Page 2 Geauga County Maple Leaf Thursday, August 18, 2022
Page 3Thursday, August 18, 2022 Geauga County Maple Leaf
Cardinal *Homecoming 2022 Schedule
Josh DeWeese
An approaching school year always brings excitement and enthusiasm for most students, and those qualities will be magnified several times this year at Berk shire as students move into a brand-new palace of a campus. For the Badgers football team, this fresh start will also come in a new stadium, giving seniors the opportunity of being the very first group in their grade to compete in the new facility. For the football team of Head Coach Josh DeWeese, the edge is building quickly, and with a solid roster of nearly 45 players to work with, including eight seniors who occupy many skill positions, the outlook is bright and positive. The Badgers went 6-4 last season, with solid efforts from underclassmen who now will lead the program for the first time. “We’ve got a really good buzz going right now,” DeWeese said after his team’s first real practice. “The field should be ready for week one, I’ve been told. We’re all really excited about getting into things there, so we are optimistic about where we’re at right now. “We have some good skill position players back this season, and many of the younger kids got a lot of playing time for us last year that translates into a lot of experi ence where we need it.”
New Everything for Berkshire This Season B Rich Kelly @KaRlovecmedia.com Aug.
Berkshire High School
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With the eight seniors, 10 juniors, nine sophomores and 20 freshmen on the ros ter, DeWeese has a lot to work with, and if the last couple seasons are any indicator, the CVC Valley Division will be a horserace all theSeveralway. players will go both ways, but by interspersing younger players into the mix, Berkshire football’s future is looking bright.Starting under center for the Badgers will be junior Miles Miller. Coming off a big season of learning last year, he is more than ready to go right now. “Oh my gosh,” he said, “this is the most excited I have ever been about playing football. Last year was really good for us, but from my freshman to junior seasons, I have learned so much and grown so much into the game, I’ve learned how to work harder for myself, and I’ve become much more ingrained in the culture we need. We all are feeling a lot better about ourselves as a team, and we want to succeed a lot more than we have.”Senior Josh Brown will be the main ball 19 Cuyahoga Hts. Aug. 26 @Coventry Sept. 2 Trinity Sept. 9 @Grand Valley Sept. 16 Independence Sept. 23 Crestwood Sept. 30 @Hawken Oct. 7 @Harvey Oct. 14 Beachwood* Oct. 21
All games start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted 10th season (38-53): A history teacher at the high school, DeWeese is a 1996 Berkshire graduate and important community member.
“In past seasons, we had some guys who were good players, but on occasion may have taken some time off in games, and it hurt once in a while. With this team, we have the same goals ahead of us, and as seniors, we have a new dedication to being in this special moment that is really important.”“We’llbasically use the same offensive sets and system as before,” DeWeese said. “When you have good skill players, you use them as much as possible. Good teams like Chardon, Kirtland and others in the tough CVC do it that way, and that’s what we ex pect to do, too. We will switch to a 4-2-5 de fensive set from the passed 4-3-4 we used a lot“Webefore.feel we’ll have a lot of great com petition for our linebackers, and with good athletes to use like we have, the competition will be big. Our division will be tough, as usual, with teams like Har vey, Crestwood and Cardinal being tough and improving. We expect to be ready for all ofConsideringthem.” the skill sets, athleticism and optimism of this band of Badgers, the Berkshire community would be right to ex pect some really good things.
Nickname: Badgers Colors: Purple & Gold Home: Dr. William A. Reed Field Conference: Chagrin Valley Con ference (Valley) Last CVC Title: 2005 (tie) OHSAA: Div. V, Region 17 Playoff History: 1975, 1981, 1983, 2015, 2020, 2021 (0-6) OHSAA Adj. Enrollment: 181 2021 Season: 6-5 Coaches: Rich Klemencic (def. Coordinator), Nick Burzanko (off. coordinator), Matt McDer mott, Jack Arnold, Kevin Baggett Trainer: Todd Snyder Roster: 45 total (8 seniors, 9 ju niors, 9 sophomores, 19 fresh men) Pay to Play Fee: None Follow the Team: @bhsfball15 & @BHSBadgerDen Cheerleaders: Winnie Peters, Jen na Revak, Ashlee Ables, Dorothy Hernandez, Sydney Malbrough, Delaney Pinzone, Bri Rotz, Jade Fink, Taylor Fink, Dani Taraba, Emma Blough, Emma Grmofsky, Hayley Matzek, Brieanna Pyles, Laila Spangenberg, Kayleemor gam Wajda
Senior Hunter Nicholson looks to an chor the lines for the Badgers. “We have had some good seasons late ly, but I know we can get better,” he said. “We’re learning fast (and) we’re familiar with the system, so we don’t need to stop and ask what we need to do all the time.”
“We’ve had pretty good seasons the last couple years,” he said. “At the same time, to be over .500 and having a playoff game, this bunch of guys has worked hard er to get more. At times, we’ve let down at key times, but this year, with the move to a new school and stadium, and being the first seniors to play on the field, we feel we should really be better than everybody we play.”Junior Jack Hastings will be a slot re ceiver for the offense. “We feel it’s really good to win six games like we have the past couple years, but we want more. It’s such a huge respon sibility, moving into a new venue and being the first team to use the facilities, that we need to be ready and to give the best we can, every play.”
Players to Watch Team Profile
Page 5Thursday, August 18, 2022 Geauga County Maple Leaf
Oct.
Leading the Huskies offensively will be second-year starter Logan Strever. The junior threw for 930 yards and 10 touch downs, while rushing for 290 yards on 31 carries and five touchdowns. “We’re working more on the pass game,” said senior lineman Cameron Di mos. “We have a pretty decent quarterback this year in (Strever) compared to previous years,.”Looking to help Strever offensively will be a core of juniors. Wide receivers Aidan Gallagher, Kyle Sinclair, Christian Cowle and Troy Domen all will see time on the field. Alongside this deep receiving core will be senior running back Josh Soltis. “He has insane vision in traffic,” Per rotti said about what the senior brings to com 19 @Garfield 26 Py Valley Sept. 9 Hawken Sept. 16 @Harvey Sept. 23 Beachwood* Sept. 30 @Grand Valley 7 Oct. 14 @Cuyahoga Hts. Oct. 21 @Berkshire
After finishing the 2021 regular season 7-3, 4-2 in the Chagrin Valley Conference, one game behind conference champions the Crestwood Devils, Cardinal’s sec ond-year head coach Chris Perrotti is re flective on the success his team achieved and the battles it must win to reach the “Hawken was one of those games that opened our eyes,” said Perrotti, whose team lost to 50-7. “We came off wins against PV and Fairport. It showed the team that wins don’t just happen because you show up. They made us grow up fast — if it wasn’t for that game, I don’t think the big wins against Harvey and Cuyahoga Heights would have happened. As for Crestwood ... that one cost us the CVC.”
Aug.
Chris Perrotti
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2 Coventry Sept.
*Homecoming 2022 Schedule
As the Huskies design a new identity this season, Perrotti and his coaching staff are attempting a new offense and defense to be installed by some new coaches. “This is a new fresh-faced team with some serious playmakers,” Perrotti said. “We truly believe this team is loaded up in a way that our opponents and community has never seen before.”
Cardinal High School
Aug.
All games start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted with Newbury, Ledgemont, Lutheran East, Orange and Grand Valley, Perrotti hopes to build on a winning record and playoff appearance in 2021. Perrotti is also the offensive coordinator.
Ronnie Brown has coached at Berk shire the past few years. “Coach Brown is a wizard; he has so much knowledge to offer,” Perrotti said. “He is working with newcomer Tyler Dud ley with the offensive and defensive lines. “Dudley is relatively new to coaching but has that go-getter attitude every coach loves to have on staff and has already made his name known within the Cardinal com munity.“We are also joined by Chris Soltis, who has been an absolute blessing since the offseason weight training started.”
Huskies View Communication as Key Football Factor
Crestwood
Coaches: Ron Brown (def. coor dinator), Brett Gresko (co-of fensive coordinator), Randy Perrotti, Joe Shumar, Rodney Paradise, Chris Soltis, Tyler Dudley Trainer: Mitch Geddis Roster: 40 total (10 seniors, 10 ju niors, 12 sophomores, 8 fresh men) Pay to Play Fee: $365 ($185 after Joe Peters Memorial Pig Roast) Follow the Team: @huskies_fb & @cardinalhuskies
Nickname: Huskies Colors: Red, White & Black Home: Richard A. Moss Field Conference: Chagrin Valley Con ference (Valley) Last CVC Title: 2003 OHSAA: Div. VI, Region 21 Playoff History: 2002, 2020, 2021 (1-3) OHSAA Adj. Enrollment: 121 2021 season: 7-4
Page 7Thursday, August 18, 2022 Geauga County Maple Leaf the team. Last season Soltis ran for 403 yards on 63 carries, scoring three touch downs, while catching three passes for 12 yards.Aidan Gallagher will play an important role with Strever. He recorded nine catch es for 132 yards and one touchdown last season. Kyle Sinclair, who will also see his minutes increase, caught three passes for 78 yards and one touchdown. The Huskies will need to mend the losses of Jon Avalon and Mike Soltis, two key linemen who left big shoes to lose — figuratively and literally. “I think being quicker is going to help with not having that size from last year,” Ripley“Oursaid.offensive line will now be led by seniors Ty Simms, Andrew Tucholski, Cameron Dimos and two-year starter soph omore Max Soltis,” Perrotti said. “They will be joined by senior Josh Ripley on the defensive side, which will see new starters in almost every position.” Josh Ripley was a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end last season; he recorded 26 tackles and one interception. Christian Cowle recorded 23 total tackles, three for a loss, and one fumble recovery. five Joshpasses.Soltis recorded 20.5 total tackles, one tackle for a loss, and one recovered fumble, while junior Kyle Sinclair regis tered 19 total tackles and forced one fum ble.Junior Neil Lucariello returns from a knee injury that sidelined him all of last season. He’ll need to step up in the line backer position. The Huskies also lost Anthony Soltis, who earned First-Team All-Conference as a free safety. “Our biggest challenge to overcome in order to be successful is going to be complete communication,” Perrotti said. “We have new coaches, new positional players, a new offense and a new de fense. To be successful, we will have to ensure all levels of communication are on point. Any miscommunication could cost us “Havingvictory.made the playoffs honestly doesn’t change the mindset. Historically, on a personal level, making the playoffs has never been a goal. It’s an expectation. That’s the mindset this team has come to take on.”
Cheerleaders: Olivia Tucholiski, Grace Smith, Brookelynn John son, Mercedes Baker
Players to Watch Team Profile
Page 8 Geauga County Maple Leaf Thursday, August 18, 2022
Page 9Thursday, August 18, 2022 Geauga County Maple Leaf
Returning this season to lead the Cha grin Falls Tigers football program is sec ond-year head coach John Scott. Previously an assistant at Chagrin Falls under Mark Iammarino (now head coach at Hawken) for more than two de cades, Scott looks to continue the success the Tigers had at the end of last season. Chagrin Falls won two out of its last three games, including victories over Edgewood, 37-0, and Geneva, 20-14. Last season, the Tigers were very bal anced both offensively and defensively, averaging 19 points per game on offense and giving up an average of 22 points per game on defense. The Tigers have 54 football players on the roster this year (grades nine through 12) and plan to have freshman, JV and var sityThisteams.year’s Tigers will be young, and many underclassmen will have opportuni ties to contribute. In fact, only two offen sive starters are returning, as most of last year’s starters were seniors. Leading the Tigers offense will be all-Ohio running back Donny Hardy. The standout senior had a great junior season in which he gained 1,000 yards rushing.
Page 10 Geauga County Maple Leaf Thursday, August 18, 2022
“Knowing that teams are going to key on Donny, obviously having a quarterback that can run is key. We have some speed on the outside and some good athletes; we’ll have a good mixture of throwing and running.”Coach Scott emphasized that he wants to begin the season by not putting too much pressure on the offensive line.
“(We will be) trying to not put too much on an offensive line, especially early on — allow them to kind of grow and devel op some good chemistry,” Scott said. “We got great kids up there, they just haven’t done it Althoughbefore.”the Tigers do not have any returning starters on the offensive line, junior Luke Cornell is optimistic about the line’s ability to be successful.
The Tigers offense will also showcase the passing and running of quarterback Nick“VinciVinci. is a two-way player, a dual threat if you will,” his coach said. “He can throw it and run with it.
“I am looking forward to our young of fensive line coming out and proving some thing,” he said. “We have zero returning HAIR
••Color/Hi-LightingHairExtensions•Perms • Brazilian Blowout® HANDS & FEET ••Manicures/Pedicures•AcrylicNailsShellacTMManicures BODY TREATMENT • Body Waxing FEATURED PRODUCTS • Schwartzkopf • Paul Mitchell • Redken • DevaConcepts•Pureology Gift AvailableCardsVOTED HAIR SALON INCOUNTYGEAUGA BEST 14860 Chillicothe Rd, Novelty • 440-338-3711 (Corner of Rts. 306 & 87) TUE & FRI 8-5 • WED & THUR 8-9 • SAT 8-4 johnanthonyofnovelty.com Balanced Tigers Look to Run, Pass with Returning Starters By alan KoRnspan spoRts@KaRlovecmedia.com Aug. 19 Kenston Aug. 27 @Trinity Sept. 2 Brookside Sept. 9 @Perry Sept. 16 @Orange Sept. 23 Kirtland Sept. 30 Lakeside* Oct. 7 @Edgewood Oct. 14 West Geauga Oct. 21 @Geneva *Homecoming 2022 Schedule All games start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted 2nd season (5-5): A social studies teacher at the high school and middle school, Scott is a Solon graduate and 22-year assistant under former coach Mark Iammarino. John Scott Chagrin Falls High School
Cheerleaders: Marnie Deman gone, Katie Evans, Lexi Kaseler, Maggie Koehler, Chloe Moor man, Avery Polcar, Sarah Porter, Maya Rooney, Brady Thompson, Alex Wheatley, Alyssa Zaffiro, Camille Zitney
Roster: 55 total (15 seniors, 11 ju niors, 14 sophomores, 15 fresh men)
Players to Watch Team Profile
Last CVC Title: 2013 (tie) OHSAA: Div. V, Region 17 Playoff History: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2020 (19-12) OHSAA Adj. Enrollment: 191 2021 season: 5-5
Coaches: Ken McClintock (asst. head coach), Bryan Kelly (def. coordinator), Adam Lesko, Paul Perrine, J.J. Laseak, Zach Lesko, Kevin Owen, Tommy Murtaugh Trainer: Nick Outrich Pay to play fee: None Follow the team: @ChagrinAD
Nickname: Tigers Colors: Orange & Black Home: C.S. Harris Stadium Conference: Chagrin Valley Con ference (Chagrin)
Page 11Thursday, August 18, 2022 Geauga County Maple Leaf starters, so it’s going to be hopefully a good start. We got a lot of athletes, a lot of strong kids, but everyone is unproven, so we got to see what we can do.” Scott said his Tigers will look to get the ball to their senior wide receivers like Jackson Beavers and Jack Gaizutis. Many underclassmen will also be able to contribute on the offensive side of the ball.“We got some young guys that our go ing to play receiver and slot, with Drew Zelch and Spencer Kaas and tight end ju nior Aiden Beresford,” Scott said. “Upfront we’re going to be young and inexperienced. We’re still kind of working things out.” Defensively, Chagrin Falls will try to keep making progress, having had three shoutouts last season. “I am very happy with where we are at defensively,” Scott said. “Again, a lot of inexperience, but we are in a position where we are really not trying to play any body on both sides of the ball.”
Special teams will also bring great ef fort and energy, Scott assured. Extra Points • The Tigers scrimmaged Berkshire and Rocky River in the preseason.
What They Know to Win
The Chardon offense only returns three starters. But two of them are crucial. Senior QB Alex Henry ran for 1,326 yards last season, scoring 20 touchdowns with his legs. He also threw for nine touch downs and 820 yards. Returning as a start er is a big advantage for Henry. “I think one of the big things is, I’m not competing for a spot,” Henry said. “So I don’t have to just focus on myself, I have to focus on the other players, too. The line is young this year, so I have to be on them and help “Comingthem.in I was a little nervous. We’ve got some young dudes, obviously. But this week has been great.” Henry said the offense will use two words as a mantra this year: fast and tough.
Chardon has been perfect since its last loss Nov. 22 of 2019. “Success can lead to complacency,” Hewitt said. “This year we are replacing our core with sophomores and juniors, who maybe haven’t developed as fast as we would like.”
Daniel Pettyjohn rushed for 561 yards and will return as the starting halfback. Drago Vujaklija, Andrew Bruce, Trey Liebhardt and Caleb Hewitt will get carries in an offense where depth at the halfback position is the Wing-T’s lifeblood. “I think we have something to prove, for sure,” Liebhardt said. “It’s a lot differ ent team than last year. We’re not hanging our hats on last year.” Zach Fay, Vinny Colombi and Donovan Conwell give the fullbacks depth in that order. Chardon’s offensive line had a lot of competition early in camp. Junior Logan Bryant is a sure thing and returningPlayersstarter.likesenior Ayden Smith, sopho on Aug. 19 Olmsted Falls Aug. 27 @Camden Central 5 p.m. Sept. 3 FBA Naples 3:30 p.m.** Sept. 9 @Riverside Sept. 16 Mayfield* Sept. 23 @Kenston Oct. 7 @Madison Oct. 14 South Oct. 21 @North 2022 All games start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted have won back-to-back state champion ships and have the longest high school winning streak in the state.
Page 12 Geauga County Maple Leaf Thursday, August 18, 2022
Chardon High School
Mitch Hewitt **at the Pro Football of Fame*Homecoming
Hilltoppers Focus
On a Monday in August, Chardon knew After 230 plays, the Hilltoppers offense practiced its 50 perfect plays, a tradition started in 1981 when the head coach was “It was designed to create high levels of adversity and maximum discomfort with constant setbacks for our players in their quest for 50 perfect,” said Head Coach Mitch Hewitt, starting his 12th season. Hewitt did it himself in 1998 as a senior “It’s a reminder of the synchronization that our offense requires with all the mov ing parts, and how everyone is accountable to their specific task.”
Schedule
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Nickname: Hilltoppers Colors: Red & Black Home: Chardon Memorial Field Conference: Western Reserve Con ference
more Tredell Graves, junior Colin Youdath, sophomore Mark Hall and senior Dylan Jen kins were all competing for starting spots. Zach Hoenigman and Derek Galinac will play split end. Charlie Brock is the starting tight end. Senior Heath Fetchik helps lead the de fense at inside linebacker. His brother, Drew, helped the team win its 2020 state title. Fetchik compares his play to his broth er’s as about the same — “except just probably I’m better looking.” He says the defense is learning its assignments and knows the routine. “I think (the community) should expect the same of what they’ve been seeing,” Fet chik said. “Everyone will sprint to the ball. Everyone will know their assignments.” He said the team also knows what leads to success according to Coach Hewitt and his staff, which a big team advantage. “A lot of teams have to do two-a-days, but with the success we’ve had, we believe what the coaches tell us to accomplish our goals,” Fetchik said. Mario Tolo, Austin Leszynski and Ken ny Friihauf round out the linebacking group. Senior Cooper Felger anchors the de fensive line in the middle. “It’s good for our team so far,” Felg er said. “We have a lot of young guys, so there’s a big learning curve. But defensive ly it’s been really good. We have a ton of leaders back on defense.”
Last Conference Title: 2020 OHSAA: Div. III, Region 9 Playoff History: 1987, 1988, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 (39-18) OHSAA Adj. Enrollment: 370 2021 Season: 16-0 Bob Francis, Frank Hall (off. coordinator), Brian Landies (def. coordinator), Marty Mackar, Mark McNellie, Connor Krouse, Don Navatsyky (off. Coordina tor), Rob Jujaklija, Rick Mysyk, Brett Weidig, Shane Quin, Cade Schitelli, Jon Paglio, Cam Niehus Lindsay Williams Roster: 88 total: (14 seniors, 36 juniors, 38 sophomores) to play fee: $150 Follow the Team: @topperfb, @toppernation Maggie Slack, Jillian Ziegenfuss, Brinley Szalay, Alexis Fink, McKenna Robie, Hollie Stra ka, Hannah Green, Hailey Green, Adrianna Arnold, Cadence Paul, Lilly Meyer, Sarah Pitingolo, So phie Andler, Hannah Smith
Coaches:
Pay
Felger now knows it’s the seniors who need to shine. “I’m trying to step up and take a senior leadership role,” the senior said. “Last year, we had a lot more seniors. I didn’t need to be as vocal. This year I need to be more vocal.” He thinks defense is a big strength this season.Senior Alex Kisely, senior Robert Vunderink and junior Caleb Schuetzman are new faces on the defensive line. “That unit has had a great offseason,” HewittThesaid.Hilltoppers return three of their four defensive backs return as starters in Liebhardt, Bruce and Leo Colombi. Caleb Hewitt, just a sophomore, will look to make an impact in the defensive backfield as well. “Our secondary is as good as any in the state of Ohio,” Hewitt said. On coaching his son, he added, “I’m hard on him. Unfairly hard on him. But he’s talented.”Senior kicker and punter Joseph Ev ans, formerly of Mentor, keeps Chardon special teams in line.
Players to Watch Team Profile
Cheerleaders:
Trainer:
Page 14 Geauga County Maple Leaf Thursday, August 18, 2022
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Returning to the sidelines this sea son for the Hawken Hawks is Head Coach MarkPreviouslyIammarino.head coach at Chagrin Falls High School for 26 years, Iamma rino led the Tigers to the OHSAA state championship game in 2009 and 2010. With Iammarino at the helm, Hawken looks to continue as a top team in the CVC Valley Division, having finished 5-5 during the 2021 season. Their offense averaged almost 31 points per game. Contributing to the Hawks’ high-scor ing offense will be senior standout run ning back Dominic Johnson. Johnson had a stellar 2021 season which saw him gain 1,032 yards on the ground (7.3 yards per carry), 303 yards receiving (12.6 yards per catch) and 18 touchdowns. During the 2022 track and field season, Johnson was part of Hawken’s 4x100 OHSAA state champion ship“Weteam.have lots of speed that we had last year but we didn’t utilize a lot,” John son said. “(This year) we’re utilizing all the speed and we’re going to be able to get the ball out there. Our wide receivers are Intalented.”addition to Dominic Johnson, the Hawks will also have sophomore Jo Jo Johnson in the backfield. As a freshman in 2021, Jo Jo Johnson had 145 yards on 20 carries for a 7.3 av erage yards per carry. He also had four touchdowns.
Coach Iammarino is excited about the Hawks’ speed on offense. “Dominic Johnson was part of that 4x100 state championship team, and his brother Jo Jo has good speed, too,” Iam marino said. “We are really excited about those two guys. … There is some speed certainly that we have.” At quarterback, Lucas Brandt will lead the “Lucasoffense.Brandt has been a great lead er stepping in at quarterback,” Iammari no said. “He was injured last year, didn’t get a chance to play. So this is his first action, and you would never know it. He seems to be a very mature and poised young man, and that will be important for us.”Coach Iammarino also emphasized that Hawken will have a big offensive line.“It is our hope that they can mold to gether as a solid offensive line and be a
Hawks Look to Fly High and Fast KoRnspan KaRlovecmedia.com Aug. 19 Trinity Aug. 26 @Doylestown Chippewa Sept. 2 Gilmour Sept. 9 @Cardinal Sept. 16 Grand Valley Sept. 23 @Brooklyn Sept. 30 Berkshire Oct. 7 Beachwood Oct. 14 @Harvey Oct. 21 @Crestwood *Homecoming 2022 Schedule
All games start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted 1st season: Former Chagrin Falls head football coach, Iammarino spent 26 seasons with the Tigers, including 10 playoff appearances and two state championships. He won 185 games as the Tigers all-team winningest coach.
Page 16 Geauga County Maple Leaf Thursday, August 18, 2022
Mark Iammarino Hawken High School
Coach Iammarino,
Nickname: Hawks Colors: Red & Gray Home: Walton Stadium Conference: Chagrin Valley Con ference (Valley) Last CVC Title: 2005 OHSAA: Div. III, Region 9 Playoff History: 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 2000, 2001, 2009, 2012, 2020 (10-11) OHSAA Adj. Enrollment: 280 2021 season: 5-6 Coaches: John Kramer (asst. head coach), Chris Kosoriek (def. Co ordinator), Dominic Petrella (off. Coordinator), Dan Walton, David Murray, Tommy Iammarino, Ed Suggs, Will Appling, Mike Hen derson (def. coordinator), Dan Walton, Ed Suggs Trainer: Sarah Royan Roster: 37 total (4 seniors, 8 ju niors, 13 sophomores, 12 fresh men) Pay to play fee: None Follow the team: @HawkenFootball
Players to Watch Team Profile
Page 17Thursday, August 18, 2022 Geauga County Maple Leaf force,” he said. The Hawks will look to continue to improve this season on the defensive side of the ball. During the 2021 season, the Hawks gave up 346 points (31.5 points per game).On defense, middle linebacker Chris Shea returns for his senior year. Shea led the team in average tackles per game last season with 10.2. Also, Luke Mangini and Paxson Laschinger return for their junior sea sons, having also been leaders on the defensive side of the ball. Last season Mangini averaged 9.2 tackles per game; Laschinger averaged 8.8. “I think it (the defense) all starts with the three linebackers,” Iammarino said. “Chris Shea in the middle, Luke Mangi ni, Paxon Laschinger, all played last year. They’re coming back, and I think that will be the focus of our defense. “Last year Hawken scored a lot of points offensively, so what we really want to do is complement that with strong de fense and strong special teams.” On special teams, at kicker, the Hawks will have sophomore Julian Javo ris. “Julian Javoris has been our special ist,” Iammarino said. “He shows he has a very strong leg, and we’re excited about him.”
the Way By
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Georgiou, a captain, missed seven games last year with a broken finger, but guided the team through its two playoff wins.“He’s put himself in a great position,” Grubich said. “He’s a lot bigger, a lot stron ger, and has really physically matured. He grew up a lot last year.”
@Perry Sept. 2 NDCL Sept. 9 North Sept. 17 @Lake Catholic Sept. 23 Chardon Sept. 30 Madison Oct. 7 @South Oct. 14 @Riverside Oct. 21 Mayfield 2022 Schedule
All games start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted school, Grubich is a Chagrin Falls graduate who won a state champion ship with the Bombers in 2018. Jeff Grubich
Aug. 19 @Chagrin Falls Aug.
While the injury was frustrated for Georgiou, he said it feels good to get back on the field. “I was antsy on the sideline, and I want ed to be out there. It was a struggle watch ing my boys play,” the quarterback said. “But we’ll be one tough team this year. We’re going to bring it to another level.”
Patrick ran last season for 1,391 yards on 239 carries, including 12 touchdowns. The Bombers like a workhorse at tailback, and Patrick figures to be that player in 2022.“I’m looking forward to that,” Patrick said. “Since mini-camps we’ve been having fun and we are getting to know each other. I was the younger guy, but now I’m learn ing and leading. Now I am a captain.” Cardona has also had a great offseason, Grubich said. “We have to find a way to get them the football,” he said. The group of possible second through fourth receivers in a four-receiver Bomb ers’ offense looks like this: senior Thom as O’Brien, junior Brandon Bell, Patrick Cole, sophomore Cohen Clark, junior Evan Glontz and sophomore Braylon Akins.
The Bombers return strong skill play ers, most notably senior starting QB Nikko Georgiou, senior tailback Sean Patrick, and rising sophomore wideout Tymir Cardona.
Returning Bombers Aim to Stay Healthy,
The Kenston Bombers return a strong healthy senior class from a team that won 11 games a season ago, including two play Healthy is the key for Head Coach Jeff Grubich, who starts his 11th season on the “We weren’t healthy after Week 2 last season for the entire season,” Grubich said. “I realized how important being healthy is, man. You have to make sure your dudes are healthy. It’s a meatgrinder.”
Torrin Zevransky, a freshman, will back up Patrick in the backfield and has looked goodKenston’searly. offensive line is anchored by Lead Jamie WaRd Jamie@KaRlovecmedia.com 26
Kenston High School
Nickname:
Colors:
OHSAA
the team’s two tackles: junior Sean Doyle and senior Luke Leygraaf. “It feels great to be a senior,” Leygraaf said. “I know what’s going on. I’ve been with the program for four years.” The rest of the line is unproven. Leo DeLuca and Vance Brodnick will compete for a right guard position. Ben Burling haus is the team’s center. The left guard is Ethan“It’sBallantyne.ayounger group, but we should be able to help them out, and hopefully we’ll start clicking and become a solid unit,” Leygraaf said. Defense “There aren’t as many question marks on defense as we’ve had,” Grubich said. “I expect them to be aggressive and fast, and we should be able to utilize the speed we have over there. “We aren’t the biggest team. That’s my biggest concern is our size.” Senior captain Ben DiMarco is the leader of the linebackers on the inside. He said he wants to build on last year’s de fense, which allowed … ??? “We lost a few guys,” DiMarco said. “We need to just keep grinding all four quarters and not look at the scoreboard. Lineback ers lead the defense, and we’re just looking to do our part and make tackles.”
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Junior Josh Hallen is competing in camp for a spot. Colin Wyland, Ashton Ko lenic and Charlie Kress will all get minutes as primary tacklers by the defensive line. Kenston’s defensive line lacks depth, but has experience with David Clossin, Jack Novak and Sam Jacobs. Leygraaf and Doyle are going to play both ways on the line. In the defensive backfield, Logan Toft, Tyler Schurr, Charlie Thompson and Jere my Hajdu should be the starters. “We want to get that title this year,” said Toft, another team captain. “Last year we proved that defense is truly what can you win you the game.” Steve Teringo has been the long-time defensive coordinator. Extra Points • Parker Munday will kick and punt for the Bombers. The senior is a real weapon, having kicked a game-winning field goal in Week 10 in a 17-15 win over Mayfield. “I think he’s one of the best kickers in the state,” Grubich said.
Last
OHSAA:
Trainer: Vivianni McKinney Pay to play fee: None Follow the Team: @Bomber_ Football, @BomberEliteClub Cheerleaders: Ella Bryan, Anna Hammerle, Alexa Hebert, Avery Jakacki, Avry Kunberger, Ciani McKinney, Keeley Mesec, Mad dy Jaroch, Madison Pastor, Sofia Salvini, Taylor Thompson
Players to Watch Team Profile Bombers Blue & White Home: Bombers Stadium Conference: Western Reserve Conference conference title: 2018 (tied) Div. III, Region 9 Playoff History: 1981, 1986, 1995, 1997, 2000, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 (15-12) Adj. Enrollment: 301 2021 season: 11-2
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There are no secrets when you talk about Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin foot ball. They have a tradition going way back, a record of success, and that all has come with effort and preparation eachThisseason.year’s edition of the Lions will be no different. With Head Coach An drew Mooney beginning his eighth sea son at the helm, consistency has been the keynote factor in preparing his team. As Mooney reloads his squad for another big season on the gridiron, he also leads the team into a new era; its stadium has been superbly retooled with a new grandstand, concession stand and restrooms that will see the Lions on the west side of the stadium for the first time.The new digs are definitely nice.
The kids see it. But they, especially the seniors with four co-captains, are still approaching this season with a determi nation that should help the Lions once again become a playoff team when the regular season is played out. That is the common goal. “We will have a few tweaks in our sys tem,” Mooney said. “At the same time, we will still run basically the same sys tem we have always run on offense. We have some very solid skill position play ers back this year, so it’s just a matter of putting kids into a position to best use their skill sets. We’ll plug kids in where we need them. Our leadership will be sol id, so there’s no need to change much of anything. It’s just a matter of adapting to who is there at a specific time. “ The Lions’ four co-captains this sea son are Ryan Callahan, Matt Urda, Luke Peroni and Ryan Pesho. All have been part of what has led NDCL to promi nence on the gridiron, and this year will be noUrdadifferent.seesa lot of potential.
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“We’ve looked pretty good so far,” he said. “We have put in a lot of effort to be ready for this season. It will be great to play with the new facilities here, so we expect to win a lot of games along the way. My own goal is to make first team all-state. “ Urda will go both ways much of the time at fullback on offense and lineback er on defense. He likes defense better, and his hitting ability keeps his name in the tackling leadership category all the time. Roar to Carry Kelly KaRlovecmedia.com Aug. 19 @South Sept. 26 @Olentangy Sept. 2 @Kenston Sept. 9 Gilmour Sept. 16 Cincinnati-Taft* Sept. 23 East Liverpool Sept. 30 Walsh Jesuit Oct. 7 @Padua Oct. 14 @Louisville Oct. 21 Lake Catholic *Homecoming 2022 Schedule
Page 22 Geauga County Maple Leaf Thursday, August 18, 2022
Andrew Mooney Dame-Cathedral High
Notre
School
Lions
All games start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted 8th season (44-31): A social studies teacher at the high school, Mooney is from Lubbock, Texas, and played football at Ohio University. He is the all-time winningest head coach in school history, which includes four playoff appearances.
Trainer: Ana Varela, Cameron Wy dra Pay to play fee: None Roster: 58 (20 sophomores, 16 ju niors, 22 seniors) Cheerleaders: Cameryn Brandet sas, Belle Susel, Margaret Rug geri, Lexie Hoinski, Lia Kimball, Elle Boehlefeld, Maggie Dubean sky, Katie McGinness Follow the Team: @NDCL_Foot ball & @ndclathletics
Players to Watch Team Profile
Page 23Thursday, August 18, 2022 Geauga County Maple Leaf
Peroni will be at linebacker as well as tight end in his efforts on the field. Callahan will do his work from the tight end spot on offense, and linebacker and defensive end on defense. “We have really worked hard in the off season to be ready for this year,” he said. “This may well be the strongest team we’ve had in a few years here, and we really want to celebrate the new parts of the stadium and to do well all season to be ready for the playoffs. Then, again, with our last game set with Lake Catho lic, which is always a great time to play, we want to beat them again and then have some success in the playoffs.”
Pesho will also be a big part of both lines for the Lions. “I just want to keep pushing myself all the time, and to push guys around on the field,” he said. “In the line, pushing guys around makes a big difference, and it’s a lot of fun. For sure, the last game of the season, with Lake Catholic, will be the big game for us. It always is, and we will point for it all season. If we work hard, good things will happen.”
OHSAA Adj. Enrollment: 276 2021 season: 5-6 Coaches: Augie Montz (Def. Co ordinator), Brian Pesho, Jeffrey Banker, Ray Rockwell, Sam VanderVen, Dominic Liuzzo, Dan Kaczmarek
The Lions have solid people at key po sitions, but as is normal, plugging in new faces will also be a big part of the opera tion. Quarterback is always a key spot, and it will take leadership at other skill spots, too, to lead the way. Mooney will be head ing into action with a pair of sophomores under center, possibly, in James Koenig and Ryan Lipowski. If those two can keep the offense rolling, scoring will be a cru cial factor — and even if they get close, the Lions will have one of the best kickers in the area in Gianni Spetic to boot the ball for extra points or field goals. All in all, with new facilities gracing the Lions stadium, while the team should be comfortable on the turf, opponents will not have any spare moments to be com fortable if they want to win games. With its meatgrinder schedule, this NDCL team should do some grinding of its own.
Nickname: Lions Colors: Blue & Gold Home: Lion Stadium Conference: Crown Conference Last League Title: 2012 OHSAA: Div. III, Region 9 Playoff History: 2003, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2021 (5-10)
Peroni has been at it full force the last three years, with this season being a cap to a solid career. “This really feels great,” he said with a smile. “I’ve gone so far since my fresh man year; being a captain is just great. It’s amazing how time has flown by for me here, but like Ryan said, that last game with Lake Catholic will be the best way to end my career here.”
Matt Rosati West Geauga High School
West Geauga looks to start a new era of Wolverines football in 2022 under Head Coach Matt Rosati. Rosati, previously head coach of West Geauga from 1996 to 2006, now takes back a Wolverines team that finished the 2021 season with a 7-4 record and suf fered a first-round playoff loss to Streets boro.He believes that establishing a strong culture early in the season will help his team as it attempts to return to the post season.“We’re trying to hold each other ac countable,” Rosati said. “For our atti tude, for our effort, for our work ethic, we’re trying to hold one another account able.”Rosati has brought an efficient and disciplined brand of football to West Geauga, and Wolverines players appreci ate the structure that their new coach is implementing.“Hebrings a whole different type of energy,” said Elijah Milnar, a junior. “He doesn’t mess around; it’s strictly busi ness. He wants to come out and win, so he’ll push you to get there.”
West Geauga’s new identity starts with its toughness on defense. The Wol verines graduated multiple key players after a senior-heavy season in 2021, but return one of their top standouts on the defensive line, Austin Pascoe. Viewed as a significant defensive weapon, Pascoe set a West Geauga re cord with 12 sacks in 2021. “Austin Pascoe is leading the way for us defensively,” Rosati said. “Him, along with Niko Kless. We have some good players on both sides of the ball.”
“On the offensive side of the ball we have some very talented runners,” Rosa ti said. “They’re doing a really great job.”
The focus of West Geauga’s offense will be their running game. With multi ple running backs capable of providing big plays, including Travis Veleba and Justin Artino, the Wolverines are not shy when touting their ground attack.
Returning Coach Stressing Accountability at West G By mason cole spoRts@KaRlovecmedia.com Aug. 19 @Bay Aug. 26 Streetsboro Sept. 2 Parma Sept. 9 Kirtland Sept. 16 Edgewood* Sept. 23 @Lakeside Sept. 30 @Orange Oct. 7 Geneva Oct. 14 @Chagrin Falls Oct. 21 @Perry *Homecoming 2022 Schedule
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One of the reasons the Wolverines have faith in their running game is the strength of their offensive line, which is excited to block, Milnar said. “Our main running backs are very good athletes,” he said. “That would be what I predict to be the driving force of our Asoffense.”theWolverines look to shape their
All games start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted 12th season: Rosati won 69 games with West Geauga from 1996 to 2006, lead ing the school to its first playoff appear ance and first playoff victory. He then spent 14 seasons with the Perry Pirates and retired after the 2020 season.
Cheerleaders: Madelynn Hann, Gina Ranallo, Jenna Julian, Bai ley Rudolph, Olivia DeStefano, Aurora Dzurko, Skye Milite, Hannah Whitmer, Bella Chad wick, Alyssa Peltz, Michelle El liott, Giana Vecchio, Elena Ro driguez Pata, Jenna Spisak, Ava Popovich, Jenna Mazzurco
Trainer: Samantha Adkins Roster: 46 total (16 seniors, 17 ju niors and 13 sophomores) Pay to play fee: $195 Follow the Team: @WestGFootball, @WestGAthletics
Page 25Thursday, August 18, 2022 Geauga County Maple Leaf offensive gameplan around new core of players, junior Ethan Bartlett will be an important running backs. He believes his team can achieve great things. “We’re feeling pretty confident,” Bartlett said. “We have a lot of skill. We did lose a lot of seniors, but we have a lot of new guys coming in.” Like his coach, Bartlett emphasized his team hustling and delivering a con stant stream of effort throughout the game. His main takeaway from practices has been the speed that players have dis played on both sides of the ball. While West G will feature many new starters, and a new coach in Rosati, this team’s goal for the 2022 season, accord ing to Milnar, remains the same as in years“Wepast.want to take it to the state cham pionship,” Milnar said. “That’s the goal every year. But with a new head coach, we just want to go one game at a time and win all of them.” Rosati shared a similar sentiment. “Our goal is to play meaningful foot ball,” Rosati said. “We want to put our selves into a position where the games that we play matter. … To play in big foot ball games in the playoffs is our goal.” Players to Watch Team Profile Nickname: Wolverines Colors: Blue & White Home: Howell Stadium Conference: Chagrin Valley Con ference (Chagrin) Last CVC Title: 2015 OHSAA: Div. IV, Region 13 Playoff History: 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2020, 2021 (3-10) OHSAA Adj. Enrollment: 283 2021 season: 7-4
Coaches: Jim DiPofi (off. Coordina tor), Aaron Perusek (def. Coordi nator), Wes Rogge, Ryan Kleve, Ray Enricco, Rodney Leonard, Chuck Steimle, Eric Stendalen, Bob Leppla, Josh Petruccelli
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