District 9 Media Day – Part 3

Tagged under: District 9, pfn

Phil Myers | August 2, 2025

As stated in Part 1, District 9 is split into four divisions for 2025.  Division III will consist of Kane, Keystone, Moniteau, Ridgway, and Union-AC Valley.  This division looks to be very competitive on paper as at least three teams return quite a bit from 2024. The coaches have named Keystone as the team to beat in Division III.

Kane Wolves – Hoping to build on winning 2 of their last 4 games in 2024, the Wolves have high hopes for the current year.  Despite an overall record of 3-7, last year was a learning curve getting used to a new system under a new coach who just happens to be former state record holding quarterback Matt Bodamer.  His idea is to keep it simple for the kids and build on that.  The players’ goals for this year are to be above .500 and make the playoffs.  They say they gained experience in the new system last season and if they can play more as a team, they can reach those goals.  Bodamer and his staff are looking for improvement each week which means Kane should be playing their best football by season’s end.

Kane L to R: Eric Novosel, Evan Anderson, and Isaiah Smith.

Keystone Panthers – Even though the Panthers made the playoffs and were tied in the first quarter with eventual state runner-up Port Allegany, they ended 2024 with a 5-6 record.  That is also deceiving though as three of those losses came at the hands of district champs Port Allegany and Brockway.  Keystone is my sleeper in 2025 as they return a lot from last year.  Coach Todd Smith said the team overachieved last year, but winning 4 of their last 6 definitely boosted morale and confidence coming into the current year.  A new defense, work ethic, strong leadership, and being injury free may lift the Panthers into one of the best 1A teams in District 9 and that says a lot.  The goal is to be the Class 1A champ.  Stay tuned as this may be a hugely exciting season for Keystone football.

Keystone L to R: Dom Corcetti, Brady Dunlap, Jacob Henry, Head Coach Todd Smith, Everett Fulton, Joey Spence, and Eli Nellis.

Moniteau Warriors – Confidence in themselves and a strong work ethic tops the list according to the players in righting the ship of Moniteau for the 2025 season.  Coming off a dismal ’24 campaign that saw the Warriors go 0-9, this year’s squad has energy and looks to rack up some wins.  New head coach Clay Kohlmeyer is changing the offense to a Power I and the defense to a 3-4 scheme.  The coaching staff has decent numbers to work with and has a goal for Moniteau to be in every game they play.

Moniteau L to R: Asst. Coach Larimore, Carter Knight, Brendin Sankey, Bryan Hazlet, Levi Lacava, and Head Coach Clay Kohlmeyer.

Ridgway Elkers – Although Ridgway made the playoffs last year, they had a down year finishing with a 4-7 mark.  With a little different schedule, lots of returning lettermen, and the experience that goes with that, the Elkers are poised to make some noise in 2025.  Head coach Mark Heindl says leadership and the time the kids put in are contributing factors in things being different in ’25.  He said the kids and helping to mold them into men are two things that motivate him to keep coaching each year.  The players present at Media Day were unanimous in saying wrestling helps them more with football than the other winter sport.

Ridgway L to R: Head Coach Mark Heindl, Gavin Kilpeck, Nathan Steger, and Markus Gerg.

Union-AC Valley Falcon Knights – Can Union-AC Valley build on its success from 2024?  The answer, according to the coaches and players, is a resounding YES.  Coming off a successful 8-4 campaign, the Falcon Knights are ready to make more racket this year as they return ‘lots of guys’ only losing 4 seniors.  Coach Dan Reed said coaching is real important, especially in the off season where they can make enough changes to make a difference.  The players want to stay humble and do what it takes to stay physically and mentally healthy for the season.  Don’t sleep on UACV this year.  Coach Reed also said that one of the most important things the staff impresses upon the kids is many of the things they learn in football can be applied to life also.

Union-AC Valley L to R: Head Coach Dan Reed, Cole Wilson, Max Gallagher, Colbin Elliott, Aidan Fox, and Trent Fleming.

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