By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

Matt Furino

MATT FURINO

(19th year, 96-89 career record)

THE TEAM

Coaching Staff: Mike Harris, defensive coordinator; James Dutched, offensive coordinator; George Wetzel, special teams coordinator; Mike Brown, linebackers; Part Herold, defensive backs; Dave Tenney, running backs; Austin Williams, offensive line.

2022 Record: 4-6 overall.

Returning Lettermen (11): Tanner Roe, sr.; Walter Siegfried, sr.; L.J. Riley, sr.; Brady McCoy, sr.; Tyler Sweitzer, sr.; Rocco D’Angelo, sr.; Mike Peeple, jr.; Zay Wallace, jr.; Drexal McAmis, jr.; William Nienhius, jr.; Victor Brown, soph.

Lettermen Lost (10): Garit Greene, Braxton Baumberger, Ryan Hunt, Robert Atha, Chris Gressman, Matthew Stayer, Joe Troup, Danny Gibson, Carter Hall, Keegan Kunkle.

QUARTERBACKS

Junior Peyton Anderson will be the Falcons’ starter after playing on the junior varsity team a season ago.

Anderson will be replacing the graduated Braxton Baumberger, who was a key component to the offense a year ago with 636 rushing yards and 1,141 passing yards. He accounted for almost 30 touchdowns between his passing and rushing scores.

RUNNING BACKS

The Falcons return one of the most dominant runners in Northeast Ohio, but they will have to wait to get him onto the field.

Junior Drexal McAmis, who rushed for 1,156 yards and 13 TDs last season while sharing carries out of the backfield with QB Braxton Baumberger, injured his finger during a preseason weight-lifting accident and is not expected to be cleared for on-field action until the middle of the season.

“It breaks my heart for him. He has worked so hard in the off-season  to build up his speed and strength to get ready for this season,” Furino said. “But he will come back stronger, and we will be excited to have him back.”

In McAmis’ absence, an opportunity arises for sophomore Victor Brown to increase his role. Brown was expected to play a part in the offense already, but will become a more featured component. 

“Instead of falling apart, our team has really stepped up,” Furino said. “Victor has already stepped in and done a nice job, and he will have to grow up into an upperclassman’s maturity quickly.”

L.J. Riley and Brady McCoy, both seniors, will also see time in the backfield.

OFFENSIVE LINE

The starting unit includes Mason Wetzel at center, Camden Radeschi at right guard, Will Nienhius at right tackle, Rocco D’Angelo at left tackle and Tyler Sweitzer at left guard.

“Mason, Cam and Will are all 300-pound benchers. They are big, strong and know the offense,” Furino said.

According to Furino, two others have impressed during preseason workouts: Logan Roberts and Zion Cunningham.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Mikai Peeple and Tanner Roe will be the team’s primary targets.

“Both return from last year, both have increased their speed and both are just good football players,” Furino said. “It is like having two No. 1 receivers. They have great hands and they are tough players.”

LINEBACKERS

Two-year letterman Walter Siegfried, along with returning starter Riley, are both back to anchor the group.

Sophomore Blake Dunderman has had a nice preseason and appears ready to earn additional minutes, while McCoy will play the “Falcon” position as a linebacker/safety.

DEFENSIVE LINE

The offensive line group doubles as the team’s starting defensive line.

There is a little bit of depth, which Furino said will help keep the group fresh through rotations.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Sophomore Zaymiere Wallace has had a “really good off-season,” according to Furino.

“He has really stepped up. We have good receivers, and we have had a tough time beating him in practice. That is how you win your spot and respect.”

Roe will also play defensive back, while Peeple will play safety.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Zaymiere Wallace, Victor Brown, Blake Dunderman, Zay Wallace.