By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE TEAM

• Head Coach: James Dutched, 2nd year, 3-7 career record.
• Coaching Staff: Mike Brown, linebackers; Dylan Walsh, receivers; Arin Bagley, defensive line; Pat Herold, defensive backs; Dave Tenney, receivers; Austin Williams, offensive line; Damon Besley, running backs.
• 2025 Record: 3-7.
• Returning Lettermen (13): Garrett Smith, sr.; Andrew Phillip, sr.; Brogan Kunkle, sr.; Dominic Mathews, sr.; Jack Wagner, sr.; Bryce Cadwell, sr.; Tahjion Howell, sr.; Alex Williams, jr.; Noah Scherer, jr.; Armando Manno, jr.; Braylan Rufener, jr.; Will Henson, soph.; Adam Fanger, soph.
• Lettermen Lost (11): Blaise Common, Blake Dunderman, Daniel Hudson, Joey Dilworth, Victor Brown, Mason Fulst, Neo Moton, Casey Tate, Jayden Johnson, Xi’yier Cunningham, Damien Perez.

THE OFFENSE

Now in the second year of his system, coach James Dutched said he wants his group to “take a big step, coming off a solid offensive year last season.”

The Falcons averaged 20.1 points per game last year.

The offense will be based out of a look that includes multiple H-Back sets, with tempo and a lot of motion.

QUARTERBACKS

For the second consecutive season, the Falcons’ starter will be a freshman.

Mason Ford steps into the leading role under center. He brings dual-threat skills to the position.

Last year’s starter, now-sophomore Mason Fulst, transferred to Walsh Jesuit.

RUNNING BACKS

The group of Will Henson, Andrew Phillip, Noah Scherer and Armando Manno will share duties out of the backfield.

The team’s leading rusher last season, Victor Brown, who ran for 721 yards, graduated leaving a hole of production to fill.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Senior Bryce Cadwell is the anchor of the line this season.

“We will lean on Bryce to lead the group,” Dutched said.

Cadwell will be joined on the line by Braylan Rufener, Tahjion Howell, Trey Robinson, Owen Evans and Xavier Robinson.

RECEIVERS

Junior Alex Williams emerged as a top target in a breakout season a year ago when he had 21 receptions for 237 yards.

He was named All-Metro Athletic Conference and All-Northeast Inland District.

“Alex will be a key cog in our offense just like he was last year.”

Seniors Brogan Kunkle and Jack Wagner are also expected to make contributions.

THE DEFENSE

Field wants to play fast and send pressure frequently through an odd-front set that will include three safeties.

There will be opportunities to step into roles, with the top two tacklers from last season graduated.

LINEBACKERS

Senior Andrew Phillip is a three-year starter and is the leader of the defense this season, according to Dutched.

Phillip was named Honorable Mention All-MAC last season.

Also in the mix are Cadwell, Xavier Robinson, Manno and Kunkle.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Rufener returns for his third year as a starter. He totaled 46 tackles last year and is one of the team’s primary anchors defensively. He was named to the All-MAC team last year.

Evans and Howell will also be key players along the defensive line.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

The Falcons’ secondary features Noah Scherer, Casey Tate, Dominic Mathews and Garrett Smith, with Smith making the shift from linebacker last season.

Tate had 56 tackles last year and two interceptions.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Will Henson, soph.; Owen Evans, soph.; Adam Fanger, soph.; Mason Ford, fresh.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“Our depth this year is a major concern,” said Dutched, whose roster includes 39 players.