Peters Township looks to establish home-field advantage
The motto for the Peters Township High School football team this fall is, “This is our house.”
The Indians proved that in their Week Zero thumping of Chartiers Valley, 45-14, and they look to continue the trend when they host Seneca Valley at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 1 in a non-conference clash.
“Last year, we were not particularly consistent at home,” PT coach TJ Plack said. “That’s something we are looking to change for this season. The players are aware of it. As a staff we are doing things differently to keep our edge and insist the players defend their home turf.”
Against the Colts, the Indians did just that. Jake Cortes led the charge. The senior showed no signs of the shoulder injury that plagued him throughout camp and saw him miss the team’s first scrimmage against Upper St. Clair. Cortes completed 14 of 22 passes for 163 yards and four touchdowns.
Of his performance against CV, Plack said, “Jake made some good plays,” but also noted there were things that can be improved, such as playing within the system and continuing to get the ball into his players’ hands.
“Good or bad,” Plack added, “Jake he is a leader on the field and our older and younger players mimic his demeanor.”
And though the Indians struggled in the first half, falling behind 14-12, at halftime, they stood behind their leaders. Plack said the Indians learned a lot about themselves in battling back from surrendering two quick scores before intermission.
“It just reconfirmed the type of young men we have in our football program now, positive, resilient, reliable, tenacious, and opportunistic,” Plack said.
Plack cited the play of Josh Casilli (three touchdowns, 84 yards on five catches), Tanner Scott (two rushing scores), Ryan Magiske (63 yards on 12 carries), Adrian Williams (43 yards on seven totes) on offense as well as the two-way line play from Ian Chaudhari.
Defenders Angelo Quarture and Logan Clark excelled, as did freshman Corban Hondru, who returned an interception for a 32-yard score.
Chaudhari could be a key for the Indians against Seneca Valley. He is one of the anchors on the offensive line at guard. Plus, he plays tackle on defense.
Seneca Valley excels in the trenches. The Raiders feature Jake Stebbins and Gabe Miller. Miller is a running back and linebacker. Stebbins is a 6-2, 220-pound junior tight end and linebacker. Evan Schillero is one of the team’s anchors on both sides of the line.
“Seneca does a nice job with their tight ends. (Stebbins and Miller) are very versatile. They head their linebacker core, as well,” Plack said. “On offense, their front seven are very sound and limit any big gains.”
Hence, Plack noted, Seneca Valley will be a “great test” in that area for the Indians.
“Our offensive line continues to be an area we are looking to gain experience and consistency,” he said. “We know there will be growing pains up front for us, but this week hopefully they do not result in penalties and put us behind the sticks, in bad situations.
Plack continued to outline a map for victory against the Raiders. “We need to match their physicality up front on both sides of the line of scrimmage,” he said. “If we can do that, hopefully our perimeter players can take advantage of matchups.”