Jul 31, 2023 4 min read

You can talk about last year’s total of 1,897 rushing yards to him but Colin Brady probably won’t be paying much attention.

The talented senior running back for West Greene rushed for nearly 2,000 yards but what’s on his mind is the number 2.

That’s how many wins the Pioneers managed last year, far below his expectations and far below what is needed for a good playoff seed from the Class 1A Tri-County South Conference.

“I wouldn’t say I took the team on my shoulders,” Brady said when asked. “It’s always going to be a team effort. I never want to say I did this or I did that. I always want to give credit to my team.”

But Brady realizes for the Pioneers to do well, everyone has to play better than last year, including him.

“I have to trust my line, run as hard as I can and help everyone play their best,” Brady said. 

Despite being bothered by an injury at midseason that eventually caused him to miss the regular-season finale, Brady finished fourth in the WPIAL in rushing with those 1,897 yards (12.0 per carry) in only nine games.

Brady was 11th in the WPIAL scoring with 150 points and 25 touchdowns and has rushed for 4,164 yards in three seasons. 

“Colin is a great player and we intend to utilize him on offense and get him on the edge and make some plays,” said first-year head coach Beau Jackson. “It’s pretty simple. He’s big and he’s fast. He’s hard to bring down and he’s hard to catch.”

Fortunately, the Pioneers have some good linemen returning for Jackson.

The Pioneers have another sturdy running back in freshman Caleb Lemon (5-9, 180), who has some of the same characteristics Brady showed as a freshman.

“He’s pretty big for his age,” Jackson said. “Moving up to the varsity level, he’s going to have to thicken up a little. But we’re excited to get him.”

Jackson said Lemon might rotate with senior fullback John Lampe but he wants to see how Lemon reacts when the pads come on.

“I don’t know what camp will bring,” said Jackson. “Lemon might really surprise us and have a bigger role than I anticipated.”

Lampe had a strong junior season, leading the team in receptions (14 for 192, 13.7) and rushing for 502 yards.

Quarterback Lane Allison missed the first three games of the season with an injury. That allowed Cooper Chambers a chance to gain a little experience. Allison returned and completed 35 of 80 passes for 581 yards and six touchdowns. Allison will start but Chambers and freshman Landon Hill are ready if need be.

“Chambers can run the offense now,” Jackson said. “He started the first three games before Lane came back. He’s a smart kid and a tough kid but he’s a receiver.”

Jackson hopes to get four of the five starting lineman back. Colin Whyte returns at tackle, Cam Ketchum will be at the other tackle, Levi Smith at center and Brian Jackson at guard.

Allison will anchor the secondary at strong safety, Billy Whitlatch at weak side safety, and Seth Burns, Parker Burns and Patrick Durbin sharing the cornerback duties. Lampe will play middle linebacker, Colt Thomas will handle the weak side linebacker spot and Chambers the strong side position.

“Our goal is to improve every day,” said Jackson. “I really think if we focus on that, we’ll be playing our best ball of the year.”

Jackson is pleased with the turnout of juniors and seniors.

“We’ve had a good turnout with those classes,” Jackson said. “They have dedicated themselves in the offseason so maybe that will bring us some wins in the season.”