Geauga County Maple Leaf
Badgers Look to Fill Big Holes with Underclassmen
By Haley adams sports@karlovecmedia com
senior running back in Justin Phillips.
Miller threw for 1,015 yards last year and passes the torch down to junior Sam Barcikoski. In two games, Barcikoski rushed for 18 yards on two carries. He also returned punts on special teams. He
Coach DeWeese returns nine players on the defense, where much of his team’s experience is coming back.
“Justin is the heart of our team on both sides of the ball,” DeWeese said. “He plays with unmatched passion in relentless pursuit of his goals.”
As a junior, Phillips rushed for 1,032 yards with five touchdowns and was named 1st-Team CVC and 2nd Team All-District. On the defensive end, he served as a linebacker, where he recorded a team-best 75 tackles and five sacks.
“We have big holes to fill,” said Phillips of the senior class graduating this past May. “You are looking at a four-year starter for the majority of every one of those players.”
“Our strengths are in our returning ex perience, veteran offensive and defensive lines, and returning a 1,000-yard rusher,” DeWeese said.
Seniors Abram Southern and Caleb Corbett are also big names returning for the Badgers this fall.
Southern will play a role in the offense as a slot receiver, where his numbers will jump from a season ago. In 2023, Southern recorded two touchdowns and 50 tackles on the defensive side. He also averaged 8.5 yards per carry.
“Abram will play all over the field for
Josh DeWeese
Players to Watch Team
lates onto the field of play.”
Profile
Seniors Jason Brent and Preston Garling will be key factors as lineman.
“Our juniors and seniors that have been playing together like myself and Jason Brent, we have been playing together for four years and we have a preset goal in our heads of stepping up and being captains and being leaders,” Phillips said. “For us to be on the podium of this team is a great thing to have, and the younger players have also stepped up. It’s been a great feeling.”
Phillips and his senior classmates were sophomores the last time the Badgers were crowned as conference champs and would like to get back to those winning ways.
“I love the intensity of the underclass-
Berkshire won the conference for the first time in 17 years in 2022. Phillips and his teammates have a simple game plan for how to get back to those winning ways.
“Football is a four-quarter game, so it’s from the start to finish and there are no let-downs in a single quarter, and that is how we usually fail ourselves as a team,” Phillips said. “To play all four quarters is something that needs to come back to Berkshire football.”
The Badgers open their season on the road against an always-competitive Cuyahoga Heights team led by long-time coach Al Martin. They will look ahead to a three-game schedule in weeks six through eight with Cardinal, then Kirtland, then Crestwood for their homecoming contest.
Nickname: Badgers
Colors: Purple & Gold
Home: Great Lakes Cheese Stadium
Conference: Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division
OHSAA: Div. V, Region 17
Playoff History: 975, 1981, 1983, 2015, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 (0-8)
OHSAA Enrollment: 185
2023 Season: 5-6
Coaches: Nick Burzanko, Rich Klemencic, Brian Arnold, Jack Arnold, Jason Heiden, Ron Brown
Trainer: Todd Snyder
Roster: 41 total 8 seniors; 14 juniors 13 sophomores; 6 freshmen
Pay to Play Fee: None
Follow the Team: @BHSBadgerDen
Cheerleaders: Captain Aerowyn Dacek, Captain Emma Rickelman, Ariana Igoe, Ava Chuha, Brieanna Pyles, Bella Bryndal, Cali Wizy, Dani Taraba, Delaney Gumm, Hayley Matzek, Kaylee Neill, Laila Spangenberg, Lexi Hosmer, Liyhla Pasbrig, Mia Czuprun, Mia Thomas, Stella Hoskin, Victoria Jones
Cardinal High School
Huskies Rising to Challenge Under New Leadership
By Haley adams sports@karlovecmedia com
The Huskies finished the regular season 5-5, going 3-2 in the Chagrin Valley Conference. They fell short to Canton Central Catholic 26-10 in the opening round of the playoffs.
While losing 11 players to graduation, Cardinal will rely on another large senior class, this time led by quarterback Cal Ciminello and wide receiver Reese Soltis along with running back Chase Harris and
“We have to be a player-led team this year,” said Soltis, recounting how this team has already overcome many hurdles this offseason. “We have to be senior-led with 10-plus seniors on the roster, and it comes down to believing in our head coach.”
There will be a new face on the sidelines this fall for the Huskies. First-year Head Coach Rich Turner will have a tough task ahead of him: the Huskies have lost their leading passer, leader in receiving yards and rushing, and also their leading
2024 Schedule
Aug. 23 @LaBrae
Aug. 30 Py Valley
Sept. 6 Grand Valley
Sept. 13 Wickliffe*
Sept. 21 @Trinity
Sept. 27 Berkshire
Oct. 4 @Crestwood
Oct. 11 Fairview
Oct. 18 @Chagrin Falls
Oct. 25 @Kirtland
*Homecoming
All games start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted
Ciminello will look to improve his numbers from last year, when he threw for 10 of 20 with 254 total yards. He also threw for two touchdowns and added 170 yards on 41 car ries with four rushing touchdowns. Ciminello will step into a much larger role this season.
“Cal is the leader of the offense and is expected to put up a lot more passing yards than last year's offense," Turner said.
However, Coach Turner and his team seem optimistic and up to the challenge.
“Coach Turner has said to us during our 7-on-7s that he wouldn’t take any other guys for our guys. It’s quality over quantity,” Soltis said. “You need 11 athletes to play football, and if we stay healthy, that is what we are going to do.”
After all, the Huskies do return senior quarterback Ciminello, who stepped into the position for Logan Strever on numerous occasions last season due to injury.
Though the Huskies lost their quar terback, the depth of their wide receivers could hurt the Huskies this season. Christian Cowle, Troy Domen, Aidan Gallagher and Kyle Sinclair all graduated this past May.
It will be up to Reese Soltis to help fill that void. The senior finished with 10 re ceptions for 244 yards, including two touch downs. Soltis also ran for 275 yards on 52 carries while recording three touchdowns.
Ciminello and Soltis will play as a defensive back on the other side of the ball. Ciminello recorded nine tackles and one interception, while Soltis finished with 60
Rich Turner
Players to Watch Team
Profile
Nickname: Huskies
Colors: Red, White & Black
Home: Richard A. Moss Field Conference: Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division
OHSAA: Div. VII, Region 25
enced wide receiver group with classmates Austin Jones and Dominic Naples, who return to the field for their senior seasons.
Although two-time All-Ohio honoree Max Soltis will miss his senior season, it is the leadership skills that he has been displaying to his teammates this summer that will be his greatest his contribution. Soltis has been named to the News-Herald All-District Team, All-Ohio, and conference honors for the past three seasons after putting up monster numbers in his junior season. His teammates have not felt his absence yet.
“Max is our top lineman and it’s a big loss, but he’s going to be here with us,” Reese Soltis said. “He’ll help teach the lineman, and we are going to make it through this year.”
Ciminello agreed.
“He has really stepped up as a leader,” Ciminello said. “Max has been helping out with a younger line and making sure they get the work in, and pushing them every day. He is making them a lot better.”
"Hunter is our leader on defense and should wreak havoc on offenses this year," Coach Turner said.
Junior Matthew Canfield and sophomore Joshua Hartman will also see their responsibilities grow. Thus far, the seniors have been thoroughly impressed by lone freshman Mason Thistlethwaite and the work he's put in.
“Mason has stepped up in a big way,where he is making big plays,” Reese Soltis said.
“All of the underclassmen have been stepping up,” Ciminello added, “and we have a lot of athletes who didn’t start last year but will probably start this year, and we have really been working hard at getting the work in with them.”
“We seem to have some really talented skill players on the team and need everyone to learn the new offense and defensive systems as soon as possible,” Coach Turner said. “With our quarterback and wide receivers, we can play to our strengths there, where we hope to qualify for the playoffs.”
Playoff History: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 (1-4)
OHSAA Enrollment: 90
2023 Season: 6-5
Coaches: Gage Fife, Keith Fife
Trainer: Mitch Geddis
Roster: 23 total
14 seniors; 2 juniors 4 sophomores; 3 freshmen
Pay to Play Fee: None
Follow the Team: @cardinalhuskies, Cardinal Athletic Boosters on FB
Cheerleaders: Brookelynn Johnson, Isabella McMurray, Sydney Portman, Olivia Tucholski, Elli Dubasik, Rebecca Kimpton, Ava Almy, Avryonna Barbee, Riley Gates, Cloe Kudera
Geauga County Maple Leaf
Chagrin Falls High School
Tigers Offense Hopes to Propel Playoff Return
By alan kornspan sports@karlovecmedia.com
2024 Schedule
@Youngstown East
John Scott
receivers, including Brady DeVito, Cole Ducas, Spencer Kass, Jay McGinnis, Jack
Coach Scott considers the receivers to be one of the top skill positions for the Tigers.
“We feel this is one of our best skill groups that we've had in a long time,” Coach Scott said, “so it definitely leads us to the optimism that we have.”
year,” Kay said. “I think formations and play concept-wise will be better. Everything will run smoother.”
Last season also gives him a leg up, Kay thinks. With that knowledge and experience gained last year, he will look to distribute the ball to a host of talented
Since the Tigers run a spread offense, they will often run out of a passing formation. Starting receiver Zelch will be a player often utilized in both the passing and run
“Drew is going to be a good possession receiver for us,” said his coach. “He will be able to run the football as well on the jet sweeps. … We expect big things from Drew this year.”
Also, in the running game, the Tigers return sophomore starting running back Jack Gellin, who ran last season for over 600 yards and six touchdowns.
Players to Watch
In order to be successful in passing and running the ball, the Tigers will rely on a strong offensive line anchored by All-Ohio
In addition, returning offensive linemen Jake Evans, Parker Courtright and Mason Hart are expected to contribute greatly to the success of the offensive line.
Expect the Tigers defense to be strong this season, Coach Scott said, with senior defensive linemen Charlie Bazzone, Jake Evans and Cooper Ryan.
Bazzone is one of the Tigers' top returning defensive players, as he had 68 tackles and five sacks last season.
Bazzone said that the team is really excited for the season ahead.
“We've been working hard in these August dog days,” he said. “We've been going through adversity on the back field in the heat, but we're making it happen.”
In fact, according to Evans, who had 25 tackles last season as a junior: “I think (the defensive line) is going to be one of the best aspects of the team this year.”
Senior Cooper Ryan concurred with his fellow lineman.
“The defense is going to look really good this year,” Ryan said. “We have a lot
of guys with a lot of experience, especially in the front 7. And we're looking to get af ter the quarterback this year.”
The Tigers defense has changed a lot for the upcoming season and is very motivated to be successful, Evans said.
Team Profile
Nickname: Tigers
Colors: Orange & Black
Home: C.S. Harris Stadium
Conference: Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division
OHSAA: Div. V, Region 17
“We've got a whole new set of blitzes and stunts that we will be running,” Evans said. “We've got a lot of guys that really want it this year and who have really put in a lot of time just working on becoming better D-lineman just in general.”
In addition to a strong defensive line, look for important contributions from senior safety Cole Ducas and junior linebacker Jack Keegan.
As a junior in 2023, Ducas had 60 tackles and five sacks, while Keegan had 53 tackles last season.
Coach Scott said special teams this season should be excellent, and the kicking game is expected to be strong as All-Ohio kicker Christian Trudic returns.
One thing Trudic does well is placement on kickoffs, Coach Scott said, adding that this is important because the Tigers' speed on special teams allows them to get down the field to cover the kick and pin teams back deep.
Playoff History: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2020 (19-12)
OHSAA Adj. Enrollment: 186
2023 season: 3-7
Coaches: J.J. Laseak, Adam Lesko, Zack Lesko, Ken Mclintock, Tommy Murtaugh, Kevin Owen, Paul Perrine, James Sferra, Zach Farmer
Trainer: Evan Schlanser
Pay to play fee: None
Follow the team: @FootballChagrin
Roster: 57 total (16 seniors, 14 juniors, 13 sophomores, 14 freshmen)
Cheerleaders: Mia Eaves, Layla Hauserman, Anthony Lauer, Bethany Vehar, CeCe Maguire, Zadie Stepnowsky
Chardon High School
Hilltoppers Offense a Strength, the Defense Needs Experience
By Jamie Ward Jamie@karlovecmedia.com
Chardon expects to start the season with its offense ahead of its defense. And by season’s end, they expect, as they always
These Hilltoppers remind Head Coach-
perience to grow into the champions they
“A 3-3 start is always realistic because of who you are playing,” said Hewitt during an August two-a-day practice. “And then
2024 Schedule
Aug. 22 @Timber Creek (FL)
Aug. 30 Columbian
Sept. 6 @Avon Lake
Sept. 20 Bishop Watterson*
Sept. 27 @Kenston
Oct. 4 Willoughby-South
Oct. 10 Mayfield
Oct. 18 @Eastlake-North
Oct. 25 @Riverside
*Homecoming
All games start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted
age play and go the distance,” Hewitt said. “He’s smooth, electric. He’s a guy when he touches the ball, you’re nervous. And he
niors Caleb Hewitt and Vinny Colombi, two letters each, return on a mission.
“He’s super talented, super gifted,” his coach said. “It’s him staying healthy and evolving into the player we know he can be — every snap.”
Jayden Buth will carry some of the backfield load, as well. This Hilltoppers line will be anchored by RT Andrew Bag gott and LT Tredell Graves. The others — Aiden Hardesty, Griffin Kimbrough and Carson Hope — are new faces.
As the head coach’s son, Caleb has spent his childhood on the sidelines, throwing a football, grabbing water bottles and — undoubtedly — listening to his dad.
“It’s unbelievable,” Caleb said. “I was sitting on the sidelines watching people all the time. And now I’m here, and it’s my senior year. It just goes by fast, but I’m excited.”
He continued: “I believe I’m the guy. That’s nothing to anybody else, but I believe they have to get me the ball a lot and I have to do my part. And I trust my guys a lot.”
“We’re pretty big up front this year,” Baggott said. “Definitely bigger than last year. We have a lot of room to grow in ar eas, but I think we will get the job done throughout the year. We will continue to help out the new kids. And we’ll keep blow ing people off the ball.”
Vince Valletto will play tight end and often act as another lineman on offense. Coach Hewitt is excited about split end Iker Amaro at 6-2, 178 pounds. Amaro is a 4.0 student, bilingual, with the chance to spread the field when Chardon does decide to throw.
Mitch Hewitt
Players to Watch Team Profile
family,” Hewitt said. “It’s an incredible story.” rienced, will be anchored by linebackers Alexander Ash and Beckett Dotson, two returning all-Ohio players.
on defense and be aggressive up front.
Cal Smith will be the third linebacker.
The defensive line is all new.
Nickname: Hilltoppers
Colors: Red & Black
Home: Chardon Memorial Field
Conference: Western Reserve Conference
OHSAA: Div. III, Region 9
Ash was named Defensive Player of the Year last year.
“Last season is last season,” Ash said. “Yes, I had a good season, but I’d like to say I could carry it over, but it’s new. And there are new accomplishments I need to do, and I plan on going out this year with a full head of steam.”
“He plays bigger than he is,” Hewitt said. “For what he weighs and the violence in which he tackles people, it’s very unique. He’s a super likable kid — a grinder. He’s intellectually very sound. He does some things that are unorthodox, which you allow to take place because he’s earned that right.”
Dotson was the first Hilltopper to be named captain this season.
“He’s the leader of the defensive,” Hewitt said.
“I’m grateful I’m thought of as a leader of this team,” Dotson said. “Some days I’m more vocal. Other days I try to lead by example by working hard. I think we can be
“The only way for them to gain experience is with experience,” Hewitt said. “But they are all seniors. Who is going to maximize and make the most of it?”
Of the defensive line, Hewitt said Dakota Warren has waited his entire career for this moment; Logan Webster has “huge potential,” coaches say; and Matthew McIlory and Tyler Noerr are the defensive ends.
In the defensive backfield, Braden McDevitt, who has improved this camp, is going to be the corner. Chad Prince will be a starting safety. Kevin Manary and Gavin Wroblewski are defensive back starters in the preseason.
A drone buzzed overhead during practice Aug. 7 at Memorial Field, and for the third year, Tim Robertson, a former player with a back injury who is out for the year, is filming the Hilltoppers' practice so coaches can assess how the team is practicing.
“It’s an incredible tool,” Hewitt said. “It’s a huge tool. When we talk about adding value, he adds a ton of value.”
Chardon's program continues to be full of stakeholders who add a ton of value.
Playoff History: 1987, 1988, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 (46-20)
OHSAA Adj. Enrollment: 346 2023 Season: 11-4
Coaches: Bob Francis, Vance Kalingo, Brian Landies, Marty Mackar, Mark McNellie, Connor Krouse, Don Navatsyk, Shane Quin, Mark Percassi, Rob Vujaklija, Rick Mysyk, Brett Weidig, Scott Platz, Dave Toaddy
Trainers: Mario DiMattia, Alicia Lewandowski
Roster: 76 total: (27 seniors, 20 juniors, 27 sophomores, 2 freshman)
Pay to play fee: None
Follow the Team: @topperfb,@toppernation
Cheerleaders: Lilly Meyer, Sophia Adler, Hannah Smith, Tori Cole, Sarah Pitingolo, Delaney Gullian, Giada Fioritto, Ingrid Meyer, Gracie Smith, Grace Lesiak, Phoebe Auth, Isabel Burke, Elizabeth Mach, Angelina Colombi, Audrey Adler
Geauga County Maple Leaf
Hawken High School
Hawks Look to Run, Pass Way to Playoffs
By alan kornspan sports@karlovecmedia com
Having finished the 2023 season at 6-5, Head Coach Mark Iammarino is optimistic. Returning nine starters on offense and seven on defense, the Hawks are posi-
In the Hawks' six victories last season, they averaged 46.6 points per game — so with 9 of 11 starters returning on offense, look for the Hawks to put a lot of points on
Leading the potent passing attack for the Hawks will again be junior quarterback Donovan Moorehead, who last year set the school record for passing yards and touch-
Moorehead is an NCAA Division I recruit with eight Divsion 1 offers so far as
He had an excellent sophomore season as he accumulated an 110.6 quarterback rating and threw for 1,805 yards and 25
2024 Schedule
Aug. 23 Rhodes
Aug. 29 @Berkshire (Thurs.)
Sept. 6 Gilmour
Sept. 13 @Edgewood
Sept. 20 Lakeside*
Sept. 27 @West Geauga
Oct. 4 Lutheran West
Oct. 10 @Orange (Thurs.)
Oct. 18
Harvey 7 p.m.
Oct. 25 @Perry 7 p.m.
*Hawkfest
All games start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted
Mallet is excited to continue to improve upon the success of his freshman year.
“We’re just looking to really build on that and get a better record, and just get to play in November this year and get some more playoff games under our belt,” he said.
He also said he will focus on being a reliable receiver that can be utilized in a variety of ways, both on the outside and as an inside slot receiver.
Moorehead will again have excellent targets to throw to, including Charlie Mallett, Tommy Wright, Jordan Johnson, Ryan Whiting and Kene Obi.
A main target will be Charlie Mallett, a sophomore wide receiver, who established himself as an offensive threat early last season as a freshman.
For the season, Mallett led the Hawks receivers with 35 receptions for 596 yards (17 yards average per catch) and 13 touchdowns. His 13 touchdowns set the school record for touchdown receptions in a season.
Moorehead will also have Wright, a ju nior, returning.
Wright was the second leading receiv er last season, as he had 26 receptions for 409 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
Not only will Coach Iammarino look to have a a potent passing attack, he plans to have a strong running game as well — and with 4 of 5 starters returning on the offensive line, and standout senior running back Jordan Johnson in the backfield, look for the Hawken running game to be strong.
Mark Iammarino
Players to Watch Team Profile
As a junior, Johnson scored 14 rushing touchdowns and ran for 1,254 yards on 189 carries (6.6 yards per carry average).
Johnson ran for over 100 yards in six games and averaged 114 yards per game. In fact, against Edgewood, Johnson ran for 247 yards and three touchdowns. He then followed that game up with 227 yards and two touchdowns against Conneaut.
Johnson hopes to have a successful senior season.
“I am looking forward to creating a dominant run game this year,” Johnson said. “I think that will be very easy with the amount of returning lineman that we have.”
Johnson has set his performance goals high as he aims for more than 1,800 yards this season. In order to achieve success, he is process-focused.
“My main goal is to just work hard for the team,” Johnson said.
The Hawks will look to improve on defense this year with seven returning starters.
Coach Iammarino was reflective about the defense this season.
“We looked at what we were susceptible to on defense last year and were look-
ing real hard to correct that,” he said.
A main strength will be the secondary, Iammarino said, including returning start ers Johnson, Mallett, Whiting, Wright and Julian Javoris.
Iammarino expects Obi and Miles Hamilton to have good seasons at inside linebacker.
“Those two have worked really hard in the off-season, and it shows,” Coach Iammarino said.
“I'm really excited to see what they'll do.”
Obi, who was the second leading tackler last season with 62 tackles, said that the Hawks will run a very good 3-4 defense.
“We have playmakers all around, from the front seven to the DBs,” Obi said.
Javoris, who returns as the kicker and punter this season, was 37-40 (90%) on extra points last season and 2-2 on field goals.
Also returning on special teams is Jordan Johnson, who led the Hawks in kickoff returns with a 21 yard average return.
Coach Iammarino said the team has been working hard on special teams.
“We don't want special teams to be just another play,” Iammarino said. “We want it to be either a good offensive play for us or a good defensive play based upon what we're doing.”
Nickname: Hawks
Colors: Red & Gray
Home: Walton Stadium
Conference: Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division
OHSAA: Div. III, Region 9
Playoff History: 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 2000, 2001, 2009, 2012, 2020, 2022, 2023 (10-13)
OHSAA Adj. Enrollment: 299
2023 season: 6-5
Coaches: John Kramer, Dominic Petrella, Dan Walton, David Murray, Jeff Thomas, Tommy Iammarino, Ed Suggs, Will Appling
Trainer: Sarah Royan
Roster: 29 total (14 seniors, 7 juniors, 78sophomores, 0 freshmen)
Pay to play fee: None
Follow the team: @HawkenAthletics
By Jamie Ward Jamie@karlovecmedia.com
Jeff Grubich
Players to Watch
Girguis. Meeks, the senior starting right guard, will be one of the group's leaders.
“I think we've got good leadership,” Meeks said. “We've all been together since we were little, and I'm excited about the juniors. But it starts with our lead ership. As captains now, we saw how the past captains instilled this in us.”
Ballantyne, who will move from right guard to left tackle, thinks Kenston's culture is to credit for the line's success.
“I may be biased, but he's the greatest coach I've ever had,” said Ballantyne, with Grubich within earshot. “One of the smartest guys I've ever met. But we have five starters this year playing both ways. So the coaches have a lot of trust in us, and our mentality is the to be the nastiest group on the field.”
Team Profile
Nickname: Bombers
Colors: Blue & White
“We will play an odd front, so we'll need three to start there,” Grubich said. Krupp will start at linebacker with Zyar Scott, Colin Weiland and Toran Savransky. Thompson will play both ways in the secondary. Mason Schurr, a senior returning starter, will start at safety. Cardona will also play corner.
Junior Grady Kucherson returns to kick and punt for the Bombers. He won many awards a year ago.
“He's going to be a weapon for us,” Grubich said. “And I told him this morning: you're going to have to change my mindset, because I've always been an all-in type guy. I'd rather go for seven than kick for three. Your job is to be money so that I have to make that tough decision.”
Home: Bombers Stadium
Conference: Western Reserve Conference
OHSAA: Div. III, Region 9
Playoff History: 1981, 1986, 1995, 1997, 2000, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 (18-14)
OHSAA Adj. Enrollment: 294
Most of the Bombers offensive linemen will get reps on the defensive line.
He finished: “At the end of the day, if we stay healthy, we can be OK.”
2023 season: 10-2
Coaches: Steve Teringo, Scott Anderson, Steve Grubich, Bob Ross, Jim Selby, Joe Brahler, Freddie Lockinour, Mark Cuccia, Thomas Grenier, Lennie Stanley, Carmen Gianguzzo, Bransen Stanley, Chris Taylor
Trainer: Vivanni Deubel
Pay to play fee: None
Follow the Team: @Bomber_Football
Roster: 65 total (13 seniors, 17 juniors, 15 sophomores, 20 freshmen)
Cheerleaders: Gianna Agresta, Anna Cieslak, Eva Domonkos, Chloe Hebert, Rory Kaltenbach, Lola Keschl, Elizabeth Kramer, Avry Kunberger, Sofia Macias, Colette McIvor, Keeley Mesec, Ryleigh Offutt, Ever Phillips, Alison Schmidt, Erianna Strong, Olivia Suskowicz, Carley Timmons
Geauga County Maple Leaf
Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin High School
Lions to ‘Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing’
By alan kornspan sports@karlovecmedia.com
The Lions have a new head coach this season. Andre Griffin was hired to lead the football program January.
Griffin, who was a running back at Ohio State University from 1998-2000 and is the son of two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin, was most recently an assistant coach at Ohio Northern University.
Coach Griffin brings a wealth of college and high school coaching experience to the Lions. He has previously coached at Capital University and Saginaw Valley State University as well as Lima Senior High School.
Coach Griffin is excited for the upcoming season, as the Lions have many seniors and have been putting in great effort this summer.
Senior quarterback Ryan Lipowski echoed Coach Griffin's enthusiasm and excitement about the upcoming season.
“This team's going to be awesome, I already know,” Lipowski said. “But I have to find a way to push my team to go to the top. Making the playoffs is the main goal.”
2024 Schedule
Aug. 23 @Riverside
Aug. 30 Lakeside
Sept. 6 Bedford
Sept. 13 Gilmour*
Sept. 20 @St. Vincent-St. Mary
Sept. 27 Howland
Oct. 3 @Holy Name (Thurs.)
Oct. 11 Walsh
Oct. 18 @Padua
Oct. 25 Lake Catholic
*Homecoming
All games start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted
we're going to plan to pound the ball,” Li powski said. “We should be a very two-way minded team this year.”
In “airing the ball out, “ Lipowski will look to get the ball to senior Nick Dietrich, who will line up in the inside slot.
“He (Dietrich) has caught a lot of my summer touchdowns,” Lipowski said.
On the outside, Lipowski will look for senior wide receiver Brendan Sawitke.
WESTGEAUGA
In fact, Lipowski emphasized a mantra for the season: Keep the main thing the main thing.
Offensively, Coach Griffin plans to implement a situational offensive strategy, which should benefit the team more than running a specific system.
Griffin emphasized that the Lions offense will be a balanced attack focused both on running and passing.
Lipowski is no doubt the offensive leader.
“We are going to plan to air it out and
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“He's been great,” Lipowski added. Sawitke, who will be the starting out side receiver, talked about the routes he will be running.
“A lot of hitches, some digs, some posts obviously — got to love a good post,” Sawitke said.
At tight end, senior Connor Hernan will be the main target for Lipowski.
In addition, look for returning wide receiver and 2024 OHSAA 400m track and field state champion Bonchak to make a big contribution to the Lions' passing game.
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Andre Griffin
Players to Watch Team Profile
The Lions will also look to have an excellent running game as they hand the ball off to seniors Angelo Tamburrino and Brayden Buell.
“Those guys are doing a real good job,” Coach Griffin said.
Tamburrino plans to be a straightahead power runner focused on hitting the inside holes quickly and moving the ball north and south.
In addition this year, with a new running back coach, Tamburrino said NDCL plans to open the running game up a little more.
Tamburrino anticipates the Lions having a strong balanced offensive attack.
“I think it's a pretty good balance: we can pound the rock, we can air it out,” Tamburrino said.
Running back coach Marcus Jones has made a big impact by teaching many new concepts, Buell said, such as how to get big plays and improve at the position.
“It's just been an amazing experience,” Buell said. “He has shown us a lot. He's been teaching us more agility, speed, getting outside and being more of a creative running back instead of running straight, and I am becoming way better.”
Defensively, Coach Griffin expects the
Nickname: Lions
Colors: Blue & Gold
Lions to be strong up front.
Leading the defensive line this season will be Connor Hernan.
“I really like the way we're getting coached this year,” Hernan echoed. “They kind of changed up our scheme a little bit. We are going to be really aggressive and just create havoc for the offense (we are facing).”
Hernan said the main defensive scheme the Lions intend to play is a 3-4.
As a senior, Hernan plans to take a main leadership role on the defensive side of the ball.
“We have a pretty young D-line group, so I want to help them out and mold them into really good players,” Hernan said.
Throughout the defense, Coach Griffin plans to rotate many players in and out of the lineup. In fact, many starters on offense will also play on the defensive side of the ball, including Buell at outside linebacker.
Buell likes the new defensive scheme the Lions will implement this season.
“We're running a 3-4 this year, it's a lot better,” Buell said. “We’re for sure more prepared this year than last year ... so I feel like we'll have a great year and be a strong team.”
Home: Lion Stadium-Lozick Field
Conference: Crown Conference
OHSAA: Div. IV, Region 13
Playoff History: 2003, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2021 (5-10)
OHSAA Adj. Enrollment: 262
2023 season: 4-6
Coaches: Sam Vander Ven, Dan Kaczmarek, Chris Kovacs, Nick Fitzgerald, Eddie Daugherty, Jeff Banker, D’Avoni Temnikar, Wendy Trivisonno, Brian Daniels
Trainer: Ariel Pinkney
Pay to play fee: None
Follow the Team: @ndclathletics
Roster: 52 total (13 seniors, 14 juniors, 25 sophomores, 0 freshman)
Cheerleaders: Payton Sminchak, Maddy Primozic, Skylar Penny, Sophia Artim, Gianna Nero, Addie Howell, Natalie Ziemnik
West Geauga High School
School Pride Driving Wolverines Toward 2 Goals
By Jack Gillespie sports@karlovecmedia.com
West Geauga heads into the 2024 season with clear goals in mind: namely, beating rival Chagrin Falls and improving their
“We have three goals,” Head Coach Matt Rosati said. “Our number one goal is to beat Chagrin Falls, our number two goal is to host a playoff game, and our number three goal is
An emphasis on that first goal was apparent when speaking with the team, many of whom expressed desire to beat their rival — and one cannot say the Wolverines are getting ahead of themselves, as their oppor-
Going into the third year of Coach Rosati’s second tenure, the team will consist of all-but 10 players who will have played entirely under Rosati. This steadiness at the leader position is something the Wolverines hope will lead to on-field success.
2024 Schedule
Aug. 23 @Chagrin Falls
Aug. 30 @Kenston
Sept. 6 Aurora
Sept. 13 @Lakeside
Sept. 20 Edgewood*
Sept. 27 Hawken
Oct. 4 @Harvey
Oct. 10 Lutheran West
Oct. 18 @Perry
Oct. 25 Orange
*Homecoming
All games start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted
ors, Flowers is looking to take his game to the next level.
“I was second-team All-CVC for defen sive line and I started all games,” Flowers said, “so I'm excited to get after it, hopefully get first-team, and play with all my friends.”
Flowers will be accompanied by two other 2023 All-CVC members in fellow D-lineman Shawn Leonard and LB Quentin Artino. With such talent on the defensive side of the ball, the unit will look to set the tone for the team.
“Consistency leads to results,” Rosati said, “so we're hoping that we're going to be a really, really consistent group, and we're hoping that we're going to have a
West G's coaching staff isn’t the only consistency, as the program returns a large number of athletes with varsity experience.
Of the 24 juniors, 18 saw varsity experience last year, and eight of the seniors have varsity experience. “So we're a very experienced group,” Coach Rosati said.
Among those returning seniors is DL Paul Flowers. Coming off a season which saw him claim second-team All-CVC hon-
“Grit” was Flowers' one-word response when asked about the Wolverine defense and team identity. “I would say we're defi nitely coming in as tough as we always have been, so we need to come in just fast, strong, and play gritty.”
Flowers explained that team cohesion has improved through the summer. The team has lessened the gap between classes, which has led to a more collective unit.
“Personally, the correlation between
Matt Rosati
Keenan echoed a similar sentiment about
“We all blended together, and I feel like we are more of a family.”
Among the junior portion of the family, DB Charlie Culek is looking to add to the unit's All-CVC accolades this year. Culek credited the team's shared desire to win as a driving force bringing the entire group together.
“The group has definitely come together a lot better these last couple years,” Culek said. “We have more guys who actually want to win, play hard, and make a name for ourselves. We have more guys who have bought in.”
The team is intent on sending a message to the rest of the Chagrin Division, Culek described. Other teams may overlook them based on last season, but West G is are determined to flip the narrative.
“I think we just kind of like a chip on our shoulder,” Culek said. “Two of our first three games, we’ve got Kenston and Aurora who beat us pretty bad last year. I think they're going to come in and think, ‘Oh, it's just West G,’ and I think we want to prove that we belong with some of the top teams in this area.”
On the offensive side, junior QB Finn
WESTGEAUGA
Players to Watch Team Profile
Nickname: Wolverines
Colors: Blue & White
Home: Howell Stadium
Conference: Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division
OHSAA: Div. IV, Region 13
cords in the past, everyone from the outside thinks that we're just another terrible team,” Keenan said. “But I think we have a lot to prove this year, so I'll leave it at that.”
Keenan will lead an offensive unit looking to capitalize on explosive plays. Both he and Coach Rosati expressed goals to light up the field and play aggressive offensively.
“I hope to spread the ball around,” Keenan said, “push the ball down the field a lot and give our playmakers the ball and let them do what they do.”
One of those playmakers will be senior RB Nasir Levy, also named to the second-team All-CVC team last year.
And up front leading the way for the offense in the trenches will be junior OL Maverick Milnar.
These athlete's renewed sense of pride in representing West Geauga should translate onto the field, Milnar believes.
“We are a very prideful team,” Milnar said. “We have a lot of guys who are showing up, working hard, and trying to prove themselves.
“We are going to dominate our opponents, but play within the whistles with class.”
Playoff History: 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2020, 2021 (3-10)
OHSAA Adj. Enrollment: 250
2023 season: 4-6
Coaches: Aaron Perusek, Wes Rogge, Jim Dipofi, Eric Stendalen, Ryan Kleve, Bradley Kidwell, Brad Thompson, Bob Leppla, Nick Stazzone, Rodney Leonard
Trainer: Samantha Adkins
Roster: 28 total (6 seniors, 16 juniors, 2 sophomores, 6 freshmen)
Pay to play fee: $195
Follow the Team: @WestGAthletics
Cheerleaders: Sabrina Betances, London Hall, Taylor Kuhn, Jenna Mazzurco, Gabriella Gideon, Brianna Farmer, Angelina Insana, Brynn Vura, Kate Schaubert, Brooke Borcziak
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