns in the backfield and will share carries with juniors Jayden Wise and Brian Babjak.

With the pieces returning at the skill positions, Wolford hopes the offensive line can hold up during the season.

The offensive line will have seniors Calvin Smith and Javon Mott as well as sophomore Dasante Watson. Junior Treshawn Beasley will be entrenched on the defensive line.

Wolford has been preaching to the team to have the mindset of “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

“I want them to fight together as a family. I try to bring that family atmosphere,” Wolford said.

Kenny Wright returns as the defensive coordinator.

Wolford has been pleased with the additional support he has received from the assistant coaches who weren’t necessarily in place last season.

DiJon Hall has been coaching the receivers and defensive backs, while Eric McClung has been coaching the offensive and defensive lines. Brandon Nichols has been assisting with the recruitment process for the Raiders players.

“We didn’t have these things last year. We are now getting these pieces. Last year, we received our defensive coordinator a week before the first game. Now they have a whole year in his system and they will be a whole lot better,” Wolford said.

In addition to the new coaches, the Raiders have enjoyed being able to get in the weight room and have a summer workout program, which wasn’t in place last season.

Carrick

Coach: Dennis Wolford

2023 record: 1-6

All-time record: 333-481-47

SCHEDULE

Date, Opponent, Time

8.23 Carlynton, 7

8.30 at Albert Gallatin, 7

9.6 Uniontown, 3:30

9.13 at Brashear, 7

9.27 at Windber, 7

10.4 at Brownsville, 7

10.10 Perry Traditional Academy*, 6

10.18 at Wheeling Central Catholic (W.Va.), 7

10.26 at Steubenville Catholic (Ohio), 7

FAST FACTS

• Carrick was outscored 291-100 last season.

• The Raiders lost to University Prep, 66-0, and Brashear, 52-24.

• In addition to the shutout against University Prep, Carrick was shut out by Steubenville Central Catholic, a week before the Perry win.

• Carrick will play an independent schedule for the sixth straight season but will still play City foes Perry and Brashear.

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