Penn-Trafford’s depth along offensive, defensive lines inspires optimism in coach Ruane

By: Paul Schofield
Tuesday, August 20, 2024 | 7:31 PM

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Penn-Trafford football coach John Ruane likes the makeup of his team, which returns several skilled players from a squad that went 5-6 in 2023.

But what really excites him is what is occurring with his offensive and defensive lines.

He’s not the only one excited. So are running backs Tasso Whipple and Ben Grabowski and quarterbacks Jonny Lovre and Derek Carr. They will benefit from the group’s blocking skills.

Anchoring the offensive line is senior all-conference center Ethan Septak along with senior tackle Kellan Taylor and senior guard Stew Pfeil.

“We feel like we can go eight, nine deep on the offensive and defensive lines, guys that can go plug and play,” Ruane said. “You know, that will work itself out in the first few weeks.

“But we’re looking for definitely a rotation on our defensive line to keep guys fresh. And we feel good about the guys we have.”

The lines might not be as big as those before them, but they are athletic. That doesn’t bother Ruane because of how well the group meshes.

“The offensive line is really coming together,” he said. “We have great athletes. Not many behemoths up there but guys that can move their feet and get to the second level and get on a body. So we’re pretty happy with their progress.”

Others working hard for playing time include Brandon Long, Bryce Ruby, Aiden Toth, Lucah Butler and David Dziedzic.

Michael Chaplick and Jacob Briggs are battling for spots on the defensive line.

Ruane said Taylor, Pfeil and Septak are taking the leadership role to heart.

“We’re going to count on them because they’re all seniors,” he said. “I just think that they are playing with a lot of urgency right now.”

Taylor said the linemen have a lot of heart and have worked hard.

“We started back in February, just lifting,” Taylor said. “I think we’re doing really well in camp. We’re getting to the second level and just working hard.

“It’s awesome to have backs like Tasso and Ben. You give them a little hole, and they go.”

Pfeil added: “They’re my best friends. I love those guys. It’s nice to know that I’m blocking for someone that I love, and I know they’re going to make a play as long as I do what I’m supposed to do.”

What’s also special about the group of linemen is their friendship. They’re all pulling for each other to do well and working for a common goal: getting Penn-Trafford back on top.

Septak, Pfeil and Taylor were freshmen when the Warriors were WPIAL and PIAA Class 5A champions.

“I think the most important thing is we’re all best friends, so we’re all very tight knit,” Pfeil said. “We’re all on the same page all the time, and that goes a long way. We have a bunch of guys that can get in there and step in and make a play.”

Pfeil said he worked on gaining muscle and gaining speed.

“I feel like this was a very productive offseason for myself,” Pfeil said. “I’m just excited to get back out there.”

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

Tags: Penn-Trafford