Football Season Recap
by Breah Dewberry
While all Spartan fans are still mourning from last Friday’s playoff loss to Clairton, it’s important to remember the wins of the 2023 season, the seniors we will miss next year, and the juniors we look forward to seeing step up. Here’s your 2023 Spartan Football recap!
8/25: @ New Brighton: W 37-6
9/1: vs. Neshannock: L 39-22
9/8: @ Mohawk: L 28-6
9/15: vs. Berlin Brothersvalley: L 27-0
9/22: vs. Union: L 33-14
9/29: @ Rochester: L 42-14
10/6: vs. Northgate: W 35-12
10/13: @ South Side: L 35-7
10/20: vs. Summit Academy: W 30-6
10/27: @ Shenango: W 22-7
11/3: @ Clairton: L 44-7
OVERALL RECORD: 4-7
Even though this season was tough, our boys never gave up. Offensive coordinator, Bill Allmann, looks back at the season and says “We knew it was going to be a young group and we knew that the opposition was going to be coming back pretty strong, I was pretty proud of the effort that they put in all year.” Allmann continues, “They may not have had the wins and losses we wanted but they did have a pretty good season.” Allman also gives credit to the senior boys; Keagan O’Brian, Brayden Smith, and Ben Hennon. When asked what he would miss most about this year's seniors, he points out their dedication. “They didn't leave. They were the first ones in and they were the last ones out; weight lifting, practice, whatever it may be.”
The coaching staff aren’t the only ones that will miss the seniors next year. Juniors like Mack Shevitz and Jayden Iorio have learned a lot from them. Iorio, who played center and right tackle for the Spartans, says, “The seniors have taught me no matter how bad you’re losing or how rough it’s going, to just keep going, keep pushing and don’t give up.” Despite the fact that Shevitz’s season got cut short due to injury, he also says that the 2024 seniors taught him persistence and determination.“This year's seniors taught me to never give up and to keep moving forward no matter what the scoreboard says.”
The seniors will be missed but they are leaving a strong junior class and some advice. When asked what advice 2024 senior Brayden Smith had to offer juniors he answered, “Take this offseason seriously.” And that’s exactly what they plan to do. When it comes to working toward next season, both Shevitz and Iorio note that in the offseason, the team will be working hard to gain more strength and speed. Iorio adds, “I feel like we could have a great team if everyone puts the work in and we can make a deep playoff run.”
Congratulations and good luck to all three seniors! And to the upcoming graduating class, we can’t wait to see your hard work pay off under those Friday night lights again!`