It’s been a tough last two years for the Union Scotties; struggles to field a full team in Class 2A over the last two seasons led to a 3-15 stretch that concluded with a 0-9 record in 2025.
“They’re a little bit chippy, a little bit angry,” said new Scotties head coach Dave Commesso. “There’s fight in these kids, I feel like that will translate into a little bit of swagger this year.”
Commesso, a first-time head coach, takes over for Kim Neidbala as the acting head coach and athletic director. Previously, he was the defensive coordinator for the last four seasons. It was an opportunity he’s never envisioned. Neidbala resigned prior to the start of heat acclimation week and is moving across the state.
Commesso worked as an assistant coach at the college level at California (PA) for three seasons and worked as an assistant coach for 16 years, including a stint under his brother Mike, from 2013-2017, at Shenango. His father, Lew, was the head coach of Mohawk from 1997-2002.
Under Neidbala, the Scotties won the WPIAL Championship in 2022 and finished as a state runner-up that same year. Neidbala also led the team to their last playoff appearance in 2023.
“I’ve always been a coordinator,” said Commesso, a Mohawk and Westminster graduate. “I’ve leaned on [their experiences] going through the process to build from the foundation up.”
The team returns to Class 1A and the Big 7 Conference with a new head coach and something to prove.
Five of the Scotties nine losses in 2025 were decided by a touchdown or less, including a 28-22 overtime loss to Beaver Falls.
Also, in two of those losses, neither team reached double digits, including a season-ending 6-2 loss to New Brighton.
“I was so proud of these guys last year because they never gave up,” said Commesso. “Even though they didn’t see the results they wanted, they played to the wire or in overtime.”
25 players are slated for the Scotties roster through heat acclimation, a lean number even for a program in the smallest classification; Nine seniors dot the roster who have started in the past few seasons.
“We got a nice young crew coming through; we’ll plug them in with our senior leadership,” said Commesso.
Returning players include Gianni Million, Zion Waters, and Robin Nohay, who look to help the team as senior leaders this season. Issac Casciato and Colton Cox will run the line on both sides. Dual-threat Stephen Lane will step in as quarterback.
The Scotties lost three players via transfer to New Castle, Jordyn Kelly, Swayzee Reighert and Armontae Booker
Million led the Scotties in rushing last season, with 484 yards and 3 touchdowns. Waters was the leading receiver with 20 receptions for 203 yards.
Waters added an interception on defense. Colton Cox had two sacks, that tied for the team lead.
Commesso feels the support and pride in the community and knows it’s a great opportunity to get Union back to the winning ways of 2022 and 2023.
“It’s everything about it that made me want to come back and stay there. I know I couldn’t be in a better place right now.”
Union opens the season on the road at Sharpsville.