Rockets need to run and stop the run
SLIPPERY ROCK — Rebounding from a 2-6 record a year ago, Slippery Rock High's football team will need improved play across the board.
However, Rockets' coach Larry Wendereusz believes two numbers, above all others, have to change if his squad is to meet with success this season — 2.6 and 5.0.
That's the yardage the Rockets gained and allowed, respectively, per rush in 2020.
“We didn't do a good job of running the ball or stopping the run,” Wendereusz said. “I believe we're better suited to do both this season.”
The basis for that optimism comes partly from a strong offseason.
“We had a really good core of guys who made the commitment to be here in the weight room,” Wendereusz said. “I'm excited with what that could lead to once we get rolling.”
Offensively, the Rockets will rely heavily on the play of a trio of running backs — Shane Thompson, Ryan Montgomery and Brett Galcik.Thompson led Slippery Rock last year in rushing attempts (65), yards (265) and scored four of the team's six touchdowns on the ground.Montgomery and Galcik combined for 237 yards and a touchdown. While they will split out as receivers this year — they teamed for 33 receptions last year — both will get their share of carries.“We're going to use a running back-by-committee approach. We want to keep guys fresh,” Wendereusz said.Getting better gains in the ground game can only help the progression of junior quarterback William Mokel, who passed for 1,129 yards with six touchdowns and eight interceptions in his first season as a starter.“He's already taken the next step in that he better understands the position and concepts,” Wendereusz said. “We've worked with him on being able to read in front of the route, recognize where two defenders are and not just one. That should make things easier on him.”Simply having a year of starting under his belt has positively affected Mokel's mind-set.“I was really nervous at the start of last year,” he said, “just thinking about how things were going to turn out. Now I feel confident. I got stronger in the off-season and should be able to run with the ball, too.”
Two wideouts — senior Brendan Earl (9-111-1) and junior John Sabo (23-298-2) — figure to be on the receiving end of many of Mokel's passes.The skill players should benefit from an experienced line, where Slippery Rock returns four of five starters in tackles Tony Pilosi and Brody Galcik and guards Jacob Humes and Isaac Bell.Defensively, the Rockets hope to improve on caused turnovers after tallying just four last year, including only one interception.Pilosi (5-foot-9, 200 pounds) will anchor the front from his end position after making 38 tackles (three for a loss) a year ago.“He's been all-region the last two years,” Wendereusz said. “The kid causes havoc up front and is tough to handle.”Other returning starters include Brody Galcik at the other end, Thompson and Brett Galcik at linebacker, Maddox Allen at cornerback and Montgomery at free safety.Brett Galcik is coming off a season in which he led the Rockets in tackles (62) and tackles for loss (8). He will make the move from outside to inside linebacker to, as Wendereusz said, “...get him more involved.”As will be the case on offense, much will be expected from Montgomery.“He's a centerpiece for us in the secondary,” Wendereusz said. “He just understands football. We give our guys the scouting report on Mondays and by Wednesday, he has it under wraps. He's an energy guy and the others look for him to be a spark.”“I've always been that way,” said Montgomery. “Once I get into something, I work hard at it. We're getting after it a lot more on defense and I think we'll be more aggressive.”Slippery Rock began last season on a high note, defeating Sharon 27-7, but three straight losses followed and the team never was able to get back to .500.This year's region opponents include Titusville, Grove City, Hickory, Sharon and Conneaut (Ohio).“We had a young team last year, started getting some of our players beat up and it was tough to get things turned around,” said Wendereusz. “We have to change what happens with our conference games.”SLIPPERY ROCK2021 ScheduleAug. 27-FORT LeBOEUF, 7 p.m.Sept. 3-at Mercyhurst Prep, 7 p.m.; Sept. 10-at Titusville, 7 p.m.; Sept. 17-GROVE CITY, 7 p.m.; Sept. 24-CORRY, 7 p.m.Oct. 1-at Conneaut, 7 p.m.; Oct. 8-HICKORY, 7 p.m.; Oct. 15-SHARON, 7 p.m.; Oct. 22-at Girard, 7 p.m.; Oct. 29-at Butler, 7 p.m.2020 results (2-6)Sharon 27-7, Grove City 21-34, Hickory 0-45, Sharon 20-31, Grove City 17-14, Hickory 7-28, Butler 3-28PlayoffsHickory 0-51
