Latrobe looks to continue momentum, eyes return to playoffs

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, August 18, 2018 | 7:13 PM

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Latrobe challenged the results of its best season in six years by winning four games in 2017 to support coach Jason Marucco’s long-term plan for a successful program.

The Wildcats are not there yet, but their 4-6 mark might have signaled a turnaround is in the works.

“Our kids are finally starting to figure out that these games are marathons, not sprints,” said Marucco, who is entering his fifth season as Latrobe’s coach.

“We’ve worked hard on that the first couple of years in this program. I’m seeing it carry over into the summer camps now. Guys understand that it’s not the end of the world if you make a bonehead play.”

The Wildcats return 13 lettermen with significant game experience, led by center/defensive end Trent Holler, a 6-foot-2, 290-pound senior with at least 17 scholarship offers, including Pitt, West Virginia, Youngstown State, Duquesne and Robert Morris.

Holler is among five two-way returning starters, the others being wide receiver/free safety Zakharee Williams, offensive tackle/defensive tackle Trey Sweeney, guard/defensive end Caleb Domenick and tight end/outside linebacker Reese Mueseler.

Williams a year ago led the team in receiving from the slot position.

“He typically ran right by people,” Marucco said. “We’re hoping again to capitalize on his quickness.”

Strong safety Jacob Burkey, cornerback Alex Stemmerich and kicker/punter Nathan Clair represent the team’s other returnees.

Despite the loss of quarterback Jason Armstrong and leading rusher Iven Etienne, Marucco is optimistic Latrobe can build on last season. The Wildcats won the most games since they were 5-4 consecutively in 2010 and ’11.

But it will be no small task to fill such important roles on offense. Armstrong (Mercyhurst), who passed for nearly 1,500 yards, and Etienne (Clarion) signed at Division II schools.

“We had to replace our quarterback this year with Jason Armstrong graduating, but at the same time, we’re hopeful for a capable replacement,” Marucco said, referring primarily to junior Branden Crosby.

“He’s kind of separated himself from the pack,” Marucco said. “I would anticipate Branden to be a leader because he’s had a really good offseason. Hopefully, he’ll be able to progress. He played JV quarterback, and they were 5-5.”

Marucco is excited for the return of the interior line’s entire right side on offense: Holler, Domenick and Sweeney.

For a second year in a row, Latrobe finished strong, losing in overtime on a field goal to Armstrong after coming back from a 20-0 deficit to tie the score, then beating Plum and Connellsville in the final two games.

“Basically, we were two plays from being in the playoffs,” Marucco said. “But that’s behind us now. We had a great summer this year. I love this group of kids, and I’m really excited to put the team together.”

Schedule

Coach: Jason Marucco

2017 record: 4-6, 3-5

All-time record: 446-523-38

Date, Opponent, Time

8.24, Derry, 7 p.m.

8.31, at Penn Hills, 7 p.m.

9.7, Franklin Regional*, 7 p.m.

9.14, at Gateway*, 7 p.m.

9.21, Connellsville*, 7 p.m.

9.28, McKeesport*, 7 p.m.

10.5, at Penn-Trafford*, 7:30 p.m.

10.12, at Plum*, 7 p.m.

10.19, Albert Gallatin*, 7 p.m.

10.26, at Highlands, 7 p.m.

*Class 5A Foothills Conference game

Statistical leaders

Passing: Jason Armstrong*

112-189, 1,484 yards, 10 TDs

Rushing: Iven Etienne*

131-729 yards, 7 TDs

Receiving: Zakharee Williams

22-448 yards, 7 TDs

*Graduated

Dave Mackall is a freelance writer.

Tags: Latrobe