Wednesday, August 27, 2003

By John E. Sacco, Tri-State Sports & News Service

A lot of folks think Bill Britton is in a position that no matter what he does or achieves, it will not be good enough.

	New Washington coach Bill Britton served as an assistant under Guy Montecalvo for 12 seasons. (Lake Fong, Post-Gazette) Click photo for larger image. Interstate: at a glance

But the Washington Little Prexies' new football coach will have none of that.

In fact, Britton welcomes the challenge of replacing longtime coach Guy Montecalvo, who Britton spent 12 years with as an assistant.

"I'm happy to be in the situation I am in," he said. "This is a special job. I'm overwhelmed and honored they chose me to lead the Washington football program. This is a great community and school with a lot of good kids."

Britton, 37, inherits a program that advanced to the postseason 17 times in the past 21 years, won two WPIAL Class AA titles and a PIAA crown that capped a 15-0 season in 2001. In that span, the Little Prexies reached the WPIAL semifinals nine times, played for the title six times and captured nine conference championships.

Montecalvo resigned in December, and while the majority of the staff vowed to stand with him in resigning, Britton could not leave the program.

He understands that Montecalvo left a legacy that would be difficult to match.

	More on Class AA Allegheny: Mars can't count on experience Century: Rebels' torch passed to Stull Tri-County North: Saturday night remains right for Shenango's home dates Midwestern: Freedom coach back on his feet 2003 High School Football Preview

"I don't feel the pressure of that," Britton said. "We're just trying to carry on what Guy, the staff and kids created here, rekindling the great tradition. He set just a great example. We continue to do what he taught us, continue to learn and try to make it better. We don't want to be stagnant."

The Little Prexies are coming off a 6-4 season and a second-place finish in the Interstate Conference. They uncharacteristically struggled on offense in 2002, mostly because of subpar play along the offensive line.

Britton understands completely, having been the offensive line coach. It's an area he's given special attention to this season as Washington has a number of sophomores filling the voids there.

He also has paid great attention to maintaining the organization and order in the program that the former staff long ago established. In doing so, it cost the team a few players.

"Everything is falling into line," Britton said. "During preseason camp and in summer conditioning, we had to set a tone as to what we expected. We have high expectations for our kids. It's a no-nonsense approach. We lost five or six kids because of it. But whenever you lose people, it makes the entire team a little stronger. We feel the kids have pulled together and have a real positive attitude. They are eager to learn and eager to win. We're just trying to get better every play, every day. That's been our motto."

E-mail this story   Print this story