NWPASports.com

(Statistical Information Courtesy of NWPASports.com archives)

FARRELL STEELERS 2022 FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

Head Coach: Anthony Pegues, 4th year (29-6)
Last Year: 11-1 overall, won District 10 Class 2A title, advanced to state semifinals

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There's a major construction project ongoing between State Route 518 and Roemer Boulevard in the City of Farrell. There's also a moderate renovation taking place nearby. The results of both could lead to plenty of activity in the area in late November and early December.

This summer, Farrell High School installed artificial turf, a new scoreboard and a new track inside Falconi Field at Paulekas Stadium. The facility could be used for postseason football and soccer events this autumn. Should Farrell's football team make another deep postseason run, the Steelers will have a top-flight practice venue in spite of inclement weather and limited daylight.

"This is one of the most exciting things that's happened around here in a long time," Farrell head coach Anthony "Amp" Pegues said. "It's going to be a beautiful venue, with the new scoreboard and track. It will give our kids a really great place to practice and to play, and for the schools that come here to play, they'll get to play on a great surface."

The renovation centers around the Farrell football team, which must replace several graduated standouts. However, Pegues and his staff have plenty of raw material with which to work.

Farrell's veteran and sizable offensive line will be the foundation for the Steelers' offense in 2022. Farrell returns First Team All-Region honorees Anthony Jackson and Malachi Shepherd to help lead that group. Those two seniors will be joined by juniors Malikye Green, Xavion Moore and Bryan Phillips, along with sophomore Marcus Cheeks.

"We have a lot of guys up front with experience and nice size," Pegues said. "They're looking good up front right now."

When it comes to "looking good," few players have looked as good as All-State senior wide receiver Kylon Wilson over the past two seasons. Last season, Wilson scored 23 total touchdowns, reaching the end zone by rushing, receiving, interception return and kickoff return. He caught 36 passes for 658 yards and 13 touchdowns while also rushing for 245 yards and six scores. He averaged 17.5 yards per rush.

"(Wilson) really worked this offseason," Pegues said. "He put on some muscle and he got faster. He's going to do a lot of things for us."

Versatile senior Lamont Samuels, sophomore Julius Phillips and freshman Danny Odem are expected to join Wilson at wide receiver. Samuels had four catches last year and also ran for 264 yards and five touchdowns. Phillips caught 11 passes as a rookie last year at Sharon.

Seniors Kien Wade and Malachi Owens will play tight end.

Farrell used three quarterbacks last season, Samuels, the graduated Trian Holden and current junior Kabron Smith. Smith threw for 617 yards and nine touchdowns last season and will be the starter.

"Kabron is 'QB1" for us," Pegues said. "He's really doing a great job. He had a great offseason and we're really looking forward to seeing what he can do this year."

Samuels will be the backup quarterback but will have a prominent role on offense, defense and special teams. "(Samuels) can play almost any position on the field. He'll kick, punt, play receiver and running back. He's a phenomenal athlete and he'll play a lot of different positions for us."

Junior Brandon Chambers takes over as the starting tailback, replacing Anthony Stallworth, who graduated as Farrell's all-time leading rusher with 5,384 yards. Chambers averaged 10.0 yards per carry last year and finished with 279 rushing yards.

Senior Tahjmere Gibson will be the fullback. Pegues also expects Wilson, sophomore Rondell McClinton and Julez Johnson to see time in the backfield.

The 6-foot-4 Owens and 6-3 Wade will help lead Farrell's defensive line at defensive end. Both men earned First Team All-Region last year. "They're two of the best defensive ends in District 10," Pegues said. "They're long and rangy, strong and athletic."

Farrell also welcomes back Second Team All-Region selections Shepherd and Marion Norris at defensive tackle. Green will also see time at defensive tackle.

Senior Zaire Thomas will take over at middle linebacker after playing extensively in each of the last two seasons. "He has great size, he really worked hard and is looking good in there," Pegues said of the 6-2, 215-pounder.

Gibson, McClinton and converted defensive end Jaesean Boatwright are battling at outside linebacker.

The secondary features returning starters Chambers, Samuels and Wilson. All three men earned All-Region last season. Wilson returned two of his three interceptions for touchdowns in 2021. Phillips, who started at safety last year for Sharon, will also challenge for a starting spot.

Samuels will kick and punt. He and Wilson will be the primary kick returners.

Farrell will compete in Region 3, with fellow Class 2A members Greenville, Sharpsville and Wilmington. The Steelers will also play Class 3A foes Grove City, Hickory, Sharon and Slippery Rock. Farrell has been league brethren with each of the 3A teams in its history. Grove City, Hickory and Sharon all played Farrell in the Keystone Football league from 1982 to 1985. Farrell and Sharon also squared off as league foes from 1945 through 1974 in District 7.

Farrell and Slippery Rock played together in District 7's Midwestern AA league in 1980 and 1981.

"I'm very excited to play those caliber of teams and to have those rivalry games back, with the big crowds," Pegues said. "It's really exciting. Our furthest travel is Grove City, which is a 35-minute ride for us. It's going to be great competition week in and week out."