By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE TEAM

• Head Coach: Jack D’Amato, 7th year, 28-34 career record.
• Coaching Staff: Brandon Civitarese, defensive coordinator, linebackers; Dave Liberty, defensive coordinator, defensive backs; Mike Mager, offensive coordinator, offensive line; Jake Lieberth, offensive coordinator, offensive line; Jack Blasiole, special teams coordinator, running backs; Andrew Mertz, receivers; Tim Bilsza, running backs; Bob Lieberth, defensive backs; John Baldwin, defensive line; Mike Kalista, offensive line, JV coach; Ray Withers, linebackers, JV defensive coordinator.
• 2025 Record: 3-7.
• Returning Lettermen (16): Luke Zauszniewski, sr.; James Lancaster, sr.; Jake Devlin, sr.; Tye Berquist, sr.; Everett Baynes, sr.; Ethan Marshall, sr.; Austin Rivera, sr.; Chase Thompson, sr.; Cade Honeycutt, sr.; Michael Kalista, jr.; Robby Georger, jr.; Chris Mory, jr.; Jo Baker, jr.; Xaden Beverly, soph.; Nick Hess, soph.; Trent Forson, soph.
• Lettermen Lost (6): Jake Eyerman, Wyatt Januska, Bobby Bradley, Angelo Dinardo, Mike Hager, Brody MacLearie.

THE OFFENSE

The Red Devils want to be physical up front and they want to run the ball effectively.

“Our offensive attack will be built around a physical running game,” head coach Jack D’Amato said.

Senior James Lancaster, junior Chris Mory and sophomore Nick Hess will be the primary ball-carriers, running behind an experienced offensive line and returning starter at quarterback.

“We expect to establish the run first, while creating opportunities for explosive plays in the passing game. Our identity will be to play fast, physical and control the line of scrimmage.”

QUARTERBACKS

Michael Kalista is back after gaining valuable experience last season as a sophomore starter under center.

“His experience, leadership and ability to make plays with both his arm and legs make him one of the strengths of the team,” D’Amato said.

Kalista finished last season with 551 yards in the air on 48-of-88 completions.

Freshman Lucas Johnson is described as a “rising young talent” by D’Amato. Johnson will push for playing time this season, according to the seventh-year coach.

RUNNING BACKS

The trio of James Lancaster, Chris Mory and Nick Hess headline a talented backfield.

“This group should give us plenty of options in both the running and passing game.”

Mory is the returning rusher from a year ago, while Lancaster also received ample playing time a year ago.

OFFENSIVE LINE

The trench is “one of the biggest strengths of the team,” according to D’Amato.

The group of Chase Thompson, Cade Honeycutt, Austin Rivera, Ethan Marshall and Trent Forson provide important experience and will be presented the challenge to establish the line of scrimmage.

Competition from seniors Jaxon Gill and Clayton Mullins, as well as junior Brentley Yarick, gives the Devils depth and options.

RECEIVERS

The top receiver from last year has graduated (Wyatt Januska), but the team still has veteran leadership in Everett Baynes, Jake Devlin, Luke Zauszniewski and Tye Berquist.

Still, “developing additional playmakers will be important throughout the season,” D’Amato said.

Sophomore Xaden Beverly will compete for time.

“He has brought explosiveness and toughness to the group.”

THE DEFENSE

D’Amato described his preferred style as “aggressive and attacking.”

His team will employ a multiple-front defense built on versatility and disciplined coverage.

LINEBACKERS

Lancaster is one of the team’s top returner, finishing last year with 43 tackles and six tackles for a loss.

Mory and Baker provide experience and leadership.

“This group will be expected to be the heartbeat of the defense,” D’Amato said.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Berquist (42 tackles, 6 TFLs, 4 sacks) anchors the defensive front, alongside returning lettermen Thompson, Rivera, Honeycutt, Marshall and Forson.

“They give us size and experience.”

Beverly provides speed and athleticism to the group.

“The goal will be controlling the line of scrimmage and generating pressure without sacrificing gap integrity.”

DEFENSIVE BACKS

An experienced secondary includes Kalista, Baynes, Devlin and Zauszniewski.

“They are capable of matching up with opposing skill players, while also creating turnovers.”

Gio Brock, along with Tyler Devlin, will compete for playing time.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Trent Forson, soph.; Nick Hess, soph.; Xaden Beverly, soph.; Landon Fehrenbach, soph.; Lucas Johnson, fresh.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“Replacing the production of last year’s senior class, particularly at wide receiver,” D’Amato said, “will be a challenge. While we return plenty of experience across the roster, developing depth and finding new playmakers will be critical. Staying healthy up front and continuing to improve consistency will go a long way toward determining our success.”