After strong starts, Southmoreland, Derry looking forward to Interstate Conference opener

By: Paul Schofield
Wednesday, September 25, 2024 | 7:44 PM

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There isn’t much of a football tradition at Southmoreland High School.

After the first team in school history in 1964 went 8-0, the Scotties’ best records since were 7-1-1 in 1968 and 7-2-1 in 1979, when they won their only conference title. They have had only 17 seasons in which they finished .500 or better.

But things are changing within the district. The 2024 Scotties are 4-1, and they have had three winning seasons in the past four. The youth programs also have been successful.

Southmoreland, with some talented, young players, opens WPIAL Class 3A Interstate Conference play at 7 p.m. Friday in search of the second conference title in program history.

The Scotties host Derry (3-2) at Russ Grimm Field in the conference opener for both squads.

This will be the 32nd battle between the schools, with Derry holding a 16-14-1 lead in the series. Southmoreland has won the past four meetings, including 24-21 last season.

“We finally get to play a conference game,” Southmoreland coach Tim Bukowski said. “With only six teams in the conference, every game is important.”

Southmoreland is coming off a 32-15 victory at Ringgold, a week after a 45-20 loss to Blackhawk. Derry earned its second consecutive victory, 21-0, against Indiana last Friday.

“It’s not a streak yet,” Derry coach Mike Arone said. “Three games would be a streak. I thought we bounced back nicely after the loss to Deer Lakes. We played better than the final score against Deer Lakes. We must keep making strides.”

Arone said his defense is working on a particular scheme to slow down the talented Scotties.

“They have a good tight end (Elliot Premus), a good set of receivers, tough runners and a quarterback (Anthony Smith) who has been impressive,” Arone said. “Even though we lost to them last year, it turned our season around. I like our chances.

“This conference is so balanced. Anyone can win. Every game is important.”

Arone said his defense and players in the trenches (Ethan Bendel, Owen Monnich, Chase Lukon, Jake Handel, Collin Barclay and Aiden Piper) have played well. Dylan Pitzer, who transferred in from Mt. Pleasant, is starting to work into the lineup.

One player who won’t play for Derry is sophomore all-conference linebacker Brady Brown, who is sidelined with an injury. Arone said Preston Donovan, Justin Papuga, Jake Harris and Cole Weiers have stepped up in his stead.

“We’re hoping to get Brady back before the end of the season,” Arone said. “Our linebackers are playing well.”

Bukowski said he is concerned with Derry’s overall size and the Trojans’ running attack.

“They come right at you,” Bukowski said. “Their running backs (Damauri Robinson and Papuga) run downhill. We’re going to be tested.”

The Scotties offense averages 39 points per game, and Derry’s defense allows 14.8, which should make for an intriguing matchup of strengths.

Southmoreland QB Smith has completed 51 of 98 passes for 980 yards and 11 touchdowns. Premus is his main target with 23 catches for 504 yards.

Cam Phillips has rushed for 351 yards, and Ethan Shawley has rushed for 223. Other Scotties to watch are receiver Makel Darnell and tight end Jackson Mickens.

Robinson is Derry’s main threat. He has rushed for 525 yards, and Papuga has added 258.

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: Derry Area, Southmoreland