Position switch has Apollo-Ridge’s Mackintosh eager for new season

By: Michael Love
Saturday, August 10, 2024 | 9:03 PM

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Corey Mackintosh was a stalwart at inside linebacker last year for Apollo-Ridge. The 5-foot-11, 210-pounder also worked in at defensive end.

But a switch in position to outside linebacker in the offseason has the Vikings senior excited to see how he can contribute to what he and his teammates hope is a return to the WPIAL playoffs in Class 2A.

Rushing the passer and creating havoc in the backfield gets him fired up.

“Now, it’s all about getting to the quarterback and making him feel uncomfortable. It’s always a goal to make a lineman miss me,” said Mackintosh, who finished last season with 47 tackles and three sacks.

“We also have some drops into coverage if it’s a pass. I just want to make plays. We have a really strong defense, and I think it will be a big part of what we want to do. We’re strong and are getting better. We have things we need to work on, but we’re coming along well.”

Apollo-Ridge surrendered 36 points a game last year, while the offense produced 22.4 a contest.

The Vikings were in contention for a WPIAL playoff spot late in the Allegheny Conference schedule, but despite winning two of their final three conference games, they missed the postseason by one game.

“Last year was kind of a letdown, but there are a lot of guys ready to lead and help turn this around,” said Mackintosh, who checked in at about 220 pounds last year but was able to build muscle in the offseason while also shedding about 10 pounds. “Coach (Skiba) said it was a good move for me to switch to outside linebacker because of my speed and physicality.

“When I substituted at defensive end, I was able to show that strength and my strong hands.”

Skiba echoed Mackintosh’s sentiments about his physicality and strength as impetus for the position move.

“We can move him around, but we want to start him on the edge, Skiba said. “We changed up our front a little bit, so he’s going to increase that role off the edge where he can, hopefully, disrupt a lot of what the opposing offense tries to do.”

Mackintosh said he patterns his current defensive game after a couple of top NFL rushers: Steelers all-pro T.J. Watt and New Orleans’ Chase Young

“Chase is a big one. He has a lot of moves, spin moves, slapping hands, and getting around the tackle,” Mackintosh said.

It’s not just about making plays on defense for Mackintosh. He also likes to deliver the hit running the football from his halfback spot.

“But I’ve been everywhere in the offense,” he said. “I’ve been at wide receiver, tailback and tight end. I like running the football. I am not too fast, but I am fast enough.”

While Karter Schrock handled the majority of the carries in the Vikings offense last year — he rushed 231 times for 1,224 yards and 16 touchdowns — Mackintosh got his fair share, carrying the ball 31 times for 163 yards.

“Most of the time, I was running it behind a lead blocker,” he said. “I love to get up in there and deliver a hit. I won’t let someone hit me.”

Mackintosh said with the goal of getting to the playoffs, the team members were dedicated in the offseason, especially over the summer with weight room sessions, on-field workouts, camps and 7-on-7 work.

He said he understands, as a senior and a player returning with experience and success on both sides of the ball, that his leadership role has to rise to another level in 2024.

“I will always make sure the guys know what they are doing and make sure they are on the right path,” he said. “I am also someone who likes to lead by example on and off the field. You never know when the younger kids are watching and can be better for watching you and seeing your physicality or running a play the right way.”

Mackintosh said he hopes to open the eyes of college scouts and recruiters with his play.

“I put my film on the (Next College Student Athlete) app, and I have video on Hudl, too,” he said. “I am hoping to make my highlight tape a lot bigger.”

Skiba said Mackintosh is ready to have a big year.

“Corey’s played a lot of football for us,” he said. “This season is what he’s been preparing for. He’s dedicated himself so much. He’s a quiet kid, but he does have that nasty side. He’s made so many plays for us in the past. This year is going to be one where he just breaks out.”

Michael Love is a TribLive reporter covering sports in the Alle-Kiski Valley and the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh. A Clearfield native and a graduate of Westminster (Pa.), he joined the Trib in 2002 after spending five years at the Clearfield Progress. He can be reached at mlove@triblive.com.

Tags: Apollo-Ridge