Union/A-C Valley football 2024 preview: What to watch, 3 things to know and schedule

August 16, 2024 Last Updated: October 08, 2024 01:42 PM Sports

Union/A-C Valley Football players from left Hayden Armagost, Christian Salizzani and Owen Bish pose for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Union/A-C Valley football player Owen Bish poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Union/A-C Valley football player Hayden Armagost poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Union/A-C Valley football player Owen Bish poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Union/A-C Valley football player Hayden Armagost poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Union/A-C Valley football player Owen Bish poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Union/A-C Valley football coach Dan Reed poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Union/A-C Valley football player Christian Salizzoni poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Union/A-C Valley football players and Coach Dan Reed get interviewed by Butler Public Radio during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Union/A-C Valley football player Hayden Armagost poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Union/A-C Valley football coach Dan Reed is interviewed by Butler Public Radio during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Union/A-C Valley football coach Dan Reed talks with Butler Public Radio during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Union/A-C Valley football players Hayden Armagost and Owen Bish hold up Christian Salizzoni for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Union/A-C Valley football players and Coach Dan Reed are interviewed by Butler Public Radio during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Union/A-C Valley football players Hayden Armagost, front, and Christian Salizzoni, back left, Coach Dan Reed and Owen Bish pose for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley wide receiver Christian Salizzoni during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley quarterback Owen Bish works on throwing during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley linebacker Colbin Elliott during special teams practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley quarterback Owen Bish works on throwing during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley running back Max Gallagher runs through drills during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley wide receiver Aidan Fox is passed the ball during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team works on a unique way of blocking using a high jump mat on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team’s coach Dan Reed watches intensely during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley wide receiver Aidan Fox runs the ball during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team works on a unique way of blocking using a high jump mat on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley quarterback Owen Bish is guided by an assistant coach during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley wide receiver Aidan Fox runs the ball during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley wide receiver Aidan Fox is guided by an assistant coach during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley quarterback Owen Bish is guided by an assistant coach during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley running back Max Gallagher runs through drills during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley quarterback Owen Bish is guided by an assistant coach during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley wide receiver Aidan Fox runs the ball during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley Football players from left Hayden Armagost, Christian Salizzani and Owen Bish pose for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Union/A-C Valley football player Owen Bish poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Union/A-C Valley football player Hayden Armagost poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Union/A-C Valley football player Owen Bish poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Union/A-C Valley football player Hayden Armagost poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Union/A-C Valley football player Owen Bish poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Union/A-C Valley football coach Dan Reed poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Union/A-C Valley football player Christian Salizzoni poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Union/A-C Valley football player Christian Salizzoni poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Union/A-C Valley football player Christian Salizzoni poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Union/A-C Valley football players and Coach Dan Reed get interviewed by Butler Public Radio during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Union/A-C Valley football player Hayden Armagost poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Union/A-C Valley football coach Dan Reed is interviewed by Butler Public Radio during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Union/A-C Valley football coach Dan Reed talks with Butler Public Radio during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Union/A-C Valley football players Hayden Armagost and Owen Bish hold up Christian Salizzoni for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Union/A-C Valley football players and Coach Dan Reed are interviewed by Butler Public Radio during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Union/A-C Valley football players and Coach Dan Reed get interviewed by Butler Public Radio during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Union/A-C Valley football players and Coach Dan Reed are interviewed by Butler Public Radio during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Union/A-C Valley football players Hayden Armagost, front, and Christian Salizzoni, back left, Coach Dan Reed and Owen Bish pose for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team practiced on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
Union/A-C Valley wide receiver Christian Salizzoni during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
Union/A-C Valley quarterback Owen Bish works on throwing during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
Union/A-C Valley quarterback Owen Bish works on throwing during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
Union/A-C Valley quarterback Owen Bish works on throwing during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
Union/A-C Valley linebacker Colbin Elliott during special teams practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
Union/A-C Valley quarterback Owen Bish works on throwing during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
Union/A-C Valley quarterback Owen Bish works on throwing during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
Union/A-C Valley running back Max Gallagher runs through drills during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
Union/A-C Valley running back Max Gallagher runs through drills during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
Union/A-C Valley wide receiver Aidan Fox is passed the ball during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team works on a unique way of blocking using a high jump mat on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team works on a unique way of blocking using a high jump mat on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team’s coach Dan Reed watches intensely during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
Union/A-C Valley wide receiver Aidan Fox runs the ball during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
The Union/A-C Valley High School varsity football team works on a unique way of blocking using a high jump mat on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
Union/A-C Valley quarterback Owen Bish is guided by an assistant coach during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
Union/A-C Valley wide receiver Aidan Fox runs the ball during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
Union/A-C Valley wide receiver Aidan Fox is guided by an assistant coach during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
Union/A-C Valley quarterback Owen Bish is guided by an assistant coach during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
Union/A-C Valley running back Max Gallagher runs through drills during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
Union/A-C Valley quarterback Owen Bish is guided by an assistant coach during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)
Union/A-C Valley wide receiver Aidan Fox runs the ball during practice on August 15, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle (08/18/24)

Union/A-C Valley football had to execute a major pivot in the offseason.

Logan Skibinski, an incoming junior who was expected to be a huge asset on offense as a tailback, defense as a safety and special teams as a returner, was lost for the season to a knee injury suffered in June.

Last year, Skibinski totaled 723 all-purpose yards and scored five touchdowns. A sprinter on the track team who holds A-C Valley’s school record in the 100-meter dash, he averaged more than 8 yards per touch.

“Not only is he a solid football player, but he’s one of the fastest players in District 9 and it’s a big loss for us,” Falcon Knights coach Dan Reed said. “We need guys to step up to replace him.”

The Falcon Knights are hoping to improve on a 5-6 record last season, which ended with a loss to Brockway in the District 9 Class 1A quarterfinals.

Union/A-C Valley football: What to watch in PA football season 2024

With senior Owen Bish moving from running back to quarterback, Max Gallagher (5-foot-10, 185 pounds) should see an expanded role in the backfield. He rushed for 223 yards and a touchdown last year and could become a workhorse this season.

“He’s been more of a power guy but worked hard in the offseason to develop more speed,” Reed said. “We’re excited because we think he’s now capable of some breakaway runs.”

Jorge Reyes and Mike Yerkey will spell Gallagher in the ground game.

Aidan Fox, now a junior wide receiver, caught 16 passes for 285 yards and a pair of touchdowns last year and is the team’s top returning target. Like Skibinski, he starred on the track in the spring.

Trent Fleming, Nick Ielase, Zack Johnson and Christian Salizzoni should also see balls thrown their way.

“There’s a lot of competition at receiver to see who can get on the field,” Reed said. “Aidan has a lot of speed, and we’re excited to see what he can contribute to the offense.

“Coaches always say they want to be balanced on offense. If we are, that’s great, but as you get into the season, you always seem to find a strength and lean on it. We’ll see how it develops.”

3 things to know about 2024 Union/A-C Valley Falcon Knights football

Union/A-C Valley football players from left Hayden Armagost, Christian Salizzani and Owen Bish pose for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

1. Strong and able

Union A-C Valley’s offensive line brings back starters Owen Terwint and Colbin Elliott at the guard positions. The rest of the front will be manned by a combination of Cole Wiant, Cole Wilson, Quintin Hornberger and Hayden Armagost.

Those six players average 245 pounds to give the Falcon Knights a bigger line than most Class 1A teams.

“Owen and Colbin bring a lot of leadership,” Reed said, “but even the guys who didn’t start last year played a lot and have valuable experience.

“The kids are benching over 300 pounds.”

2. Plenty of talent

A host of players could make an impact at linebacker. Like they will on the offensive line, Elliott and Terwint will be leaders here, with Max Gallagher and Jorge Reyes seeing playing time, as well. The group will need a combined effort to make up for the loss of Luke Wilson, who graduated after making 132 stops last year.

Elliott is the team’s top returning tackler with 81 stops in 2023 while Gallagher, a vocal leader, is second with 63.

Bish and Fox will anchor the secondary at cornerback and safety, respectively. Bish intercepted three passes and made 48 tackles last season.

3. Gridiron foes

Smethport is no longer a conference opponent for the Falcon Knights. Still in District 9 Region 2 are Brockway, Kane, Keystone, Port Allegany, Redbank Valley and Ridgway/Johnsonburg.

Union/A-C Valley opens the season at Redbank Valley. Since going 7-4 in 2018, the Bulldogs have compiled a 50-10 record, won three district crowns and played in the state championship game in 2021.

Reed welcomes the challenge of facing Redbank early.

“We have to face them at some point, might as well be the first game,” he said. “It will be a good measuring stick.

“Port Allegany (10-3 last year) has some key players back and should be pretty good again.”

Union/A-C Valley football’s Hayden Armagost, front, Christian Salizzoni, back left, coach Dan Reed, back center, and Owen Bish pose for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Union/A-C Valley football schedule 2024