Cougars eye fresh start after COVID season

By JEFF OLIVER
MVI Sports

After a tough COVID-affected 2-5 season in 2020, Charleroi is looking forward to better things in 2021.
Second-year coach Brady Barbero welcomes a large senior class that includes numerous players who started a year ago.
Among the returning starters are quarterback Brendan Harps, running back Nikko Pellegrini and wide receivers Terrance Woods and Brennen Shannon.
A year ago, Pellegrini led Charleroi in rushing with 426 yards while Harps completed 42 of 100 passes for 426 yards and three touchdowns. Harps’ top receiver was Woods, who caught 20 passes for 205 yards and two TDs.
“With COVID and the shortened season and our first year (as a staff), a lot of kids had to learn on the fly,” Barbero said. “With that season under their belts and what we have done in the offseason preparing, I’m really excited to see what our skill kids can do on the field.”
Charleroi also returns two starters on the offensive line in senior tackle Jake King and junior guard Josh Rodabaugh.
Other expected starters on offense will be either senior running back Josh Blatnik or senior receiver Cody Paul, depending on the formation.
Vying for tight end are juniors Tyler Bercik and Cole Marucci.
Joining King and Rodabaugh on the line will be junior center Nick Polinski, junior guard Tyler Porter and senior tackle Matt Alton.
Barbero added that junior Gavin Fazekas will also be part of the rotation on the line.
Defensively, Charleroi is a little more green with most of the returning veterans in the secondary.
Shannon, Woods and sophomore Gianni Pellegrini are all back in the secondary and will be joined by senior Kyle Piecknick.
The linebacking rotation of five players includes one returning starter in Rodabaugh. Other linebackers will be Blatnik, Alton, Bercik and freshman Adonte Rainey.

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