By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

AURORA

Head Coach: Ryan Conner.

Coaching Staff: Andy Straight, Jason Bibs.

2023 Record: 11-6-3.

Returning Lettermen (9): Colin Wilson, sr.; Coby Conner, sr.; Parker Seitz, sr.; Jordan West, jr.; Griffin McMaster, jr.; Chris Savukas, jr.; Owen Peckinpaugh, jr.; Bryce Peckinpaugh, jr.; Cameron Gentille, soph.

General Outlook: “We have a good group of returning lettermen, who received significant varsity experience and made it to a district final last year,” Conner said. “We also have some good first-year varsity players, and they have all worked hard this off-season.”

CRESTWOOD

Head Coach: Eric Sway, 3rd year, 22-15-1.

Coaching Staff: Jake Marzenski.

2023 Record: 11-7-0 overall.

Returning Lettermen (11): Drew Pfost, sr.; Sam Wright, sr.; Elijah Jurisch, sr.; Cooper Pausch, sr.; Anthony Brock, jr.; Kade Rotter, jr.; Kyle Shelhamer, jr.; Owen Overfield, soph.; Carmine Barron, soph.; Gabe Weaver, soph.; Matt Wright, soph.

Lettermen Lost (4): Charlie Schweickert, Hans Seibold, Gavin Dunfee, Thomas Fusco.

Forwards: Kyle Shelhamer is poised to have a breakout year after scoring 11 goals and having five assists last year.

“With more speed and skill on the roster, teams that forget about Kyle will give him many opportunities,” Sway said.

Midfield: Three-time team captain and All-Ohio honoree Elijah Jurisch returns for his senior season.

“New wrinkles and new positions for Elijah will give him every opportunity to do what he does best.”

Junior captain AJ Brock brings hard work and experience.

“He is the guy in the trenches who wins 50-50 balls and leads with physical play.”

Defense: If the starting back line looks familiar, it is because it is. For the third straight year, Drew Pfost, Sam Wright and Kade Rotter anchor the defense.

“With the experience of this defense, it is hard to beat them and the expectation for them is very high for a great season.”

Goalkeeper: Cooper Pausch, a senior captain, moves from center midfield and takes over as the starting goalkeeper.

Underclassmen to Watch: Issac Siegner, fresh.; Dakota Powers, fresh.; Ryder Miller, fresh.; Giovanni Brock, soph.

FIELD

Head Coach: Kevin Sisak, 12th year, 110-105-31 career record.

Coaching Staff: Kevin Brastine, Evan Young, Taylor Flynn.

Returning Lettermen (14): Caleb Brastine, Luke Lonzrick, Alec Grimm, Logan Lonzrick, Tucker Paull, Brayden Ronowski, Liam Waffen, Mitchell Adams, Cohen Allen, Cedric Martin, Gavin Phillips, Wyatt Rahe, Carter Waffen, Nathan Fulks, Ethan Soler.

Forwards: The Falcons will feature Mitchell Adams, Luke Lonzrick and Ethan Soler up top.

“They all have shown great improvements in the off-season by getting stronger and working on their speed and agility. All have shown great promise,” Sisak said.

Midfield: “We have a solid group of midfielders that can defend well, can control and create for us. This group brings a lot of leadership and experience.”

Highlighting the group is Nathan Fulks, Alec Grimm, Logan Lonzrick, Gavin Phillips, Brayden Ronowski, Carter Waffen and Liam Waffen.

Defense: The core group of defenders returns after allowing only 17 goals all season a year ago.

Led by Cohen Allen, Cedric Martin, Tucker Paull and Wyatt Rahe, the group is well rounded and skilled.

“They are very consistent and should keep us in pretty much every game.”

Goalkeepers: Caleb Brastine is the returning starter and is approaching double-digit shutouts for his career.

“He brings several years of varsity experience and will lead from the back this season.”

The backup is Cole Porter, who Sisak says has “improved tremendously and will be a solid backup option.”

Underclassmen to Watch: Tyler Doubrava, soph.; Nathan Fulks, soph.; Cole Porter, soph.; Ethan Soler, soph; Kaiden Wilson, soph.

GARFIELD

Head Coach: Theo Cebulla, 2nd year.

Coaching Staff: None.

2023 Record: 2-10-3.

Returning Lettermen (6): Brody Justice, sr.; Tommy Wem, sr.; Preston Gedeon, sr.; Ollie May, sr.; Andrew Mosier, soph.; Jaxson Kieffer, soph.

Lettermen Lost (5): Ethan Bittence, Aaron Kissinger, Onid Rinaldi, Andrew Borucki, Aaron Rodhe.

Forwards: Ollie May is the leader up top and is described by Cebulla as “one of the hardest working and well-rounded students at Garfield.”

“He has made great gains in skill and athleticism. I look forward to watching him play,” Cebulla said.

Midfield: Tommy Wem is the standout and has emerged as a leader.

“He has helped recruit and train players on his own time. He has skills and intuition to play mid and help bolster our defense.”

Additionally, Jaxson Kieffer has made noticeable improvements.

Defense: Preston Gedeon is the anchor of the defense and is another leader that helped recruit players to build out the roster this season.

“He has built himself into a gray all-around athlete that gives 110 percent.”

Goalkeeper: Brody Justice is the team’s starter.

“He is a very skilled keeper, with tremendous height, reach and mobility. His efforts will be a bi part of keeping us in our games.”

KENT ROOSEVELT

Head Coach: Garyn Daniels, 5th year, 31-29-12 career record.

Coaching Staff: Jason Marsh, Nathan Harris, Ryan Casazza, Brendan Daniels-Smith.

2023 Record: 7-7-5 overall.

Returning Lettermen (15): Ian Horak, sr.; Cole Christy, sr.; Finn Obraza, sr.; Owen Yeagley, sr.; Aiden Hills, sr.; Ethan Nguyen, sr.; David Hamilton, sr.; Max Kenworthy, sr.; Brian Dugan, sr.; Tommy Kenworthy, sr.; Simon Khan, jr.; Simon Hasler, jr.; Sammy Snellenberger, jr.; Aaron McKinney, soph.; Isan Roberts, soph.

Lettermen Lost (8): Amir Spratt, John McKinney, Sam Lanier, Devin Hawthorne, Austin Housel, Adam Khan, Micah Sheller, Finley Clapper.

Forwards: Juniors Simon Khan and Simon Hassler will lead the way, along with sophomore San Roberts.

Providing depth will be seniors Aiden Hills and Tommy Kenworthy, along with juniors Sammy Snellenberger and Bai Pusurov.

“Simon Khan has great speed and creates many goal-scoring opportunities,” Daniels said. “Simon Hassler has a great engine and moves well off the ball in attack. Islan is a very technical player, with great one-on-one ability. Tommy is coming off a great club season and often does the dirty work.”

Midfield: The midfield line will be led by seniors Finn Obraza and Owen Yeagley, along with Sophomore Aaron McKinney. Depth will be provided by seniors Ethan Nguyen and David Hamiton, while sophomore Holden Morris will also be in the mix.

“Finn’s technical ability is off the charts, with the ability to play any ball on the field. Owen’s composure on the ball, combined with great technical ability, is a great complement to Finn. Aaron is coming off a fantastic club season and not only possesses great ability to attack, but is one of the best tacklers on the team.”

Defense: Seniors Ian Horak, Brian Dugan, Max Kenworthy and Cole Christy lead the back line.

Juniors Payton Crocker and Braylon Hawthorne offer depth at the position.

“Ian and Brian are both not only physical, but possess great ability in the air to win balls and form a great partnership. Cole is great in the attack out of the back and creates many chances on the offensive end. Max is a great one-on-one defender, who is often tasked with guarding some of the best attackers in the league.”

Goalkeeper: Senior Alexios Avouris will be the starter, while sophomore Eli Barkley may also see time. Another sophomore, Lucas Poluga, will serve as the backup.

Underclassmen to Watch: Cameron Lowe, fresh.; Callaghan Knapp, fresh.; Kellen Obraza, fresh.

RAVENNA

Head Coach: Eric Hedge, 1st year.

Coaching Staff: Jeremy Finch, Chase Alexander.

2023 Record: 1-17 overall.

Returning Lettermen (11): Chauncy Walton, sr.; Lincoln Hedge, sr.; Macen Beichler, sr.; Derick Skilton, sr.; Jose Carpenter, jr.; Jason Hawkins, jr.; Jack Rainone, soph.; Terrill Strickland, soph.; Michael Clark, soph.; Lucas Garey, soph.

Lettermen Lost (2): Michael Myers, Julian Rios.

Forwards: Lucas Garey, a sophomore, will be the leader up top and has great ball control and plays smart.

Midfield: Chauncy Walton and Preston Hatcher will hold down the center spots, where the majority of the Ravens’ play will go through.

Derick Skilton will play on the right side and will be a key contributor with his passing.

Defense: The trio of Terrill Strickland, Jack Rainone and Macen Beichler solidifies the Ravens’ back line.

Goalkeeper: Lincoln Hedge put in a lot of work in the off-season to prepare for his senior season.

Underclassmen to Watch: Ryan Kelley, fresh.; Johnny Adams, fresh.

ROOTSTOWN

Head Coach: Charlie Voth, 24th year, 233-144-38 career record.

Coaching Staff: Aaron Miracle, Michael Farkash, Chris Earls.

2023 Record: 11-8-1 overall.

Returning Lettermen (10): Owen Burrell, Gianna Damicone, Justin Farkash, Zach Hays, Blake Postlethwait, Jacob Sturm, Caleb Fillmore, Zach Pastor, Bryson Scarlett, Sam Textor.

Lettermen Lost (6): Gavin Cone, Brady Fillmore, Trent Gauer, Nathan Pastor, Derek Schindler, Asier Bueno.

Forwards: Sophomore Zach Pastor returns after scoring 14 goals and sharing 11 assists during his freshman season. He was named First Team All-Portage Trail Conference.

“He’s quick with them all at his feet and can glide through defenses with or without the ball,” Voth said.

Sophomore Tycho Smolk, who has a good attacking IQ, can play both up top or in the midfield.

Midfield: Bryson Scarlett had four goals and six assists as a freshman and returns after earning Honorable Mention All-PTC last year.

“With his ability to move the ball in any direction on the field and a high work rate to win possession back from opponents, Bryson will be looked at as a leading playmaker.”

Blake Postlethwait is a leader on both offense and defense, with a complement of skills that allows him to play effectively anywhere on the field.

He is a two-time First Team All-PTC award-winner. He scored seven goals and had four assists last year.

Defense: There is plenty of experience in this group, with Owen Burrell, a Second Team All-PTC defender, as the centerpiece.

Burrell will be joined in the rotation by seniors Gianni Damicone, Justin Farkash and Zach Hays.

Sophomore Caleb Fillmore also will see time.

Goalkeepers: The Rovers are searching for someone to emerge to replace three-year starter Trent Gauer.

“We have some promising up-and-coming goalkeepers and all will have their chance to earn the spot during preseason scrimmages and practices.”

SOUTHEAST

Head Coach: Curtis Ahrens, 11th year, 66-93-11 career record.

Coaching Staff: Justin Hovis.

2023 Record: 8-10-0 overall.

Returning Lettermen (11): Owen Bowers, sr.; Carter Oyster, sr.; Kendrick Campbell, sr.; Matthew Fields, sr.; Daniel Allen, jr.; Andrew Clifford, jr.; Korbin Klatka, soph.; Tristan Finch, soph.; Colę Bruno, soph.; Dylan Dorsey, soph.; Ethan Brittingham, soph.

Lettermen Lost (5): Blake Dillner, Gavin Bertka, Trevor Gump, Kian Romeo, Charlie Kalail.

Forwards: “We have an array of attackers who will be able to rotate through the top,” Ahrens said.

The Pirates intend to play a 3-2-3-2 formation, with four or five players rotating in the attack.

“We will be leaning heavily on returners Matt Fields, Danny Allen, Dylan Dorsey and Cole Bruno to pick up where Gavin Bertka left off last season.”

Freshman Bradley Dillon will bring some fire and energy to the lineup.

Midfield: The Pirates lose the creativity of playmaker and leading goal-scorer Blake Dillner.

“We have experienced players stepping up to fill his boots.”

Owen Bowers, Matt Fields, Kendrick Campbell, Danny Allen and Ethan Brittingham are expected to lock down the middle and be creative outlets.

Defense: Trevor Gump graduated and Ahrens said he was the “heart of the defense and will be difficult to replace.”

However, Gump trained and developed his replacements, including Carter Oyster, Korbin Klatka and Tristan Finch.

Depth is provided by freshmen Garret Davis and Jakob Schaffner.

Owen Bowers and Kendrick Campbell can also play on the back line if necessary.

Goalkeeper: Kendrick Campbell, Andy Cifford, Garret Davis and Matt Ross all have goalkeeping experience and will have an opportunity to win a wide-open spot.

Underclassmen to Watch: Korbin Klatka, soph.; Cole Bruno, soph.; Tristan Finch, soph.; Bradley Dillon, fresh.; Garret Davis, fresh.

STREETSBORO

Head Coach: Paul Krzeminski, 16th year.

Coaching Staff: Jason Gasbarre.

2023 Record: 9-5-4 overall.

Returning Lettermen (11): Curtis Cook, sr.; Frank Dottore, sr.; Vince Invorvati, sr.; Matthew Klimak, srl; Payton Krzeminski, sr.; Liam McDonough, sr.; Ethan Laryea, jr.; Gabirel Nasciento, jr.; Nick Castrilla, soph.; Logan Sadowski, soph.; Bryce Miller, soph.

Forwards: Payton Krzemiński scored 18 goals last year and was named First Team All-Metro Athletic Conference.

“Payton is a tactically sound player, who is ultra-competitive and has grown and matured a great deal during the club season,” Krzeminski said.

Midfield: Logan Sadowski had a standout freshman season and returns to form this year.

“He has also improved a lot during the club season. He is poised and savvy on and off the ball. He has big things in the works for him.”

Ethan Laryea will play the “six” and will be the team’s facilitator.

“He is such a smart, heady player, and he has the confidence and skill-set to carry the team if needed.”

Defense: Vince Incorvati returns after a First Team All-MAC season last year.

“I have not coached too many players like him in my time. He is locked in all the time, and he is so strong and fast. He kept us in all games last year.”

Liam McDonough is a strong complement to Incorvati.

“He is a composed defender who knows how to play the game. I have watched him face adversity and come out on top each team. He is a  player that others can look to when things get tough and know that he will deliver.”

WATERLOO

Head Coach: Brian Spence.

2023 Record: 3-11-3.

Returning Lettermen: Caleb Scheifele, sr.; Vince Mori, sr.; Gavin Overheat, sr.; Jeremiah Willis, sr.; Sam Russell, jr.; Miles Carey, jr.; Charles Kalail, jr.; Chris Dewald, soph.; Mason Biltz, soph.; Matt Wolfe, soph.; Jayden Martin, soph.; Dylan Heath. soph.

General Outlook: “We lost four seniors and one exchange student from last year. We should be solid defensively and are working on offensive efficiency,” Spence said.