You can't blame new Ringgold coach Nick Milchovich for smiling as he looks over his team at practice.
Milchovich, who had previous stops at California Area (2000), Charleroi Area (2003-06) and Peters Township (2007-2010), takes over a program that remains in good shape after Matt Humbert left for Belle Vernon Area.
“It's really a tribute to the kids here. They've really made the transition smooth for us,” Milchovich said. “Obviously, Matt had a great opportunity at BVA. The kids just wanted a coach; they're a good group and they've been working really hard.”
Effort is the focus for Milchovich's team. He said anyone who watches the Rams this season will notice how hard they work.
Returning at quarterback is Nico Law, one of the highest rated, dual-threat signal-callers in the state. Law, who topped 1,000 yards throwing and rushing last season, recently picked up his first Division I scholarship offer from Ohio University. Milchovich is sure more will come.
“The greatest thing is that Nico does such a good job of managing himself. Recruiting will be going on, but it's a non-factor for him,” Milchovich said. “He never talks about it, and he approaches each day doing what's best for Ringgold football.
“He's going to have a great year. We'll let the chips fall as they may and I think that's the same way he's looking at it.”
While Law is a threat with his cannon-like arm and fast-moving legs, he's not the only danger in the backfield for the Rams.
Junior Chacar Berry and freshman Brendan Small, are two more weapons in the Ringgold arsenal.
“Both backs have been surprisingly very physical,” Milchovich said. “Berry will run you over, but also has the speed to get out there and break one.
“Small's nickname is Bam — he runs at a low pad level and is really tough to bring down.”
At wide receiver, the Rams don't have just one who will stand out.
“It's like a basketball team that each guy averages 10 points,” Milchovich said of the group.
Leading the unit will be seniors Brandon Thomas, Mason Atkinson, Jake Gerard and Luke Baldesberger. Sophomore Dalton Holt has also been impressive at camp, Milchovich said.
Success for the Rams will stem from the offensive line, who Milchovich has watched grow since taking over the team.
“To me, the offensive line is where it begins and ends,” Milchovich said. “I don't care what type of offense you run, you can't hide without your line. We really challenged this group in the weight room, physically and aerobically.”
The line will be anchored by left tackle Anthony Martin, a 6-5, 310-pound senior. He'll be joined by left guard Daylen Penn, center Eric Higgs, right guard Gage Ivory and right tackle Bobby Duda.
“There's really a tight bond between those guys. They're close knit and hardworking kids,” the coach said.
Defensively, stopping the run is the focal point.
“I don't care what offense you're facing, if you can't stop the run you aren't going to be successful,” Milchovich said of his defensive game plan. “We've really showed a knack during scrimmages of filling gaps and tackling well.”
Aaron Szakal and Dante Todaro will be at defensive end, while a number of players including Penn, Isaac Petrosky, Justin Mayer and Higgs, will see time.
“I think linebacker is going to be our strength,” Milchovich said. “Those guys have really impressed me.”
Berry will play on the outside with Holt, Baldesberger and Easton Fine all getting their share of playing time.
Connor Gary, a junior, will be a defensive leader at his middle linebacker spot. He has started since his freshman year. Jordan Briscoe will join him, with Grant Gerard being their primary backup.
In the secondary, Law and Atkinson will try to cut off big plays from their safety positions with Thomas, Jake Gerard and Skyler Scholl getting a bulk of the playing time at cornerback.
Josh Briscoe, a senior and Ringgold soccer player, has emerged as the kicker and punter for the Rams.
“He showed up and has taken it seriously,” Milchovich said. “I was pretty worried about the position, but he's really eased my mind.”
When it comes to conference play, Milchovich said the two top teams remain unchanged.
“You've got to be an idiot to say Thomas Jefferson and West Mifflin won't be at the top,” Milchovich said. “They're two very good programs with two very good coaches.
“That being said, we're looking to upset that order a little bit. Our goal is to win every day and get better.
“It's like that old game, King of the Hill, you have to knock those big guys off the top. It'll be a good challenge.”
Jeremy Sellew is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at jsellew@tribweb.com or 724-684-2667.
