New coach Keefer aims to get Southmoreland on winning track

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

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For a football program entering its 55th season, a feeling of newness surrounds the Southmoreland Scotties.

There’s a new coach in Dave Keefer, some new players and a new attitude in the locker room as Southmoreland tries to rebound from last year’s 0-9 record, 0-7 in the conference.

“I feel with a new coaching staff, we can improve a lot and be a playoff-contending team,” said returning tailback/cornerback Ronnie Robinson.

“We have lots of seniors, and I feel we can compete.”

“I think the response of the kids has been a positive,” Keefer said. “The offseason went well, and we feel we’re positioned to win this year.”

This will be the first football head coaching job for Keefer, who has taught in the school district for 27 years. He replaced Mark Adams as the Scotties’ coach.

Keefer has been the track coach at Southmoreland and teaches social studies.

“It definitely helps to know a lot of the kids from track, and you develop relationships.” Keefer said. “I’ve seen a great attitude from the kids so far.”

The player turnout is a little more than 30 as Southmoreland dropped from Class 3A to 2A. The Scotties will play in the Century Conference.

Instead of being one of the smaller schools in Class 3A, Southmoreland will be one of Class 2A’s larger schools.

But dropping down in classification doesn’t automatically translate into victories.

“We’ve got to change the culture here,” Keefer said. “We’d like to get to the point where we can expect larger (player) numbers. One of my goals is to help the kids transition from junior high and youth football into high school.”

Southmoreland hasn’t had a winning season in football since 2003, defeating McGuffey on the final night of the regular season to finish 5-4. The Scotties haven’t made the WPIAL playoffs since 1979.

Robinson led the Scotties in rushing last year with 563 yards and four touchdowns. Fellow senior Chad Miller had 198 yards.

Sophomore Zac Carnuto will take over quarterbacking duties with Jaden Datz graduated. Senior Cade Richter led the Scotties in receiving last year with 19 catches; Robinson had 16.

Anchoring the defense will be junior Chase Cahoun and seniors Lane Vance and Ryan Zolek.

“Our team, though, is very young,” Keefer said. “We have some sophomores and some ninth graders we’ll need to help the varsity come together.”

There will be some familiar faces in the newly constituted Century Conference.

Defending WPIAL champion Washington, Charleroi and McGuffey are schools the Scotties have played in the past.

In fact, Southmoreland will start the season against its most frequent foe, Mt. Pleasant, and Robinson is excited.

“That is a huge rivalry game for us,” Robinson said. “We’re getting physically and mentally prepared for that game and the rest of the schedule.”

The Scotties will play the Vikings at home at Russ Grimm Stadium.

Schedule

Coach: Dave Keefer

2017 record: 0-9, 0-7

All-time record: 168-337-12

Date, Opponent, Time

8.24, Mt. Pleasant, 7 p.m.

8.31, at Frazier*, 7 p.m.

9.7, at Carmichaels*, 7 p.m.

9.14, Beth-Center*, 7 p.m.

9.21, Brownsville*, 7 p.m.

9.28, at McGuffey*, 7 p.m.

10.5, at Charleroi*, 7 p.m.

10.12, Shenango, 7 p.m.

10.19, at Washington*, 7 p.m.

10.26, Greensburg C.C., 7 p.m.

*Class 2A Century Conference game

Statistical leaders

Passing: Jaden Datz*

65-139, 594 yards, 4 TDs

Rushing: Ronnie Robinson

94-563 yards, 4 TDs

Receiving: Cade Richter

19-250 yards, 2 TDs

*Graduated

George Guido is a freelance writer.

Tags: Southmoreland