PG West: Monaca football seeking a return to form

The Monaca High School football program didn't fall off the WPIAL Class A map the past two seasons, it only seemed that way. After six consecutive winning campaigns that included three trips to the WPIAL championship game, Monaca suffered through records of 1-8 and 1-9 in 2004 and 2003. It was the first time Monaca had two losing seasons in a row since 1995-96. There were even some rumblings that, given the school's small size, the Indians might have a tough time climbing out of the hole. Winning in the Class A Big 7 Conference is never easy, but Monaca coach Shawn McCreary expects his team to challenge for one of the conference's four spots in the WPIAL playoffs. - College Football -
"We're optimistic, but we've got two tough games to open the season," he said. "If we can stay focused and understand everything really starts when we begin playing in the conference we should be alright." Monaca opens the season at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow at home against Center, which is being touted as one of the top teams in Class AA. Monaca then travels to play Springdale, a highly ranked Class A squad. It helps that Monaca has two returning all-conference players as leaders. Chad Sedlacek, is a 6-foot-3, 260-pound two-way lineman who has received some Division I college attention, while Matt Yaria is a 6-3, 200-pound tight end /defensive end. Sedlacek attended Pitt's camp this summer and the Panthers' coaches liked what they say. Mid-American Conference schools have also checked in. - College Football -
"He's had a leg injury and didn't participate in our scrimmages," McCreary said. "But we're not worried about that. We know what he can do." Better on offense, Sedlacek's strength is, well, his strength. "He's really strong and is a dedicated lifter," McCeary said. "You don't often get guys his size at a Class A school -- at least we don't -- and we're going to try and take advantage of his size and strength." That means when Monaca needs a tough yard, look for the Indians to run to Sedlacek's side. Yaria has nice size for a tight end and hands that seem to be covered with fly paper. Defensively, opponents found it tough to run end on his side of the field. "Matt's solid on both sides of the line," McCreary said. - College Football -
"Because of his receiving ability we're going to try to get him move involved in the offense. "Both of those guys give us stability, which is something we need because we're going to be young in spots. I can see us starting at least four sophomores." What's impressive is the number of players on the varsity roster. McCreary welcomed 41 players this year and, counting the junior high players, has close to 60 in the program. Monaca will also have a junior high team for the first time in 10 years. McCreary said that's important for a couple of reasons. "It gives that kid in eighth grade who might be too heavy to play midgets and wants to play football a place to play," he said. - College Football -
"You can lose a kid in eighth grade to fall baseball or something else if there isn't a team for him. "Plus, you get those players familiar with what you're doing at the varsity level." Many of the sophomores and freshmen will see varsity time and play in junior varsity games. "We want to get them playing as much as possible," McCreary said. "That's the idea." Monaca could be 0-2 when it starts its Big 7 scheduled Sept. 9 at Avonworth. That woin't bother McCreary as long as his team plays well. The goal is to make the playoffs. "If you come out of our conference and make the playoff you're usually OK," he said.

Rich Emert, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette