Peabody has positions up for grabs

Bob Flaus has seen a lot of football in his 18 years as head coach at Peabody - even more in his 28 total years coaching.

But this is a first.

Peabody was scheduled to open its season Aug. 31 against Duquesne, but that school was forced to close, and now Peabody's opening week is open.

"This is the first time we've been through a situation like this," Flaus said. "Now we have a bye. We're kind of left out here in the cold on that one."

The Highlanders hope to keep warm by practicing through that first week and finally beginning their City League season Sept. 7 against Langley. Flaus believes having the extra work before the first game might just work out.

"It's always nice to have that third week (after the start of training camp) where you're looking forward to playing. Kids get tired of beating on each other," he said. "I hope it will be a good thing that will come out of it."

There's plenty of competition to settle, too. With the graduations of two defensive stalwarts, linebacker Chris Black and defensive end Andre Weston, Flaus knows his team's defense needs fresh production.

"We lost a lot of kids, so we're looking for guys to take their place," Flaus said.

Nevertheless, the Peabody defense that held eventual City League champion Oliver to just eight points in a late-season victory last year retains a three-year starter in senior safety Robert Agurs. Flaus said Agurs has "an instinct for the ball."

While most of the defensive personnel are shuffling, the Peabody offense returns several mainstays in the backfield, despite an opening at fullback. Another returning starter, senior quarterback Ryan Bailey, will take his final year of snaps from returning center Aaron Guillard. Guillard, a senior, should provide important experience while the rest of the offensive line is "completely up for grabs," Flaus said.

When the line is set, it will be blocking for returning 1,000-yard tailback Stewart Townsend, a junior who stands only 5-foot-5, 155 pounds.

"But he's tough as nails," Flaus said. "He's our starting tailback for now, but some kid may come in and be the next Kevan Barlow."

Barlow, a former standout runner at Peabody and Pitt, joined the Steelers this year after six seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets. Peabody (5-3 last year) hasn't made the playoffs since losing to Perry in the City League championship game two years at Heinz Field.

"We finished up tied for fourth but were out because we lost to Schenley," Flaus said of the 2006 season. "We were kind of disappointed we didn't make the playoffs last year. But for the younger kids, it's OK. You can use that as a building tool for the next year."

Additional Information:

Peabody Highlanders

Conference: City League - Section 1

Coach : Bob Flaus