Although the Foxes football team has had a tough few years, second-year head coach Dave Leasure sees characteristics he really likes in this year’s squad, especially a group of 16 seniors who have stayed committed to the program despite it going through some hard times.
“They’ve been really dedicated and working hard, and I definitely think that’s going to help. Every one of them saw significant time last year. The game experience is great, but now we need to learn how to win and understand what that takes,” coach Leasure said. “The seniors have borne the brunt of that losing streak and have been positive, and continue to work. With the guys that have stuck it out, I’m optimistic because of the character of that group. This is one of the best preseasons that I can remember. I’m just so impressed with the senior group.”
Coach Leasure had just eight seniors on his first Fox Chapel Area team last season, and it proved to be a tough campaign, especially with a schedule that featured powerhouses such as Peters Township (WPIAL Champion and PIAA runner-up), Penn Hills, North Hills, Upper St. Clair, Pine-Richland, and Woodland Hills.
“It’s hard to compete at this level with a really small senior group,” coach Leasure said.
In a day when most teams run wide open, spread offenses, coach Leasure has installed his Wing-T attack, variations of which he’s had success with at past stops such as Springdale and Freeport.
“It takes time because it’s a high-precision offense, and I’ve been very pleased with the progress I’ve seen in that regard,” coach Leasure said.
An offensive line that sports some size and talent will be key in leading that offense this season.\
Supplying that beef across the front line are seniors Kris Bandurski (6’3”, 285 pounds) at one tackle position, Blake Kuhn (6’3”, 310) at center, and what coach Leasure refers two as “two of the best of the best Wing-T guards that I’ve ever had in all my years,” in Luca Poli (5’9”, 207) and Liam Koffler (5’9”, 205). There is a battle for the other tackle spot between junior Aidan Elwood (6’2”, 248) and sophomore Colin Neff (6’2”, 234).
“I’m expecting big things out of that unit,” coach Leasure said.
Junior Thomas Billings (6’4”, 215) is slated to be the tight end.
“He can catch the football and block,” coach Leasure said. “We’re excited about that.”
Expected to man the running back positions are senior captain Victor Nernberg, junior Owen Wilson, sophomore Brady Givens, senior Anthony Fourquet and senior Cooper Hendren. Cooper is the speedster of the group, clocking times in the 4.5-4.6 second range.
The wide receivers on whom coach Leasure is counting include seniors Lincoln Burgess, Owen Zeremby, and Nathan Yeske.
A pair of juniors are in the mix at the quarterback position – Max Melocchi and Joey Geller, each of whom started last season for a team that used four quarterbacks. In 2023, Melocchi completed 24 of 52 passes for 401 yards and one touchdown.
“There’s a saying that if you have two quarterbacks, you don’t have any,” coach Leasure said. “I disagree with that with the two we have. They’ve both done very well in the summer with the 7-on-7s. They’re both athletic. They both know the offense. Both of these guys are going to play unless one separates himself from the other. I think that position is in great shape. These two guys can throw a vertical ball down the field. They’re great with play-action passes. We will be efficient in the passing game.”
This year’s offense also possesses quite a weapon – junior kicker Harran Zureikat transferred to Fox Chapel Area from Shady Side Academy in February. He is the top-rated kicker in the state for the class of 2026, as well as one of the top punters in the state.
On the defensive end, the Foxes are switching to a 4-2-5 alignment to take advantage of the speed and strength on the roster.
Expected to anchor the defensive line is senior D’Angelo Hamilton (5’11”, 299), who also is a member of the Fox Chapel Area wrestling team.
Cooper, Owen, junior Nathan Johnson, and sophomore Sully Slater are expected to fill secondary positions.
Victor and senior Caleb Shirk are penciled in for the two linebacker slots.
The Foxes play in the always-tough Class 5A Northeast Conference, but coach Leasure said the team has a chance to compete this year. Something just needs to happen as a jumping-off point.
“The key is getting that first win,” coach Leasure said. “Once we get that first win, I think our confidence will skyrocket. The talent, the commitment, everything we’ve been trying to build is there.”
The Foxes will open the 2024 season against Allderdice at 7 p.m. August 23 at James M. Burk Stadium.