DUBOIS — The challenge for Coudersport — or any other District 9 school for that matter — is daunting.
No D9 team has won a PIAA playoff game since 2017, and in Class A that streak dates back six years to a Clarion victory in 2013.
But Falcons head coach Tom Storey isn’t intimidated by that stat or by a rematch with Farrell — which beat Coudy 48-6 last year en route to a state championship. Instead, Storey sees a golden opportunity for his team, the lone unbeaten remaining in the Class A bracket, to pull off a stunning upset.
“Just watching them on film, we think they are beatable compared to last year,” the third-year head coach said. “I’m not sure how else to say it. That’s something that we have to get across to the kids.
“Just watching them on film and everything, we think we’ll match up well against them.”
Kickoff for the Coudersport-Farrell quarterfinal rematch is set for tonight at 7 o’clock at Mansell Stadium in DuBois. It’s the second consecutive game for Coudy (11-0) in DuBois after winning last week’s D9 title there over Redbank Valley last Friday.
Aiding in Storey’s confidence is that Farrell (11-2) graduated three of its top athletes from a team that dominated the Falcons on both sides of the ball a season ago. The Steelers, led by three players that are currently playing at the D-I level, scored 34 second quarter points against the Falcons. Farrell then won its next two games, 96-30, en route to the third state title in school history.
Even still, the Steelers are by no means devoid of talent this year. After dropping their first two games, they have rolled to 11 consecutive victories, including a 60-14 drubbing of Tussey Mountain in the District 5 title game last Saturday.
“They are a good team,” Storey said. “They’ve been knocking on the door for many years. They’ve got a good program over there and that’s what we are trying to build here. Obviously, they are going to be a tough opponent if they play like they have all year long.”
Farrell has allowed just 88 points on the season and went on a remarkable nine-game shutout streak that included a forfeit win over Cambridge Springs.
The Steelers have allowed 34 points over their last two games, however, something Storey has taken notice of.
“I mean watching them play a couple of their games that we saw, even last week, when they blew out Tussey Mountain, Tussey Mountain was able to move the ball on them,” he said. “So just being (able) to maintain the ball and not making any of those mistakes and just playing a good game. We’re hoping that it proves to be a good day for us.”
Junior quarterback Raymond Raver, Jr. has thrown for 13 touchdowns and 817 yards this season, but the Steeler offense that averages 38.3 ppg runs through a dynamic duo out of the backfield.
Anthony Stallworth (1,388 yards, 14 TDs) and Jaden Harrison (848 yards, 11 TDs) have racked up a majority of Farrell’s yardage that includes 257 yards and three scores against Tussey Mountain — on just 18 carries.
They key to slowing those two down, according to Storey, is being aggressive and having the right mindset up front, despite a size mismatch.
“The biggest thing we’ve been preaching all year long is just heart and desire,” he said. “Yeah, we are giving up a lot of weight up front.
“But their backs and stuff are not much different than we’ve seen; they might be a bit smaller than Redbank Valley even. They are athletes, and that’s why they are where they are at in the playoffs as well. Size-wise, it’s a matter of getting in their face and our lineman and anybody who is blocking has to put the helmet right into their chest and pin it there for three to five seconds.”
The biggest ammunition Coudy would need for Storey’s plan is the return of 6-foot-2, 195-pound running back/linebacker Travis Gleason. After missing all of the D9 semifinals against Smethport with injury, Gleason lasted only a quarter last week before leaving the game. He has 1,191 yards on the ground as well as 43 tackles and four sacks defensively.
If he’s out, expect dual-threat quarterback Hayden Keck (772 yards, 15 TDs) and Brandt Kightlinger (356 yards, 7 TDs) to share the rushing load.
The biggest key for the Falcons this week, however, will be getting off to a fast start. Coudy found itself trailing 48-0 at the half against Farrell last year, and was also sluggish out of the gates against Redbank Valley a week ago.
Coudy trailed 7-0 at the intermission and didn’t reach the endzone until the third quarter.
They won’t be able to get away with that against the Steelers.
“That’s exactly what we talked to the guys about,” Storey said. “The mental side of things is a big part of what I kind of talked to the guys about. Talked to them about getting a better start this week and that’s what we’ve worked on and discussed in a couple meetings. Hopefully we come out with a much better start this week.”
