WAYNESBURG, Pa. (Sept. 2) – The Waynesburg University football team looks to continue its growth in the third season under the leadership of head coach Dr. Cornelius Coleman. 

The Jackets posted a 2-8 record to finish 10th in the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) in 2023. Six of Waynesburg's 10 games were one-score affairs in the fourth quarter, however a 1-5 record in those games kept the Jackets from notching a top-half conference finish.  

"Although our record did not indicate it last season, our program took a step forward in the growth process last season," said Coleman. "Our young student-athletes know understand what it takes to compete week in and week out in a strong PAC conference." 

For the first time in his tenure, Coleman returns both offensive and defensive coordinators from the previous campaign with Gabe Luvara entering his third season as the Jacket's offensive coordinator and Dave Arnold leading the Waynesburg defense for a second season. 

"I am extremely excited about our staff this season," said Coleman. "We have a great blend of season vets and energetic young coaches. Our student-athletes learn and grow from our staff each and every day!"

The 2023 season was highlighted by the Jackets' first shutout since 2014 as Waynesburg notched a 24-0 victory over Saint Vincent on Alumni Day in week seven. Four weeks later, a record-breaking performance by running back Zayne Cawley powered the Jackets to a 35-26 comeback victory at Bethany. Cawley rumbled for a program single-game record 336 yards and four touchdowns in the triumph.

The Jackets bid farewell to a dozen seniors and graduate students. That group including five-time All-PAC running back Justin Flack, who concluded his career as Waynesburg's third all-time leading rusher (3,241 yards) and All-PAC Second Team center Frank Cortazzo IV. Defensively, Waynesburg must replace the production of leading tackler and all-conference linebacker Jaquaivis Valle-Smith and multi-year All-PAC defensive lineman Joel Zellem.

OFFENSE

The Waynesburg offense posted top-five rankings in the PAC in several important statistical categories in 2023. The Jackets finished fourth in the league in total offense (326.9) and rushing offense (150.8) and fifth in scoring offense (22.3) and first downs (177).

"Excited is an understatement when talking our offensive unit," said Coleman. "For the first time, we return a seasoned group upfront, along with quality depth. We believe our running back room is one of the best in the conference, and excited about our quarterback room as well."

The quarterback room features several capable options to operate the Waynesburg offense. Senior Samuel Barber (Johnstown, Pa. / Greater Johnstown) and junior Thomas Burke III (West Leechburg, Pa. / Leechburg) each appeared in nine games last season.

"We return two quality veteran players in Sam Barber and Tommy Burke, to go along with several young athletes that have a bright future," said Coleman. "Their veteran leadership will be key for us both on-and-off the field of play. It's exciting to see them both compete on a daily basis, and raises the bar for the younger talent."

Barber made eight starts and led the Jackets with 1,437 passing yards and 10 touchdowns. He finished third in the PAC in completion percentage (59.8) and seventh in passing yards per game (159.7) and passing touchdowns. He threw for a season-high 261 yards on homecoming against Westminster and completed 12-of-16 passes for 221 yards and three touchdowns against Geneva before exiting with an injury.

Burke attempted multiple passes in six games last season as he threw for 324 yards and two touchdowns. He helmed a fourth quarter comeback at Bethany and passed for a season-high 111 yards against Geneva. 

Junior running back Zayne Cawley (Huntingtown, Md. / Huntingtown) ended the 2023 season with a pair of breakout performances in weeks 10 and 11. Cawley totaled 543 yards of total offense and six touchdowns against Bethany and W&J. His 336 rushing yards at Bethany established a single-game team record and his 207 yards from scrimmage against the Presidents were the most against W&J since Robert Heller (289 yards) in 2007.

"Zayne is a special talent," said Coleman. "He learned so much from the guys ahead of him early on (Justin Flack and Nick Hall), and now is passing along that same knowledge to the younger guys in that position room. He has great balance, a tremendous work effort, and is a true student of the game."

Cawley collected All-PAC Honorable Mention status as he led the PAC and ranked 30th nationally at 6.1 yards per carry. He led Waynesburg with 865 rushing yards and 10 total touchdowns. He finished second in the conference in rushing touchdowns, third in rushing, sixth in all-purpose yards per game (101.8) and total touchdowns. He ran for over 100 yards three times and caught 23 passes for 127 yards and a score.

Senior Hunter Cameron (Armagh, Pa. / United) returns to the Waynesburg backfield after sustaining a season-ending injury in week one of the 2023 season. Cameron enjoyed a successful sophomore campaign in 2022 in which he rushed for 623 yards and five touchdowns as the Jackets No. 2 back alongside Flack. Cameron averaged 6.8 yards per rush and 62.3 yards per game in his last full season of action. He ran for a career-high 191 yards and three touchdowns, including an 87-yard score in a win over Bethany in 2022.

"We are excited to have a healthy Hunter Cameron back in the fold," said Coleman. "His skills as a bigger back are outstanding. He has great vision, ability to hit the hole, and is a proven leader on the field."

Sophomore Carson Shriver (Fairview, W. Va. / Clay-Battelle) returns to the Jacket backfield. He recorded eight carries for 42 over the final two weeks of the 2023 season and saw special teams action in kick coverage and as a kickoff returner. 

Junior tight end Dagyn Williams (Leslie, Ark. / Marshall) and junior H-back Sekye Miles (Philadelphia, Pa. / Imhotep Charter) return after appearing in all 10 games last season. Williams made seven receptions for 73 yards and Miles had four catches for 12 yards.

The Yellow Jacket offensive line features a trio of returning starters in junior Jacob Brisky (Latrobe, Pa. / Greater Latrobe), Dalton Scruggs (Lusby, Md. / Patuxtent) and Isaiah Grenway (Jessup, Md. / Hammond) at left tackle, right tackle and left guard. Brisky was a two-year starter as an underclassman while Scruggs and Grenway stepped into starting roles last fall. 

"Our offensive line is our key to success," said Coleman. "Here is a group of athletes that have grown together over the last several years, and now understand what it takes to win games. They are big, powerful and extremely athletic. We will go as far as they take us!"

Sophomore Grant Murin (Greensboro, Pa. / Mapletown), Andrew Vessels (Jefferson, Pa. / Jefferson-Morgan) and junior Patrick Barber (Brewerton, N.Y. / Paul V. Moore) look to bolster the offensive line.

Waynesburg's top returning pass catcher is junior Isaac Trout (Ruffs Dale, Pa. / Southmoreland). Trout is a two-year starter and received All-PAC Honorable Mention honors last fall. He led the roster in receptions and receiving touchdowns as he reeled in 43 passes for 457 yards and five touchdowns. Trout finished seventh in the conference in receiving touchdowns and receptions per game. He hauled in two touchdowns in games against Grove City and Geneva. Against the Golden Tornadoes, Trout had 11 catches for 139 yards.

"Isaac is just simply a good football player," said Coleman. "Going into his third season, he understands what it takes to win games. He possesses a unique ability to work hard at all times; on the practice field, in the weight room, and class room settings. We believe he is poise to have a breakout season and excited for his leadership component."

Sophomore Raymond Davis III (Palatka, Fla. / Crescent City) played in all 10 games as a freshman and made four catches for 16 yards. He totaled 70 all-purpose yards with a 16-yard reception and a 54-yard kickoff return against Carnegie Mellon.

DEFENSE

The Yellow Jacket defense finished fourth in the PAC with 19 takeaways, had six games with multiple turnovers and ranked 16th in the nation with 11 fumbles recovered. The Waynesburg defense returns multiple starters in the secondary and along the defensive line.

"It is exciting to see the growth of the defensive unit under the direction of David Arnold," said Coleman. "Those young men love playing for him and are poised to have another strong season. Coach Arnold have those young men believing in one another, and buying into our overall team philosophy."

Senior safety Brennan Boron (St. Mary's, W.Va. / St. Marys) has started 23 games for the Jackets. Last fall he led the Jackets and ranked third in the PAC with three forced fumbles and finished third on the roster with 45 tackles. Boron ranked second on the roster with four pass break-ups. He intercepted a pair of passes in 2022. 

"Brennan is one of the best defensive backs in the PAC," said Coleman. "He is a hard-hitting athlete with the unique ability to break on balls and cause havoc. Simply put, he is the heart and soul of our defensive unit."

Waynesburg returns two experienced cornerbacks in seniors Brandon Tyson (Upper Marlboro, Md. / Frederick Douglass) and JaVionne Smith (Warren, Ohio / Sharon (Pa.)). Tyson is a three-year starter with four career interceptions, two in 2023. He notched 40 tackles, three tackles for loss and a sack. Smith emerged as a starter by the end of last season. He recorded 18 tackles, one tackle for loss and three pass break-ups. 

Sophomore Quilik Wooten (Capitol Heights, Md. / Flowers) started three of the final five games of 2023. He tied for fourth on the roster with 40 tackles with 1.5 tackles for loss. He added three pass break-ups and one forced fumble. Junior John Stewart (Lancaster, Pa. / JP McCaskey) started five games and totaled 26 tackles and recovered a fumble. 

"For the first time since I arrived in Greene County, we feel good about the quality of depth that we possess in the back end of our defense," said Coleman. "We currently have six DB's that have played significant minutes for us in the past, and their leadership to the younger players have been outstanding."

Senior linebacker Jemuel Cypress (Seat Pleasant, Md. / Charles Herbert Flowers) is Waynesburg's leading returning tackler. He finished second on the roster and 22nd in the PAC with 63 tackles. He had eight outings with at least six tackles, including a season-high 10 stops against Saint Vincent. Cypress added two tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, four pass break-ups and a fumble recovery last fall. 

"Jemuel is a born leader, he possesses a unique ability to guide men on-and-off the field of play," said Coleman. "His teammates love being around him, and work hard not to disappoint him. He is a vital piece to our defense, and as he goes so does the rest of our unit."

Junior Jack Nagy (Attleboro, Mass. / Attleboro) is a returning starter on the defensive line. Nagy started six games and registered 13 tackles and one pass break-up. 

Sophomore defensive back Ewing Jamison (Jefferson, Pa. / Jefferson-Morgan) appeared in eight games and compiled 16 tackles, 11 of which came in the season finale at W&J. Sophomore Landon Cool (Morgantown, W. Va. / University) played in nine games, primarily on special teams, and had nine tackles. He forced and recovered a fumble on a punt against Saint Vincent.

Junior Alex Paulsen (Harmony, Pa. / Seneca Valley) and sophomores Kevin Willis (Donora, Pa. / Ringgold), John Johnson III (Glenrock, Pa. / Susquehannock) each appeared in nine games last season. Paulsen had 18 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and Johnson recorded five tackles at defensive line. Willis notched 11 tackles as a linebacker.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Sophomore Drew Pinkerton (Fayetteville, Pa. / Chambersburg) is the lone returning kicking specialist to the roster in 2024. He had 17 kickoffs for 795 yards (46.8 average) and made two tackles.

Davis is Waynesburg's top returning kick returner. He returned six kickoffs for an average of 22.2 yards last fall.

SCHEDULE

For the second-straight season, the PAC will have a 10-game conference schedule for the 11-team conference. With the addition of Hiram in 2025, the conference will split into north and south divisions with an eight-game conference slate.

The Jackets have five home dates in 2024 with two home games in September, one in October and two in November. The first five weeks of the season see the Jackets playing four of the top five finishers in last year's conference standings.

Waynesburg hosts Case Western in the season opener on Sept. 7 and welcomes W&J in the PAC Backyard Brawl in week three (Sept. 21). The Jackets take on Bethany on homecoming (Oct. 19) in Waynesburg's lone October home game.

The Jackets close their home schedule against defending PAC champion Grove City (Nov. 2) and Thiel (Nov. 9) in weeks nine and 10.

Waynesburg's bye is scheduled for week six (Oct 12). The Jackets travel to Westminster (Sept. 14), Saint Vincent (Sept. 28), Carnegie Mellon (Oct. 5), Allegheny (Oct. 26) and Geneva (Nov. 16) in 2024.

LAST WORD

"We are eager to take the next step in our growth process," said Coleman. "Eager to compete, eager to lean on one another, and eager to represent this great institution."