Dominic Yanoshak of BG avoids the tackle attempt by Sean Wilkes of WH. Mirror file photo
By Michael Boytim
Last year was a big one for Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic.
The Marauders won their fourth PIAA Class 1A championship and bounced back from some disappointing playoff finishes the two previous seasons.
But it was also a milestone year for Penn Cambria and coach Nick Felus.
After some lean years, the Panthers defeated Tyrone in a playoff game and made it to the District 6 Class 3A final, but perhaps even more importantly, they topped Bishop Guilfoyle on the road during the regular season.
“It’s a process to change the culture of a program and get it turned around,” Felus said. “We talked about getting our kids to compete. Those first couple years, our kids did a good job at competing, and then we talked about taking the next step and beating some of the top teams. Last year, being able to beat BG was huge for our program. I don’t know what the numbers are, but it was the first time we beat them in a long time. They are obviously a very good program. Justin has done a great job with them, and I think that win gave our kids some confidence.”
Penn Cambria had lost to the Marauders eight straight times prior to the win. Bishop Guilfoyle coach Justin Wheeler, a Penn Cambria graduate who still works at the school, said Friday’s game in Cresson at 7 pm is more important because of this year’s implications than anything that happened last season.
“They are at the top of their game right now, and we want to be at the top as well.” Wheeler said. “This is a battle of two teams trying to be at the top of the Laurel Highlands, and I think regardless of what happened last year, our guys know it’s about Friday night.”
The Panthers are coming off their latest huge win, a 42-28 triumph over Central — the defending Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference and District 6 Class 3A champions.
“We set a bunch of goals for our team every August,” Felus said. “I don’t think anything is surprising to our guys. Maybe it might be surprising to some people outside of our program that don’t know how hard we’ve been working this offseason with morning lifting and things we’ve done that I think has taken our program to the next level.”
Much of Penn Cambria’s success has to do with its line and tremendous quarterback-running back duo in Garrett Harrold and Zach Grove.
“We love our combo of quarterback and tailback as well, but it’s probably one of the best combinations in the Laurel Highlands and across the area,” Wheeler said. “It makes it very difficult, because they both do everything well. They have both started for multiple years and do everything well. It’s going to be a difficult challenge. There’s probably no way to stop them, but you hope in a game like this you can slow them down and make enough plays to come out on the right end of it.”
BG has its own star quarterback in Karson Kiesewetter, who was named the Class 1A Player of the Year last season.
“Obviously their offense runs through their quarterback, who is a phenomenal athlete,” Felus said. “He does a great job at making plays with his legs, but I have noticed watching some film this week that he’s really improved his throwing mechanics and is throwing the ball better. He’s improved his game, but they have other guys that we have to be aware of out of motions and the spread. They do a lot of the things we do with our quarterback as well. We have to make sure we’re aligned correctly and play hard.”
Wheeler agreed that BG is more of a threat to pass the ball this season.
“(Kiesewetter) was so good with his feet last year, and he was good throwing the ball, but he really worked hard throwing a lot,” Wheeler said. “We have that confidence in him now throwing the ball. Last year, we were figuring ourselves out a bit, but this year, we know he’s able to be a dual threat.”
Penn Cambria will have to guard against a letdown following its win over Central, something Felus said isn’t much of a concern when it comes to playing in the LHAC.
“That sums up the Laurel Highlands,” Felus said. “Each week is a battle. Week in and week out, playing at home or on the road, you know you’re getting a top-notch, well-coached program. I think for our program and what we’re trying to accomplish, we put each week with the same amount of importance. You have to prepare. It’s going to be a challenge, but we’re excited for it.”
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