2024 Interview with Anthony Pegues Head Coach Farrell High School (PA.)

 

Anthony Pegues

Farrell High School

Head Coach

College

Grambling St., Slippery Rock

Played QB

Graduated:1996

Who are some of the coaches you have learned the game from, and how much of what you have learned from them have you incorporated into what you do?

I learned from all my coaches over the years, especially Buggsy Brown, Tommy Miller, Chris Brown, Beno Callahan, Lou Falconi, Eddie Robinson, and George Milhalik. I try to incorporate things from each of their philosophies and add my perspective to create my own philosophy.

How important is it to you that all of the lower levels throughout the program play a full schedule? 

I believe that it’s very important and integral to the development of our program. A lot of people say that Farrell doesn’t rebuild; we reload, and that’s a testament to the developmental system that we have in place from the PeeWee level throughout junior high.

What are your biggest concerns heading into the 2024 season?

Depth and Youth. We don’t typically have more than 45 kids on a roster, so trying to keep everyone healthy is key while also taking into consideration that we have a lot of younger guys that will be hitting the field as starters and key rotational pieces.

When you are in a blowout-type game, when do you pull the starters?

Once we feel as if the game is in hand, we immediately look to pull our guys. It’s a callback to the previous question: we have to keep guys healthy for the duration of the season.

What mark do you believe the 2024 class has left on the football program?

I believe that they helped continue the winning tradition here at Farrell and displayed excellent leadership on and off the field.

What is the most rewarding part of being a high school football coach?

Seeing kids grow, When you see a freshman come in, they look a bit uneasy and unsure, but as they progress throughout their time, they become comfortable and confident. That’s the most rewarding aspect. Winning is fun, but watching these kids mature is a feeling like no other.

Can you let the readers know the players from the 2024 class that will be moving on to play ball in college, along with the name of the school?

Kabron Smith, Cal U of PA
Marion Norris, Cal U of PA
Simeir Wade, Cal U of PA
Braylon Harrison, Washington & Jefferson
Marcel Cheeks, Washington & Jefferson
Brandon Chambers Jr., YSU
Nicanor Andrada Jr., Westminster

What does it mean to you, your staff, and the football program when one of your players earns an invite to an all-star game?

It’s a great honor for the player; we don’t put too much stock in that as a staff; it’s more on the player to execute all facets of the game and earn the honor.

What were your thoughts about the state finals getting moved?

I definitely wasn’t a fan, but I think there is a conversation to be had about Pennsylvania being one of, if not the only, states to play their state championship games at a high school stadium. HersheyPark was by far the better attraction. However, I believe that a rotation between Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh and Lincoln Financial Stadium in Philadelphia would be the ideal fit!

If you could change one thing about high school football in Pennsylvania, what would it be?

The Success Factor and Transfer Rules. Neither rule was designed to help the kids; it only hinders them in the long run.

What is your go-to snack?

I don’t really have a go-to snack; I usually don’t eat before games.

When you have free time, what are you doing for fun or relaxation?

Hanging out with my family. The football season brings a lot of consistent chaos, so on the off days I like to relax and enjoy the calmness.

Who is your favorite athlete?

Drew Brees is my favorite QB, but the overall athlete would be LeBron James.