EF determined to return to WPIAL title game

By JEREMY SELLEW
jsellew@yourmvi.com

Elizabeth Forward rode its fast and physical style all the way to the WPIAL Class 3A championship game last season, where they ran into the Beaver County buzz saw in Central Valley.
As much as head coach Mike Collodi preaches a one-game-at-a-time approach, he knows his team is laser-focused on doing everything it takes to get back to the title game.
“We don’t talk about it, but these are kids. You hear it from them,” Collodi said. “I’d be lying to say they aren’t chomping at the bit to get to that platform again.
“But we coach them hard and we let them know that there’s conference championship, WPIAL championship and state championship. You can’t win one without winning the other. I’m glad they have it to fuel them.”
The Warriors finished 8-1 overall and won the Interstate Conference crown last season. They’ll try again this year with six returning starters on offense and only four defensively. Those starters returning picked up valuable experience last year and are now the leaders.
“I always preach to the guys that our 11 best are going to play. We have high expectations and set high standards for everyone on our team, whether they’re freshmen or seniors.”
After Evan Lewis was injured last season, Zion White stepped into the starting quarterback role. All he did in his first game was throw for over 280 yards.
Now White has some competition at the signal-caller position with the arrival of transfer Johnny DiNapoli.
“Any time you have competition, it brings out the best in both guys competing,” Collodi said. “Zion has stepped it up and so has Johnny. Both are big and physical. Both have strong arms and can sling it. Johnny is more of a runner, but Zion has the ability as well.
“Let the best man win, but both are going to be back there.”
DaVontay Brownfield and Kyle Flournoy will be at running back along with appearances by DiNapoli and junior Jordan Wilmore.
Talented junior Zach Boyd returns to lead a receiving corps featuring Keilly Rush, Charlie Nigut and Flournoy.
Dom DeRenzo and a “stable of three or four guys” will man the H-back position.

To read the rest of the story, please see a copy of Thursday’s special football edition in the Mon Valley Independent. Call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at http://monvalleyindependent.com.