Mt. Lebanon eyes big finish
With four tailbacks and a fullback returning from last year’s 9-2 season, Mt. Lebanon should sport a dominant ground game this season.
Mt. Lebanon players practice drills that will enable them to be explosive off the line.
Mike Melynk again will point the way to success for the Mt. Lebanon High School football team. Entering his fourth season at the helm, he guided the Blue Devils to a 9-2 record and the quarterfinals in the 2016 playoffs.
Mike Melnyk
While high school football teams across the state look forward to their season openers, Mt. Lebanon eyes its finale.
“We certainly have high expectations,” admitted coach Mike Melnyk. “I know I’m eager to see where we are at the end of the year.”
Because the Blue Devils boast 26 seniors, experience is the primary reason for optimism. Many of those upperclassmen saw considerable action on last year’s squad that finished 9-2 overall, reached the quarterfinals of the WPIAL playoffs and graduated just a dozen players. Though they have not vocally expressed their objectives – they never do – the Blue Devils aim to capture championships.
“Our goal is to win every game we play. Improve every day, every week, every game and improve our position in the playoffs,” Melnyk said. “We don’t talk about championships. If we take care of our business and improve, then those things take care of themselves.”
Before they wade into the postseason, the Blue Devils must negotiate a schedule rife with change. Thanks to a statewide realignment, football has expanded to six classifications. Grouped in the largest division, Mt. Lebanon will compete in the Southeastern Conference. Bethel Park, Peters Township and Canon-McMillan remain, but Altoona, Hempfield and Norwin have replaced fierce opponents Upper St. Clair and Woodland Hills, which are grouped in Class 5-A. Northern powerhouses North Allegheny and Pine-Richland are Mt. Lebanon’s crossover contests.
“Bethel Park has a great program. Peters Township will be improved. Altoona, Hempfield and Norwin are the wild cards,” Melnyk said. “Our crossover games will be a good measuring stick to see how well we stack up against the North.”
Mt. Lebanon stacks up well against any opponent, though the Blue Devils will use two quarterbacks to replace Eddie Jenkins.
As a sophomore, James Stocker gained playing time. During the summer, he made a lot of progress.
“We feel good about him,” said Melnyk.
James Harvey played quarterback when Mt. Lebanon resorted to its Wildcat attack. The senior led Mt. Lebanon in rushing last season and ranked No. 1 in scoring with 13 touchdowns.
According to Melnyk, Stocker and Harvey have “good people” around them. “The objective is to get the ball into the hands of the playmakers.”
In addition to Harvey, Mt. Lebanon returns three additional tailbacks in Edgar Parrilla, Emmanuel Komolafe and Eric Kraus along with fullback David Abbondanza.
“We are solid there,” Melnyk said. “We like to be 50-50; equal with the passing and running. We feel you need to be good in both areas.”
Mt. Lebanon should be efficient in the pass department because of its top receivers. Jack Young and Patrick Moeller hauled in 30 and 20 passes, respectively. Additionally, Nate Bayer and Parrilla have experience at the receiver slots.
The Blue Devils return three-year starters in Ian Walsh at center, Chris Lippert at guard and Ken Shrader at tackle. While he played as a freshman last year, Nate Hoagland will be used more on the defensive line. Colby Sorsdal is a 6-5, 275-pound junior who has developed into a strong tackle.
At tight end, Patrick Werkmeister will be used a lot.
On defense, Mt. Lebanon looks for three-year starter Cam Haley to anchor the line at end. Ryan Gaughan also is a veteran.
“We have depth, so we will try not to have those guys go both ways,” Melnyk said.
At linebacker, Kraus returns inside. Coleman Coco is expected to excel. “He has been waiting in the wings,” Melnyk predicted of the junior.
Harvey returns on the outside, where Tucker Donati and Abbondanza should see plenty of action.
The cornerbacks are Parrilla and Ben Greenwood while Bayer is the safety in Mt. Lebanon’s 4-2-5 scheme.
“On defense, we need to eliminate the big plays and stop the other team,” Melnyk said.
Garritt Montilla will continue his duties as placekicker and punter. The all-conference performer kicked seven field goals and converted 40 PATs last season.
For multiple reasons, the Blue Devils feel good about their chances for success. “It’s a hard-working team. They are experienced and hungry.”
If we can avert the distractions and pitfalls of a long season, then we can do well. It’s a process though, and there are a lot of things that you have to overcome, like weather, injuries, referees, bad luck, in order to be successful.”