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|---|---|---|
| Coach Joe DeLucca | Matt Walter | Chris Pietrzak |
TEAM: Pittston Area Patriots
COLORS: Red, White & Blue
COACH: Joe DeLucca, 1st Season
PIAA: Class 5A
2024 CONFERENCE: WVC Division 1
2023 RECORD: 5-6 (4-2 in conference)
RECORD LAST FIVE SEASONS: 19-30
STADIUM: Charley Trippi Stadium
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 6
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 8
OFFENSIVE SCHEME: Spread
DEFENSIVE SCHEME: 4-4/4-3
2024 PREVIEW
It’s a new era for Pittston Area as Joe DeLucca takes over as the new head coach. He has been a long-time assistant in the area and now gets his first job running a program. He is off to a good start as a head coach as he led the Miners to a win in the UNICO Game this summer. Now, he will try to take a very talented roster and produce wins on the field. It will be challenging as the Patriots move up to WVC Division 1.
The first big hole for DeLucca to fill is at quarterback. Matt Walter, who was an all-league wide receiver last season, will shift over to be the Patriots signal caller. He has good size and is athletic and should be able to master the spread offense although there might be a learning curve early. Paulie Ferentino and Santino Capitano will be the backups. Chris Pietzrak should be the primary ball carrier after rushing for 173 yards last season. Aidan Brody and Jude Ferentino will also be in the mix at tailback. Lucas Lopresto returns as the No. 1 receiver after a breakout freshman season and will be joined by Malkolm Blackshear and Stephen Barnic as the starters. Taj Bailey and Billy Dessoye will provide depth. Colton Lis will be the starting tight end with John Jadus and Jaylen Hart in the rotation at the position.
The Patriots are experienced up front returning starters left guard Brandon Lockett, left tackle Sam Hankey and center Collin Smith. Former starting fullback Brody Spindler moves to right guard and Gunnar Zaledonis who started as freshman is back on the roster this season and will be the right tackle. Adam Wynn, Nico Cielo, Brian Hankey and Jakob Bolchune will provide depth up front.
On defense, Spindler moves from linebacker to nose tackle with Hart and Zaledonis at defensive tackle. Pietrzak. Bailey, Lis and Jadus could all see time at defensive end rotation. The linebacking corps is led by Narsvage and Smith. Jude Ferentino, Chance Radzewicz and Brody could also see time there. Lopresto is a returning all-league defensive back and will be joined by Walter and Blackshear in the secondary. Groom moves to a strong safety position that will move around the field on defense. Brody, Barnic, and Dessoye will be secondary options.
Gavin Wolfe returns as the kicker and the punter.
QUOTE FROM COACH DELUCCA: We have a great group of dedicated players who have had a tremendous offseason. Each week will feature quality opponents and coaches who have established solid programs. It is imperative we focus on one game at a time and take care of the basic tenets of football. Our team returns experienced leaders and quality newcomers. If we stay healthy and stay together through adversity, we will be a tough team to beat.
RETURNING ALL-STARS – WVC DIVISION 2
First Team Wide Receiver – Lucas Lopresto
First Team Wide Receiver – Matt Walter
First Team Kicker – Gavin Wolfe
First Team Linebacker – Brody Spindler
First Team Defensive Back – Lucas Lopresto
Second Team Fullback – Brody Spindler
Second Team Offensive Lineman – Brandon Lockett
Second Team Linebacker – Collin Smith
Honorable Mention Defensive Lineman – Jaylen Hart
Honorable Mention Linebacker – Victor Narsavage
