Youthful experience a strength for Green Knights

Pen Argyl’s first offensive play of the Brady Mutton era was a sign of how difficult it was for the Green Knights to get to that point last season.

Lineman Tyler Taylor suffered a season-ending injury.

It also was a sign of the challenges ahead. The Green Knights built a four-score cushion in the first half at home, only to lose late to Wilson.

Mutton’s crew bounced back the following week, but lost senior running back Jared Albanese to a season-ending injury. He had consecutive 100-yard rushing games to start the abbreviated 2020 season.

Pen Argyl scrambled late to make the District 11 Class 2A playoffs by holding off rival Bangor in the regular-season finale, but it was not what was expected.

The experience, however, will benefit the returnees.

“We got more out of it than we would have in a normal year,” Mutton said of the COVID-shortened 2020 season. “We had to make a lot of changes and do things differently, but I think it was for the better.

“It required better communication, more effort, more of making sure everything is being done right. We have a lot of young kids, but lot are back with experience. There is a different attitude. We expect more out of them, expect them to be doing things right. [Last year] was a blessing.”

Pen Argyl graduated 18 seniors and has a small roster, but expectations remain high.

“It feels really good this year,” senior Cole Dorshimer said. “In past years, we had far more athletes around the field. Even with a minimal amount of kids, though, I think we can be really good

“We’re definitely capable making it six, seven, maybe even eight wins. We can go places.”