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Fathers know best on South Range football team
By Greg Gulas
BEAVER TOWNSHIP
During his 26-year affiliation with the South Range Raiders’ football program — 23 as head coach — Dan Yeagley is most proud of the family-type atmosphere that he and his staff have been able to foster.
With three sons of South Range assistant coaches starting on the 2017 team, the season truly has had that familiar “family affair” feeling.
The Raiders (12-0) will meet Sullivan Black River (11-1) in a Division V regional final Friday at Northwest High School in Canal Fulton. South Range will largely rely on the efforts of Isaac Allegretto, Matt Brooks and Brennan Toy — all the sons of coaches — to get to a state semifinal.
“I have a great group of coaches who put in a ton of hours,” Yeagley said. “Not only are they good coaches, but they’re good teachers who understand the time and effort needed in order to be successful. That trickles down to the players, especially our coaches’ sons. They all stand out because each has a great relationship with his father away from the football field and office.”
Former Raiders and Youngstown State football standout Nathan Toy serves as running backs coach and in addition to son Brennan, a senior who starts at wide receiver and linebacker, son Ian (a sophomore) is a special teams performer.
“I’ve been coaching Brennan’s group since they were in second grade and have watched them grow over the years,” Toy said. “They’re a special group because no one cares who gets the credit. People look up to them in the community because they’re good kids, not just good athletes and they genuinely care about one another. It’s very special to coach your son and in my case, both sons.”
A senior wide receiver who plays linebacker on defense, Brennan Toy has caught 11 passes for 198 yards and two touchdowns.
“He’s coach here, dad at home and when we are here he treats me just like one of the guys,” Brennan said. “It’s fun to play when your father is on the staff.”
He’s also looking forward to Friday’s game with the Pirates.
“They run the Wing-T and are a ground-and-pound type offense,” Brennan said. “They play a normal-type defense in that they swarm to the ball. Like every other week, though, as long as we read our keys we should be fine.”
Son Ian said his father is always there for him when he needs help.
“It’s different, yet fun because my dad pushes me to be a better player. He’s always helping me at home with films and plays.” Ian said.
Wayne Allegretto has been on the Raiders’ staff for the past 24 years, is the school’s former athletic director and serves as Yeagley’s offensive coordinator.
“I never coached Isaac is any of the sports that he played, simply because I wanted him to have fun and be around other coaches. I just wanted to be a parent,” Allegretto said. “I coach his position and it was tough at first, but we both grew into this. The hardest thing is that he is playing as a sophomore, but people understand that he has earned that on his own.
“As a coach and father, I am very proud, but refuse to treat him differently than the others. It’s great to see him make such a contribution to our success and I am ecstatic for him to experience this.”
Isaac doesn’t mind the demands that his father puts on him.
“It’s annoying sometimes because he can be pretty tough on me, but he demands excellence and 100-percent effort from everyone, not just me,” the younger Allegretto said. “If I have a problem or any questions, whether it is with the offense or anything else, I can still talk to him when we’re both at home.”
A senior, Brooks is an offensive guard-defensive tackle and his father, Joe, coaches both positions.
He’ll earn his fourth letter upon completion of the season.
“My buddies tell me that my dad is tougher on me, but I like that. As a coach’s son I must be better, and then some,” Brooks said. “I love it and take it as a personal challenge. Most importantly, it’s not making me just a good football player but a better person overall. I couldn’t have asked for a better senior season.”
According to Brooks’ father, starting a weightlifting program back when this group was in the sixth grade is now paying dividends.
“We’re on a joy ride and it has been a lot of fun. I’ve coached a lot of other kids and had a lot of fun, but I’ve always made my decisions based on my family so this to me is very special,” the elder Brooks said. “There’s a fine line coaching my son because I do not want to treat him differently than the others, so I’m probably hardest on him.
“I’m not a yeller or screamer so when I do raise my voice, I’m probably yelling at Matt. I think he messes up on purpose, just so I can yell at him. He really has made my wife, Jennifer, and I very proud.”
Yeagley said all three coaches and their sons enjoy a special relationship.
“These coaches expect more from their kids, so it has to be special,” Yeagley said. “They push them to be the very best they can be, then each of them go home after it’s all said and done and continue to have a special father-son relationship.”