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2025 FARRELL STEELERS PREVIEW

FARRELL – Expectations are never low for the Farrell High School football program. At the dawn of the 2025 season, it's pretty clear that the always-high expectations may be raised a notch or two in Mercer County's "City of Champions."

Last season, the youthful Steelers dropped their first three games before rebounding to win the District 10 Class AA crown. Farrell's playoff run ended at home, however, in the first round of the state playoffs against District 9 kingpin Central Clarion.

The lessons learned last season are apparent to seventh-year head coach Amp Pegues as preseason camp progressed. "It's seems like we're a little ahead of the game compared to where we were last year at this time. "We were kind of getting into it in the first game and the youth really showed.

"The guys have been putting in a lot of work and they've been jelling together," Pegues continued. "They've been practicing well."

Offensively, Farrell features the returning Region 1 Player of the Year in senior running back Juelz Johnson. Johnson, who has received multiple FBS and FCS scholarship offers, ran for 1,693 yards and 24 touchdowns while adding 25 receptions and two more scores. He led Mercer County in rushing yardage and in scoring, accumulating 160 total points.

Johnson has rushed for 2,890 yards during his first three seasons at Farrell. While he will be the primary ball-carrier for the Steelers, Farrell will be far from a one-dimensional offensive squad.

Junior quarterback Aaron Pegues returns for his second season as the starter after achieving Second Team All-Region 1 in 2024. He threw for 1,528 yards and 16 touchdowns last year.

According to Coach Pegues, who doubles as the quarterback's father, Aaron Pegues has added approximately 30 pounds of muscle while also growing three inches. He is likely to have a greater role in Farrell's rushing attack this year. "He's bigger, faster and stronger," Coaches Pegues said of his son.

Sophomore Jason Marshall, a Second Team All-Region selection at all-purpose back in 2024, will again see time in the Steelers' backfield. Converted lineman Carlao Lowe has moved from tackle to H-back.

Senior All-Region selection Nemo Jones, sophomore Timmy Jackson, sophomore Jadon King-Vincent, junior Dorean Cain and junior Dey'mar Cain will comprise the receiving corps. Jones led Farrell with 44 catches for 530 yards last season.

Farrell returns several experienced offensive linemen, including seniors Darnell LaCamera and Dravian Andrada. LaCamera and sophomore Elijah Jackson are competing for the starting center spot but both men will likely start on the interior of the line. Sophomores LaVaughn Crumby and Zaiden Thomas are also back after seeing extensive action as freshmen.

"The offensive line, they're looking good," Amp Pegues said.

Those five men are also expected to comprise Farrell's defensive line. Senior Miles Hilton will help anchor the line at nose tackle.

First Team All-Region selection Omario Boatwright returns to lead an experienced linebacker group. He recorded a team-leading 166 total tackles last year after racking up 78 stops in 2023.

Marshall returns on the outside after earning Second Team All-Region. Senior Sunny Puga and freshman Deyontay Gillespie are also competing for starting spots at linebacker. "We have a lot of depth there," Pegues said. "We have some young guys who can play."

Jones, the Cain brothers, King-Vincent and Johnson are battling for the starting spots in the secondary. Johnson earned First Team All-Region at safety while Jones and Cain were Second Team All-Region picks. Freshman Gavin Petitford is also in the mix, according to Pegues.

Elijah Jackson returns as kicker. Marshall will be the punter.

Farrell will face defending District 10 Class 1A champion Wilmington in region play, along with Mercer, Reynolds and Sharpsville. The Steelers have assembled a rugged non-conference schedule that features games against Shenango Valley rivals Hickory and Sharon, along with road trips to Ohio powers Youngstown Ursuline and Steubenville. Farrell also hosts Fort LeBoeuf and Cathedral Prep this year.

"We have a very tough schedule and that's they way I kind of like it," Pegues said. "I want us to be prepared going into the playoffs and seeing a lot of teams. We definitely have a tough schedule, but I think my guys are prepared for it."