Optimism reigns at Conestoga: rebuilt defense leads way for Pioneers

Tredyffrin >> Conestoga football head coach Matt Diamond, whose squad posted a 1-4 record last fall (including a couple of close losses to Ridley and Upper Darby), is optimistic about the Pioneers’ chances in 2021.
“I think our players learned last season to have an attitude of gratitude, being that we had a shortened season due to COVID, and never knowing each week if you’re going to have a game,” said Diamond. “Hopefully this year we can have a 10-game season and get back to the ‘Friday Night Lights’ and the fans, get back to a normal feeling. I know our players are excited for the opportunity to get out there and work hard.”
Diamond sees the Pioneers’ defense as a big key to their success this fall.
“Right now we are trying to find our identity on defense,” said Diamond. “We graduated a lot of seniors who played big roles for us last year, but we have been impressed with the way the competition for these positions has shaped out.
“We’re trying to fly to the football on defense, control the tempo of the game with different blitzes and trying to bring some pressure and set the tone.”
The leader of the Pioneers’ defense is senior outside linebacker Christian Lariviere (5-9, 180), who received All-Central League defensive honors last fall.
“Christian has a motor that never stops running, he’s smart, has all the intangibles, leads by example, and he leads our defense,” said Diamond.
Asked how he saw his role as a leader on the Pioneers’ defense, Lariviere responded, “We have a young defense, so as a senior I think my role is to give the guys structure, calling out the [defensive] plays on the field, and letting them know that we have it under control on defense.”
Lariviere is looking forward to the Pioneers’ 10-game schedule this fall, which begins with a home game against Owen J. Roberts Aug. 27, followed by nine Central League contests.
“Playing 10 games is great, especially from a recruiting standpoint,” said Lariviere, who wants to play college football. “It was tough last year with only five games on our schedule, but at least we got to get those in. I think we learned last year not to take anything for granted, and having a 10-game season this year shows how lucky we are to be playing football.”
The Pioneers generally feature a five-linebacker defense that should include considerable playing time for junior Jake Allred (5-10, 215), sophomore Tommy Costigan (6-0, 190), senior Mike Austin (5-9, 175), junior Jon Quici (5-7, 180), junior Peter Costigan (5-10, 180) and senior Adam Ghabra (5-11, 215).
Up front, the Pioneers’ top defensive linemen are junior Brody Eaton (6-4, 215), senior Will Preston (6-5, 210) and junior Drew Merschel (6-0, 210). Senior Hayden Karbiner (5-9, 210) is the nose guard.
The defensive backfield includes junior Bryce Beltrante (5-10, 170), junior Jeremy Friend (5-11, 160), senior Peter Detwiler (6-0, 190), senior Chase Kelly (5-9, 170) and sophomore Matt Kent (6-0, 170).
On offense, Conestoga’s most prominent player is senior wide receiver Peter Detwiler, a first team All-Central League (6A Division) selection last fall. As a junior, he made 28 catches for 570 yards in five games, averaging more than 20 yards per reception. Some of his catches were highlight-reel receptions, including a 98-yard catch against powerful Garnet Valley which was the longest pass reception in Pennsylvania for Week 3.
“We try to get the ball into his hands in a variety of ways,” said Diamond. “He helps make our offense run.”
Detwiler, who has committed to Marquette University for lacrosse, said, “I’ve been playing football my whole life, so this [final] season will be a big one for me. It’s good to be playing 10 games this season.”
Other Pioneer wide receivers this fall will be senior Patrick Reilly (5-11, 190), who was a second team All-Central League pick last fall; junior Jeremy Friend (5-11, 160); and junior tight end Brody Eaton, who earned All-Central League honors at the position in 2020.
“Patrick is a burner; he might be the fastest player on our team,” said Diamond. “Jeremy runs clean routes and has great hands. Brody is a leader, and he’s ready to go.”
Will Preston and Joey Allen also should see some playing time at the tight end spot.
Diamond, who was the starting quarterback for the 1997 Conestoga football squad, sees a two-man competition for the Pioneers’ signal-calling spot this fall, between senior Calvin Shirley (5-11, 190) and junior Peter Costigan (5-10, 180).
“Calvin’s had a great camp, and has a very strong arm,” said Diamond. “Peter has looked very sharp in pre-season.”
The running chores will be shared among Jon Quici, Chase Kelly, Jake Allred and Adam Ghabra.
Up front, Conestoga features senior Alex Harris (6-0, 195) at center, junior Jimmy Marturano (5-9, 210) at right guard, junior Colin McGrath (6-1, 200) and Drew Merschell at left guard, senior Owen Ridder (6-5, 275) at right tackle and senior Richard Diaz (6-0, 270) at left tackle.
“Richard worked his tail off in the off-season,” noted Diamond.