28 · SUNDAY, AUGUST 20, 2017 Defending WPIAL, PIAA champion Ironmen enacted 35-point mercy rule in every game last season TARGET ON STEEL VALLEY After an historic season, Steel Valley’s players deserved amonths long celebration from winter until summer camp. No team ever had accomplished what the Ironmen did last season,when theundefeated state champions finished all 15 victories under the mercy rule. Each week, a 35-point secondhalf lead made the clock run continuously. Their performance was the most dominant since the rule was implemented in 1998, so the players had reason to relax and reminisce. But they didn’t for long. “One of our coaches took us out to eat, and he asked us when we wanted to start (working out for next season),” said Amonte Strothers, anall-conference cornerback as a junior last season. His team’s answer: “Immediately.” “We were like: ‘We want to start now,’ ” he said. “We started lifting about a week later — right back at it.” That’s likelyunwelcomenews for the rest of Class 2A. Mercy rule victory No. 15was over Southern Columbia, 49-7, in the PIAA Class 2A final on Dec. 10atHersheyparkStadium. The Ironmen outscored their opponents 537-81. Per game, that’sa54-8 average score. Yet by early January, the team’s focus alreadyhad shifted to making another playoff run. “Even though we played into December last year, we brought them right back,” coach Rod Steele said.“Weknewwegraduated a lot. We knew we had to make surewe had a good offseason developing kids. Sowe came right back into the weight room the week afterChristmasbreak. The kids probably only had off three or four weeks.” Steel Valley graduated 15 players fromthat championship roster, includingstandouts Paris Ford and DeWayne Murray. Ford, a Pitt recruit, scored 23 touchdowns. Murray, a Duquesne freshman, wasa2,000- yard rusherwith 46touchdowns. They’ll be difficult to replace. “It’s going to be hard torepeat, because the talent and team we had was amazing,” said senior Nahjier West, a running back who scored five touchdowns in last year’s state final. “It will be hard to do the same thing they did, but I think maybe we can.” How much has the gap narrowed between Steel Valley and everybody else? That’s the question. East Allegheny finished second in the ThreeRivers Conference behind the Ironmen last season but lost the head-to-head matchup 66-0. Neshannock, which had been considered the WPIAL’s secondbest team all season, lost 49-14 in the WPIAL final. Riverside lost twice to Steel Valley, 41-7 and 42-0. “It was an amazing run,” Steele said. “It was an amazing group of kids, and it wasn’t just on the field either. Off the field, not one player got suspended from our program or school for disciplinary reasons. Ninetythree percent of the kids make the honor roll. Our team gets enshrined into the Heinz Field Hall of Fame. A lot of great things happened for that team.” This year’s team will lean heavily onWest, Strothers, LB/ FB Todd Hill and WR/DB Trevon Adams. Senior Trey Karfelt takes over as quarterback. Strothers and Hill were allconference defensive players last season. Butwhen theopener arrives, last year’s accomplishment won’t matter anymore, Strothers insisted. “Like I tell this team, that team’s in thecoffin,”Steelesaid. “It’s buried. It’s over with. You guys did what you had to do. Now let’s move on. What about this senior class? What legacy are you going to leave?” Chris Harlan isaTribune-Reviewstaff writer. Reach himat charlan@tribweb.com or via Twitter @CHarlan_Trib. by CHRIS HARLAN CLASS 2A THEFAVORITE 1. Steel Valley (15-0) The Ironmen triggered the mercy rule in all 15 games last season en route to winning the state title. Gone are college recruits Paris Ford (Pitt) and DeWayne Murray (Duquesne), but coach Rod Steele returns enough talent to make them the clear favorite. Preseason rankings 2. Washington (11-1) 3. Neshannock (12-2) 4. Riverside (9-3) 5. Laurel (8-4) * RECORDS FROM 2016 THE STARS TJ BANKS East Allegheny, sr., TE/DE Banks was all-conference on defense, yet Rivals ranks him as the 14th-best tight end prospect in the country. He scored 10 times in 2016. AUSTIN DAMBACH Riverside, sr., WR/DB The Lehigh recruit set a state single-game record in 2015 with 348 yards on 13 receptions. He was an all-conference wideout as a junior. TODD HILL Steel Valley, sr., FB/LB Hill earned all-conference honors last season at linebacker. He scored two defensive TDs in one game on fumble and intercetion returns. ISAIAH SCHOONMAKER Washington, sr., WR/LB The Miami (Ohio) commit was an all-conference linebacker. He scored seven times, including on a 55-yard interception return and a safety. AMONTE STROTHERS Steel Valley, sr., WR/DB Strothers, who lists DI FBS offers from Purdue and Syracuse, earned all-conference on defense. His quickness showed on a punt return TD. DON’T MISS 9.1 Riverside at Steel Valley This Week 1 nonconference matchup was a sign of things to come last year when Steel Valley won 41-7. 10.7 Neshannock at Riverside This Week 6 matchup decided the Midwestern champion last season when Neshannock won 20-13. 10.13 Chartiers-Houston at Washington Washington won the Century title with a 28-7 victory in Week 7, the team’s closest conference game. Steel Valley’s Trevon Adams “I Love My Smile!” Dr. Maria Cavalier - Sue K., Greensburg For a free consultation, or a free brochure about how Dr. Cavalier can help you get a smile you love call: New Patients Welcome! adno=6501420_v4 724.219.0812 - 438 Pellis Rd., Suite 100 - Greensburg • www.cavalierdentistry.com
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