By: Rubee Stillwagon

With a record of 7-3, the GS football team made it to the first round of WPIAL playoffs. Although they lost the playoff game, the team had a memorable season. 

By upsetting Southmoreland with a score of 28-21, GS finished their in-conference games with a winning season. This was enough for the team to receive a wild-card seed in the playoffs. This set them up to play Avonworth on Friday, Nov. 1. 

“Beating Southmoreland to finish the regular season and sending the seniors off with a win at Offut was great,” Head Football Coach Mr. Tyler George said. 

With a record of 2-8 for the 2023 football season, the team put in the work for this year’s winning season. 

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The GS Football team huddles up during a timeout.

Photo courtesy: Blessing Gantt

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The players and coaches did things on and off the field to stay motivated and keep the team together. 

“We would have someone come in and speak to the team on Thursday, show inspirational videos of alumni before games and leave motivational messages or goals on the board for players to see before games,” Coach George said. 

While coaches put in the effort to prepare the team for what they would face while on the field, players had their own ways of ensuring they were ready. 

“I really had to do my best to pay attention, work hard and lock in on and off the field,” senior Brady Smith said. “We also had team dinners and other things we would do that put me and the team in the right mindsets for Friday nights.” 

The last time GS football went to the playoffs was in 2019. The team played against Blackhawk High School and lost 36-7.  

Aside from this being the first time since 2019 to make playoffs, there were also other achievements.  

“This was our first time starting 1-0 since 2013, first time starting 4-0 since 1999 and first winning record since 2011,” Coach George said. 

Senior Kai Brunot also won fan votes for Pennsylvania Player of the Week for GS’ game against Ligonier Valley. The team won 43-14 and Brunot rushed for 142 yards and a touchdown. 

Senior Peyton Chismar won Play of the Week for his interception return for a touchdown. Chismar stepped in front of a pass and ran it for a pick-6 during GS’ game against Southmoreland. 

Senior Cooper Dann was put on The Steelers All-Peer Team for going above and beyond to provide support to his team. Dann was chosen along with 11 other high school football players for this team. 

“The fans and their support have been beyond incredible,” Coach George said. “The amazing atmosphere on Fridays was because of the energy and passion for the kids and the program. I sincerely cannot thank them enough.” 

The 2024 football season was one for GS to look back on. Coach George and the rest of the coaching staff and team will soon be starting preseason to start preparing for another successful season. 

“I feel the team worked hard throughout the whole season,” Smith said. “When preparing for games, even if we thought we were the underdog, we stuck together and put our all into the game. This season was one for the football team to be proud of.”