Cornell turns the page after last season’s close call
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Wednesday, August 23, 2023 | 11:01 PM
Cornell’s Julian Cordice makes a video on picture day on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023, at Cornell.
Cornell’s Mikey Keyes catches a pass on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023, at Cornell.
Cornell’s C.J. Jackson throws a pass on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023, at Cornell.
Cornell’s Drevon Newton catches a pass on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023, at Cornell.
Cornell’s Julian Cordice catches a pass on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023, at Cornell.
In the past two season finales, the Cornell Raiders fell short a yard or two short in matchups against Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. Last year’s 27-26 loss kept the Raiders from advancing to the WPIAL Class A playoffs.
Being that close to returning to the postseason motivated the Raiders as they went through their offseason workouts.
The Raiders experienced a handful of injuries in 2022, which allowed underclassmen to get valuable playing time. Even though they might have been unprepared for the bright lights last year, there is hope the Raiders will settle into their new roles quicker this year.
“That last team had a lot of four-year starters and was a great group,” coach Ed Dawson said. “This new group had a great opportunity to learn from good leaders. I think they did a good job at passing the torch. I think we are going to be a tough, resilient group that will be scrappy and come and compete every Friday.”
This year, the Raiders will return senior C.J. Jackson at quarterback and senior Drevon Newton at wide receiver. Senior Julian Cordice and junior Mikey Keyes will each get action at receiver.
On the ground, Cornell will have to find a way to replace the production lost by the graduation of Raequan Troutman, who rushed for 1,145 yards and 16 touchdowns last season.
Sophomore Khylil Johnson and junior Walter Clarit will have expanded roles at running back. Dawson believes there won’t be much drop off, especially with Johnson moving into his second season.
“Khylil (Johnson) has a tremendous amount of carries and opportunities. With him putting on muscle and coming off his freshman year where I don’t think he understood what it took to be a high school football player, which I believe he knows now,” Dawson said.
The offensive line will include sophomore Nick Bennett as well as juniors Jamarcus Pierce and Logan Farbarcher.
Bennett and Farbarcher will anchor the defensive line. Newton will move down to the defensive end this season.
Pierce, Keyes and Cordice will see action at linebacker. Cordice led the team in tackles last season.
“I think we have very capable guys that can get after people,” Dawson said. “We got some guys that can fly around and be very physical. I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of new, but old faces. They are guys that seem like they’ve been here forever but now they are getting their chance.”
The Raiders defense looks to improve after allowing 20.7 points per game. That included shutouts against Avella and Carlynton.
“We are putting an emphasis on being a top-notch defense,” Dawson said. “I don’t think physically and mentally a lot of those guys were ready a year ago. But I think they are now. I think that will make the difference in running up and making that tackle with a lot more confidence.”
The Raiders will open the season in a Week Zero game against Seton LaSalle. Before getting into Black Hills Conference play, Cornell will face Monessen, which qualified for the WPIAL Class A playoffs, and Union, the defending WPIAL Class A champion.
Cornell will look to grab a playoff spot in a tough Black Hills Conference, which includes Bishop Canevin, the WPIAL Class A runner-up.
As Newton takes more of a leadership role, the senior wants to make sure the Raiders don’t give up even when they are in a tough spot.
“Don’t give up until you see four zeros on the clock,” Newton said. “Don’t give up until the referee says that’s the final play. Keep working 110% on every play and every practice.”
Cornell
Coach: Ed Dawson
2022 record: 4-5, 3-4 in Class A Black Hills Conference
All-time record: 195-258-11
SCHEDULE
Date, Opponent, Time
8.25 Shady Side Academy, 7
8.25 Seton LaSalle, 7
9.1 Monessen, 7
9.8 at Union, 7
9.15 Avella*, 7
9.22 at Carlynton*, 7
9.29 Burgettstown*, 7
10.6 Bishop Canevin*, 7
10.13 at Fort Cherry*, 7
10.20 at Chartiers-Houston*, 7
10.27 Our Lady of the Sacred Heart*, 7
*Conference game
STATISTICAL LEADERS
Passing: C.J. Jackson
25-50, 416 yards, 2 TDs
Rushing: Raequan Troutman*
125-1,145 yards, 16 TDs
Receiving: Drevon Newton
19-458 yards, 7 TDs
*Graduated
FAST FACTS
• The Raiders have won three WPIAL playoff games in school history. Cornell won one in the 2019 playoffs and two in the 2021 playoffs.
• From 2012-15, Cornell did not compete in football and was part of a co-op with Quaker Valley.
• Ed Dawson returns for his ninth season as head coach. The Raiders have had two winning seasons under Dawson when they went 9-2 in 2019 and 9-3 in 2021.
• The Raiders have captured a share of the conference title three times in program history — 1983, 2019 and 2021.
Tags: Cornell
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