Butler County residents make impact on grid with Trojans
Thanks in part to a trio of Butler residents, North Catholic football forged through its second straight undefeated regular season and reached the WPIAL championship game this year, the latter being something the Trojans hadn't done since 2013.
Jack Fennell, Justin Smith, and Carson Laconi all brought something different to the table for North.
Smith, a junior, blocked for and protected three members of the Butler Eagle's Sweet 16 Offense, including Fennell, a sophomore running back and receiver who tallied 493 rushing yards and 332 receiving yards. Fennell scored 13 total touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Laconi was primed for his fourth season starting on the Trojans' defense before he suffered an injury in the team's preseason scrimmage against Avonworth.Doctors weren't completely sure he'd be able to play in his senior campaign, but as North reached the playoffs, Laconi made his return.“My teammates did a great job from the second I broke my collarbone,” said Laconi, a receiver and defensive back. “They said, 'We're going to get you one more game.' That's something that I really took pride in and looked (to) through rehabbing. My teammates have my back and they were going to get me that one more game.”The relationships that North's players build is just one example of the program's culture.“We don't really have a set town,” Laconi said of the close-knit, student-based community. “It's really built around the alumni and the people that make up the school in our fanbase. That's something special and that's something you don't really see at a public school.”Unlike public schools, North pulls players from different areas, which makes for more of a unique team-bonding experience.“Word gets around with names and stuff like that,” Laconi said. “I feel like, once you go to North, you're like 'Oh, I know that kid. I've heard his name before. I've played against him.'”
Fennell, a Penn Township resident who also runs track at the school, chose to play for the Trojans because of the coaching and the program's winning tradition. The players, he said, have at least one commonality.“All of us on the football team, I think we come with a lot of the same goals,” Fennell said. “We want to win games and do everything we can as a player.”Smith and Laconi went to the same middle school, Butler Catholic, and played youth sports, which helped them form a close friendship. Laconi was also familiar with Fennell's family, having trained in baseball under Jack's father.“A lot of us on this team, we all just jelled together with our chemistry,” said Smith, a resident of Meridian. “I think that's why we were able to get to Heinz (Field).”The Trojans, Smith added, played with a motto of “Side by Side.”“It meant, if we wanted to get to Heinz, we had to put all of our differences beside us and we had to play as one, rather than play for ourselves,” the offensive lineman explained. “Being able to look back on the season and looking at all the friendships that I had and all the bonds, it'll be a year that I'll never forget.”Smith and Fennell will be back for the Trojans next year, seeking another trip to Heinz Field.“It was a great experience to have with the guys,” said Smith, who also wrestles at North. “Obviously, it wasn't the result that we wanted. … It was a great feeling and a great atmosphere to be at. Hopefully we can get back there next year, too.”Laconi also plays lacrosse at North, but hopes to continue his football career at the next level. He's been in contact with multiple schools in both the Patriot League and the Ivy League, as well as programs close by, namely Duquesne and Indiana (Pa.).
