South Side looks to build on trip to WPIAL title game

By: Derek Malush
Monday, August 19, 2019 | 8:09 PM

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The South Side Rams had championship DNA coursing through their veins during the 2018 season.

The Rams went 8-3 last year and advanced to the WPIAL Class 2A championship game to take on Steel Valley. There, they were routed by the Ironmen, 48-6, who won their second championship in the last three years.

This season, South Side has hopes of returning to the finals.

“We are replacing all of our opening day offensive line from last year,” coach Luke Travelpiece said.

“The success of the line coming together will determine how well we do this year.”

Returning for his senior season, quarterback Trenton Siek threw for more than 600 yards and five touchdowns last season. He also accounted for five rushing touchdowns and threw three interceptions.

Graduate Jake McDougal was on the receiving end with 43 receptions for 647 yards and four touchdowns.

“We increased our points per game last season from the previous season by 12 points per game,” Travelpiece said. “The key was eliminating our turnovers and controlling the ball.”

Graduate Jake Botkin manned the running attack and rushed for more than 1,600 yards and 22 touchdowns and had nine games where he surpassed 100 yards.

Senior Anthony Navarra is likely to step into the starting running back role for the Rams but likely will share carries.

With both Botkin and McDougal lost to graduation, the Rams will have to look for answers on both sides of the ball as they lost their key offensive and defensive leaders.

“We lost a lot of starters from last year’s defense, and the key will be how well we learn from our assignments,” Travelpiece said. “However, we have a lot of young guys that will have the opportunity to earn a lot of playing time.”

Schedule

Coach: Luke Travelpiece

2018 record: 10-4, 5-2

All-time record: 263-312-19

Date, Opponent, Time

8.23, at Sto-Rox, 7

8.31, at Western Beaver, 12:30

9.6, Serra Catholic*, 7

9.13, Carlynton*, 7

9.20, at Burgettstown*, 7

9.27, Brentwood*, 7

10.4, at South Allegheny*, 7

10.11, at Seton LaSalle*, 7

10.18, Fort Cherry*, 7

10.25, Steel Valley, 7

*Class 2A Three Rivers Conference game

Statistical leaders

Passing: Trenton Seik

53-92, 603 yards, 5 TDs

Receiving: Jake McDougal*

36-544 yards, 3 TDs

Rushing: Jake Botkin*

236-1,587 yards, 22 TDs

*Graduated

Tags: South Side