South Fayette travels to Uniontown
It would appear that South Fayette (3-0) and Uniontown (0-3) are two teams headed in opposite directions. Yet, the Lions expect to challenge themselves when they enter Red Raider territory for a 7 p.m. kickoff Sept. 15.
The Raiders lost to Class 6-A Connellsville, 46-33, in their opener then dropped decisions to Thomas Jefferson and Belle Vernon.
“Uniontown played a real nice game against Connellsville,” SF coach Joe Rossi said. “They moved the ball up and down the field. They struggled in their other two games as they faced two of the best teams in their conference but they continue to learn under their first-year coach Cedric Lloyd. They have a lot of spirit, good skill, good athletes and a proud program.”
Therein lies the similarity with the Lions. South Fayette has tradition and talent on its side in this fray. Though they graduated their largest class of seniors, they have filled the gaps, particularly at wide receiver.
For example, in their 47-7 win against Ambridge on Sept. 8, newcomers Ryan Kokoski and RayQuin Glover had four receptions each for 65 and 48 yards as four-year veteran Drew Saxton completed 11 of 17 aerials for 178 yards and two scores. Glover hauled in a 29-yard strike and Peyton Tinney grabbed a 19-yard TD aerial. Glover leads the team with 14 receptions for 134 yards. Noah Plack follows with 11 grabs and 159. Mike Trimbur adds five catches for 99 yards.
“Wide receiver was a question mark for us at the beginning of the season but our four guys have come on,” Rossi said of Glover, Tinney Trimbur and Kokoski. “As a group we are getting better, maturing each week and continuing in the tradition of good receivers that we have had here.
“Tradition is hard to beat. We feed off that. Be the next in line to step up. I’m happy with our progress. The kids are playing well.”
The Lions are not doing so well when it comes to laundry. They have been flagged by officials nine times against Ambridge.
“We need to cut down on penalties,” said Rossi. “We are only hurting ourselves. It’s hard to get into a rhythm when you commit penalties. We have to clean up a few things.”
On the ground, the Lions also cleaned up against Ambridge. Johnny Beck rushed for two TDs. Saxton rushed for a 12-yard score and Johnny Obenour tacked on an 8-yard run. Beck leads the Lions with 247 yards on 44 carries for a 5.6-yard average.