John Pecchia

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Photo by: William D. Lewis

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John Pecchia

By Tom Williams

Junior QB John Pecchia has led YCS to a 5-2 season mark

1And it will remain that important for at least a week, according to second-year coach Brian Marrow.

“Since we lost those first two, I told our players that the playoffs start for us now,” Marrow said. “Each week, I tell them that the next game is the biggest game in school history,”

This time, he’s right.

At 5-2, 3-0 ESC, the Eagles control their destiny for capturing their first league crown and perhaps their first playoff spot. In this week’s Division VI Region 21 computer ratings, the Eagles are No. 11. The top eight teams qualify for Week 11.

The Eagles have a shot because wins against Southington (4-3, 2-1) and Pymatuning Valley (4-3, 3-1) in Week 10 could generate enough points to move the Eagles into the top eight.

Marrow is pleased his players that have something to play for after an 0-2 start.

“It’s truly a blessing for us to be sitting where we are,” Marrow said. “I can’t ask any more of our kids — they’ve been playing well. Our coaching staff is truly unbelievable.”

The Eagles opened with losses to Region 21 rivals McDonald (43-20) and Springfield (18-15). Then, the wins began piling up, including Saturday’s 28-26 victory at Shadyside (one of Region 23’s top teams).

Marrow isn’t certain that three more wins would lift the Eagles into the postseason, but he knows that a defeat would end their Week 11 dream.

For now, the Eagles are taking things one game at a time.

“Southington is in our way to accomplish one of our goals — to win a league title,” Marrow said.

This year’s Eagles have blended some new faces with veterans from last year’s 6-3 squad.

Leading the offense is junior quarterback John Pecchia, who has completed 45 of 83 passes for 940 yards and 17 touchdowns.

“The one thing I noticed about John right off the bat is how competitive he is,” said Marrow, who added how it’s “kind of scary” how he and his quarterback have been on the “same page more than once” during games.

“I’ll be getting ready to call a play and he’ll be looking in my eyes and we’ll say the same play at the same time.”

Pecchia says the Eagles are motivated to be the first squad to reach Week 11.

“We’ve never won the conference either and we’re in line to do that now. But we’ve got to keep winning,” Pecchia said.

The favorite targets of the 6-foot-1, 170-pound quarterback are Victor Shaw and newcomer Pat Durkin.

Pecchia’s arm has been guiding the Eagles into the end zone, but he says running back Marqueal Smith (formerly of Wilson and Chaney) and the offensive line deserve more credit.

“Marqueal is real big, real strong, real physical, something we’ve never had but have needed,” Pecchia said. “This year, we installed a stack offense and we’re a power running team.

“Our line, led by left tackle Matt Godfrey and left guard David Suszcynski has done real well protecting me and opening up huge holes for Marqueal.”

Marrow said, “When you have a running back like [Smith], they have to worry and that’s going to open up some other things.”

Pecchia is quick to credit defensive coordinator Dave Gessler’s 4-3 defense for the winning streak.

“Our defense is really solid,” said Pecchia, mentioning captains Dante Yanno (cornerback) and Carlen Sims (nose tackle).

Pecchia also plays varsity baseball and basketball, his favorite.

“I like football but I love basketball,” Pecchia said. “I’m a little more comfortable [on the court].”

The game he enjoyed the most was beating Shadyside.

“Their town is crazy about football, they had signs everywhere,” said Pecchia, who played defensive back last year. “They had a big banner that said ‘Beat Youngstown Christian.’

“None of us were nervous because we all knew that we were ready. I think they took us a little too lightly,” Pecchia said. “We’re pretty happy with where were are — that was a huge win in a real hostile environment.”

The game he’d like to replay is the Week 2 loss to Springfield, won by Bryan Visingardi’s last-minute field goal.

“That kid can kick,” Pecchia said. “Not to take anything away from Springfield, but I believe we should be 6-1. They played us tough, but we were definitely disappointed after that game.”

The opponent he most wants to defeat is still to be played.

“We’ve never beaten Pymatuning Valley, so that’s one of our goals,” Pecchia said.

Pecchia is happy that Marrow has found coaching success.

“I respect him more than any other man I know,” Pecchia said. “He knows a lot about the game, from his [playing] experience at South High and Wisconsin. He instills in us great values. He always teaches us to respect the other team.”

williams@vindy.com