Mutton and linemates take command early

FROM THE MORNING CALL

KINGSTON — Kirby Mutton wasted no time in making his presence felt Friday night.

"That first drive," Pen Argyl's senior captain and stalwart two-way lineman said, "we really pushed them around. Even though we fumbled it in the end zone, I was calm. Usually I'd flip out. But we knew we were going to beat them up."

Mutton and his Green Knight cohorts up front physically dominated PIAA Class 2A first-round opponent Wilkes-Barre GAR in a 50-20 thrashing at Spartan Stadium on the campus of Wyoming Valley West High School.

Pen Argyl (13-0), the Colonial League and District 11 champion, moves on to meet District 12 champion West Catholic (9-3) in next weekend's state quarterfinals at a site and time to be determined.

Though the Knights failed to score on their first offensive possession, they set the tone.

Conor Gum's interception set up a short field at the GAR 35-yard-line and the Mutton-led O-line quickly went to work. On a fourth-and-one play, Gum followed his center on a quarterback sneak that netted a whopping 8 yards. Top rusher Dylan Evans then burst through the middle of the line and was en route to the end zone before his fumble was recovered by the Grenadiers.

"I figure the QB sneaks and the runs up the middle are on me," Mutton said. "I get a lot of help from my guards (JT Krincek and Ahren Eichner), but if we don't make it, I'll take the blame."

The second drive produced points.

Pen Argyl went 47 yards in 12 plays, with another 7-yard sneak by Gum included in the drive. Evans, who rushed for 188 yards, took care of the scoring honors with a 2-yard dive behind key blocks from Mutton and fullback Mikey Racciato out of the single-wing formation.

From there, the rout was on.

Coach Paul Reduzzi's Green Knights piled on 28 second-quarter points and the mercy rule went into effect in the first 15 seconds of the second half. Overall, Pen Argyl amassed 322 rushing yards.

"When you're blowing people up it makes for a fun game," said Mutton, whose younger brother Brady starts at defensive end and rotates in on offense. "I really like our line. We've been together since eighth grade and we're real comfortable with each other. It's clicking right now."

At 6-foot-3, 265 pounds, Mutton's made marked improvements as a football player and wrestler since his freshman and sophomore years. He always had the talent, now he has the strength, experience and confidence.

Mutton was an All-Colonial League first-team selection as a center and defensive tackle this season for a second straight year.

"Kirby's done a great job," Pen Argyl offensive line coach Jeff Detzi said. "He's matured a lot and really taken control of the line. He does a great job getting everything started."

For Mutton, his senior year is just getting started. He will be a fourth-year starter at heavyweight for the Green Knights' wrestling team and is a lefty-swinging first baseman and pitcher for the baseball team.

With a district gold medal already in his trophy case, this could be quite the special year for Mutton. (He's already been named Homecoming King, making him "King Mut.")

"Dylan and I talked about our senior year right after baseball season ended in the spring," Mutton said. "We think it could be our best year ever."


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