By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE TEAM

• Coaching Staff: Darren Shackelford, offensive line; Dave Tenney, running backs; Pat Herold, defensive backs; Mike Brown, middle linebackers; Joe Peterson, wide receivers; Austin Williams, offensive line; Keith Sharier, defensive line; Brandyn Frey, outside linebackers.
• League: Metro Athletic Conference.
• Playoffs: Division IV, Region 13.
• 2024 Record: 9-3 overall, 5-2 league.
• Returning Lettermen (11): Blaise Common, sr.; Blake Dunderman, sr.; Daniel Hudson, sr.; Joey Dilworth, sr.; Victor Brown, jr.; Jayden Johnson, jr.; Bryce Cadwell, jr.; Andrew Phillip, jr.; Casey Tate, jr.; Neo Moton, soph.; Braylan Rufener, soph.
• Lettermen Lost (18): Neil Grimm, Zay Wallace, Mikai Peeple, Alec Grimm, Alex Britt, Kemory Boykin, Wyatt Alexander, Joey Guyette, Peyton Anderson, Chip Wagner, Drexal McAmis, X’ion Cunningham, Camden Radeschi, Vinnie Germano, Mason Wetzel, Lukas Smith, Logan Roberts, Zach Stutzman.

THE OFFENSE

Under first-year head coach James Dutched, the Falcons are prepared to run multiple spread looks, using tempo and motions to dictate momentum in their favor.

Dutched replaces longtime coach Matt Furino, who coached the Falcons for a total of 20 seasons over three different stints. Dutched had been part of Furino’s staff and was longtime coach’s offensive coordinator in 2024.

QUARTERBACKS

Last year’s starter, Peyton Anderson, graduated, leaving the Falcons with a spot to be earned.

Pushing for an opportunity is freshman Mason Fulst and sophomore Neo Moton.

RUNNING BACKS

For the last four years, the Falcons relied on Drexal McAmis as the team’s primary ball-carrier.

McAmis has graduated, but not before one of the best careers in Portage County history, with his 4,815 career rushing yards as the sixth-most in county history.

Victor Brown, who rushed for 431 yards last year, returns for his senior season.

He earned All-Metro Athletic Conference and All-Northeast Inland District last year.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

Bryce Cadwell, Daniel Hudson and Braylan Rufener all return after playing significant roles a year ago.

Their experience will help be an anchor to the team’s offensive identity.

Providing depth are Jacob Simonetti, Tay Howell, Trey Robinson, Caleb Schultz, Dan Strollo, Xiyier Cunningham, Owen Evans, Jordan Dillon and Keith Dilworth.

WIDE RECEIVERS

& TIGHT ENDS

Top aerial targets at receiver will be Blaise Common, Joey Dilworth, Jayden Johnson and Casey Tate.

Meanwhile, Blake Dunderman, who was First Team All-Metro Athletic Conference and also Honorable Mention All-District, will be the team’s starting tight end, with Andrew Phillip giving depth.

THE DEFENSE

Dutched said he wants his defense to find its identity through playing aggressively.

As a base defense, the Falcons will run a 3-3-5.

LINEBACKERS

Field returns its top two leading tacklers from last year in Blake Dunderman and Victor Brown.

Dunderman had 75 tackles and Brown had 59.

The duo did more than just rally to the ball, though, with Dunderman creating three fumble recoveries and Brown with a pair of interceptions.

They will be starters alongside Bryce Cadwell, Joey Dilworth and Andrew Phillip.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

Leaders to spotlight this group are Daniel Hudson and Braylan Rufener.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Brown may also play some strong safety, but three other significant pieces in this position group are Blaise Common, Jayden Johnson and Casey Tate.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Andrew Phillip, jr.; Dan Strollo, jr.; Braylan Rufener, soph.; Neo Moton, soph.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“We are looking to replace offensive linemen lost from last year, and we currently are having a QB competition during training camp,” Dutched said.