The New York Times visit tiny Avella High School in southwestern PA to reveal a team and town's comeback via an old friend, football.
Ryan Cecchini started playing here as a freshman in 1995, when the losing began. After college, he returned home to work in construction, as many here do, and when he interviewed to coach the varsity team in June 2011, he sold the administration on this: he understood the severity and the depth of the losing because he had experienced it firsthand.
Now in his second season, Cecchini has Avella 5-0, guaranteeing a winning season, and one win away from a probable playoff berth. A turnaround this swift has stirred an upwelling of pride.
Original source: The New York Times
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