East Post 981 poised for postseason push in District 31 Legion league

Known as Hempfield East at the time, East Post 981 reached Day 3 of the 2024 Pennsylvania Region 7 American Legion tournament before its second loss of the event — 3-0 to Bedford — ended its season.

This summer, East is looking to do better. Coach Bill Carrera believes East can reach lofty goals, including winning a District 31 title. East last topped District 31 in 2018 and was the most recent team other than Latrobe or Bushy Run to accomplish that feat.

“Our goal is to win out and not only participate but win regionals and be a strong force in the state competition and beyond,” Carrera said. “We have that kind of team that will be competitive in every single game we play.”

East has lived up to expectations so far. Post 981 opened this week 9-2 and has a plus-22 run differential.

East is strong at pitcher. Gateway grad Lucas Demchak, who recently completed his freshman year at Penn State Greater Allegheny, has the experience and leadership crucial to the team and is one of the team’s leaders in innings pitched. He also has a sub-2.00 ERA, the lowest on the team.

Other pitchers Carrera considers “aces” are La Roche commit Josh Cayer, Fairmont State commit Braedon Leatherman and Quinn Wilkins. Carrera has 10 pitchers on the team who he feels confident putting on the mound.

“Last year’s team was an excellent team but just didn’t have the depth of the 2025 East team,” Carrera said. “We have many more pitchers to be able to lean on to get the job done.”

East’s catchers also have been important to its hot start. Colin Polechko boasts a team-high .500 batting average, and Grady Dunsmore has gotten on base two-thirds of the time.

Elsewhere, Dom Rosensteel, Max Bowin and Demchak (when he’s not pitching) patrol the outfield. Wilkins and Westmoreland County Community College commit Tyler Martin provide leadership and talent to the middle infield.

“Quinn Wilkins and Tyler Martin would start at shortstop for any team in the league, but they are team players and are switching between shortstop and second base every other game,” Carrera said.

East collectively has improved its approach to plate appearances and speed. Carrera was particularly impressed with how first baseman and also future WCCC player Tyler Davis has increased his batting average to tie the team’s best at .500. He has found a spot in the heart of the lineup.

“The one thing about this team is we truly have a next-man-up mentality, and we’re deep in talent and we can truly plug and play without reducing our defensive prowess,” Carrera said.

While East players come from four school districts (Hempfield, Greensburg Salem, Jeannette and Gateway), they have bonded seamlessly with each other and have improved from top to bottom.

“The team is looking great. We truly have a great dynamic with our ballplayers,” Carrera said. “It is likely one of the most talented teams we’ve had in quite a few years.”