By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE TEAM

• Coaching Staff: Billy Rosato, defensive coordinator/running backs; Thom Rosato, offensive line; Chad Westfall, defensive backs/special teams; Rob Custer, tight ends/defensive line; Bobby Shew, running backs/linebackers; Keith Arnold, offensive line/defensive line; Luke Rosato, quarterbacks; Corey Lehner, wide receivers/defensive backs.
• League: Independent.
• Playoffs: Division VII, Region 25.
• 2024 Record: 6-6 overall; 2-1 league.
• Returning Lettermen: 10.
• Lettermen Lost: 12.

THE OFFENSE

The Wildcats return five starters from last year’s team, which finished 5-5 in the regular season.

It was the first season since 1997 that the Cats did not post a winning record, snapping a 26-year streak in which the program posted an overall record of 219-39 (.849 win percentage) and won 19 league championships.

Historically, Mogadore has run various formations out of a Pro-Style look.

Overall, the team’s roster numbers are up by double-digits from 28 to 39.

“We have a large freshman class that is providing great stability,” head coach Matt Adorni said.

QUARTERBACKS

Maddox Smith moves under center after spending last year as a running back.

Kade Thomas will serve as the backup.

RUNNING BACKS

The leading runner from last year, Aaron Rumschlag, has graduated.

However, the Wildcats feature the return of Conner Lehner, whose bloodline has been a constant in the program’s backfield over the last decade.

Lehner is a powerful runner, who also has speed and good vision.

Dylan Benedum moves to H-Back and will be a key contributor after playing at tight end last season.

They will likely be the team’s primary runners, but the Cats always like to mix in a variety of ball-carriers and also in the mix are Thomas Hinkle, Jake Hopkins, Danny Dunson and Tyler Pendergast.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Two-year starters Shayne Thomas and James Pollock return once again to anchor the line at tackle and guard, respectively.

Aiden Boylen brings experience to the group and will start at tackle, with Caiden Shaw starting at center and Cole Turner at the other guard spot.

Adding depth will be Matthew Trusty, Nick Hamilton, Alex Jarvis and Kayden Smith.

Overall, this should be a position of strength for the team.

WIDE RECEIVERS & TIGHT ENDS

This position group will feature an entirely new look.

Kade Thomas is slated to start at the Z, with Landen Williams and Gabe Boylen at the Y.

At the X, reps have been split between Collin Hendrickson and Jayce Smith.

THE DEFENSE

Like the offense, the defense also returns five starters.

The biggest question mark for the team, as they move into the season, are how quickly a new group of faces at linebacker can find cohesion.

LINEBACKERS

A brand new group will fill out the middle part of the defense.

Thomas Hinkle has secured the starting spot at outside linebacker. Jake Hopkings has done the same and will start at the Rover.

At middle linebacker, James Pollock, Aiden Boylen and Tyler Pendergast are all competing for time.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Benedum returns at end and has the ability to get into the opposing backfield to create havoc.

Trusky will be back after starting at tackle last year.

Gabe Boylen, Shayne Thomas and Smith are competing for the other end position.

Dunson, Hamilton and Wunder are pushing each other to get time at tackle.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Two starters returning are Lehner at cornerback and Smith at safety.

At the other corner, Kade Thomas will be the starter.

It is an athletic group that also possesses good instincts to read the ball and reads quickly.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“We must survive the first half of the season, but we have had great energy this summer and great leadership,” Adorni said.