Football Preview 2023

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Berkshire High School

Dangerous, Dedicated Badgers Bring An Experienced Roster

By Haley adams sports@karlovecmedia.com

It had been 17 years since the last time the Badgers won a conference title. Josh DeWeese and company will look to go backto-back this fall with a dedicated and experienced team.

“Expectations are high with most of the line, offense and defense returning,” said DeWeese, entering his 11th season as head coach. “Couple that with another year of experience for Miles Miller and the skills positions — we have the opportunity to be explosive.”

The Badgers return 16 starters and 17 letter-winners who went 7-4 overall and 5-1 in the Chagrin Valley Conference. The team shared the CVC title with Hawken and Harvey, all losing just one game in the conference.

A scary sight for the team’s opposing defense will be senior quarterback Miles Miller returning to the field. Miller went on to earn 1st Team CVC at quarterback, All-District honors, and All-Ohio. He led the team with 1,495 yards and threw for 13 touchdowns, completing 101 of his 172 passes. On the ground, Miller rushed for 1153 yards on 189 carries, scoring 16 rushing touchdowns.

“Miles is a dynamic force on the football field,” said his coach. “He has the ability to be the catalyst of the offense, using his vision to distribute the ball as well as making the plays himself. He is looking to build on a stellar junior season and lead the team to a repeat as conference champs and a deeper run in the postseason.”

2023 Schedule

Aug. 18 Chagrin Falls

Aug. 25 Coventry

Sept. 1 Cuyahoga Hts.

Sept. 8 @Edison

Sept. 15 Trinity

Sept. 22 Cardinal*

Sept. 29 @Kirtland

Oct. 6 @Crestwood

Oct. 13 Grand Valley

Oct. 20 @Harvey

*Homecoming

All games start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted

Looking to take a load off Miller’s shoulders will be junior Justin Phillips. The running back rushed for 312 yards on 61 carries, scoring two touchdowns. Those numbers could jump this fall.

“Justin will be the feature back in our offense,” DeWeese said. “He is a downhill player on both sides of the ball and looks to impact the game greatly.”

Leading the offensive line will be junior Jason Brent, who will anchor it as the cen ter. Brent earned 2nd Team CVC, 1st Team All-District, and 3rd Team All-Ohio.

“Jason is the leader upfront for us,” said DeWeese. “He is coming off of a strong sophomore season, and he has grown into a strong leader on the team.”

Senior Mason Mendolera is the top threat at receiver. With the team’s highest GPA at 4.41, Mendolera’s leadership will be key on both sides of the ball. Mendolera can kick, punt and has taken snaps at QB when needed.

Josh DeWeese, 11th season (45-57): A history teacher at the high school, DeWeese is a 1996 Berkshire graduate. He’s the longest serving head coach since Russ Hurd and Jack Arnold.

Josh DeWeese

Players to Watch

some new faces to make those big-time plays.

Miller returns as a free safety, where he intercepted six passes last year. Phillips will also return as linebacker, where he earned 2nd Team CVC and All-District Honorable Mention. Phillips recorded 56 tackles, six for loss, and two sacks.

According to DeWeese, “Justin will be the anchor of our defense.”

Jason Brent will serve as a defensive tackle. He recorded 26 tackles, where 6.5 went down as tackles for loss, and two sacks.

The Badgers also look for their first playoff win in school history. Judging by the team’s dedication to offseason workouts and the experience they return on the

what we did last year.”

What will success look like?

“Staying healthy is always a huge help,” DeWeese responded, “but beyond that, we need to continue to grow the progression toward a winning culture driven by a teamfirst mentality.

“The CVC is very dangerous,” added Miller, “and there are a lot of teams with really good offenses and defenses. There are a lot of powerhouse teams that can win more than five games a year. These games help us, because we get a lot more points by winning those games, and we play a lot of good opponents every week, which is going to be a challenge, and that’s a good thing for us.”

Team Profile

Nickname: Badgers

Colors: Purple & Gold

Home: Great Lakes Cheese Stadium

Conference: Chagrin Valley Conference (Valley)

Last CVC Title: 2022 (tie)

OHSAA: Div. V, Region 17

Playoff History: 1975, 1981, 1983, 2015, 2020, 2021, 2022 (0-7)

OHSAA Enrollment: 175

2022 Season: 7-4

Coaches: Nick Burzanko (off. coordinator), Rich Klemencic (def. coordinator), Brian Arnold, Jack Arnold, Jason Heiden, Gordon Cossick

Trainer: Todd Snyder

Roster: 31 total (5 seniors, 4 juniors, 12 sophomores, 10 freshmen)

Pay to Play Fee: None

Follow the Team: @BHSBadgerDen

Cheerleaders: Madison Rickelman, Emma Blough, Jade Fink, Preslie Kozenko, Aerowyn Dacek, Dani Taraba, Laila Spangenberg, Ava Chuha, Emma Rickelman, Brie Pyles, Delaney Gumm, Kaylee Neil, Sydney Johnson, Kaylee Morgan Wajda, Izabel Szoka, Stella Hoskins, Lexi Hosmer, Mia Thomas

The Competitive Huskies Are Ready to Pull Their Way Onward

By Haley adams sports@karlovecmedia.com

2023 Schedule

coaching staff believes this could be Cardinal’s best skills group yet.

Leading offensively will be third-year starter Logan Strever. The senior threw for 778 yards, including seven passing touchdowns, and eight interceptions. On the ground, Strever ran for 661 yards on 95 carries, and recorded 10 touchdowns. He was also named to the 2022 New Herald All-District Team, earning Honorable Mention.

“We’ve stressed a lot to stay focused, keeping the tempo fast and making sure

All games start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted

that we’re competitive at all times,” Strev

Strever will have help from his solid receiving core that returns four starters from a season ago. Wide receivers Chris tian Cowle, Troy Domen, Aidan Gallagher and Kyle Sinclair all return for a strong se

Sinclair led all receivers last year with 16 receptions for 278 yards and three touchdowns.

“We think our wide receivers are where they need to be, and we’re in a good position at the moment,” said Domen, who finished with 16 receptions for 177 yards and scored a touchdown. Domen was also honored to the 2022 New Herald All-Dis trict Team, earning Honorable Mention.

Cowle and Gallagher round out the Huskies’ wide receivers. Cowle finished last season with nine receptions for 102 yards for a touchdown.

“Christian was a weight-room warrior

Chris Perrotti

Cardinal

Players to Watch

footwork, speed and agility throughout the offseason, and could be one of the top receivers in the entire CVC.”

The Huskies lost their leading rusher in Josh Soltis, who ran for 1,496 yards on 155 carries, scoring 18 touchdowns. Soltis finished as a 2nd-Team All-Ohio running back, while also earning 1st-Team CVC.

“We have a great running back coach, and he’s been coaching one of our running backs this season,” Domen said, “and our back has been looking really good thus far. We’ll be competing a lot.”

Cardinal’s offensive line will be led by senior Clayton Cochran, junior Hunter Gresch and junior and three-year starter Max Soltis. Max earned The News-Herald First Team, First Team CVC (Offensive Line), and Second Team All-Ohio.

The coaching staff is still searching for its fourth starter.

72 tackles and earned The News-Herald All-District Team, Honorable Mention, and Second Team CVC as a linebacker.

The Huskies also bring back Cowle, Domen, Gallagher, Sinclair and junior Reese Soltis, who was sidelined most of his sophomore season after suffering an upper arm injury Week One.

In the backfield, Cardinal recorded nine interceptions on the defensive end, with Domen leading the way with four. The defensive backs broke up 11 passes, recovered two fumbles, and forced one.

Lucarellio and Sinclair will both start as linebackers, while Sinclair will register as the punter for a second straight year. Sophomore Landon Gallagher will return as kicker.

“We are going to compete,” Perrotti said. “We have a very tough schedule that is going to be tough every single week, but our expectation is to be in the running for the CVC title by Week 10.”

Team Profile

Nickname: Huskies

Colors: Red, White & Black

Home: Richard A. Moss Field Conference: Chagrin Valley Conference (Valley)

Last CVC Title: 2003

OHSAA: Div. VI, Region 21

Playoff History: 2022, 2020, 2021, 2022 (1-4)

OHSAA Adj. Enrollment: 121

2022 season: 5-6

Coaches: Joe Ewell (off. coordinator), Ronnie Brown (def. coordinator), Brett Gresko, Keith Fife, Randy Perrotti, Trey Shirkey, Joe Shumar, Chris Soltis, Gage Fife

Trainer: Mitch Geddis

Roster: 24 total (10 seniors, 11 juniors, 3 sophomores)

Pay to Play Fee: $185

Follow the Team: @cardinalhuskies, Cardinal Athletic Boosters on FB

Cheerleaders: Aallayah Barbee, Brooklyn Johnson, Rebecca Kimpton, Baylee Lewandowski, Bella McMurray, Sydney Portman, Karlie Taylor, Mia Tucholski, Olivia Tucholski

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Chagrin Falls High School

Tigers Look To Establish Run Game Throughout Season

By alan kornspan sports@karlovecmedia.com

John Scott is excited for his third year as head coach and 25th year coaching Chagrin Falls Tigers football.

In particular, one thing Coach Scott is excited about this year, which is unique to the program, is the size of its offensive

In a preseason interview, Scott emphasized that it is not common for the Tigers to have the size on the line that they have

2023 Schedule

Aug. 18 @Berkshire

Aug. 25 Beachwood

Sept. 1 @Kenston

Sept. 8 Conneaut

Sept. 14 (Thurs.) @Edgewood

Sept. 22 Orange*

Sept. 29 @West Geauga

Oct. 6 @Perry

Oct. 13 Hawken

Oct. 20 Lutheran West

*Homecoming

All games start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted

Chagrin Falls’ offensive line, a focal point of the offense, will have three juniors who received a lot of valuable playing experience as sophomores.

Scott said four of the linemen will be over 225 pounds and three of the four will be over 270 pounds.

“We’ll be big up front, and hopefully we will be able to establish the run,” Scott said.

The line will be anchored by senior Tyler Saccone at left guard.

“I play left guard and, on defense, defensive tackle and nose tackle, but mostly left guard (on offense),” Saccone said. “We’re looking really good on both sides of the ball and have a whole new offense, so we’re going to really get that going and get the train moving.”

At center, the Tigers will have junior Mason Hart (6-0, 270).

Also on the line will be juniors Sam Stauffer (6-1, 285), Parker Courtright and

Jake Evans (6-1, 225).

The line will be responsible for protect ing sophomore quarterback Jacob Kay.

“He’s a kid who did tremendous things last year as a ninth-grader,” Scott said. “We’re not going to count on him to do too much, but he is a dual-threat kind of guy. And obviously still as a sophomore, in the passing game, there is still a lot for him to learn.”

“He has great mobility and he will be able to run the ball for us.”

In the backfield, the Tigers will have sophomore Jack Owen, and Scott also ex pects to have juniors Drew Zelch and Char lie Bazzone there throughout the season.

At the receiver position, Scott men tioned there will be several different players.

“We do have Drew Zelch back as the slot receiver from last year, so we’re going to count on big things from him,” said his coach. “We’re (also) going to have another

John Scott, 3rd season (9-11): 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

Players to Watch Team

Saccone

slew of guys (at wide receiver) who are talented; we don’t have a lot of depth there, but we have some talented kids who can make some big plays in the passing game.”

Defense

The Tigers will look to run a new defense under a new defensive coordinator.

Scott said the main defensive formation will be a 3-4 defense. He expects the defensive line to be very strong, and mentioned that the most experience in the defense will be in the secondary and he is very excited about the work ethic of the linebackers.

“We got guys like Duncan Scott, Dylan Babic, Tyler Saccone and Aiden Beresford on the defensive line,” he said. “In the secondary, Brandon Castellucio, he played a lot at corner for us. Grant Alberts, Luke Neimeier, they played in the secondary last year.

“I am excited,” said senior cornerback Luke Neimeier. “Our numbers are not as high as they have been in the past, but I

feel like the guys that we have in the starting positions will be able to get the job done.”

“With the lack of numbers, our depth is very limited, but I feel like as long as we stay healthy we will have a very successful season. I am looking forward to seeing if I get a chance at quarterback. Right now I am sitting at quarterback three, but in case of emergency I am ready to hop in at any time, as well as leading the defense.”

Special Teams

Kicking for Chagrin Falls on special teams will be Ben Cowan.

“He kicked for us last year and he is also the star of the soccer team,” said his coach. “Him and Cole Ducas will also punt for us.”

Meanwhile, Luke Neimeier does a very good job with long snapping, Scott mentioned. “We feel that the kicking game is something that is going to be a strength for us,” he added.

Profile

Nickname: Tigers

Colors: Orange & Black

Home: C.S. Harris Stadium

Conference: Chagrin Valley Conference (Chagrin)

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: 194

2022 season: 4-6

Coaches: Ken Mclintock (asst. head coach), Bryan Kelly (def. coordinator), Adam Lesko, Paul Perrine, J.J. Laseak, Zach Lesko, Kevin Owen, Tommy Murtaugh

Trainer: Evan Schlanser

Pay to play fee: None

Follow the team: @FootballChagrin

Roster: 55 total (15 seniors, 11 juniors, 14 sophomores, 15 freshmen)

Cheerleaders: Frankie Ashkettle, Addilyn Brudno, Mia Eaves, Kate Evans, Claire Guddy, Layla Hauserman, Lexi Kaseler, Maggie Koehler, Kate McLain, Chloe Moorman, Brady Thompson

Chardon High School

Expectations of Chardon’s Hilltoppers Ever Higher

By Jamie Ward Jamie@karlovecmedia com

For a Chardon team with 32 seniorsson, one that included three playoff wins, is the expectation. It is the expectation Head

ference schedule and perennially vying for a

And expectations, on and off the field, ing a playlist,” said Hewitt – of the team’s morning and afternoon practice music,ferent player each day. “I hadn’t heard of

The team starts the season without a returning QB, so two senior friends — Will peting for reps in camp. Francis, who has not played QB since his sophomore year,

“We’re looking for consistency in practice and leadership, a commander in the huddle,” Hewitt said. “Someone has to emerge in leadership. It’s not a job you can force on somebody because it’s gotta be all they think about. It’s one of the hardest positions in sports.” Francis knows his job will be to step up. “It’s a little new, but it’s all there,” Francis said.

As usual with the Wing-T offense, a host of halfbacks and wingbacks and fullbacks will get lots of opportunities to confuse defenses, with and without the ball.

“We have guys that can go coast to

2023 Schedule

Aug. 18 @West Geauga

Aug. 25 @Columbian

Sept. 1 Avon Lake

Sept. 8 St. Francis (NY)

Sept. 15 @Bishop Watterson

Sept. 22 Kenston*

Sept. 29 @South

Oct. 6 @Mayfield

Oct. 13 North

Oct. 20 Riverside

*Homecoming

All games start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted

coast every time they touch the ball,” Hewitt said. Seniors A.J. Bruce, Drago Vu jaklija and Caleb Hewitt figure to get the first crack at big plays. “Camp is really de veloping our team,” Bruce said. “We need ed some work coming in, but now we’re showing signs of drastic improvement.”

Caleb’s the fastest Hilltopper with a 40 time of 4.46 seconds. Kevin Manary is in the mix, and Charlie Brock, a tight end, will set the edge because of size. The team is also excited about Vinny Colombi and Aus tin Green at fullback, a critical position if the offense wants to average 30 points a game like it did last season. Tight end An drew Baggott is another serious Chardon weapon.

“We rank in our offensive scheme: quarterback, tight end and fullback,” Hewitt said. “I don’t think anybody would guess that. But our fullback and our end are our edge-setters. For us, that’s a big deal.” Leo

Mitch Hewitt

Players to Watch Team Profile

Nickname: Hilltoppers

Colors: Red & Black

Home: Chardon Memorial Field

Conference: Western Reserve Conference

Last WRC Title: 2021

OHSAA: Div. III, Region 9

Colombi and Derek Galinac are the two top

“Every rep, every day, Derek Galinac is consistent. But Leo is the deep threat,” Hewitt said. Leo said he knows that when he does get an opportunity to catch the ball, it’s important to take advantage.

“You don’t always get a lot of glory (for playing WR),” Leo said. “But you’re out there blocking every play. And that block can be the touchdown block.”

The size of Chardon’s offensive line could be its biggest strength. Tredell Graves (6-2, 245 pounds), Colin Youdath (6-0, 221), Vince Valletto (6-2, 242) and Trevor Winters (6-2, 290) join the leader of the pack, Logan Bryant, now a three-year starter at right tackle.

On Bryant, who can squat 620 pounds, the coach said: “He’s a menace. I would not want to line up against him.”

Bryant knows his role is getting everyone to work together. “I think I bring most of the juice, because I’m used to it,” Bryant said. “I’m trying to bring these young guys up and turn them into leaders because I’m the top dog. So I need to teach them how to be there.

“But these guys are really promising. We’re going to win a lot of games.”

move around the field from the secondary to the middle of the field. Leo Colombi joins him as a defensive captain at safety. Both will be play college football next season.

“I realize I’m in a big role,” Bruce said. “The team depended on me last year, but they are going to depend on me even more this year. I’m going to play a lot of snaps this year. I need to get the team and myself ready, especially conditioning.”

“This is my third year starting, so I know a lot more,” Leo said. “I need to teach the young guys and help them if they have any questions.”

The defense is deep at linebacker with names like Leszynski, Ken Friihauf, Austin Green, Alex Ash, Beckett Dotson and Tyler Malloy. “We are sorting through those guys, and we think they are pretty good,” Hewitt said. Caleb Hewitt and Braden Maruna return as corners.

Kyle Kisley, Cale Schuetzman, who can bench press 405 pounds, and Mario Tolo are slated to start on the defensive line. Braden Schmauder will also play in the defensive backfield.

Playoff History: 1987, 1988, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 (42-19)

OHSAA Adj. Enrollment: 376

2022 Season: 11-2

Coaches: Bob Francis, Brian Landies (def. coordinator), Marty Mackar, Mark McNellie, Cam Niehus, Connor Krouse, Don Navatsyk (off. coordinator), Rob Vujaklija, Rick Mysyk, Brett Weidig, Shane Quin, Scott Platz, Jon Paglio

Trainer: Lindsay Williamson, Mario DiMattia

Roster: 78 total: (32 seniors, 27 juniors, 28 sophomores, 1 freshman)

Pay to play fee: None

Follow the Team: @topperfb,@toppernation

Cheerleaders: Hollie Straka, Hailey Green, Hannah Green, Payton Bertrand, Harmony Nemetz, Taylor Bennett, Jessica Kitchen, Lauren Rosipko, Cadence Paul, Adriana Arnold

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Hawken High School

Hawks Ready to Fly High in the CVC Chagrin Division

By alan kornspan sports@karlovecmedia.com

Veteran Head Coach Mark Iammarino is coming off an extremely successful 8-3 campaign in his first year leading the

“Second time around is a little bit easier because the kids know what the expectations are,” Iammarino said. “We did studies in the off-season of what we did well, what we didn’t do well, and what we need

2023 Schedule

Aug. 18 Rhodes

Aug. 25 Trinity

Sept. 1 @Gilmour

Sept. 8 Edgewood

Sept. 14 (Thurs.) @Conneaut

Sept. 22 West Geauga

Sept. 29 @Lutheran West

Oct. 6 Orange*

Oct. 13 @Chagrin Falls

Oct. 20 Perry

*Homecoming

All games start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted

The Hawks were excellent on offense last year. At quarterback this season, sophomore Donovan Moorehead will be leading

“Real excited about Donovan,” Iammarino said. “Great lineage: his dad’s the head coach at the University of Akron. Donovan has been around the great programs at Penn State and the University of Oregon.

“He’s got the frame; he’s just under 6-4, just under 200 pounds, and he’s truly a student of the game. He’s really grown by leaps and bounds this off season.”

In addition to having Moorehead, Iammarino emphasized that a major strength for the Hawks will be their offensive line.

In the backfield, the team will have senior Luke Mangini, son of former Cleveland Browns and New York Jets head coach Eric Mangini.

“Luke Mangini is Mr. Everything,” Iammarino said. “He’s a great student-athlete. He’s being recruited by Ivy League schools, and he has been offered by Davidson.”

Look for Mangini to get the ball both on hand-offs and through the air.

During his junior year, he averaged 9.6 yards per carry on 27 carries. In fact, last year against the Brooklyn Hurricanes, he gained 112 yards.

In addition to running the ball, Mangini also had 23 receptions out of the backfield for an average of 11.2 yards per catch.

“It’s really exciting,” he said. “We have a strong group of seniors that I have gone to school with forever, and our underclass men and juniors are all great guys, commit ted guys.

“We work really well together as a team and we have been strong in the 7v7s. Team Chemistry feels great, the environment is awesome.”

Sharing the handoffs in the backfield with Mangini this year will be junior Jordan Johnson.

Johnson carried the ball 43 times for 329 yards last year for an average of 7.7

ships. He won 185 games as the Tigers all-team winningest coach.

Mark Iammarino

Players to Watch

yards per carry. Last year, he also caught 17 passes for 188 yards.

In addition to Mangini and Johnson catching the ball out of the backfield, Iammarino expects about five or six other players to contribute at the wide receiver position including Kede Obi, Ryan Whiting, Emmanuel Robinson, Julian Javoris and Charlie Mallett.

In fact, he Iammarino sees this position as the most improved this year. At kicker the Hawks will have Julian Javoris.

“We’re bringing back the best kicker in the league,” Iammarino added.

Defense

Last season the Hawks on defense had two shutouts and two games in which they held opponents to seven points or less.

Defensively, the Hawks will return seven starters this season. Look for senior captains Lucas Brandt, Paxon Laschinger and Mangini to contribute greatly to the Hawks defense in 2023.

“It’s a really cool thing to lead this team with two guys I played with my entire childhood, Luke Mangini and Lucas Brandt,” Laschinger said. “I look forward

to making a lot of tackles and stopping the other team from getting in the end zone.”

Last year Brandt had two interceptions in the secondary, while Laschinger averaged 4.9 tackles per game and Mangini averaged 4.8 tackles per game.

“Right there we have three veteran experienced kids leading the way,” Iammarino said.

In the secondary, the Hawks will have Jordan Johnson, Ryan Whiting and Julian Javoris. Charlie Mallett, Lathaniel Whitthorne and Tommy Wright are also expected to see time in the secondary.

The defensive line will be anchored by nose tackle Will Greenberg.

“Up front, Will Greenberg the wrestler, he’s our nose tackle,” said his coach. “He played really well for us last year as a sophomore.”

Coach Iammarino said he is excited about the progress made by Jackson Hedin on defense.

“I think he’s going to be a scholarship kid, 6-4, 265-pound junior, a two-way player for us. I really think he is going to have a great year.”

Matt Yang and Jack Bellar should also see a lot of playing time on defense.

The Hawks begin their season Aug. 18 when they take on Rhodes.

Team Profile

Nickname: Hawks

Colors: Red & Gray

Home: Walton Stadium

Conference: Chagrin Valley Conference (Chagrin)

OHSAA: Div. III, Region 9

Playoff History: 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 2000, 2001, 2009, 2012, 2020, 2022 (10-12)

OHSAA Adj. Enrollment: 279

2022 season: 8-3

Coaches: John Kramer (def. coordinator), Dom Petrella (off. coordinator), Dan Walton, David Murray, Jeff Thomas, Tom Kenny, Tommy Iammarino, Ed Suggs

Trainer: Sarah Royan

Roster: 36 total (7 seniors, 14 juniors, 7 sophomores, 8 freshmen)

Pay to play fee: None

Follow the team: @HawkenFootball

Kenston High School

With Holes to Fill, Bombers Program Expects Same Results

By Jamie Ward Jamie@karlovecmedia.com

Kenston started its August practices confident, healthy — and what’s been most important for Head Coach Jeff Grubich as he starts his 12th season, consistent. Consistency is key for a team looking to improve on a nine-win season that included

“We didn’t replace a coach this year,” Grubich said. “Huge community support. It’s a good place to work.”

The offense will again be a spread, often four-wide set that likes to throw the ball then run it out of the shotgun. It’s fastpaced, a style Grubich learned after years as a Mentor assistant coach.

The starting QB is a transfer from St. Benedictine, junior Lucas Kaltenbach.

Grubich said there’s a steep learning curve to a new offense, but Kaltenbach is putting in that work.

“Every day he gets better, every day you see the chemistry he gets with his wideouts,” Grubich said.

Kaltenbach grew up in the district, but decided to leave after eighth grade. Still, he grew up with many of his Bombers’ teammates.

“It’s been a good transition because my coaches and teammates have been so good to me,” Kaltenbach said. “You should expect us to be explosive. We have an answer for anything that the defense is going to throw at us. And we can put out many different looks.”

Senior Sean Patrick returns after rushing for 1,496 yards, 21 touchdowns, and going almost eight yards per carry in 2022.

2023 Schedule

Aug. 18 Boardman

Aug. 25 @West Geauga

Sept. 1 Chagrin Falls

Sept. 8 @VASJ

Sept. 14 (Thurs.) Lake Catholic

Sept. 22 @Chardon

Sept. 29 @Mayfield

Oct. 6 Riverside*

Oct. 13 South

Oct. 20 @North

*Homecoming

All games start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted

“I feel excited,” Patrick said. “Being a senior, there’s more expectations. I’m look ing forward to that. The offense has been clicking, especially how early it’s been.”

“He’s a difference-maker, hell of a lead er, and a special talent,” said his coach.

Toran Savransky, a sophomore, returns after 35 varsity carries a year ago. Tymir Cardona, a three-year starter, returns as the team’s slot receiver after 54 catches for 827 yards last season and 10 touch downs. “We’re looking for bigs things out of him,” Grubich said.

Charlie Thompson and Dylan Krupp are the team’s outside receivers. The Y re ceiver will feature Cohen Clark and Bran don Bell, who both played the position in limited roles last season.

“Overall, we have some veterans at that position,” Grubich said.

There is a challenge. The Bombers replace their offensive and defensive lines, so they will need young players to step up.

Jeff Grubich

Players to Watch Team Profile

Nickname: Bombers

Colors: Blue & White

Home: Bombers Stadium

Conference: Western Reserve Conference

Last WRC title: 2018 (tie)

OHSAA: Div. III, Region 9

“You know as well as I know, when you get into the WRC, you have to win in the trenches,” Grubich said of the team’s confer ence. “If you can’t win there, it doesn’t mat ter what kind of skill guys you got. So we’ll find out real quick what we’re made of.”

Sean Doyle is a three-year starter, a captain, and anchors this green unit up front on both sides of the ball.

“They are athletes, so I have no doubt where they are going to succeed no matter where they are at on the field,” Doyle said. “Technique they will be fine. Be aggressive. Especially with me leading them, they are going to have aggressiveness.”

Senior Max Robarge joins him as the starting center. Ethan Ballantyne will likely play guard, but can also fill in at tackle. Brody Sell is a freshman and will start at left guard. “He’s a tough kid, and will run through a brick wall if you ask him to,” Grubich said. Sam Meeks is the team’s right guard.

“We are asking some guys to play both ways, so we’ll need some other guys to sub in when they get gassed,” Grubich said. “And we’ll be looking hard at that.”

Grubich likes the experience and leadership of his starting defensive secondary despite graduation at all the other positions.

anchor the secondary as the team’s safeties.

du are the team’s starting cornerbacks.

Josh Hallen played inside linebacker last season. Colin Weiland also played linebacker as a freshman, starting for the first time in Week 6 against rival Chardon.

“I have to admit, this is probably one of the fastest defenses we’ve had in a couple of years,” Hallen said. “There are a lot of young guys who have to step up this year.”

The Bombers’ outside linebackers are Krupp and Ashton Kolenic.

“Those two are just physical kids who are nasty football players,” Grubich said.

Robbie Hatcher is a defensive end. Robarge and Doyle play both ways on that defensive line.

Zyar Scott and Tristan Tubbs will be important defensive line players, as well.

The Bombers won a Div. III state championship in 2018, and with the expanded playoff format across high school football, winning a few playoff games is always the expectation.

“Our goals don’t change,” Grubich said. “We want to go 10-0 with the WRC, and the ultimate goal is to win the state title. But you have to take it one day at a time — bottom line.”

Playoff History: 1981, 1986, 1995, 1997, 2000, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 (17-13)

OHSAA Adj. Enrollment: 298

2022 season: 9-4

Coaches: Scott Anderson (co-off. coordinator), Joseph Brahler, Mark Cuccia, Thomas Grenier, Lenny Stanley, Steve Grubich (co-off. coordinator), Fred Lockinour, Quorey Payne, Bob Ross, Jim Selby, Steve Teringo (def. coordinator)

Trainer: Vivanni Deubel

Pay to play fee: None

Follow the Team: @Bomber_Football

Cheerleaders: Gianna Agresta, Julia Arnaut, Victoria Grunwald, Alexa Hebert, Chloe Hebert, Avery Jakacki, Maddy Jaroch, Rory Kaltenbach, Avry Kunberger, Kelley Mesec, Ryleigh Offut, Madison Pastor, Ever Phillips, Sofia Salvini, Erriana Strong, Olivia Suskowicz

Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin High School

Baldesare Brings New Era to Lions Football Program

By ricH kelly sports@karlovecmedia.com

Tradition runs very deeply into the fiber of Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin football. As Anthony Baldesare begins his turn at leading the Lion program this season, the first-year head coach at any level does have some pedigree to follow.

His dad was a 1961 Cathedral Latin graduate, his uncle was a graduate in 1964, and the levels of excellence they provided carried him through a solid career at St. Edward High and then on to the college ranks, where he prepared himself for this opportunity.

“To be honest with you,” he said during a break in two-a-day practices on campus, “I have had some great training in coaching and playing that I think prepared me for this position.

It’s very likely that, as I have gone on in coaching, this may have been one of the biggest steps up for me to be here now, and I may well have waited for this chance, (even) had I not had the tradition from family so long ago.”

Preparation has been the key element for Baldesare as he starts a new era for himself and the Lions.

The team looks to quickly put last year’s uncharacteristic 2-8 season in the memory banks.

“We’re starting all over again this year in what we do here,” he said. “I have to admit, though, that the extra time we have been given to prepare by the OHSAA this year is a positive for us.

“Last year was tough on the kids, but

2023 Schedule

Aug. 18 Riverside

Aug. 25 Lakeside

Sept. 1 @Bedford

Sept. 8 @Gilmour

Sept. 15 St. Vincent-St. Mary

Sept. 22 @Howland

Sept. 29 John Hay*

Oct. 6 @Walsh Jesuit

Oct. 13 Padua

Oct. 21 (Sat.) @Lake Catholic

*Homecoming

All games start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted

you have to consider, too, the schedule we play. This year will be no different.

We play seven of eight teams from the playoffs of last year that are expected to be there again this year, but having extra time to get ready means we have not just stepped into new things now, but we’ve had time to work on them to be ready now. That is huge.”

Coming from the college-assistant ranks of programs like Lenoir Rhyne University, Weber State and Youngstown State, Baldesare is prepping the Lions to run more high-octane offensive and defen sive schemes, while keeping things simple enough for the kids to be familiar with them. He sees several seniors leading the way.

Greg Bores, Griffin Moskal, Josh Granbo and Caleb Cirino also see a difference already, after just the third day of double-dip practicing, aided by more early preparations as well.

Anthony Baldesare, 1st season: A 2000 graduate of St. Edward’s, Baldesare served on the staffs at Lenoir-Rhyne University, Notre Dame College and Hiram College. He will be an Academic Coach in the mathematics department at NDCL.

Anthony Baldesare

Players to Watch

Two-way lineman Bores will be a main anchor on both sides of the ball.

“I see already that Coach has a high standard for us to uphold this year,” Bores said. “We were young last year, but we’re already more set in how we’re doing things.”

Moskal, a senior safety-slot receiver, sees good things as well.

“We have a ton of good skill-set guys this year,” he said. “The atmosphere is really energized a lot. I think we will have many more aspects to the game to control things now, and it is all starting with a positive mentality every day.”

Defensive end-tight end Josh Granbo is in full agreement with his teammates at this juncture.

“A positive mentality is so important for us,” he said. “Discipline is important. One of our goals for all of us is to be the most disciplined team on the field on any given night. That limits mistakes while also giving us a big edge in competition. We play some tough teams on our schedule, so being ready and disciplined will be important all the time.”

Receiver-cornerback Cirino echoed: “With the longer off-season, we’ve had a chance to learn this new scheme Coach Baldesare has given us. It’s also giving us a chance to get to know the younger kids better as they figure it all out. We’re building relationships along the way as we become better football players, and that’s very important in life as well.”

Baldesare will use some college and pro sets on offense, but also rely on his front seven on defense to provide balance.

“I think our front seven will be our main focus defensively, while giving us a balance of ball control that will give the offense a chance, as well, to function within the system to help us control ballgames,” he said.

“Coming here is so special to me, and we all want it to be special for all the kids as well. That’s a main focus for us.”

Opening the season against powerhouse Riverside, then a tough Lakeside team, will show fans in a hurry how new traditions are coming to life for the NDCL Lions. Don’t expect another 2-8 season.

Team Profile

Nickname: Lions

Colors: Blue & Gold

Home: Lion StadiumLozick Field

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)

OHSAA Adj. Enrollment: 281

2022 season: 2-8

Coaches: Jeffrey Banker, Dan Kaczmarek (def. coordinator), Christopher Kovacs, Aaron Rataj, Ray Rockwell, D’Avoni Temnikar, Wendy Trivisonno, Sam Vander Ven, Rich Velotta, Michael Naro, Tay Johnson

Trainer: Ana Varela

Pay to play fee: None

Roster: 52 total (14 seniors, 16 juniors, 22 sophomores)

Cheerleaders: Elle Boehfeld, Maggie Dubeansky, Maddie Kish, Tuscani Orris, Skylar Penny, Maddy Primozic, Payton Sminchak

West Geauga High School

More Bite for Wolverines This Year in 2nd of Rebuild

By ricH kelly sports@karlovecmedia.com

Head Coach Matt Rosati built a solid program for the West Geauga Wolverines before stepping into Lake County to guide the Perry Pirates program.

When he returned to West G last year, injuries and youth played a large role in the team’s limp to a 2-8 season.

Taking lumps along the way, however, has built a new outlook under Rosati for new players, and expectations this year follow a typical Rosati direction: Stay positive, support each other every play of every game and practice, and be responsible for

“There really hasn’t been much change in the community here over the last 17 years,” Rosati said after a recent practice. “People came together then to support the kids and our staff, and it’s still that way to-

Sixteen seasons with Perry saw quality athletes come and go, and that is also the case for Rosati in Chesterland once again. An important part of the process is getting

“It took a lot of time to get to know so many kids last year, to know them and for them to get to know me,” Rosati said. “Now they have a full season with our system, and a full off-season as well, to prepare themselves for what lies ahead this year.

“Last year we had to put a freshman quarterback into the mix early when Travis Veleba had problems. Ben Keenan stepped up as a freshman and learned a lot. Now,

2023 Schedule

Aug. 18 Chardon

Aug. 25 Kenston

Sept. 1 @Aurora

Sept. 8 Madison

Sept. 15 @Lakeside

Sept. 22 @Hawken

Sept. 29 Chagrin Falls*

Oct. 6 @Lutheran West

Oct. 13 Perry

Oct. 20 @Orange

*Homecoming

All games start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted

in a very important position for any team, at this stage, he may be one of the best pure passers I’ve ever coached, and that’s a good place to start.”

The trenches usually play a big role for a football team, and that figures to be one of the better places to assess the Wolverines, too.

“Our defensive line has the most experience for us this year,” Rosati said. “We have some good athletes, but they may have the most overall talent. Junior Shawn Leonard and senior Niko Kless are cous ins, and they will give us a solid spot in the middle to set things up for the other kids on defense.”

Seniors C.J. Baker at strong safety and Paul Flowers will help force the action to the ball behind those linemen.

As Keenan has grown in both stature and confidence since his baptism-by-fire last year, a solid band of linemen in front

Matt Rosati

Players to Watch Team Profile

Nickname: Wolverines

Colors: Blue & White

Home: Howell Stadium

Conference: Chagrin Valley Conference (Chagrin)

OHSAA: Div. III, Region 9

Playoff History: 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2020, 2021 (3-10)

OHSAA Adj. Enrollment: 288

2022 season: 2-8

going to be a lot better this year. We’re getting the same focus and direction as the team had the year before last when we went 7-4 and had a playoff game. That’s what we want again now, and at times last year, we didn’t have that focus to succeed.”

Senior Andrew Marino will be a wide receiver on offense.

“One of the big things this season for we seniors is to leave behind a legacy of hard work and total team togetherness,” Marino said. “That will be important, but we have the talent to pull it off.”

Coaches: Jerry DiPofi, Ryan Kleve, Rodney Leonard, Bob Leppla, Aaron Perusek (def. coordinator), Wes Rogge, Eric Stendalen, Kevin Sonnie (off. coordinator), Brad Kidwell, Brad Thompson

Trainer: Samantha Adkins

Roster: : 63 total (13 seniors, 11 juniors, 23 sophomores, 16 freshmen)

this team, and great skill sets,” he added. “We’re more up-tempo now in what we’re doing, and our seniors as a group are more focused on things as well.”

Senior David Piekarski will be a big part of the offensive line, mostly taking his turns along the games to give teammates a break.

“I haven’t really earned a starting spot yet,” he said. “At the same time, going between several positions, I think we’re

After a recent practice, as his players ran gassers that had everybody pushing hard into tough conditions, a few words may have been said among players. Rosati quickly put a stop to it to emphasize building the team first.

“Guys, enough of internal bickering or complaining,” he said clearly and loudly. “You can only take care of what YOU are doing each play or moment in life. Mind your own business, encourage each other all the time, and keep the team atmosphere in front of you as you move along. That’s how you build a winning program.”

Pay to play fee: $195

Follow the Team: @WestGAthletics

Cheerleaders: Maritza Maksoudian (captain), Marisa Vecchio (captain), Audriana Linek, Jenna Spisak, Elena Rodriguez-Pata, Ava Popovich, Jenna Mazzurco, Brynn Vura, Krista Mirabile

GEAUGA SEPTIC SERVICE

First Look: Chagrin Valley Conference Football

By steve Hare

cHagrinvalleyconference.com

The fall sports season officially kicked off on Monday as Chagrin Valley Conference football teams began preparing for Week 1 on August 17.

Here’s an early look at the top returning teams and players in the CVC, which expanded to four divisions after adding Conneaut, Jefferson, and Madison to the league.

CHAGRIN DIVISION

The 2023 CVC Chagrin Division includes Chagrin Falls, Hawken, Lutheran West, Orange, Perry, and West Geauga.

Defending champion Kirtland returned to the Valley Division while Edgewood, Geneva, and Lakeside moved into the newly formed Lake Division.

Perry finished second in the Chagrin Division last fall with a 6-1 record while Chagrin Falls finished 2-5, West Geauga was 1-6, and Orange went 0-7. Lutheran West moved into the Chagrin Division after winning the Metro Division with a 5-0 mark last fall. Hawken earned a share of the Valley Division title last season.

The Pirates enter the season with four returning all-conference performers including Chagrin Division Offensive MVP Brayden Richards. The Pirates also return four All-Ohioans including Richards, Owen McKoon, Walter Moses, and Jayden Studio.

Lutheran West hopes to enter the conference title discussion with 12 returning all-conference players, including Metro Division Defensive Player of the Year Di’Marion Gill, and Hawken has nine. West Geauga returns six all-conference performers.

Listed below are the returning all-conference performers from each team:

• Chagrin Falls: none

• Hawken (Valley Division): Luke Mangini (1st team), Jordan Johnson (1st team), Julian Javoris (1st team), Jackson Hedin (2nd team), Louie Justice (2nd team), Lucas Brandt (2nd team), Jack Bellar (2nd team), Manan Raina (honorable mention), Paxon Lashinger (honorable mention)

• Lutheran West (Metro Division): Eric Willard (1st team), Erik Morales (1st team), Di’Marion Gill (1st team), JoJo Ravenal (1st team), Greg Fuentes (1st team), Da’Quarius Bradley (1st team), Bryce Groppe (1st team), Jayden Theodore (2nd

team), Nick Hurt (2nd team), Clay Noble (2nd team), Ja’Marrion Banks (2nd team), Jamyan Theodore (honorable mention)

• Orange: Austin Thomas (honorable mention), C.J. Gissentaner (honorable mention)

• Perry: Brayden Richards (1st team), Walter Moses (1st team), Jayden Studio (1st team), Owen McKoon (1st team)

• West Geauga: Andrew Marino (2nd team), Elijah Milner (2nd team), Shawn Leonard (2nd team), Carson Weisman (2nd team), Niko Kless (honorable mention), Cejay Baker (honorable mention)

VALLEY DIVISION

Kirtland moves back to the Valley Division after sweeping the Chagrin Division title with a 7-0 record. The Hornets will be challenged for the Valley Division crown by Berkshire, Cardinal, Crestwood, Grand Valley, and Harvey.

The Hornets return nine all-conference performers from last season’s run to the Chagrin Division title. Five of those returning all-conference performers were named All-Ohio.

Berkshire and Harvey finished in a threeway tie with Hawken for first place last season. The Badgers finished league play with a 5-1 mark while the Red Raiders were 4-1. Cardinal placed fourth with a 3-3 mark, Crestwood was 2-4, and Grand Valley was 1-5.

Listed below are the returning all-conference performers for each school:

• Berkshire: Miles Miller (1st team, 1st team All-Ohio), Jason Brent (2nd team, 3rd team All-Ohio), Justin Phillips (2nd team), Mason Mendolera (honorable mention)

• Cardinal: Max Soltis (1st team, 2nd team All-Ohio), Troy Domen (1st team), Neil Lucariello (2nd team), Kyle Sinclair (2nd team)

• Crestwood: Cody Brugmann (1st team, honorable mention All-Ohio), Nate Blasiole (2nd team, honorable mention All-Ohio), Tristan Addis (2nd team), Gavin McIntyre (honorable mention)

• Grand Valley: Robert Roberts (1st team, 3rd team All-Ohio), Kam Cottrell (honorable mention)

• Harvey: Zhavier Nurse (1st team), Amarey Bouldin (1st team), Davon Badley (Defensive MVP, 1st team, 1st team AllOhio), Antonio Soto-Rodriguez (1st team), Tyshawn Vance (2nd team), Shahn Alston (2nd team), Cavon Wise (honorable mention), Alexis Rivas (honorable mention)

• Kirtland: Gino Blasini (1st team, 2nd team All-Ohio), Rocco Alfieri (1st team, 3rd team All-Ohio), Macguire Boyd (1st team), Will Sayle (1st team, 1st team All-Ohio), Nick Barisic (1st team), Matthew Kahley (2nd team, 3rd team All-Ohio), Will Bates (2nd team, 3rd team All-Ohio), Danny Alfieri (honorable mention), Will Beers (honorable mention)

Chagrin Valley - Valley Football Standings

Chagrin Valley - Chagrin Football Standings