By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE TEAM

• Head Coach: Patrick Youel, 15th year, 81-65 career record.
  

  PATRICK YOUEL

• Coaching Staff: John Kinsey, offensive coordinator; Joe Callihan, assistant head coach; Rick Reynolds, co-defensive coordinator; Elliott Thomas, co-defensive coordinator; Brady DeRemer, Ronnie Reed, Mike Richeson, Dylan Sitosky.
• League: Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Grey Division.
• Playoffs: Division V, Region 17.
• 2023 Record: 7-4 overall, 2-2 PTC.
• Returning Lettermen (15): Antonio Mejia, sr.; Austin Mejia, sr.; Zach Keto, sr.; Dylan Donell, sr.; Caleb Miller, sr.; Jack Muldowney, sr.; Avery Giuffre, sr.; Peyton Donovan, jr.; Maverick Wood, jr.; Joe Sharish, jr.; Landon Durstine, jr.; Nathanael Rivera, soph.; Lucas Willet, soph.; Bruce Nelson, soph.; Aidan McCann, soph.
• Lettermen Lost (11): Preston Bello, Case Myers, Kyle Booher, Zack Tessean, Nick Vallelonga, Zack Balk, Aiden McClelland, Shaun Stewart, Gavin Bertka, Brian Umana, Lauren Carver.

OFFENSIVE OUTLOOK

The Pirates have depth at skill positions, which will make them dangerous to break plays at any point.

However, there are only two returning starters on the offensive line, so developing depth up front will be a point of emphasis throughout the early weeks.

QUARTERBACKS

Joe Sharish steps in as the starter for the Pirates this season, with Antonio Mejia and Tyler Shaw providing depth as backups if necessary.

RUNNING BACKS

Antonio Mejia, who was the team’s starting quarterback last season, moves into the backfield as a primary ball-carrier. He rushed for 1,053 yards in 2023.

Dyland Donell, Maverick Wood, Bruce Nelson and Aluante Massrock also will be impact players.

OFFENSIVE LINE

It will be a relatively inexperienced group, at least early in the season, but will comprise of Caleb Miller, Landon Durstine, Richie Nutter, Malachi Ketler, Cash Leonard, Aidan McCann, Travis Amicarelli, Wyatt Fitzpatrick and Daniel Clint.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHTENDS

Jack Muldowney, Zach Keto and Austin Mejia bring athleticism, size, speed and playmaking abilities. Additionally, Peyton Donovan, Nathanael Rivera, Calan Garrett and Lucas Willett will all play important roles.

DEFENSIVE OUTLOOK

The Pirates return all of their starting defensive backfield, creating depth and a strength of the defense. At linebacker, Youel said he feels the team has skill with two returning starters, while the defensive line has one returning starter, but two more that played extensive minutes throughout 2023.

LINEBACKERS

Donnell, Durstine, Nelson, Michael Simmons and Wyatt Fitzpatrick will highlight the position.

Donnell returns after leading the team in tackles last year with 57, and he also had four tackles for a loss.

DEFENSIVE LINE

The group will consist Miller, Muldowney, Willett, Aidan McCann, Nate Muccino and Amicarelli.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

The strength of the defense is spotlighted by Wood, Donovan, Austin Mejia, Keto, Rivera, Antonio Mejia and Xander Messina.

Keto had 50 tackles, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions last year, while Wood also had a pair of picks.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Nathanael Rivera, Bruce Nelson, Calan Garrett, Alaunte Massrock, Lucas Willett, Aidan McCann, Tristan Finch.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“We are still young,” Youel said. “We have a lot of guys that have experience and played on Friday nights, but now we will be relying on them more. They are capable and talented, but need to continue to gain experience fast. And, as always at a school our size, we have to stay healthy.”