2015 WPIAL football season preview: West Greene

West Greene: 1-8 overall (1-8 in Class A Tri-County South in 2014)
The Pioneers’ 2104 season was a reminder of the harsh realities facing small high school football programs. They had 13 players for the final stretch of the season. It’s hard to win that way. After defeating Serra Catholic in Week 4, West Greene lost five consecutive games, allowing an average of more than 38 points per game.
Outside of the 44 points they scored against the Eagles, the Pioneers averaged just six points per game. West Greene found a new coach who is accustomed to the challenges at a small school. Rodney Huffman takes over for Paul Kreuzer and comes to Rogersville with coaching experience at small schools in Georgia and South Carolina.
The 62-year-old West Greene graduate aimed to increase participation and has been successful. The Pioneers had 27 players entering preseason camp, but that number includes only four seniors, so expect some growing pains in 2015.
West Greene did struggle in the season opener last Friday at Jefferson-Morgan, losing 33-7 with Conner Main scoring the lone touchdown in the second quarter.
Traditionally, the Pioneers have a big offensive line and that hasn’t changed, but it’s a young group with oly one senior (Wyatt Whitlatch). West Greene faces a tough road, facing Bentworth and Mapletown the next two weeks before traveling to Serra Catholic.
Players to watch: Owen Main, Kolton Rush, Conner Main, Colton Hamilton
Biggest game: Week 6 vs. Carmichaels. Let’s act like the Pioneers lose to Bentworth, Mapletown and Beth-Center. If that happens, beating the Mikes is important for morale and any shot at the postseason.
Stat to think about: Speaking of postseason, West Greene has not reached the WPIAL playoffs since 1993.