Jeannette hungry for another title
Jeannette's football team will be trying to do something that's never been done at the school: win consecutive WPIAL titles.
"Everyone thinks we're a shoo-in to return to Hershey," Jeannette coach Ray Reitz said. "We have a big fat bullseye on our backs because we have so many players returning."
Reitz said being ranked No. 1 in the state in Class AA, having the No. 1-rated player in the country (quarterback Terrelle Pryor) and returning numerous starters doesn't guarantee his team anything.
After a storybook season which saw Jeannette win the WPIAL Class AA title and finish second in the state, Jeannette fans already have their hotel rooms booked in Hershey for mid-December.
Considering the school's storied history, which includes 633 victories and seven WPIAL titles, it's surprising no Jeannette team has won consecutive titles. This one would like to be the first.
Jeannette (14-2) had a magical season in 2006. After an early-season loss to Yough, the team pulled it together and won 12 consecutive games, which included wins over Aliquippa and Greensburg Central Catholic (twice).
Wilson, which is located near Easton, ended Jeannette's almost-perfect season, 29-28, in the PIAA title game at Hershey.
"The main thing is staying hungry," Reitz said. "When you're ranked No. 1, No. 2 tries harder. We're going to get every team's best game."
Reitz said it's his job to keep the players grounded and focused on the regular season.
"You have to have a lot of luck to win titles," Reitz said. "We respect the league and classification we're in. Keeping level-headed, hungry and staying injury-free is the key."
If the offseason work outs are any indication, the Jeannette players are ready to defend their title. More than 50 players regularly attended weightlifting and conditioning workouts.
"I believe the players are tired of talking about the season. They want to get started," Reitz said. "Our players work as hard as anybody.
"We have to play with a chip on our shoulder, like we did last year. We have good athletes and our kids have worked hard, but we have to be hungry."
What Reitz can't control is the obstacles his team will encounter from the bright lights of TV and the constant attention Terrelle Pryor will receive.
Jeannette will be on TV at least four times this season, including its first three games. The Jayhawks will be on national TV twice, on ESPNU on Sept. 14 and on Fox Sports on Oct. 22.
"There are a lot of traps out there," Reitz said. "We have to be able to handle all the publicity. I'm concerned about all of the games."
What Reitz can control is how the team prepares for games, and if the offseason is an indication, the Jayhawks are prepared.
Jeannette returns 20 seniors and numerous other starters, including linebacker Mike Matt, guard Jason Marquis, tight end Adam Lock, running back Jerry Harris, nose tackle Montel Walker and wide receiver Nick Spino.
But opponents' focus will be on Terrelle Pryor, who passed for 1,720 yards and 15 touchdowns and rushed for 1,709 yards and 28 touchdowns. He will have a lot of help on offense, and the Jayhawks' stack defense should be even better.
"There hasn't been a time yet that a Jeannette team has won back-to-back WPIAL titles," Reitz said. "We're hoping because of the loss in the state championship, that they're hungry."
Jeannette fans hope for the same thing.
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