By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE TEAM

• Coaching Staff: Alan Vanderink, offensive coordinator/quarterbacks; Lukas Kimble, defensive coordinator/defensive backs; Don Jones, linebackers/wide receivers; Gaige McIntyre, offensive line; Alan Hodaakievic, defensive line; Mark Knopick, offensive line/linebackers.
• League: Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division.
• Playoffs: Division VI, Region 21.
• 2024 Record: 4-7 overall, 1-2 league.
• Returning Lettermen (16): Mason Lisi, sr.; Alex Ely, sr.; George Luli, sr.; Ethan White, sr.; Chase Duvall, sr.; Damien Reuting, sr.; Noah Cross, sr.; Braden Wright, sr.; Peyton Simms, jr.; Kiel Reuting, jr.; Blake Mullaly, jr.; Ayden Moyer, jr.; Max McEweun, jr.; Christian Atkins, jr.; Chase Moyer, soph.; Sheldon Nicely, soph.
• Lettermen Lost (4): Brian Youngblood, Dominic Duvall, Mason Fleck, Nic Malek.

THE OFFENSE

The Rovers want to establish a big, strong and physical running game, then mix in a balanced passing attack. Turnovers hurt the team last year and they have worked hard to minimize those miscues this season.

“My expectations are to be the most physical team every week and be fundamentally sound,” head coach Tom Hannan said.

QUARTERBACKS

Mullaly returns after starting all 11 games last season. As a sophomore, he threw for 803 yards and had seven touchdowns, completing 55 percent of his passes.

If needed, Ethan White would slide over from tight end to serve as the team’s backup quarterback.

Underclassman Max Christian, a sophomore described by Hannan as big, strong, but raw, is also on the depth chart.

RUNNING BACKS

Damien Reuting returns as the starter and primary ball-carrier. He rushed for 1,015 yards last year, averaging 5.5 yards per carry, and also led the team with 13 touchdowns.

His brother, Kiel Reuting, started 11 games at guard last year, but will be making the move into the backfield this year as a fullback.

“He is a big strong inside runner and good blocker,” Hannan said.

George Luli, Ayden Moyer, Jackson DeAngelis, Carson Saltsman and Grayson Rantilla are all also working out of the backfield.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

The anchor is Braden Wright, who is a senior and four-year starter. He has signed to play at Sacred Heart University, which is located in Fairfield, Conn.

Two other returning starters are Chase Moyer and Noah Cross. Both received major experience opportunities last year and are back another year stronger.

Peyton Simms, Luke Rogan, Rylan Campbell, Devin Wright, Sheldon Nicely, Matt Galen, Ace Fisher, Eli Dye and Aiden Long add depth.

WIDE RECEIVERS & TIGHT ENDS

The team’s top two receiving targets — Tristen McKibben (359 yards) and Nick Malek (178 yards) — have graduated.

A new batch of receivers are ready to step in and fill the void, though, with the list including Alex Ely, Chase Duvall, Mason Lisi, Max McEweun, Jake McGowan, Dylan Brown, Andrew Lingo, Braxton DeAngelis and Peyton Featheringham.

At tight end, the versatile Ethan White will be the starter, but could be a player who is moved all over the field based on his skill-set.

Christian Atkins and Jeff Sanicky will also be at tight end.

THE DEFENSE

Hannan wants the same from his defense that he wants from his offense: To be fast and physical.

“We want 11 hats going to the ball,” Hannan said. “We want to create havoc and turnovers.”

Hannan plans to use a variety of defensive fronts to keep the opposition unsure.

LINEBACKERS

White is the top returning tackler from last season. He finished with 40 tackles.

Filling in around him will be Luli, Damien Reuting, Kiel Reuting, Jackson DeAngelis, Ayden Moyer, Atkins, Sanicky, Saltsman and Rantilla.

Kiel Reuting led the county with three fumble recoveries last year.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Any of the same names that filled out the offensive line will again be the leaders across the defensive trenches.

Wright once again leads the way.

At 6-foot-4, 285 pounds, the senior is quick on his feet and has strong hands.

Cross, Simms, Christian, Galen, Rogan, Fisher, Chase Moyer, Campbell, Dye, Wright, Long and Nicely are listed on the depth chart.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Lisi led the team with three interceptions last year and McEwuen is the top tackler returning in the secondary after he had 36 last year.

The duo will lead the secondary, along with Mullaly, Ely, and others, including Brown, Duvall, Lingo, McGowan, Braxton DeAngelis and Featheringham.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Kiel Reuting, jr.; Blake Mullaly, jr.; Jackson DeAngelis, jr.; Ayden Moyer, jr.; Max McEwuen, jr.; Luke Rogan, jr.; Peyton Simms, jr.; Chase Moyer, soph.; Carson Saltsman, soph.; Sheldon Nicely, soph.; Aiden Long, fresh.; Matt Galen, fresh.; Grayson Rantilla, fresh.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“Depth and injuries,” Hannan said. “Also, can we come together as a team with a we over me mentality.”