Freshman football gets off to outstanding start

Catherine Carberry

Jovian Smith (#42), Aaron Owen (#31), Gavin Baluh (#73), Santino LaMolinare (#70), Landon Panarello (#24) block West Allegheny’s defense during their game on Sept. 19.

Our future Hawks are off to a phenomenal start to their ’22-’23 season. Boys freshman football or junior varsity (B) has won every single game of their season. These boys may only be freshmen, but they have a bright future ahead and a promising career.

On Sept.12, the boys defeated Mt. Lebanon 20-14. But it doesn’t stop there. The next week they crushed West Allegheny 27-0! Their next game was on Sept. 27 against Upper Saint Clair and without a doubt, they won 6-3. The night of Oct. 3, they destroyed Shaler 26-0. 

Learning about teamwork, discipline, and dedication is easy, but applying them is the hardest part. Caden Coates, known to his team as “Hollywood,” is always encouraging his team to push themselves and gives them constructive criticism. Coates is number 40 and the cornerback. The team describes him as energetic, dedicated and a determined player. 

When asked about what makes him love football so much he said, “Football  is honestly never boring and it is constantly throwing new stuff at you, learning the plays and just getting to hit other people is the best part, and the companionship and brotherhood that the players show to each other is great.”

Caden also commented on what keeps him motivated. “Honestly what keeps me going are my teammates, the love of the game, and my family. They’re my biggest inspiration,” he said.

Another influential person in his life is Coach Jimmy. “I honestly don’t think I would be where I am today without Coach Jimmy, he was our coach in BPJF and was an outstanding coach and now he is going to be with the whole rest of the ride.”

The newest addition to the team, Kahanuola Kuewa, known to the team as “KK” is the heart and soul of the team. 

KK’s teammates claim, ‘”Honestly without KK there’s no way we would have been as good as a team. KK is so fast and knows how to handle the ball.” 

Kahanuola is a strong safety and running back on the team. KK is #22 on the field. 

When asked how they managed to win every game of the season KK said, “We work together and make sure everyone knows their assignment  on what they’re supposed to do.”

David Dennison, #8, is the running back and the cornerback. He claims his favorite play is “toss 41.” The team describes Dennison as “light-hearted and the life of the party. 

If Dennison didn’t score a touchdown or run 50 yards, he didn’t play.” 

David’s biggest inspiration is Derrick Henry. He claims his goals for this season are to get stronger and faster and keep winning.

“Definitely the toughest on the team. He’s mentally and physically strong. He’ll never go down without a fight, he’ll never lose.” This is how the team describes Bryan McGuire, “Bmac”, #67, he plays D end and tackle. 

When asked how his team is able to win every game, he said, “We are more physical and it’s hard for teams to stop our run game.”

McGuire describes the team as “ One big family. We sometimes fight but in the end, we are brothers.” 

Bryan has been playing football forever but he does everything to make his family proud.

“My biggest inspiration is Aaron Donald. He’s not the biggest but he’s the best at what he does.” 

McGuires’ goals for the season are to stay undefeated and become a better player.

Dominic Ollio, #71, plays D end and left tackle.  The team describes Ollio as energetic and fun-loving. 

Ollio said, “The reason we are able to dominate every game we play is because we work harder than all the teams, we train harder, we put in more work, and we want it more than any of them.”

 Ollio’s goals for the season are to start and keep starting on defense and to hit a 50-yard punt.

These six players, aka the Sizzling Six, are described as the heart of the team. All of them are so passionate about football they claim it’s a lifestyle. These boys put in countless hours practicing and perfecting their plays and skills. Their hard work pays off.