Now in Class 2A, McGuffey looks to contend for Century Conference title

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, August 16, 2018 | 10:03 PM

McGuffey hopes a return to Class 2A equates into a return to the postseason in 2018.

The Highlanders spent the last two years competing in Class 3A’s Interstate Conference where they finished tied for fifth in 2016 and in fourth place a year ago with a 6-4 record. They missed out after Derry, Elizabeth Forward and South Park finished as conference tri-champs.

“We have had six consecutive winning seasons at McGuffey,” coach Ed Dalton said, “but we have not achieved greatness. This team has a chance.”

Dalton begins his seventh season at McGuffey and 31 ^st as a high school head coach.

“I love it as much as I did my first year. I don’t have any hobbies; I just coach,” Dalton said.

While defending WPIAL Class 2A champion Washington is the team to beat in the Century Conference, there is reason for Dalton’s optimism.

The Highlanders return their entire offensive backfield and seven starters on an offense that last year averaged more than 32 points.

Leading rusher and scorer Christian Clutter returns after averaging 10.3 yards per carry with 968 yards on the ground on 94 totes. Senior running back Brenden Crowe and sophomore fullback McKinley Whipkey will help in the running game.

Also back for McGuffey is quarterback Marshall Whipkey, who will have the keys to the triple option offense. The junior combined for nearly 800 yards of offense, with 10 touchdown tosses and two scoring runs.

C.J. Cole returns at split end, while tackle Marshall Mounts and guard Jake Phillips are returning starters on the line.

“Clutter, Crowe, Cole and both Whipkeys are very explosive offensive players,” Dalton said. “Mounts and Phillips are big, strong, powerful O-linemen.”

While the offense looks to put up big numbers, the defense will look to improve with a lot of new faces and only four starters back.

Mounts, Clutter, Crowe and cornerback Jake Garrety will bring some experience to a unit which Dalton hopes can be physical and fast to the ball.

“Clutter will be one of the best players on both sides of the ball and on special teams in double-A,” he said.

In his high school career, Clutter has returned five punts and kickoffs for touchdowns.

“My expectations are to play to my God-given ability,” Clutter said, “be better than last year and use every practice I have of my senior year to better myself on and off the field. Just take every moment and have fun playing the game I love.”

A lot of that fun will be at home this year for Clutter and his Highlanders teammates. Six of the team’s 10 regular-season games will be played at McGuffey, starting with a Week Zero contest against Class 4A Ambridge.

Schedule

Coach: Ed Dalton

2017 record: 6-4, 4-3

All-time record: 264-410-25

Date, Opponent, Time

8.24, Ambridge, 7 p.m.

8.31, Northgate, 7 p.m.

9.7, at Frazier*, 7 p.m.

9.14, Carmichaels*, 7 p.m.

9.21, at Beth-Center*, 7 p.m.

9.28, Southmoreland*, 7 p.m.

10.5, Brownsville*, 7 p.m.

10.12, at Charleroi*, 7 p.m.

10.19, Avonworth, 7 p.m.

10.26, at Washington*, 7 p.m.

*Class 2A Century Conference game

Statistical leaders

Passing: Marshall Whipkey

37-75, 556 yards, 10 TDs

Rushing: Christian Clutter

94-968 yards, 17 TDs

Receiving: Brendan Crowe

13-282 yards, 5 TDs

Don Rebel is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Don at drebel@tribweb.com.

Tags: McGuffey