South Fayette opens conference play at Mars
South Fayette considered Central Valley a dress rehearsal. Now it’s showtime for the Lions and the curtain goes up at 7 p.m. Sept. 1 when South Fayette travels to Mars for the Northwest Nine Conference opener.
“Last week was nice,” said Joe Rossi of the 20-0 shutout that extended the Lions’ regular-season winning streak to 48 games, “but it doesn’t mean anything.”
A win against the Planets would. It would put the Lions on the footing for another undefeated conference title and a run at a WPIAL title. South Fayette has won three district titles since 2010 and two PIAA championships as well.
The Lions are certainly getting a feel for the postseason early as four of their first five games, including Central Valley Mars, are on the road.
“Central Valley was a great atmosphere. Packed house,” Rossi said. “For our young guys, it’s a good experience against a quality opponent. Mars will be no different. It will be a test for us right away.”
The Planets employ the Wing-T offense. Under Scott Heinauer, they have used the attack with success for 25 years. Last season, the Planets finished 8-3 overall and 7-1 in the Northwest Nine Conference. And, although Isaiah Johnson has graduated, Mars still boasts Garrett Rienke. He was the other half of the combination that rushed for 2,280 yards.
“Mars understands and knows that system well,” Rossi said of the Wing-T. “They run it to perfection.”
In Week Zero, while the Lions were blanking Central Valley, the Planets were dispatching Hampton, 27-14. Reinke rushed for 104 yards and three scores. “It was a nice win for them,” Rossi said.
Hence, South Fayette’s game plan is simple. Thwart the Wing-T early.
“We need to jump on them and get a lead and force them out of what they like to do best,” Rossi said.
With several weapons, the Lions expect to implement their strategy.
While Drew Saxton will be a key on offense as he was when he completed 11 of 22 passes for 151 yards and two scores against Central Valley, the defense will be vital to stopping the Planets. Defense did the job against Warriors as the Lions recorded 10 sacks, seven by Ben Coyne, and 88 tackles, 14 by Noah Plack. Coyne followed with 12 while Ryan Kokoski and Moe Mowod contributed nine and eight respectively.
Rossi was also particularly pleased with his young receiving corps, which included Mike Trimber, who caught a 24-yard TD strike to start the Lions’ scoring in the first frame, as well as his special teams, which was spearheaded by Ryan Coe, who kicked two field goals of 22 and 33 yards and both extra points. Coe just missed breaking the school record on his 52-yard field goal attempt.
“Our kicker was a game changer for us,” Rossi said. “Not only did he kick field goals but his kick-offs and punts were impressive. His hang time was good. They did not allow for any returns.”