Neshannock, Shenango have something to prove
Written: Sep 19, 2013
  By Joe Sager
New Castle News
Neshannock’s offense can’t wait to take the field.
Shenango will try its best to keep the Lancers’ playmakers off it when the two teams meet at 7 p.m. tomorrow at Neshannock’s Bob Bleggi Stadium in a WPIAL Class A Big Seven Conference clash.
The Lancers (2-1 conference, 2-1 overall) are eager for game action after dropping a 34-31 decision to Sto-Rox last Thursday — their third game in 13 days. However, tomorrow’s tilt is its first in eight days.
“The entire team can’t wait to get on the field again,” Neshannock coach Fred Mozzocio said. “It seems like it’s been three weeks since we played. Hopefully, we can get on the right track again. I think, anytime you lose a game, you definitely want to come back ready to play stronger than ever. I expect our kids to be focused and ready to play. It’s another one of those rivalry games. There shouldn’t be any problem motivating yourselves to play that game by any means.”
Likewise, the Wildcats (1-2, 1-2) are ready to build on the momentum of their 17-6 triumph over South Side Beaver last week. The victory was the first for head coach Mike Commesso and snapped the program’s five-game losing streak.
“I was happy for our kids,” Commesso said. “It’s nice to get that first one out of the way. As a first-year coach, you can relax a bit not having that hanging over our head. We have a long way to go. I am seeing some progress, which is all you can ask for. It’s a good group of kids. You can tell they are buying into what (the coaching staff is preaching).”
Shenango suffered a 42-0 setback at Sto-Rox to open the year. The ‘Cats hope to use that experience to prepare for Neshannock. Both the Vikings and Lancers have speed all over the field and are capable of producing big plays.
“You can’t simulate that kind of speed and athleticism and big-play potential,” Commesso said. “Having seen (the big-play capability of Sto-Rox) already and knowing Neshannock played toe-to-toe with Sto-Rox, there is a realization that we have to stop the big play. Neshannock is such a balanced team. They run the ball well and throw it well and play good defense. It’s a pretty big challenge in front of us. You want to play the best and they are definitely one of the best in Single-A. It lets you know where you are and where you need to get to. It’ll be a big challenge and we’re looking forward to it.”
Lancers running back Eli Owens leads the county with 458 yards rushing on 60 carries, while quarterback Ernie Burkes is third with 360 yards on 35 totes. Burkes has thrown for 176 yards and four touchdowns, as well.
Shenango hopes to limit Neshannock’s dynamic duo by not giving them much time with the ball.
“That’s a big key this week — to be able to control the clock, churn out some first downs, win the field position battle and hopefully, play some good defense,” Commesso said. “Trying to limit the big plays and winning field position on special teams is important. The little things — executing and not turning the ball over — are important. We had too many turnovers the first couple weeks.”
Tyler Welsh leads the ‘Cats with 238 yards on 46 carries, while Anthony Prestopine has 148 yards on 31 totes. Brian Tanner has passed for 228 yards and four scores.
“One of the guys we noticed is Welsh,” Mozzocio said. “He is a weapon and can do a lot of different things on both sides of the ball for them. He is someone we look to contain on both sides the ball. They had a hard fought loss to Rochester the week before last. They did some good things. You can see them starting to settle in a little bit with the schemes and with coach Commesso. They are starting to do some nice things and the results on the scoreboard against South Side showed that.”
The Lancers fell a yard short of defeating Sto-Rox last week. Mozzocio doesn’t anticipate any letdown this week.
“I expect (the Lancers) to respond and I expect a hard fought game,” he said. “It’ll be one of those good, old-fashioned Lawrence County showdowns.”
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