For the Observer-Reporter
It won’t take long for Wade Brown to figure out what the Monessen Greyhounds football team could be like in his second season as head coach.
Monessen opens the season Friday at Wash High Stadium against the Prexies and then hosts Cornell for a rematch with the Raiders (Sept. 2), who they lost to in the opening round of the 2021 WPIAL Class A playoffs.
Washington (Class 2A) and Cornell (A) are expected to be the top contenders in their respective classifications.
“We think it’s going to be beneficial for us to play two teams of that caliber right away,” said Brown, who in his first season led Monessen back to respectability and the postseason.
“Washington and Cornell are fast and talented. They both have a lot of athleticism and team speed.
“We think competing against them will really help us prepare for the season and certainly the type of competition we would see in the postseason if we progressed there again.”
The Greyhounds, who went 4-7 overall last season, remain in the newly realigned Tri-County South Conference, where, if they stay healthy, improve and maintain their roster, they have a chance to contend and returned to the playoffs for a second straight season. .
In addition to Monessen returning to the conference, other teams include Bentworth, California, Carmichaels, Jefferson-Morgan, Mapletown and West Greene along with Beth-Center, which has dropped from Class 2A. The Bulldogs replaced Avella while the Eagles moved to the Black Hills Conference.
“We took steps in the right direction last season,” Brown said. “We have a chance to be a good team, a chance. We hope our players are willing to put in the time and effort required. We hope they do.
“It’s important for kids to get a feel for postseason football and what it takes to win and be successful. Knowing what it will take to be good and grow is an important step in the process.”
Monessen had his share of games and moments last season – good and bad. After starting 3-2, the Greyhounds went on a four-game losing streak where they scored just 28 points. They clinched a playoff spot with a 14-6 win at Avella.
The Greyhounds, who finished 3-4 in the conference to finish fifth, enjoyed big games against Charleroi (24-6) and Bentworth (50-7) and tough performances against Carmichaels (40-6) and California (23- 0).
Monessen had his moments in games against Washington, Imani Christian, West Greene and Cornell, all losses.
That inconsistency, especially offensively, cost them. The Greyhounds matched Mapletown but couldn’t muster any offense in a 15-8 loss. They missed opportunities against Iman, West Greene and California – putting unnecessary stress on the defense.
Monessen averaged 14.3 points per game and gave up just 19.3 points per game, including losses to Washington and Cornell where they allowed 42 and 33 points, respectively.
“We’re still a young team and have a lot of room to grow,” Brown said. “We didn’t take advantage of some opportunities we had and put our defense in some bad spots.
“It’s all part of getting better in practice and focusing on the things that make you successful overall and against good teams. I hope we’ve learned some lessons.”
As has been the unfortunate case in recent years, Monessen lost two starters who would have returned this season to the transfer.
Brown is focused on what he has.
That group includes junior Lorenzo Gardner (QB-WR), sophomore Daniel Dozier (QB-RB-WR), senior Nigier Foster (WR-DB), junior Daevon Burke and linebackers Jaisean Blackman and Trevian Thompson (craze). Senior Giovonie Isbell is also back in the front. Blackman will likely move to center from tackle. Isbell can be a “blocking wingback,” Brown said.
Junior Jermere Majors, the Greyhounds’ top linebacker, returns at middle linebacker, and he should be the cornerstone of what could be a solid unit. Junior Leonaj Thomas is expected to be present in defense.
“We have a lot of guys coming back and good players,” Brown said. “Jemere was outstanding last year. We will try to find a way to use Lorenzo and Daniel at center back.
“We are trying to be a better team. We got a little taste last year.”
The Greyhounds also play at Frazier in a non-conference game before the start of conference play at Bentworth (Sept. 16).