By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

High school football preview capsule for the Field Falcons’ 2022 season.

Head Coach: Matt Furino, 18th year; 92-83 career record.

Coaching Staff: Mike Harris, defensive coordinator; Mike Brown, linebackers; George Wetzel, defensive line; Pat Herald, defensive backs; Damon Beasley, running backs; Dave Tenney, wide receivers; Darin Shackelford, offensive line.

2021 Recap: 2-8 overall record; 1-6 Metro Athletic Conference; 6th place MAC.

Returning Lettermen (11): Robert Atha, sr.; Ryan Hunt, sr.; Christian Gressman, sr.; Braxton Baumberger, sr.; Garit Green, sr.; William Niehius, jr.; Drexal McAmis, soph.; Mitchell Long, jr.; Mason Long, jr.; Joe Troup, sr.; Walter Siegfried, jr.

Lettermen Lost (8): Sam Dopkosky, Justin Sloan, Hunter Long, Ahman Rivera, Justin Lerch, Dan Nienhius, Xander Rorrer, Jim Cultrona.

Offensive Outlook: “I feel like we have a nice mix of run and pace players, so we should be able to move the ball around a little,” veteran head coach Matt Furino said.

Furino believes the opportunity for a successful season is out there if his team sticks together, works hard and stays healthy.

Quarterback: Senior Braxton Baumberger (5-foot-11, 190 pounds) returns for his second season as the team’s starting quarterback.

The right-hander finished the 2021 season with 477 passing yards and 528 rushing yards and five touchdowns.

Baumberger is athletic enough to make plays outside of the pocket, but also has quality pass targets that he can trust that should allow him to have success through the air as well.

Running Backs: Sophomore Drexal McAmis stormed onto the scene as a freshman last year and proved he was ready for the varsity spotlight. Now a sophomore, the bruising 6-foot-2, 225 pound back ran for 541 yards to lead the team in rushing a year ago.

Robert Atha (5-10, 220) will start at fullback for the Falcons.

Offensive Line: Three starting spots have been claimed by Christian Gressman (5-10, 235), Ryan Hunt (6-3, 255) and William Nienhius. 

The other two spots were still an open competition, according to Furino, in the weeks leading up to the team’s opener vs. Mogadore on Friday.

Wide Receivers: The standout target in the air will be senior Garit Greene.

At 6-foot and 180 pounds, he is athletic and has the ability to give the Falcons a legitimate aerial threat.

All other starting roles for the Falcons at receiver and tight end are still being competed for, according to Furino.

Defensive Outlook: “We have some strong returners on defense, especially on the line of scrimmage,” Furino said.

The veteran coach was referencing Atha and Nienhius, along with a newcomer in junior Rocco DeAngelo (6-foot, 255).

The Falcons also have some experience at inside linebacker with McAmis, along with senior Keegan Kunkle and junior Walter Siegfried.

Defesive Backs: Coming out of the preseason workouts, Furino was still trying to nail down his starters at defensive back.

Linebackes: McAmis, Siegfried and Kunkle will be the team leaders here.

Defensive Line: Atha, Nienhius and DeAngelo.

Special Teams: The long-snapper is Atha, while the team’s punting, kicking and place-holding spots were all roles Furino said he was trying to finalize with his staff.

From the Coach’s Eyes: “I am proud to coach this team because of the character that has been displayed in the off-season to try to right the ship after last year’s 2-8 season. They have worked on and off the field to better themselves and no matter what happens this season, I am confident that these kids will be successful.”

New Look: Well, more like a new old look. The Falcons will return to the retro Falcon logo helmet decal. The logo will be black and sit on the team’s red helmet shell, while the facemark will be black.

The last time the Falcons were this style helmet was in 2007 and the team finished 9-1 overall and were 6-1 in league play.