Agreed- he did NOT do anything wrong. and he is still employed (in good standing with a good reputation), full time as a teacher in another local district. The purpose of the lawsuit is to address the untrue and inaccurate defamation of him, by PR leaders- that in fact still is occurring, publicly, by the PR board President- even AFTER having had the lawsuit filed against the district. I'm not surprised at all that he was hired quickly. Out of 500 schools in PA, I'm pretty sure about 498 would hire him (especially as an assistant), after having done interviews, and thoroughly "vetting him." The only 2 "no" would be PR and NA. He is one of the best high school school coaches in the country, not just PA. This might be a slight exaggeration- but "being surprised he was hired" would be like saying "well after he left the Patriots, I'm surprised Brady got hired, because he is so old." well, we know how that turned out!!I think the sense is he didn’t do anything wrong. People support him and feel he’s been screwed. And the football parents at Mars want to win.
New - Also, got a reliable word that whole staff has been "courted" by many schools, to me it says alot. Their reputations are intact and the board is a joke as well all have stated. Again, a shame for the kids and coaches who live and have been a huge pat of your community.Tonight at school board meeting we may find out more about assistant coaches.
I don’t know about that. It’s pretty specific to make up though.I saw on a Twitter thread that apparently Campos had the players do leg workouts when lifting four times in a week, scheduled practices without consulting the school schedule, hasn't helped with recruiting, and lied on his resume when applying for this job. Is there any truth to any of this?
Yes, some truth to the twitter stuff, but not 100%- some of it is interpretation. Regarding recruiting- hard to say whether the coach is "not trying" or maybe he "does not know what he is doing." Who knows.I saw on a Twitter thread that apparently Campos had the players do leg workouts when lifting four times in a week, scheduled practices without consulting the school schedule, hasn't helped with recruiting, and lied on his resume when applying for this job. Is there any truth to any of this?
What are the names of the other two paid coaches?Yes, some truth to the twitter stuff, but not 100%- some of it is interpretation. Regarding recruiting- hard to say whether the coach is "not trying" or maybe he "does not know what he is doing." Who knows.
Regarding coaches- yes 5 posted for hire tonight. 3 paid, 2 volunteer, all listed on the PR website, school board agenda. None, zero, are established, experienced coaches. Only one IMO, sounds decent- Max DeVinney- was a QB at PR about 5 years ago, and he played in college, started a few games, subbing for Jurkovec, when he was injured- pretty sure that is who that is who it is.
Overall- minimal coaching experience on the staff, many guys have been asked formally and informally and said "no thanks" most likely b/c no one wants to work with the dysfunctional admin.
Next week will be "big indicator" as far as maybe a "decent" 5A team- two 7 on 7s, then an off week early July
New - Also, got a reliable word that whole staff has been "courted" by many schools, to me it says alot. Their reputations are intact and the board is a joke as well all have stated. Again, a shame for the kids and coaches who live and have been a huge pat of your community.
Recipe for disaster. Complete shit show."Only coaching experience is for the Pittsburgh Youth Flag Football League in 2018."
My God.
DeVinney was a nice player. Got stuck behind DiNucci and Jurkovec. He should have another year of college left if my math is right.
So 4 of the 5 have never coached at a level above flag football?
Yikes. Yikes. Yikes.
So is Campos past the desperation stage already and grabbed essentially anyone with a heartbeat?And the OC is from Penn Hills and hasn't coached in 2 years. I found out just now that Salopek reached out to Altemus' former DL coach to be the WR coach! He said no. Salopek also reached out to the former Asst OL coach Urbik (Steelers/Bills/Dophins) and he said no and is going to Mars with Coach K and crew.
Agreed, this post is pretty accurate- word was there was 20 teams. Credit to Campos for this 7 on 7 success, and letting these kids "do what they do." Also, having DeVinney as an assistant coach was a "good add." However, I have to add, a big reason the skill is "top notch" is that all of these skill kids were coached for 3-4 years, by Kasper, Leihmeir, Jochem (QB coach) and the rest of the "fired staff." It will be July in a couple days, and the current team still does not have an offensive line coach, gonna need that when they put pads on and play 11 on 11!!Pine won the 7 vs 7s at Beaver without Hasley. Beat Lebo. One of my son's coaches and was up there, said QB for Pine is very good as Jackie mentioned a few times, skill was top notch. I know its just 7 vs 7 and take the good with the bad with that but maybe they can just roll the ball out???? Going to be fun to see how this plays out.
Sorry, but they cannot go as far this year. With this new coaching staff, they might not make it out of WPIAL- Penn Hills, PT and Gateway may have just as much talent, but with better and more accomplished coaching staffs. In many ways, PR kids are still "coaching themselves." They cannot do that and also play well against the best teams.They have the talent to play for Another state championship.
The only 5A team in the state with more talent is probably Imhotep.
I talked to several parents a graduation parties this weekend. They played at least the last two games of that 7v7 without Gochis Eastburn and Mellis as well. Speaks very good for their talent level and depth. Also says something about Lebo. Lebo has a three-year starter at QB and at least two very good wide receivers and evidently only scored a couple touchdowns and couldn’t stop their backups.
so that’s all good news. Also heard that a former P-R QB has the inside track to be the OC. Max DeVinney. That’s great for program continuity, but I thought he was still in college.
I still have not been able to see them in person.
There's no doubt in my mind that they have a bunch of talent still, but that can only take them so far. I'm not thrilled that they hired a patchwork of coaches and they still have to decide who will coach which group. DeVinney may be the OC? He's not even a paid assistant! Coaching is what made those state championship teams and now it's completely gone.Sorry, but they cannot go as far this year. With this new coaching staff, they might not make it out of WPIAL- Penn Hills, PT and Gateway may have just as much talent, but with better and more accomplished coaching staffs. In many ways, PR kids are still "coaching themselves." They cannot do that and also play well against the best teams.
They have the talent to play for Another state championship.
The only 5A team in the state with more talent is probably Imhotep.
They have the talent to play for Another state championship.
The only 5A team in the state with more talent is probably Imhotep.
I talked to several parents a graduation parties this weekend. They played at least the last two games of that 7v7 without Gochis Eastburn and Mellis as well. Speaks very good for their talent level and depth. Also says something about Lebo. Lebo has a three-year starter at QB and at least two very good wide receivers and evidently only scored a couple touchdowns and couldn’t stop their backups.
so that’s all good news. Also heard that a former P-R QB has the inside track to be the OC. Max DeVinney. That’s great for program continuity, but I thought he was still in college.
I still have not been able to see them in person.
I talked to several parents a graduation parties this weekend. They played at least the last two games of that 7v7 without Gochis Eastburn and Mellis as well. Speaks very good for their talent level and depth. Also says something about Lebo. Lebo has a three-year starter at QB and at least two very good wide receivers and evidently only scored a couple touchdowns and couldn’t stop their backups.
so that’s all good news. Also heard that a former P-R QB has the inside track to be the OC. Max DeVinney. That’s great for program continuity, but I thought he was still in college.
I still have not been able to see them in person.
Sorry, but they cannot go as far this year. With this new coaching staff, they might not make it out of WPIAL- Penn Hills, PT and Gateway may have just as much talent, but with better and more accomplished coaching staffs. In many ways, PR kids are still "coaching themselves." They cannot do that and also play well against the best teams.
New-They have the talent to play for Another state championship.
The only 5A team in the state with more talent is probably Imhotep.
I talked to several parents a graduation parties this weekend. They played at least the last two games of that 7v7 without Gochis Eastburn and Mellis as well. Speaks very good for their talent level and depth. Also says something about Lebo. Lebo has a three-year starter at QB and at least two very good wide receivers and evidently only scored a couple touchdowns and couldn’t stop their backups.
so that’s all good news. Also heard that a former P-R QB has the inside track to be the OC. Max DeVinney. That’s great for program continuity, but I thought he was still in college.
I still have not been able to see them in person.
They have a hell of a schedule early: SV, Pgh CC, USC, Gateway & PH. Gateway game should answer some early questions right?There's no doubt in my mind that they have a bunch of talent still, but that can only take them so far. I'm not thrilled that they hired a patchwork of coaches and they still have to decide who will coach which group. DeVinney may be the OC? He's not even a paid assistant! Coaching is what made those state championship teams and now it's completely gone.
New - A win is a win! Yes. Just heard Hasley committed to Duke, that did not take long. You did not mention Gateway, do you not think they will be good?Soup: I am optimistic. A win is a win. And like you said, the good news is that the line should be very good.
SV and PCC are going to bring it. Great early first tests.
Also heard over weekend from parent that there has been no mention of Harrisburg week 0. not sure where that stands. Jacky, 2020 any insight?
I literally logged off and saw that the Harrisburg Coach was quoted on Penn Live as saying the P-R game was on at Woodland Hills on 8/28. So, there's that.
Soup, I just didn't get to Gateway. Here's what I think of the first opponents:
Harrisburg - don't know much about them, but they traditionally have been big up front and are spread. A good early first test for P-R, but without any "studs" I think its a P-R wins this one by 3 TD's. 28-7.
Seneca Valley - after talking to a couple parents with direct knowledge of what's happening at SV, I think they may be the dark horse in 6A. Their defense was always very good, now add Lehmeier and Sasson to the O and they are building something. Their skill will have size comparable to P-R's in 2020, but they need to find a QB. Without some ability to pass, they will be limited. I'm taking SV over P-R 35-14 in a revenge game for the ex-P-R coaches. SV defense will have every tell on P-R's offense. The game is at SV and may be a TV game.
PCC - talent wise, PCC will match P-R and if they decide to throw the ball will have a substantial advantage over a complete rebuild in the P-R secondary. (Neill, Schweiger, Jochem, Mill all graduated and Hasley playing ILB). Big, big coaching advantage to PCC. Fleming will throw the P-R O staff for a loop. I'll take PCC at least 35-14.
USC - Last year was supposed to be USC's team of the century and they were just better than average. Until USC can toughen up both physically and mentally, I look for the Rams to Roll. P-R by 21. 42-21.
Gateway - I'm not sold on the Birch kid at QB. His Jeanette highlights don't wow me at all. But with his brother and a couple good skill coming back, I think they will be able to wing it ok. And that attacks P-R's secondary, which is a bad matchup for P-R. I would give the coaching edge to Gateway by a slight margin - but losing to Peters last year after being up by 19 makes me go hmmmm. Also, very bad matchup for GW up front. I'm going to call this a push for now (depending on P-R's secondary) something around 28-28.
Penn Hills - always tough on D, but couldn't score last year at all. Duggar brothers are both back (hopefully for QB - torn patellar tendon) so that should help. I think it 100% rides on if Julian Duggar is a full strength. If he is, they will be dynamic on O. They also played a 9th grade RB last year who is back. But I'll go with P-R in a close one. 28-21.
The Gateway game is the real turning point. Win that and they are 4-2 and head into a stretch of Shaler, NH, Kiski, Fox Chapel which should all be wins. Go 3-3 and beat nobody decent (and lose to 5A Gateway), and there could be some dissatisfaction. Anything worse. Yikes. Also, lose to Gateway and there is no way you are a top 2 seed in 5A IMO.
Good stuff Soup and New.NA: I agree - it’s been a decade since a WPIAL championship and only once (last year) in the championship game. Best team since then was 2017 and they ran in PR.
PCC will be very good with great players on each level of their D (Hinish, Specca, Barron and Younger). They will start a sophomore QB who has 3 or 4 starts under his belt. Carothers will be dynamic at whatever position he plays and Altman at TE may make some noise.
Regarding Birch, I guess I should give him more of a chance. Holl has a history of having good QBs and I’m sure Birch will be no different. The ability to effectively throw the ball will be huge.
PH: They need Julian Duggar to be 100%. LeDonne is very good on D but they can’t get it going on O. Heard they were after Lehmeier and Sasson, but commute ruled that out. That would have been something.
And let’s not forget Penn-Trafford. IMO, they have the best coaching staff in 5A now, they have a “program” and culture, they are tough, and they have star power in Yakimelli. They need to find a QB that can throw and they will be really good.
I’d still put PR #1 but PEnn Trafford is waiting for them to stumble.
Soup, I know you follow all those south hills teams closer than I - hearing good things about BP QB. Is he that good?
SF is complete rebuild on O. I think it’s going to be rough for them for a few years. Growing pains.
Peters reminds me a lot of P-R around 2013. BUT, with the best group they ever had, they couldn’t get over the hump. Hard to keep mojo going if you don’t have examples of how to get to the next level.
New - Good Stuff as usual.NA: I agree - it’s been a decade since a WPIAL championship and only once (last year) in the championship game. Best team since then was 2017 and they ran in PR.
PCC will be very good with great players on each level of their D (Hinish, Specca, Barron and Younger). They will start a sophomore QB who has 3 or 4 starts under his belt. Carothers will be dynamic at whatever position he plays and Altman at TE may make some noise.
Regarding Birch, I guess I should give him more of a chance. Holl has a history of having good QBs and I’m sure Birch will be no different. The ability to effectively throw the ball will be huge.
PH: They need Julian Duggar to be 100%. LeDonne is very good on D but they can’t get it going on O. Heard they were after Lehmeier and Sasson, but commute ruled that out. That would have been something.
And let’s not forget Penn-Trafford. IMO, they have the best coaching staff in 5A now, they have a “program” and culture, they are tough, and they have star power in Yakimelli. They need to find a QB that can throw and they will be really good.
I’d still put PR #1 but PEnn Trafford is waiting for them to stumble.
Soup, I know you follow all those south hills teams closer than I - hearing good things about BP QB. Is he that good?
SF is complete rebuild on O. I think it’s going to be rough for them for a few years. Growing pains.
Peters reminds me a lot of P-R around 2013. BUT, with the best group they ever had, they couldn’t get over the hump. Hard to keep mojo going if you don’t have examples of how to get to the next level.
Thanks for the new info, new2pa! I heard that Campos is trying to run Kasperowicz's same offense and schemes, but is failing to do so. Have you heard anything on this front?Been a while since I posted, so bear with me if this info isn't new...
The former P-R QB, Max DeVinney, who was the volunteer assistant QB coach and pass game coordinator has been promoted to OC. He is still a senior in college.
Steve Buches is primarily the DL coach from what I'm told and is also coaching OL for now. So P-R now has 1 "line" coach to replace the 4 they had last year on the OL and DL.
As far as people know, there are no full-time paid offensive coaches.
There are at least 4 positions open. Board meeting Monday, so maybe more then.
Even with all this, I would expect easy wins over Fox Chapel, Kiski, and Shaler, with North Hills and Penn Hills coming into play as possible tight games this year. Seneca Valley, PCC, USC and Gateway could present significant problems even with the talent they have. I guess if defense is solid, offense won't have to score much.
But what a let down.
We will know for sure by noon on Monday, that is when the board agenda, with any new names will be posted- really the last chance to get coaches hired and ready before pads and camp. Sadly, there are no "promising rumors" of any new good coaches. Currently, only 7 total coaches. Including Campos, 5 total paid, only two have ever coached, period. Not even youth football. Buches and Campos. There are 21 coaching jobs open/posted for the district. Lots of people reluctant to coach for the dysfunctional leadership. Currently only 2 of 4 middle school coaches and ZERO ninth grade coaches. Lots of opinions have been posted on this site, and more in social media- but these numbers tell the story. Really sad- but this is what the district wanted- a "lower profile" football program. In April, the program posted 8 7 on 7s- ALL have been cancelled- ONE was added. Not sure if any more will occur. A month ago there was some optimism, but less now. These boys will not be able to coach themselves, they are kids. Parents have been patient and mostly quiet for a month, hoping for positive developments- but few have occurred. These kids, are gonna have to deal with starting back to school "post-covid" and playing some really tough competition in the first 4-5 weeks. Might be a tough year, above .500 will be impressive. Oh, and by the way, STILL no word, of any real hazing or other bad conduct by the coaches having been exposed.Yes. I’ve heard same things about Campos trying to run the offense that PR has run most recently. That’s why Devinnney could help. But I think Max graduated before Lehmeier took over and things progressed on offense even more. But if there is anyone that can figure it out, I guess it would be him.
I may have misspoke. They have more than 1 paid assistant. All on defense as far as I can tell, unless DeVinney is now getting paid. But have 4 additional open paid position is what I meant.
I have no idea who they can get at this point. It’s sort of a worse situation. Now anybody that’s any good (doubtful anybody left) knows they won’t be working with experienced coaches and won’t come on board.
if I hear anything over the weekend or the board meeting, I will post.