The top team in the conference will receive a bye, while the second and third place teams will square off. The WPIAL has made a change in its playoff system this year, with three teams from each conference, rather than two, advancing. SIZEWISE TALENT FREE``His son and daughter will be here to accept the honors,'' said Falconi, ``Plus anyone who ever played for Paulekas will get a free ticket to the game.'' 13 when the Farrell High Stadium will be officially dedicated in honor of long-time Farrell coach Anthony Paulekas. If we play the way we're capable of playing, we'll win, but if we don't.''įalconi is also looking forward to Sept. ``It's a good opener for us and our kids can't take this game lightly. They've developed into one of the top Class A programs in District 10 and we're one of the top in the WPIAL (District 7). ``I think a lot of people are looking forward to the game,'' said Falconi. We can throw the ball too.''įalconi is excited about opening up this season on Saturday at Kennedy Christian. ``But offensively, I think we'll be explosive. Just like in the state game last year when we won 6-0. ``The defense will be the key, that sets the tone. Pinkins is the punter and place kicker, while kicking of chores will fall to Kennedy or Lorenzo Ham. Secondary will include Wilder, Pinkins, Derrick Newell, Claiborne, Falconi or Rennie Gash. Linebackers will be Kennedy, Bryant, Terence Gash or Marino Harris. Daniels, a solid linebacker for the Steelers last season, will move to a down position at defensive end along with Evans. On defense, noseguard will be Pulliam, Harrison and Newell at tackles. Guards are Sim Harrison and James Pulliam, with Brian Kucik at center. Tackles are Dante Newell, big Ernie Somerset (330-plus pounds) or Sterling Austin. SIZEWISE TALENT PROTight ends will be Willie Evans and Derrick Newell, with Newell at split end in a pro set. Halfback or wide-out, depending what set the team runs, will be Chico Pinkins, a great receiver. ``Of course a lot of coaches would like to have our problem.'' ``The biggest problem is, we don't have enough balls to go around,'' said Falconi. Jason Kennedy (Stan's brother), Demarco Wilder, Terrance Gash (a transfer from Hickory) and Lamar Claiborne also should see a lot of action in the backfield. ``After all those years around me, he knows almost as much about the game as I do,'' Falconi said.Ĭarlos Daniels, a powerful runner, may move from his familiar fullback spot and run some out of the tailback slot. If Gash can't do the job, Falconi doesn't have to look too far for a replacement. He's got good physical talent, but we'll see how well he can lead the team.'' Right now it looks like Rennie Gash (a junior) will get the nod at quarterback. ``Pegues will be harder to replace at quarterback because we've got to replace a leader. ``It's hard to replace a runner as good as Stan Kennedy, but we've got a great group of backs,'' said Falconi. Other key losses are quarterback/defensive back Anthony Pegues and tight end/defensive end/punter Jon Rado. Lost to graduation from the state title team which posted a 14-1 record are some key players, however, including All-State selections Stan Kennedy, a 1,476-yard rusher, and Bill Mercurio the heart of the Steelers defense at noseguard. In fact, nine starters return for the Steelers, with starters returning to seven spots on offense and seven on defense. ``A good run'' might be a gross understatement. We're still a small school, but we're having a good run of athletes right now.'' ``I think that every kid in the school that should be here is here. ``We have 45 kids out for the team,'' he said. I'm worried about that.''Īthough Farrell has a small enrollment, Falconi makes the most of it. We've got to be ready and have the proper attitude. ``They think they can just turn it on Friday nights it doesn't work like that. ``I had a meeting and yelled at all the seniors about the way we were practicing,'' the veteran coach said. ``My biggest problem is trying to keep their heads on their shoulders,'' said Falconi, whose team is being picked by many to have a good shot to repeat as PIAA Class A state champion. Coach Lou Falconi hopes his Steelers don't get too big in another area _ ego. Football '96 published Tuesday, August 27,1996Ĭoach Lou Falconi and the 1996-97 Farrell High Steelers.įarrell High football team is big, both size-wise and talent-wise.
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