Improved offensive line play helped North Allegheny succeed

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, November 16, 2017 | 11:00 PM

North Allegheny senior center Ian Truesdell could point to several examples of what all Tigers linemen work toward.

Fellow senior offensive lineman Derek Devine earned a scholarship to Virginia, while former graduate Josh Lugg is now an offensive lineman at Notre Dame.

“They set great examples for all North Allegheny linemen,” Truesdell said. “They work hard and were humble with their recruitment. We see how good they are. We're not oblivious to the fact they are good athletes. They are pushing everyone to get better.”

Having offensive linemen find a way to play up to that level was key for North Allegheny's turnaround this season. While the Tigers won seven of their last nine before being eliminated by Pine-Richland in the WPIAL Class 6A semifinals, North Allegheny had to get up to speed.

The Tigers, who were inexperienced on the offensive line, needed a dose of reality after blasting Morgantown, 45-0, to open the season.

North Allegheny lost its next two games, 35-15 at Bethel Park and dropped a 14-7 decision to Central Catholic.

“We were young,” Tigers coach Art Walker said. “Bethel Park had more experience up front, that's where its strength was. It seemed like their offensive line was in Week 6 or 7 when we played them.”

Up front, Dylan Wall and Devine were the two returning starters. North Allegheny then added Truesdell at center, with Jack Graham and Matt Sanfilippo rotating at guard and moving Canyon Tuman from tight end to tackle helped shore things up.

Truesdell, who was a backup at guard and center last season, played his most time as center since seventh grade.

“I feel like there was a ton of improvement from the beginning of the season to the end of the season,” Truesdell said. “I think it's because we worked so hard in practice and coach pushed us every day.”

The rest of the offense followed right behind them with improvement. First-year starting quarterback Luke Trueman led the team with 1,426 passing yards and gained 1,021 on the ground. Turner White also put up 1,002 rushing yards. John Vardzel led the Tigers in receiving with 530 yards and seven touchdowns.

“I think once we solidified things up front, those guys got comfortable,” Walker said. “Those five guys kept working together and we had good leadership. Luke Trueman as a first-year quarterback ends with 1,000 yards throwing and rushing. That's a productive season.”

North Allegheny opened the WPIAL playoffs with a 38-14 win over Mt. Lebanon before falling to Pine-Richland. Both of the Tigers' losses in the last nine games came to the Rams.

Giving Pine-Richland two battles showed how far North Allegheny has come.

“I'm glad we are in a section that is so competitive,” Truesdell said. “The fun thing about football is every time you go out on the field you can prove yourself again. The fact we played difficult teams shows how hard we work.”

Josh Rizzo is a freelance writer.

Tags: North Allegheny