Charleroi already winning numbers game
By Bill Hughes
For the Observer-Reporter
newsroom@observer-reporter.com
CHARLEROI – One of the key aspects new Charleroi football coach Scott DeUnger wanted to hit upon when hired to take over the program was to build roster numbers back up during his first year.
Last season, the Cougars finished with barely enough players to field a team, but this year the numbers game is one that DeUnger and his staff shouldn’t have to worry about.
“We are getting good numbers,” the former Charleroi standout athlete said. “Sometimes it is hit or miss, but some guys have jobs.
“For the most part, it has been pretty good. We have done a ton of installs, and I feel we are ahead of the ballgame.”
Depth, according to DeUnger, factors into his expectations for the season.
“I expect us to be more competitive,” he said. “They were in a lot of the games last year but didn’t have the numbers.
“We have a lot more players out this year. We will have the numbers and I think we can be a little bit surprising. They finished with 13 last year, but we currently have 38.”
Depth a year ago would have helped keep players fresh and possibly win a few more games. The Cougars lost three one-score games en route to a 1-9 record.
Numbers, alone, won’t change things for the Cougars, whose only win a year ago was against winless Sto-Rox.
DeUnger, a 1997 Charleroi graduate, is realistic about where the program is and knows getting things back on track will take time.
“We aren’t where we need to be as a football program, and hopefully community support will be where it was before as we build high expectations,” he said.
“Can I be realistic and say a goal is to make the playoffs? We have a long way to go. These kids are coming in, working hard, and buying into stuff. You never know when that happens. We want to be more competitive and want people to see a change in what is going on.”
When asked to discuss the players who will be starting, DeUnger did not hesitate to respond.
“All starting jobs are open,” he said. “We have to pencil kids in, but they have to earn it.”
DeUnger did mention four seniors who started a year ago and should play significant roles again this fall.
Jamael Payne started at wide receiver and at different positions on defense. Drake Lilley and Jerimiah Kerns both started on the line, and Nate Rock started at running back and was the Cougars’ leading rusher.
DeUnger also mentioned juniors Bradin Lunger and Brayden Todaro.
“(Lunger) runs track meets and is super fast,” DeUnger said. “He will be at receiver and cornerback.
“(Todaro) could potentially be at quarterback or tight end, and he will be at linebacker. He is raw, but he will find his way onto the field because he is athletic and plays three sports.”
An influx of 23 freshmen helps Charleroi’s roster numbers, and they will learn from trial by fire. There is talent in the class.
“That class has had a lot of success (at younger levels), but they have to start over,” DeUnger said. “It is the ‘what have you done for me lately?’ approach. But they hit the weight room hard and are giving their all.”
Three freshmen DeUnger mentioned were Jaxon Klinger, Brody DeUnger, and Elijah Allah.
The Cougars will again play in the Class 2A Century Conference with Washington, Waynesburg, Carlynton, Keystone Oaks, Seton LaSalle and Sto-Rox.
Charleroi opens the season against cross-river rival Monessen on Friday night.The conference opener is Sept. 12 at Seton LaSalle.