Shenango looking to keep
playoff hopes alive at Union
Written: Oct 22, 2009
  By JOE SAGER
ncsports@ncnewsonline.com
The playoffs start Friday for the Shenango High football team.
Well, not really. But, in order to have any chance to earn a WPIAL Class A playoff berth, the Wildcats must prevail at 7 p.m. when they visit Union for a Big Seven Conference battle.
Shenango (2-3 conference, 4-3 overall) is clinging to faint postseason aspirations. The ’Cats need some help, too. Shenango must win tomorrow and next Friday against Laurel and hope either Monaca or South Side Beaver loses its last two games.
However, ’Cats coach Ryan Mayo doesn’t wants his troops looking ahead.
“Each week is a big game in the conference, but this is a particularly big week,” Mayo said. “We can keep our playoff hopes alive — and Union is a big rival. What we control is this game vs. Union so that is what we have to focus on.”
Meanwhile, the Scotties (0-5, 1-6) saw their playoff hopes dashed earlier in the year, but can play the role of spoiler.
“It’s a big game for them. Believe it or not, a big game for us, too,” Union coach Stacy Robinson said. “We have to get a win and it’s a local rivalry within the county. We’re looking to show we can play some good football like anybody else. We won’t mind knocking anybody out of the playoffs. If Shenango is the one we can do it against, so be it. Coach Mayo is doing a good job out there. They have some talented players. I wish them all the best, just not against us.”
Shenango is coming off a 14-12 defeat to South Side Beaver, which clouded the ’Cats’ postseason aspirations. Shenango has lost three of its last four games after opening the season with three triumphs.
“There’s no time to feel sorry for ourselves. We have to prepare for Union. And, it’s a short week, too, since we played Saturday. There’s no time to feel down. We have to bring our A game for sure,” Mayo said. “The players are definitely aware of that. They know Union is a pretty good team football team. I have full confidence they will come prepared and ready to play.”
Union struggled offensively in a 20-13 loss at Western Beaver on Saturday. The Scotties’ ground game was silenced, but they did find some success throwing the ball.
“We have to get our offensive clicking. We can’t click in spurts. We have to be consistent running and passing the ball,” Robinson said. “We do a little of both well, especially passing, at times. We have to be careful because Shenango has people who can take it all the way quick, fast and in a hurry if you let them.”
Anthony Forletta leads Union’s passing attack with 772 yards and five touchdowns. Damian Trott, his favorite target, leads the county with 31 receptions for 401 yards. Matt Moore (158 yards) and Devonta Thomas (128) are big-play threats as well.
“I think they are a dangerous football team. Their quarterback is a very good player. They have very good skill players. Their line protects pretty well, especially when it comes to passing,” Mayo said. “They played a lot of teams tough and have just come up short. They are definitely a dangerous football team. We have to defend the pass well, bring some pressure, be able to contain the quarterback and play sound, fundamental football.”
Shenango boasts the county’s top two rushers in Ricky Mathews (748 yards) and Anthony Kosciuszko (730). The two can catch it as well. Mathews (158) and Kosciuszko (98) are the team’s leading receivers.
“They have some weapons and guys who can take it to the house form any point on the field,” Robinson said. “It’ll be a chore to contain both of those backs. They are like battering rams. They’ll run it and run it and — just when you think they will run again — they will sneak a pass. We’ll have to be on our p’s and q’s and play for four quarters and play with authority because, if not, they can break a run on you.”
The Scotties are looking for their first Big Seven win since dropping down from the Tri-County North after the 2007 campaign.
“Our guys have been fighting all year and they deserve a win,” Robinson said. “Especially the seniors, time is winding down on them. I always tell them there are two things about time — it can be for you or against you. Right now, time is ticking away. We need to win this game and go out next week with a good taste in our mouth.”
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