Frazier ready to battle in Class 2A Century Conference

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, August 23, 2018 | 9:03 AM

Three years ago, Frazier was among the final four standing in Class A.

But after losing some key players to graduation, the Commodores have struggled to an 8-14 record the past two seasons after jumping into Class 2A’s Interstate Conference.

The Commodores finished 3-8 last year after being forced to play a number of young players because of graduation and injury losses.

Now coach Mike Steeber is hoping his players are ready to take the leap back toward the top of the conference standings.

“There’s not a single game we can take an off week,” Steeber said. “This is probably the toughest conference we’ve been a part of since I’ve been here as the head coach.”

Steeber is entering his ninth year guiding the Commodores.

For the first time in a handful of years, Steeber is looking at a lack of experience at quarterback. He’s confident, though, he has two guys able to come in and make an impact.

Junior Bobby Boggs and senior Julian Muccioli have been preparing to be the starter.

“Julian was actually taking the snaps last season to be the starter before he got hurt,” Steeber said. “Luckily, we had J.D. (Celaschi) that was able to come in and produce for us back there last year.”

Both quarterbacks are expected to see time, with Muccioli having great ability at the receiver position.

“We’ve got a few guys that can make some plays on the outside,” Steeber said.

Sophomore wideout Kenny Fine had a decent season as a freshman last year and is expected to play a big role in Frazier’s offense.

“Kenny Fine is just a great player,” Steeber said. “He’s still young, but he is an excellent talent. We’ll look to get the ball in his hands.”

Another Muccioli, Vinnie, will be another prime target for the quarterback of choice.

“Both cousins will be out there. They work well together and have good speed,” Steeber said. “Robb Acklin has had a really good camp. He and Colton Arison are a pair of sophomores that could be contributors for us out there.”

The primary back this season will be senior George Smalich. He takes over after splitting time with Mason Kelly, who graduated last season.

Steeber promised a lot of different looks for the Commodores on offense. Sometimes they’ll spread a team out and other times they’ll line up with two backs in the backfield and give a power-running look.

“We really want to spread the ball around,” Steeber said. “We have some young guys, but we have young guys that are capable with the ball.”

Junior Robert Murphy returns at center to anchor the offensive line. He’ll be joined by senior tackle Nick Zelesnik, Shane McGavitt — who moves to guard from fullback — and left tackle Wyatt Perry.

“Zelesnik has good size and great feet,” Steeber said. “He is really strong and didn’t miss a game for us last year.

“Murphy being back at center is critical for us. Center is an important position. He knows what the defense is doing out there and is really critical for the rest of the guys on our line and entire offense.”

The other guard position will be filled by a near-constant rotation consisting of senior Anthony Maximo, sophomore Ian Baccino, sophomore Jacob Celaschi and freshman Aaron Panepinto.

The back of the Commodores’ defense is expected to be strong with both Mucciolis and Smalich returning at safety.

Fine will be at one cornerback position.

Steeber is expecting big things from his two returning inside linebackers, McGavitt and Trevor Moon, as he looks to replace Lane Rice, who graduated, at the defensive end position.

“To be successful, we’re going to have to create turnovers on defense,” Steeber said. “We want to be an aggressive bunch.”

The Commodores are looking to build off winning three of their final four games last season. The streak got them into the playoffs, where they lost to Riverside in the first round.

Their best performance came in a loss, though, to eventual WPIAL champion Washington.

“It was only 12-0. A loss was a loss, but we played great defensively that game,” Steeber said. “We need to remember that going into this season.”

Steeber reiterated the necessity for his team to take a one-game-at-a-time approach this season.

“Everybody is a good team in this conference,” he said. “They all bring something different each week.

“Washington is the measuring stick. They like to pass and throw. They’re the team to beat until someone shows them they aren’t.

“Carmichaels always plays great defensively and always has the ability to run the ball. Southmoreland is dropping down from 3A and they’re much improved.

“Charleroi likes to air it out but has a good ground game. They can score in a hurry. Them and Beth-Center with (Dom) Fundy, those aren’t losing teams. Even Brownsville, they have a lot coming back and a coach putting new life into that program. This conference is going to be a grind.”

Schedule

Coach: Mike Steeber

2017 record: 3-8, 3-4

All-time record: 328-424-16

Date, Opponent, Time

8.24, at South Allegheny, 7 p.m.

8.31, Southmoreland*, 7 p.m.

9.7, McGuffey*, 7 p.m.

9.14, at Charleroi*, 7 p.m.

9.21, Brentwood, 7 p.m.

9.28, Washington*, 7 p.m.

10.5, at Leechburg, 7 p.m.

10.12, at Brownsville*, 7 p.m.

10.19, Carmichaels*, 7 p.m.

10.26, at Beth-Center*, 7 p.m.

*Class 2A Century Conference game

Statistical leaders

Passing: JD Celaschi*

61-142, 747 yards, 6 TDs

Rushing: Mason Kelly*

88-725 yards, 7 TDs

Receiving: Corey Roebuck*

18-204 yards, 3 TDs

*Graduated

Jeremy Sellew is a Mon Valley Independent staff writer.

Tags: Frazier