Gladiators learned the importance of a fast start

By JEREMY TEPPER
MVI Sports

Football coaches will often talk about the importance of taking a business-like approach. It’s not enough to be talented or schematically sound. Being ultra-focused on the task is crucial as well.
Last season, it took South Allegheny’s football team a couple of weeks to hone its focus, as the Gladiators dropped their first two games of the season. But once the players got a little more comfortable with new coach Frank Cortazzo’s system, the Gladiators went 4-1 the rest of the way to finish with a 4-3 season.
Their only loss in that five-game stretch was a 20-14 double overtime defeat against Elizabeth Forward, which went on to lose in the 3A WPIAL championship game.
“Once we took that business approach, there was no stopping us,” Cortazzo said. “I think if we would’ve squeaked into the playoffs, I don’t think teams would’ve wanted to play us. We were riding a high.”
This season, there will be no easing into that proper approach. Cortazzo said his team is already locked in and ready for a big year.
“We are miles ahead of where we were last year. They know the expectations. They know what I expect from them and the leadership has stepped up,” he said. “Expectations are high.
“We have 14 seniors this year. That’s very exciting, the amount of experience we have coming back this year. We’re gonna build off of that. South Allegheny probably hasn’t had 14 seniors in a long time.”
Familiarity is a big reason for Cortazzo’s optimism. There is a clear understanding between the coach and his players of what they need to do on the field.
“As a team collectively I think we’re stronger now than we were last year because of all the knowledge and experience we have,” Cortazzo said. “We’ve been flying around and having some very good defensive practices.”
He is quick to mention his defense, which he expects to be the team’s primary strength. Before Cortazzo took over as the team’s head coach last year, he was the Gladiators’ defensive coordinator for several years.
Years of being coached by Cortazzo have produced a greater level of understanding among the defensive group.

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