Central Bucks West roots

Written by: David Mika on Tuesday, December 13th, 2011. Follow David Mika on Twitter.

In the 90’s, Central Bucks West was “King” of Pennsylvannia high school football in Class 4A. Under coach Mike Pettine they won state titles in 1991, 1997, 1998 and 1999. They hold a Pennsylvania record of 59 straight wins.

You can’t help but notice that Archbishop Wood and North Penn have a little Central Bucks West in them. Archbishop Wood’s defensive coordinator Mike Carey and North Penn’s head coach Dick Beck both played and coached under legendary coach Mike Pettine.

Carey played for Pettine from 1968 to 1970 as a center.

Carey spent most of his career coaching as an assistant under Pettine at Central Bucks West. “You won’t find a better offensive line coach” , said Pettine. “I told people he can coach on any level.”

Carey took over as head coach at West in 2000. He guided the Bucks to the state’s Class 4A title game before losing to Erie Cathedral Prep in overtime.

Carey resigned after that season. He coached at West for 24 years as the right hand man to Pettine. “Mike is the most completive guy I have ever been around” , said Pettine. “He was that way when he was a player and as a coach.”

Mike Carey coached one year at North Penn. “Carey was the defensive coordinator for me when we won the state title in 2003,” said Beck.

He has been Wood’s defensive coordinator since 2010.

Before Dick Beck coached he played at CB West. Beck played offensive guard and tackle from 1983-85. “Mike Carey was the offensive line coach and he coached me through high school,” said Beck.

During his three years on the football team, CB West was 30-2, winning the Bux-Mont Championships in 1984 and 1985. They won 21 connective games during his final two season.

Pettine said, “He is a guy you like to go to war with. When the game was on the line he was a warrior.”

Beck went back to CB West in 1991 as a assistant coach for four years under coach Pettine where he learned coaching. “I learned attention to detail and how to do the little things,” said Beck. “There is a certain intensity level and work ethic that is demanded.”

Beck landed the head coaching job at North Penn in 2002. Beck is in his tenth year of coaching at North Penn where he has one state title under his belt in 2003 when his team defeated Pittsburgh Central Catholic 37-10.

“You can be sure that any team he coaches will be ready”, said Pettine. One of the things he learned under Pettine is, “The team is more important than the individual. In the state of Pennsylvania if you want to go all the way you have to play tough defense and have a solid ground game.”

“His teams compare favorably with a lot of are old West teams” , said Pettine. “They have a good offensive line and running game to go with a good defense.”

Beck has a impressive 119-20 career record at North Penn.

“Our offensive philosophy is to establish our identity on the ground. Our defensive motto is use speed before size.”

This weekend the Knights secondary will be tested by the Rams top player, Zayd Issah. “We can’t give up the big play,” said Beck. “Our number one priority is not to give him a easy one. Make him earn every yard”.

This weekend Coach Pettine will be following the games from his home in Florida. “It will be nice if two former West guys can come home with the gold this weekend” , said Pettine. “I hope we are two for two.”

Full interview with former CB West Head Football Coach Mike Pettine > Click here

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