Great Valley football team hopes to be a player in Ches-Mont American race

EAST WHITELAND >> For the last several years, the title race in the Ches-Mont League American Division has been between Unionville and West Chester Rustin, with Kennett making it a trio recently. This season, Great Valley feels they can break through the logjam and contend and make it a four-team scramble.
The Patriots return a good deal of talent in key positions; however, the one position that doesn’t apply to is quarterback. They must replace three-year starter Andy Talone. Braden Melia is expected to get the starting nod. The junior apprenticed the last two years behind Talone.
“He got an opportunity to sit behind of Andy for two years,” Great Valley coach Jeff Martin said of Melia. “He knows the offense. He has a really good arm. We’re going to be a little more diverse because our offense went through the quarterback last season in the run game and in the pass game, but we can spread it around this year.”

One of the running backs expected to open up things for the passing game is Jack Coffey. The senior comes back healthy after missing time last year due to a lower leg injury.
“I feel great. It feels great to have a healthy year under my belt,” said Coffey. “I feel faster, more agile, more athletic overall. I’m expecting a big year for myself.”
Coffey added his thoughts on how Melia will run the offense.
“He’s doing really well,” he added. “He’s definitely a different type of quarterback. He can throw the ball, which has benefited our offense, so I’m excited.”

Fellow senior Nick Pellicciotta will team with Coffey in the backfield. He is expected to be playmaker running with and catching the ball.
Heading the receiving corps is returning Jackson Callahan, who caught 27 balls last year, placing him in the top-five of returning players this season.
Lawron Short could make his impact felt catching passes from the tight end spot.
The Patriots return one of the best kickers in the Ches-Mont in Seth Turner. He had a 42-yard field goal and a 63-yard punt to his credit.
“Seth is an exceptional multi-sport athlete who has received all-league honors in soccer, swimming, and football,” said Martin. “He has grown tremendously and is an asset to our team. His ability to hit 45-plus yard field goals consistently provides an advantage to our team.”

Defensively, Short looks to make a name as one of the better ends in the county. Lanky and speedy, Short recorded 36 tackles and two sacks last year.
“Lawron started at defensive line full time his junior year and was in the regular rotation on the defensive line during his sophomore year,” said Martin. “With his combined size, athleticism, and experience, he has the potential to be one of the best defensive linemen in the area. He will be the type of player that the opposing team needs to account for.”
“I’ve gotten a lot of stronger and learned how to use power moves on the inside and how to take on double teams,” said Short. “Not just being a pass rusher. I think we can be one of the best defenses in the Ches-Mont. We have a lot of strengths that a lot of other teams don’t have.”
Pellicciotta and Coffey headline the linebacking corps.
The Patriots open up against Phoenixville, after a two-year absence due to Covid. They dive into Ches-Mont American play by visiting West Chester East on Sept. 2.

Great Valley Schedule
Fri., Aug. 26 — vs. Phoenixville, 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 2 — at West Chester East, 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 9 — vs. Sun Valley, 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 16 — at Oxford, 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 23 — vs. Academy Park, 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 30 — vs. Bishop Shanahan, 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 7 — at West Chester Henderson, 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 14 — at Unionville, 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 21 — vs. West Chester Rustin, 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 28 — at Kennett, 7 p.m.