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2024 FARRELL STEELERS PREVIEW

FARRELL – A new region and a challenging non-conference schedule await the 2024 Farrell Steelers as they look to defend their District 10 Class 2A championship and make another deep run into the state playoffs.

Sixth-year head coach Amp Pegues likes what he has seen so far from his team in the preseason, which included a tri-scrimmage against Pittsburgh powers Bishop Canevin and Imani Christian.

“Camp has been going great,” Pegues said. “It was good for us to go down and match up against them. We did well against two really good teams. To get that scrimmage with those two programs is really good for us.”

The scrimmage marked the first test for Farrell’s new starting quarterback, sophomore Aaron Pegues. He is the son of Coach Pegues, who quarterbacked Farrell’s 1995 state championship squad. Aaron Pegues completed 9 of 14 passes for 96 yards as a freshman reserve in 2023.

“Aaron is doing really well,” Amp Pegues said. “He put in a lot of work in the offseason and a lot of time. It’s showing on the field.”

Any quarterback, regardless of experience level, would benefit from having junior running back Juelz Johnson back in the offensive backfield. Johnson took over as Farrell’s starting tailback in 2023 and earned First Team All-Region recognition. He ran for 974 yards and nine touchdowns while also catching 14 passes out of the backfield.

“He’s a tough, hard-nosed runner and a very skilled kid,” Amp Pegues said. “He knows the offense really well.”

Sophomores Deymar Cain and Dorean Cain are also expected to see time at tailback. Junior Rashaud Dunbar and senior Stevie Dean will also battle for time in the backfield. Dunbar ran for 64 yards in reserve duty last year.

At fullback, sophomore Omario Boatwright takes over after seeing action as a freshman in 2023.

Senior Julius Phillips and junior Nemo Jones return to lead a youthful wide receiver group. Five of Phillips’ 13 catches went for touchdowns in 2023. He averaged a team-leading 19.7 yards per catch last year. Senior Zameere Thomas and the Cane brothers are also expected to see time at both outside receiver and in the slot.

Junior tackle Darnell LaCamera and senior guard Harry Parker return as starters on the offensive line. Both are returning All-Region selections. Juniors Carlao Lowe and Dravian Andrada have the inside track to start at the other respective tackle and guard spots. Freshman Lavaughn Crumby looks to hold down the center position.

“The offensive line is shaping up well,” Pegues said.

Veteran defensive coordinator Omar Stewart will deploy LaCamera, Lowe and All-Region honoree Parker at defensive tackle, with Dunbar and Thomas flanking them at defensive end.

Dunbar could also play outside linebacker, as could both Cane brothers. Boatwright returns at inside linebacker after earning All-Region in 2023.

Phillips, a Youngstown State commit, will play one cornerback spot. All-Region pick Johnson returns at strong safety and Jones will play free safety. Jones recently received an offer from Robert Morris University.

The versatile Cane brothers could also see action at the other cornerback spot. “Those guys can play an array of positions,” Pegues said. “They can do a lot and they’re special with what they can do.”

Freshman lineman Elijah Jackson will kick while classmate Jason Marshall will punt.

Farrell will compete in District 10 Region 1, a mixed Class 1A and 2A league. The Steelers will play Kennedy, Mercer, Reynolds, Sharpsville and Wilmington in league play.

Farrell played in a Mercer County-based Class 2A and 3A league in the last two-year cycle.

Farrell’s non-league schedule features local rivals Hickory and Sharon, Youngstown power Ursuline, Cathedral Prep and Fort LeBoeuf.

“It’s different. I kind of liked the conference we were in, but we still get to play Hickory and Sharon,” Pegues said. “We wanted to beef up our non-conference schedule. We did some good things with it for sure.

"Obviously, what Ursuline is going to bring to the table is something special. Their program is always great,” Pegues continued. “Erie Prep is Erie Prep. They’re going to be good every year. And we play at Fort LeBoeuf this year. They’re going to be a physical team up north and play us a good game.”