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Yancich, Sweat pace Trinity's offense
One ranks among the top eight rushers in the WPIAL, and would be much higher if not for a couple of untimely penalties last week at Hampton. The other is earning a more prominent role in the offense, and absolutely loves the idea of being the lead blocker for a prolific running back.
Mike Yancich and Andrew Sweat, both seniors at Trinity High School, are known, however, as linebackers. Their defensive abilities earned Yancich a ticket to Penn State and Sweat a pass to Ohio State.
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Yancich, in his first year as the featured tailback, is tearing through opposing defenses and ripping off yards in large chucks. His 461 rushing yards and five touchdowns have come on 58 carries. Sweat, the Hillers' starting fullback, is coming off his best offensive game, which included a 66-yard touchdown run.
"In order to get the ball back, we're going to have to play good defense but when we're on offense, we can control the pace of the game," Yancich said. "Our offense can be a high-powered running attack and the running game dictates how a game flows."
There's no doubting that Yancich and Sweat will be major factors in tonight's outcome. They impact every Trinity game.
How well they run behind a strong offensive line could determine which team provides a challenge to undefeated and untested Thomas Jefferson in the conference.
"It's important every game to execute the gameplan but I know I'll have different roles this week," Sweat said. "It comes down to executing."
In addition to two rushing touchdowns, Sweat leads Trinity with six receptions. He predicts and increased offensive role against the Colts.
The same could be said for several Hillers, including improving quarterback Ian Haley. Sweat and Yancich are among several new offensive starters for Trinity, which squeaked out a one-point win over Blackhawk in double overtime before beating Hampton last week.
Hillers head coach Ed Dalton predicted before the season started that his offense would take time to form cohesion. He was right.
Now, with the conference season about to start, Trinity believes its pointed the proper direction.
"We're there," Yancich said. "I guess you could say we were a premature team in non-conference. Canon-McMillan showed that we were not ready. Against Blackhawk, we should have played better but we won. Against Hampton, we were learning even more.
"We've come together as a team. We weren't really a team before and then, all of a sudden, we became a team. And it couldn't have come at a more perfect time."
Trinity's final six games are all in conference and not many will be as difficult as tonight's game.
Chartiers Valley, owners of blowout victories over Moon and Peters Township, not only has new facilities as part of the school district's $29.5 million renovation project, the Colts have speed at nearly every position.
Santino Coury is an exceptionally fast tailback, Devin Greene is one tough fullback and Jim Riley has a team-high 254 rushing yards. Chartiers Valley runs an option offense.
"They have speed and a scheme that we just don't play very often," Dalton said. "Not only do they run a triple-option, it's a triple-option with McKeesport-like foot speed. We're obviously very concerned."
As usual, Sweat and Yancich will figure heavily into Trinity's defensive plans.
"With their speed, and they are fast, we have to be disciplined," Sweat said. "As a freshmen and sophomore, we played McKeesport and they did that (triple-option). Char Valley is a little different type of option but it's still effective. It should be a fun game."
