Baldwin raises expectations after full off-season with 2nd-year coach Cooley

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, August 14, 2018 | 9:48 PM

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Loran Cooley celebrated his one-year anniversary March 8 as head coach of the Baldwin football team.

It was a true, yet hurried learning experience for Cooley in his first season in charge of a high school football program.

It proved to be an organized process for his coaches and players alike.

“The culture and expectation are set,” said Cooley, a former offensive coordinator at Clairton. “This off-season was so much smoother, due to the fact we started in November as opposed to late-March. My first day on the job, we had nine kids in the weight room. This past offseason, we have had over 50 kids participating in workouts. We have had a rigorous off-season schedule, and these kids have worked extremely hard and have completely bought into our mission.

“I learned a lot in my first year as a head coach. I don’t think there will ever be a day I will stop learning. I learned being a head football coach isn’t always about the X’s and the O’s of the game.”

The 2017 season also served as a buffer into this year for the Baldwin coaching staff and players, who are looking to turn around the fortunes of the program.

“Last year, it was a new staff, a new system and a totally new set of expectations,” said Mason Stahl, the Fighting Highlanders’ junior quarterback. “This year, I feel comfortable in every aspect of the game, both mentally and physically.

“We feel comfortable with what we’re doing and have risen to every challenge set before us. Coach Cooley is a great motivator, and together with his staff, the sky’s the limit.”

Baldwin has not had a winning season in football since 2003, posting a 34-97 overall record since then with four WPIAL playoff appearances

The Fighting Highlanders finished 1-8 last year, defeating Connellsville, 49-0, after an 0-5 start. They dropped close decisions to Hampton (10-9), North Hills (20-14) and Fox Chapel (19-13).

A strong off-season conditioning program, coupled with an aggressive summer schedule, have provided the impetus for what the Baldwin gridders hope is a turnaround fall season.

There are 20 returning lettermen, including a host of seniors in Andrejs Howell (WR), Connor Sidoruk (TE/LB), Tyler Gurchak (LB) and Aaron Exler (WR/LB); along with linemen Lucas Perfetti, Pary Herrera, Harry DePetro, Jason Depretis, Joe Prace, Noah Bartic, Jaquan Parker (DE) and Elyon Phiri (DE).

Other returning lettermen consist of juniors Angelo Priore (RB), Zach Petit (FB/LB), Naseer Penn (WR/DB), Jarren Kelly (WR/DB), Matt Bauman (LB) and Stahl; plus sophomores Connor Lavelle (WR/DB) and Dorien Ford (TE/DE).

Perfetti, Stahl and Priore were all-conference selections a year ago. Priore led the team in rushing with 738 yards and six touchdowns on 124 carries.

Key prospects this season include senior Cam Daugherty (WR/DB), junior Shayne Henchell (OL); and sophomores C.J.Robbins (DB), Maisen Bourquin (OL/DE), Riley Voelker (OL) and Lucas Strayer (TE/LB).

Baldwin, which averaged 17.1 points while allowing 28.6 in 2017, is a member of the Class 5A Allegheny 8 Conference, along with Bethel Park, Chartiers Valley, Moon, Peters Township, Upper St. Clair, West Allegheny and Woodland Hills.

The Fighting Highlanders open the season Aug. 24 at home against Fox Chapel, followed by another home game Aug. 31 against Butler.

“I have a great staff and a great booster group. Both have been a huge help in my transition as the head football coach at Baldwin,” Cooley said. “And my wife and kids also are a huge help.”

Schedule

Coach: Loran Cooley

2017 record: 1-8, 0-8

All-time record: 325-380-26

Date, Opponent, Time

8.24, Fox Chapel, 7 p.m.

8.31, Butler, 7 p.m.

9.7, Upper St. Clair*, 7 p.m.

9.14, at Moon*, 7 p.m.

9.21, at Woodland Hills*, 7 p.m.

9.28, Chartiers Valley*, 7 p.m.

10.5, West Allegheny*, 7 p.m.

10.12, at Bethel Park*, 7:30 p.m.

10.19, Penn Hills, 7 p.m.

10.26, at Peters Township*, 7:30 p.m.

*Class 5A Allegheny 8 Conference game

Statistical leaders

Passing: Mason Stahl

39-101, 521 yards, 5 TDs

Rushing: Angelo Priore

124-738 yards, 6 TDs

Receiving: Nick Lachut*

17-199 yards, 1 TD

*Graduated

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.

Tags: Baldwin