'One-Game' Philosophy Proving Successful For Keystone Oaks

The Keystone Oaks Golden Eagles are a young team this year. They’re inexperienced except for a few areas, and their competition will be tougher this season than it has been in the past few years. 

Echoes from football “experts” predicting the struggles of a Keystone Oaks team that has made the postseason for five straight seasons must have come as quite a shock to 12-year head coach Nick Kamberis. After all, the Golden Eagles were picked by most to finish behind the likes of conference studs and Steel Valley, among others.

“Our focus is one game at a time,” Kamberis said. “We’re not looking too far ahead. If we play well with a one-game mentality, we’ll be in good shape at the end of the season.”

That strategy has worked so far for Keystone Oaks, as they improved to 2-0 in the conference and 3-1 overall with a dominating 41-8 victory over South Allegheny. 

Tailback Dale Klobuchir led the way with 26 carries for 160 yards and three touchdowns as the Golden Eagles scored on six of its nine possessions on the night. They didn’t punt a single time throughout the game, while forcing three South Allegheny turnovers and holding them to -16 rushing yards.

“We played a little bit inspired,” Kamberis said. “This was our best effort this year.”

Quarterback Matt Buckley had a nice game as well, completing 8 of 12 passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns.

The Golden Eagles join the Rebels of Seton-La Salle as the only teams in the Century Conference with an unbeaten divisional record. 

Up next for Kamberis & Co. are the Washington Prexies, who are coming off a 33-14 win against South Fayette, and are sporting a 1-1 conference record.

The Prexies are a difficult matchup for any team in the conference, as they have many experienced skill players, including junior quarterback Josh Wise and junior tailback Jaylin Kelly, and senior tailback Jordan Thomas.

With a loss this week, K.O. would be tied with Washington in the conference standings, and the Prexies would have the tie-breaker having won the head-to-head matchup.

“We’re going to have to play a really good game this week,” Kamberis said. “They’re a good solid group with good speed.”

Friday’s game is the first of back-to-back home contests for the Golden Eagles, as they try to keep pace with Seton-La Salle in the conference.

The opening kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.