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Many hurdles await but Greyhounds optimistic

4 min read

Holly Tonini

Chaz Mrlack kicking and Devin Whitlock holding

The challenges and obstacles facing the Monessen Greyhounds football team are many.

Holly Tonini

Dawayne Howell

• A difficult early-season schedule that includes rival Charleroi, Tri-County South Conference favorite California and Springdale, a team Monessen has rarely defeated in football.

• Player participation.

• Reliance on a number of freshmen and sophomores at critical positions.

• And the difficult climb back to respectability.

All of that will not deter second-year head coach Mike Blainefield or what he thinks is an improving Greyhounds team that won just two games last season (over Jefferson-Morgan and Mapletown) but qualified for the WPIAL Class A playoffs.

Holly Tonini

Darnell Howell

Monessen relishes its tough early-season schedule, focusing on the opportunity it presents. The Greyhounds’ roster is a “solid 28” Blainefield said and that is about double the number from the end of the 2017 season. The freshmen and sophomore classes, while inexperienced, are talented and eager. The commitment to return Monessen to a winning program is solid.

“I definitely expect us to be better,” Blainefield said. “The overall attitude is different – much better. We certainly are more unified and I have to say there is much less selfishness with this group.

“We have much more participation than we have had. We all look forward to having productive practices where we can actually scrimmage and prepare in the proper manner because we have more bodies and more kids committed.”

Monessen will feature junior DaWayne Howell at quarterback. He threw for more than 700 yards last season and solidified the position after taking over at midseason.

Blainefield said Howell has progressed because of his offseason work and time spent watching video.

“He has put in the time,” Blainefield said. “He’s watched film with me and has actually helped develop some of the things we would like to do. All that time and practice is huge for him.”

Holly Tonini

Dominic Tineri

Howell will be surrounded by a host of athletically talented players including senior running back Vaughn Taylor, who missed much of the season with a knee injury, sophomore running back Elijah Davis, junior running back-receiver Isaiah Beltram, senior running back, multi-position, Justin Towler and emerging freshman Devin Whitlock.

The Greyhounds return two starting offensive linemen in senior Jay Bonnacci and sophomore Mark Mizerak. They will both play tackle.

“The rest of the line is a delicate situation,” Blainefield said. “We have players but ones with no varsity experience. They are going to need to get the feel for the offense and the game.

“We have performed brilliantly in our 7-on-7 competitions. But that is not the same as playing a football game that is four quarters, with pads on, full contact and you have to block people.”

The larger roster gives Blainefield the opportunity to put players in one or two positions, allowing them to learn and get comfortable as opposed to “kids playing six or seven different positions like last year because we didn’t have the bodies,” the coach explained.

Playing better defense is essential in making improvement in 2018, Blainefield said.

Holly Tonini

Jay Bonnacci (far) and Kiantae Robinson

He is counting on junior Jalen Brice, an all-conference defensive lineman last season, to help anchor the unit. Alonta Carter and Savien Bonam are expected to join Brice up front. Taylor returns at linebacker and Towler also will loom large in the success of the defense.

“We have people who will contribute upfront,” Blainefield said. “The secondary is pretty young. We are working with them on technique and football IQ. There is a lot of potential there.”

Another aspect of the team the coach is pleasantly surprised about is the kicking game, where upstart sophomore Charles Mrlack III has joined the program to be the placekicker and punter. Mrlack also plays soccer for the Greyhounds.

“He’s dedicated and has a good leg,” Blainefield said.

Qualifying for the postseason will be much tougher this year as only the top two teams in the conference are assured of playoff spots. Wild cards also exist in Class A.

“I feel a lot better about the team and program,” Blainefield said. “Our preparation is much better. We know our backs are to the wall in making the playoffs. We have to embrace the urgency.” 

Holly Tonini

Monessen

Holly Tonini

Monessen
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