Mt. Lebanon flag football future bright
Blue Devils look beyond loss to Shaler
“What ’til Next Year” isn’t just the collective mantra of loyal baseball fans. It has emerged as the slogan for the Mt. Lebanon flag football team after its loss to Shaler, 26-13, in the WPIAL semifinals.
“We are so proud of our team and what we accomplished, but we are looking forward to trying to win the WPIAL championship next season,” said Shawn Curren, who shares coaching duties with Michael Rost.
During the WPIAL’s inaugural season of flag football for females, the Blue Devils posted a 14-2 overall record.
“We are fortunate to have a great group of girls and coaches,” Rost said. “The core has been playing since our start three years ago and have only improved with time. We achieved a lot this season.”
Lebo entered the playoffs as the runner-up to undefeated USC in Section II. The Panthers blanked the Blue Devils, who were missing key players because of injuries, 28-0, during the regular season.
After blanking Bethel Park, 48-0, in the playoff opener, and upsetting the Panthers, 28-8, in the quarterfinals, the Blue Devils met the undefeated Titans (17-0) for the championship.
Shaler went on to beat Plum, 34-0, in the title game played May 8 at Upper St. Clair High School stadium.
Turnovers played a key role in Lebo’s loss to Shaler. The Titans converted three Lebo miscues into touchdowns. Shaler intercepted four passes in the triumph, three of which resulted in scores.
“Shaler is a great team,” Rost said. “They make every tackle and force you into short yardage throws. Turning the ball over three times against them puts you in a deep hole.”
Kayla Lowery, Naudia Zotter and Octavia Dixon had interceptions while Zoey Cieslak had a Pick-6 that gave the Titans a 12-6 lead with one second left in the third quarter.
Rost praised the Titan defense for making “great reads” as well as plays that forced the Blue Devils to throw long sideline passes rather than short dumps in long yardage situations.
“Our girls were just trying to make plays against a great defense, and Shaler was ready for it,” he said. “While those three plays went against us, we also had a number of great throws and catches on offense that allowed us to stay in the game.”
With 6:35 to play, Lebo only trailed, 19-13.
After a reception by Elizabeth Twyman put the ball on the 1-yard line, Lily Schaerli capped the drive with a touchdown to narrow the gap.
With 2:38 remaining, however, Dixon picked off another Lebo pass. After Cieslak rushed to the 1-yard line, Emily Thomas dove into the end zone to punctuate the victory with 1:56 to play.
“Our performance against Shaler says a lot about our team,” Rost said. “Despite three turnovers, the team never lost faith, and we were in the game until the end. Obviously Shaler is a very good team and we played them more competitively than anyone else.”
Shaler bolted ahead, scoring on its first possession of the game. Both teams traded interceptions in the first quarter Emma Curren had the pick for the Blue Devils.
Sophomore Ava Silva and Schaerli, a junior, accounted for the Blue Devil scores. Both played key roles in Lebo’s success this spring.
Silva made contributions on both sides of the ball.
“On defense she reads everything well, is a sure tackler, and breaks on the ball,” Rost said. “On offense, she has great hands and is very skilled at getting open, especially over the middle. When we need 10 yards for a first down, she almost always finds a way.”
Schaerli, who was injured and unable to play in the first match-up against rival USC, made a difference in Lebo’s playoff run.
“Lily is a special player,” Rost said. “Her speed, quickness, and change of direction are unparalleled.
“She can also throw, making her a dual threat on offense,” he continued. “The other team has to be aware of where she is on every play. That opens up a lot for us on offense.”
Schaerli also starts on defense.
“It is helpful to know that no one is outrunning her to the end zone,” Rost said. “She’s also a great kid and teammate.”
Emmanuela Alagbe was the lone senior on the Lebo roster. She was a wide receiver and linebacker for the Blue Devils.
“She’s been with us since the beginning and we will miss her and wish her the best as she starts college in the fall,” Rost said. “She’s always smiling and is a great teammate who’s made some important plays for us over the last three years.”
By returning all of its starters and a number of younger players that are improving, Mt. Lebanon is considered a top contender for a WPIAL title in 2027.
“We expect other teams to improve, but feel great about our chances to win it all next year,” Rost concluded.
In addition to Schaerli and quarterback Caroline Rost, the Blue Devils will do so with a plethora of juniors, who will assume the role of senior leaders next season. The returning juniors also include: Veda Krishna, Claire Kiley, Emma Curren, Shaylin Short, Elizabeth Twyman, Arabella McGonigle, Caitlyn Horgan and Kaylee Sirott.
In addition to Silva, Ella Harkiewicz, Laurel Huzzard, Izzy Dowiak, Lucy Sussman, Madi Harpst, Kaia Lee and Makenna Tappe are sophomores
Freshmen are Evelyn Quinlisk, Lena Baker, Noella Gouker, Elaine Wu, Brandy Calderone, Gracie Hughes, Ivy Marino and Vivian Malone.
“From our returners to our first year players, they all contributed in unique ways to make the team better,” Curren said.
Curren also noted that many of the players are involved in multiple activities.
“Juggling their time between flag football and track, club soccer, AAU basketball, orchestra, etc., makes their performances on the field even more impressive. We’re thankful for their efforts and look forward to next year.”