Mt. Lebanon making progress toward ultimate goal
Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac
Coach Bob Palko and his Mt. Lebanon football players watch the action during a 7-on-7 passing camp at Chartiers Valley. The Blue Devils are looking for big things as they enter their third season under the leadership of Palko.
By Eleanor Bailey/Almanac Sports Editor/ebailey@thealmanac.net
Johnny McGee sprints for extra yardage after making a reception during a pre-season 7-on-7 passing camp.
By Eleanor Bailey
Almanac Sports Editor
ebailey@thealmanac.net
MT. LEBANON – When forecasting the prospects for the Mt. Lebanon football team this fall, coach Bob Palko deals in reality, not fantasy or wizardry.
“Everybody is looking for predictions,” said Palko. “I don’t own crystal balls or do palm readings. There are people who believe in those things and they’re great for them but I’m not wrapped that way. I have a different thought process.”
Palko’s process is progress. He’s looking for day-to-day improvement and ways to challenge his players. He wants them to become comfortable with being uncomfortable.
“If we can get the kids to do that, then we have a chance to be good,” he said. “Until we show that and show it consistently, then we have a chance to do pretty good things.
“But don’t ask me for fantasy because the greatest thing about preseason articles are you get a chance to say what you think will happen. What you predict will occur,” he emphasized. “Here’s where you get all the cliches: cautiously optimistic; not look past anybody; be the best we can be; how we all worked so hard. Nobody really cares about that stuff. All they care about is winning.”
Winning is a way of life for Palko and Mt. Lebanon.
Palko owns eight WPIAL titles and one state championship. Overall, he boasts a 227-78 record.
The Blue Devils have won six WPIAL titles but the last occurred in 2000.
Lebo, however, intends to contend for the Class 6A championship. The Blue Devils posted a 4-3 overall record last fall. They finished third in the Quad County Conference and reached the semifinals in the WPIAL playoffs before falling to Central Catholic, 35-0.
“Many of us started as sophomores. So this is our third year,” said senior slotback Eli Heidenreich. “We have been training for and expecting a WPIAL title. Expectations from the players and the coaches is the 6A title. That’s our main goal and we definitely can accomplish that.”
Heidenreich is one of several veterans that have big-play capabilities along with big-time prospects. He accumulated 303 receiving yards, 117 rushing yards and seven touchdowns last season.
“We are blessed with talented young men,” Palko said.
A slotback on offense and safety on defense, Heidenreich committed to the United States Naval Academy prior to the opening of training camp.
“Eli’s come into his own. He can do a boatload of things,” Palko said. “We are real excited about him.”
The Blue Devils are thrilled to have Alex Tecza return to the secondary. The 6-0, 200-pound senior will start his third year at free safety.
He’s also a talented running back, not to mention an NCAA Division I prospect. Tecza rushed for 465 yards and a team-high 10 TDs last year. He also ranked second in receiving with 165 yards on nine catches.
“This kid is special. One of those kids that once he graduates from Lebo will play at a high level,” Palko said. “Right now, he’s focused on his teammates and his pursuit of winning a championship. Alex is going to make a lot of big plays for us.”
In the backfield, Tecza will share the load with Tommy Boehner, who started last year on defense, Becham Dee and Idris Wilson.
“We play a lot of guys,” Palko explained. “We will play as many as we can.”
Joey Daniels (5-9, 180) will quarterback the squad. A three-year starter, Daniels completed 60 of 87 passes for 913 yards and 14 touchdowns last autumn.
“Because of his stature, he’s always trying to prove people wrong but Joey is truly a gifted player. I can’t say enough good things about him,” Palko said. “He’s very efficient and with another year under his belt with the system, we expect he’ll continue to do that. We are excited about him. When you see a kids like him put the time, effort and commitment into it, you enjoy watching them reap the benefits.”
Jack Smith, who is the backup to Daniels, will reap the benefits of moving to a new position. While the senior continues to anchor the outside linebacking corps of Boehner, Jacob Munoz and Lou Pietragallo, Smith will play tight end on offense.
“We are so excited about Jack. He’s found a home,” Palko said. “He’s going to surprise a lot of people because of his talent level.”
In Lebo’s offensive packages, Palko will also use Charlie Pellegrino and Grayson Dee at tight end. Mike Beiersdorf, Brendan Anderson and Munoz lead the wide receivers group that also includes Michael Gevauden, Cole Markel and Johnny McGhee.
Pellegrino helps anchor the inside linebackers. Daniel King, Beckam Dee and Will Hartung also will see action at the position.
Beiersdorf, Markel and McGhee solidify the secondary. Beiersdorf, along with A.J. Stettler, is a seasoned safety alongside Heidenreich and Tezca while Markel and McGhee are corners with Sam Ward, Matt Wertz and Aiden Fennell.
Despite the loss of Cooper Austin (6-3, 265), the Blue Devils boast seasoned talent up front. Austin, whose parents attended Yale and is considered a DI prospect, tore his ACL during the lacrosse season and will miss his senior season of football.
The line will be anchored by seniors Owen Halter, William Harvey and James Kline as well as junior Kade Capristo, who starter last season. Dee, the tight end, is expected to play a lot at defensive end. King, Joey Peters and Kyle Watkins can contribute on both sides of the ball.
“Owen is extremely talented and tough. He’s a throwback and we are glad he is on our team,” said Palko, who noted that Harvey is a Division I prospect.
“We have a ton of people we can move in and out on the line. It just depends on the packages we use. We play by committee.”
The Blue Devils are “excited” about Noah Bhuta handling the kicking duties. Beiersdorf might perform the punting.
As the Blue Devils pull things together, Palko is optimistic about the campaign, which kicks off Friday at Bethel Park.
“Are we able to compete at a high level and be able to make the checks and adjustments are my concerns on defense. We have the ability to be good on defense and compete at a high level if we make the adjustments.
“Offensively,” Palko added, “we have to develop as much depth as possible and not do that ugly thing of turning the ball over. We do those things, then I like our chances.”