Trending
Bishop Guilfoyle Academy does not celebrate moral victories after how decorated the program has become over the past decade-plus.
But in the Marauders' 21-16 loss to District 6 Class 2A defending champion Richland, there were certainly some positives.
"We were down the whole game and kept fighting back," Bishop Guilfoyle coach Justin Wheeler said. "The last drive, we had a chance to win. I liked that our guys had no quit. They believe they can win, and they gave us everything they had."
Getting back on the winning track this week would mean a triumph over another defending District 6 champion -- Bellefonte -- at Mansion Park Saturday at 7 p.m.
"I think they have a couple quarterbacks they are using that are both athletic," Wheeler said. "They throw the ball some, but they are big with their feet. They put you at a disadvantage with numbers in some formations. We need to see that and No. 1 stop the run, because I think they are pretty dangerous in the run game as they showed against Forest Hills. They are a 4A school and might be the favorite in that class."
The Red Raiders were edged by Tyrone in their opener but beat Forest Hills last week.
"I have been happy with the consistency of our run game so far this season," Bellefonte coach Tony Confer said. "I have also been happy with our run defense."
With its strong running game, Bellefonte has the ability to limit an opponent's possessions, much like Westmont Hilltop teams of the past.
"We will have to control the ball and sustain drives, offensively," Confer said. "We also must take care of the football. Defensively, we can't give up big plays and must force some three and outs."
That defense will go against a Marauder team that showed some different looks against Richland, including quarterback Justin Wheeler at wide receiver and Landon Shellenberger at quarterback.
"It's something we'll continue to use," Wheeler said. "We have always liked to move some of our best players around to give some different looks. Landon is going to be a great quarterback, and Justin is a great receiver. Forcing teams to plan for different things is a good thing. It's good for our team and puts us in position to score points and put people at a disadvantage. I think we'll continue to use those looks."
Defensively, Wheeler was thrilled with how his team held up against Richland's running game, which could bode well against Bellefonte.
"We have a couple new linemen starting this year and a new tight end," Wheeler said. "Richland is good everywhere. The first thing we looked at was how our line could compete. I think our line, for most of the game, was better. Most of their rushing yards came from quarterback scrambles. When it was a designed run, we felt like we controlled the line of scrimmage very well."
Confer has been impressed with the Marauders.
"They are fast and athletic," Confer said. "They get to the ball quickly on defense."
That includes the secondary, which helped limit the star Richland tandem of Arnold Mugerwa and Jamere Christian.
"If we want to compete for championships, we're going to face teams that have wideouts that are really good," Wheeler said. "Whether it's Steelton-Highspire, McCort or Juniata Valley -- we're going to face some teams with some guys. We wanted to see how our defensive backs would hold up. We were misaligned one time, and they hit us for an 80-yard touchdown, but I thought for the most part of the game, they covered two of the best receivers as a duo that the Laurel Highlands may have ever had very well."
While BG has established veterans like Wheeler's son and Jack Gioiosa in the secondary, it also has promising young talent.
"We started Nick Taddei as a sophomore at corner, and he matched up against some of the best kids he'll ever face. He didn't get beat for one pass," Wheeler said. "You couldn't ask any more from a kid starting in his first big game. His potential is pretty high."
And the youthful talent doesn't stop there.
"We start a middle linebacker, Dane Lechner, as a sophomore," Wheeler said. "It's been really great to see him have back-to-back good games. Up front, we have some experience but have been working in a couple kids like Monroe Gates, who didn't start last year. He's been one of our best players. We have some first-time starters that once they keep getting reps are going to be pretty dangerous down the road."