Rebuilt lines a key reason for Central Catholic’s run to 6A championship game
Central Catholic coach Steve Pyne had several standout anchors returning along the lines this season around whom to build.
Two-way all-state senior Matix Carpenter would be the leader, while promising junior all-Mt. Hood Conference selections Zac Stascausky and Kainoa Hayes were steady forces on the right side of the offensive line.
The Rams still had to find replacements for all-state left tackle Beau CressAllen and all-MHC honorable mention pick Zugo Mbelu, while Carpenter and junior Zach Davis would drop their duties on the O-line to focus on defense.
That left Pyne leaning on several unknowns during training camp who have developed into critical pieces of their run to Friday’s OSAA Class 6A state championship game against Tualatin at Hillsboro Stadium.
From convincing one to turn out for his junior year to converting another from a linebacker to a starting tackle, the Rams pieced together lines that have helped them go 12-0 with 6A’s top scoring offense (47.9 points per game) and No. 2 scoring defense (7.3 points per game).
“The O-line and D-line have performed all year,” said senior quarterback Cru Newman, who credited the team’s grueling practices for their success. “We do best vs. best practices that allow everyone to see the best competition day in and day out, allowing them to perform in games.”
Photo by Joel Conrad Bechtolt
The biggest change involved Newman indirectly, as Carpenter would no longer reprise the center-exchange connection he had with the three-time Mt. Hood offensive player of the year.
Instead, Newman would work this season with junior John McGregor, who wasn’t sure he wanted to play after last year. A bit of cajoling from Pyne convinced him to turn out, and he developed into a first-team all-MHC selection and one of the top centers in the state.
“I was never nervous about that connection,” Newman said. “John has grown a tremendous amount and has really stepped up this year as a first-year starter.”
To replace CressAllen, Pyne turned to another junior, Evan Brenner, who was a backup linebacker, running back and tight end last season. Brenner took over as a starter during the regular season (Carpenter started in last week’s semifinal win over West Linn) while also rotating in on the defensive line (14 tackles).
“He has been more than capable at both positions and highly productive considering this being his first year at both,” Pyne said.
Along the defensive front, junior Phoenix Orion-DiCosmo moved up from the JV to play on the right side. He had seven tackles in a Week 1 win over Bellevue, and entering Friday’s game, he has 26 tackles (two for loss).
“Phoenix has had a very productive year,” Pyne said. “We had high hopes for him at the start of the season but were uncertain how he would develop. He has been one of our most consistent players on the defensive line.”
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