By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE TEAM

• Head Coach: Mike Moser, 14th year, 104-40 career record.
• Coaching Staff: Randy Ward, offensive line; Mike Paes, quarterback; Jarrod Lewis, defensive coordinator; Howie Moore, linebackers, offensive line; Eric Cardinal, defensive line; Joe Simon, receivers, defensive backs; Mike Finney, offensive line, defensive line; Rich Stark, defensive line; Jeff Brown, running backs; Trey Shirkey, linebackers, blocking backs; Ethan Roman, offensive line, defensive line.
• 2025 Record: 9-3.
• Returning Lettermen (16): Logan Sell, sr.; Hannah Timmons, sr.; Colton Rettig, sr.; Nate Baczkowski, sr.; Mason Kurtzman, sr.; Sam Strahan, sr.; Devin Bates, sr.; Henry Veccia, sr.; Caden Roman, sr.; Collin McGranahan, sr.; Gavin Barnard, sr.; Jace Vanek, jr.; Logan Shirkey, jr.; Ryder Cain, jr.; Jack Timmons, jr.; Jared Cardinal, jr.
• Lettermen Lost (12): Evan Martin, Jack Neikirk, Will Simon, Brandyn Bogucki, Carter Hoover, Colton Miller, Lucas Neiheisel, Gavin Mason, Jesse Campbell, Charles Ursitti, Mike Huebner, Jesse Campbell.

THE OFFENSE

The G-Men remain committed to the Single Wing offense and will use a variety of different sets inside of it along the way.

“We run a power run, play-action oriented football team. We look to continue this tradition while exploring our options,” veteran coach Mike Moser said. “We will use multiple formations and play multiple players at these positions.”

QUARTERBACKS

Senior Collin McGranahan will be the starter.

He has the ability to run and throw, while also possessing a strong handle and understanding of the intricacies of the offense.

He rushed for 324 yards last season as a runner out of the backfield while Jack Neikirk, who is now graduated, was the signal-caller.

RUNNING BACKS

Junior Ryder Cain returns after having a breakout season last year. He was named All-Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference, All-Northeast Inland District and All-Ohio. For the season, he rushed for 1,348 yards and averaged 9.6 yards per carry. He also scored 22 touchdowns.

“Ryder is a very talented runner, blocker and defensive player. He can impact the game on both sides of the ball, as well as special teams,” Moser said.

Another stronger runner out of the backfield is senior Devin Bates, whose mix of size and speed make him another viable workhorse. A year ago, Bates rushed for 520 yards and seven touchdowns, and he is a two-time All-MVAC selection.

“Devin is very physical on both sides of the ball. He is a talented runner and receiver, who has made big plays for us over the past two seasons.”

Logan Sell will also be a contributing runner out of the backfield.

OFFENSIVE LINE

The trench work will be done by Mason Kurtzman, Jack Timmons, Jared Cardinal, Caden Roman and Gavin Barnard.

The G-Men have employed the Single Wing offense since 2017 so the O-Line’s education begins as freshmen, allowing the group to have a firm hold on the responsibilities.

Kurtzman returns after being named Second Team All-MVAC last year.

“He is a hard worker, is very consistent and is a team leader,” Moser said.

RECEIVERS

Henry Veccia is the team’s top tight end and Nate Baczkowski is the top receiver.

The G-Men do not go to the air often, but when they do, they are efficient and can hit for big plays against defenses that have become complacent to aerial options as they focus so hard on stopping the Single Wing.

“Henry has great size and athleticism. Nate is an explosive and experienced player, who is very smart and can play multiple positions.”

THE DEFENSE

The G-Men will use a 4-2-5 base defense that will incorporate a multitude of looks.

“We have a fast group on defense this year and return several starters. We hope to continue to build off last season,” Moser said.

LINEBACKERS

Logan Sell is a two-time All-MVAC player, and he had the fourth-most tackles in Portage County last year with 76. He led the county in tackles for a loss with 16, and he had three sacks.

“Logan is a team leader. He is also a really good offensive and special teams player,” Moser said.

Cain is another strong leader in the linebackers. He finished with 66 tackles last year (8 tackles for loss), while Bates is also in the mix after having 54 tackles last year (5 tackles for loss).

DEFENSIVE LINE

Many of the same faces that will be standouts on the offensive line are also the key anchors to the defensive line.

Timmons was named All-MVAC on defense last year during a season that included 64 tackles and nine for a loss.

“Jack has a great motor.”

Veccia was Second Team All-MVAC and had 50 tackles and six for a loss.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Baczkowski (2 interceptions) and McGranahan (55 tackles) are the leaders in the secondary.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“It is the same as always: Injuries and depth,” Moser said.