By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE TEAM

• Head Coach: Pete Thompson, 13th year, 94-46 career record.
  

  PETE THOMPSON

• Coaching Staff: Wezlee Spence, defensive coordinator, defensive line; Pete Smith, quarterbacks; Dave Verhotz, special teams coordinator, defensive backs; Tom Gerchak, linebackers; DJ Snyder, wide receivers; Connor O’Hara, offensive line, JV coach; James Heath, running backs; Lone Harrison, defensive backs, running backs.
• League: Metro Athletic Conference.
• Playoffs: Division IV, Region 13.
• Returning Lettermen (15): Janiere Cook, Jon Ekron, Jayce Fedor, Jackson Gula, Trace Herman, Trevor Kamlowsky, Cohen Klimak, Ayden Knuebel, Nolan Kuhne, Alex Light, Victor Links, Adrian Monroe, Cooper Richmond, Arthur Scott, Connor Stevens.
• Lettermen Lost (11): Carter Baab, Leeland Darovich, Preston Hopperton, Jake Marshall, Joey Neal, Brent Ranaldson, Kylan Rue, James Smith, Hunter Smith, Garrett Tiller, Eric Tiller.

OFFENSIVE OUTLOOK

The opposition will see multiple formations from the Rockets, with a focus on the Spread and an intent to stay no huddle as much as possible.

With seven returning starters, the team has the potential to begin the year with chemistry, with a strong offensive line leading the way.

“They are experienced and big,” head coach Pete Thompson said of his line.

QUARTERBACKS

Cohen Klimak returns as the starter. He had a solid season a year ago as a dual-threat quarterback, finishing with 1,303 yards rushing and 1,280 yards passing. He was accurate through the air, as well, completing 67-of-102 passes (66 percent). He threw for 17 touchdowns and six interceptions and rushed for 12 touchdowns.

The exceptional season earned Klimak postseason honors as First Team All-MAC and First Team All-Northeast Inland District.

“He will be the focal point of our offense,” Thompson said.

Colton Cox will be the team’s backup.

RUNNING BACKS

The versatile and lightning quick Preton Hopperton has graduated. He rushed for 1,461 yards and had 972 yards receiving, while accounting for 264 points.

While Klimak will create rushing opportunities out of the backfield as the signal-caller, others stepping in to fill the void left by Hopperton’s graduation will be Janiere Cook, Trace Herman, Ayden Knuebel and Marcus Council, who transferred from Hoban.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Arthur Scott and Cooper Richmond have received multiple Division-I scholarship offers at this point. They are the anchors of the line, but there is plenty of additional talent in Alex Light, Jon Ekron, Tyler Kermis, Victor Links, Alan Podboy and Sean Sessler.

This will be a talented group that should make the Rockets’ offense difficult to stop consistently.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS

The receiving group will include Jackson Gula, Adrian Monroe, Preston Laryea, Manny Gibson, Jaden Hushion, Trevor Kamlowsky and Chris Grabill.

Gula brings the most established numbers, with 148 yards receiving last year on 12 receptions.

DEFENSIVE OUTLOOK

Thompson’s Rockets will set up in a 3-3-5 Base, with multiple fronts expected.

The defense features eight returning starters, with the defensive line and linebacker starters all returning.

Gula and Klimak return as starters in the secondary.

Overall, the team possesses a lot of speed and aggressive play.

LINEBACKERS

Herman, Knuebel, Cook, Grabill, Kamlowsky and Kyle Giacomo will spotlight the group.

Knuebel was third on the team in tackles last year with 83, along with four sacks and eight tackles for a loss, while Herman was right behind him with 82.

The group has the ability to play sideline to sideline, while also being able to disrupt plays in the backfield.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Scott (9 TFLs), Richmond, Fedor, Ekron, Podboy and Victor Links will control the trenches.

For the same reasons that this group will be so talented on the offensive line — size, speed, strength and experience — they will also have a solid season defensively.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Gula returns as the team’s leading tackler and ball-hawk. He had 94 tackles last year and three interceptions.

Klimak had 48 tackles and /seven TFLs.

Also key to the group will be Monroe, White, Laryea, Council, Gibson, PJ Robinson and Kason Gellner.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Adrian Monroe, soph.; Marcus Council, soph. Kyle Giacomo, soph.; PJ Robinson, soph.; Alan Podboy, fresh.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“It is always injuries,” Thompson said. “Beyond that, finding two reliable corners on defense.”