Big East Title Chase: Penn-Trafford Targets Latrobe to Secure Sole Possession

Penn-Trafford football players Ben Grabowski, Cody Yacamelli, and Nick Ponko receive most of the praise when the Warriors produce big plays on Friday nights. Yet the backs and skill players concede they cannot achieve those results without the foundation provided by the offensive line. The team, currently ranked No. 2 in Class 5A by Trib HSSN, secured a share of the Big East Conference title last Friday. However, the undefeated Warriors, who sit at 9-0 overall and 5-0 in conference play, are determined to claim the championship outright.

Coach John Ruane set the tone after the victory over Woodland Hills. He told the squad that work remained to be done because Latrobe, a 4-1 team with a 6-3 conference record, also seeks a piece of the title. The Warriors travel to Latrobe on Friday for a decisive first-place showdown. In their last outing, the team rushed for 307 yards. Grabowski carried the ball for 149 yards and two touchdowns, while Yacamelli added 144 yards and three scores.

The players credit their success to the blocking group. Grabowski noted that the offensive line and edge receivers blocked tremendously. Yacamelli went further, stating that without the line, he and Grabowski would be nothing. He attributed the final scoreboard result directly to the line's dominance and performance on Friday.

Senior left tackle Aiden Corbett, senior left guard Travis Moorhead, senior center Aiden McCaw, senior right guard Dylan Ridley, and junior right tackle Russell Oslosky lead the unit. Corbett and Moorhead were returning first-team all-conference players. They are supported by senior tight end Nathan Kravetz, sophomore tight end Triston Tommasino, junior H-back Orlando DeOrio, and senior H-back Landyn Stikkel.

Ruane describes the line as a group of athletes with great technique and feet rather than behemoths. From tackle to tackle, the unit averages 5-foot-11 and 246 pounds. They execute zone schemes that include counters, pulls, and traps. Ruane praised their pass protection and intelligence, noting that offensive line coach Dave Ruby helps them make in-game adjustments against unexpected defensive fronts.

The group maintains high standards during Monday practices, arriving prepared for the next contest. Ruane also cited senior defensive linemen Marlo Robinson and Grant Burk as key factors. Their presence on defense allows the team to platoon and keep players fresh. Penn-Trafford currently averages 46 points and 229.2 rushing yards per game.

The Warriors face Latrobe on Friday to determine if they will hold the conference title alone.