Daily improvement is central to the West Greene High School football program as the team prepares for the new season. Head coach Beau Jackson, entering his third year, emphasized a process-focused approach.
“We don’t like to put a lot of emphasis on wins and losses early in the year because we don’t know what we’re going to have until after camp,” said Beau Jackson. “There are a lot of factors out there that are out of our control, whether it be injuries or other things. We just try to get the best out of our guys.”
The Pioneers return five starters on both offense and defense. Last season, they finished with a 4-6 record overall and tied for third place in their conference but missed the playoffs due to a tiebreaker.
Among returning players is senior Colin Whyte, who also placed fourth in state wrestling competition. “He does everything we ask of him,” Jackson said. “He’s a hard worker and a tough player – a really tough player.” Senior linebacker and wide receiver Matthew Wassil and two-way lineman Hunter Gorby are expected to play key roles as well.
Regarding Gorby, Jackson added: “He started for us last year and he started in spurts two years ago (… ) So, I guess you can say he’s a two-year starter.”
Bruce Smith, another senior starter, will contribute significantly this season according to his coach: “He’s a big weight room kid,” Jackson said. “He’s strong and we’re more than excited to see what he brings to the table this year as well (… ) Really, with all those guys, we’re excited for the leadership that they will exhibit (… ) It’s just a really good group of kids. When we talk about character, we stress that it’s just about the talent you put onto the field. What happens off the field is just as important to us.”
Junior Mason Ansell returns on the offensive line. The team will look for replacements at quarterback and running back after losing Lane Allison and Hayden Hamilton from last year’s roster.
Jackson suggested that Jefferson-Morgan and California might be favorites again this season but acknowledged other teams could compete for playoff spots. “I would say it’s probably going to be Jefferson-Morgan and California at the top,” Jackson said. “I can see us and Beth-Center being in the same boat, except their kids are a little bit older than we are (… ) Other than that, I can’t really say. I don’t know. I think it’s going to be the other teams for that third or fourth spot. Bentworth has some skill kids and Carmichaels has some size. Mapletown is always going to be consistent and Avella is going to have a good line. I think they have a lot coming back.”
West Greene opens its schedule against last season’s playoff teams Waynesburg Central and Monessen before facing defending champion Fort Cherry in Week 2.
“It’s the same boat we were in last year,” Jackson said. “It’s tough. It’s a tough start. Hopefully, we can lean on the upperclassman.”
The coaching staff features John Coss as assistant head coach/offensive coordinator along with several assistants.
The playoff system remains unchanged from last year with sixteen spots available; qualification depends on section records with additional at-large bids determined by committee decision.
Playoff games will follow standard hosting arrangements based on seeding.
