By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE TEAM

• Coaching Staff: Mike Stiles, assistant head coach/special teams coordinator; Bobby Staudt, defensive coordinator; Rick Reynolds, Mike Richeson, Dylan Sitosky, Scott Garrett, Zeddie Pollock, Matt Dillon.
• League: Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Grey Division.
• Playoffs: Division V, Region 17.
• 2024 Record: 3-7 overall, 2-5 league.
• Returning Lettermen (16): Peyton Donovan, sr.; Maverick Wood, sr.; Joe Sharish, sr.; Landon Durstine, sr.; Devon Channell, sr.; Xander Messina, sr.; Aaron Manion, sr.; Abdallah Alrawahneh, sr.; Travis Amicarelli,sr.; Nathanael Rivera, jr.; Aidan McCann, jr.; Tristan Finch, jr.; Daniel Clint, jr.; Nate Muccino, jr.; Tyler Shaw, soph.; Alaunte Massrock, soph.
• Lettermen Lost (10): Antonio Mejia, Austin Mejia, Zach Keto, Dylan Miller, Caleb Miller, Jack Muldowney, Bryer Pickana.

THE OFFENSE

An experienced offensive line is a great starting point for the Pirates this season, with multiple starters returning.

Additionally, the coaching staff has identified a variety of skill players they are excited to get the ball to.

Overall, though, head coach Patrick Youel said that finding balance will be the key to the offense’s success.

QUARTERBACKS

Senior Joe Sharish is back as the reigning starter under center.

Last season, the 6-foot-4 right-hander totaled 803 yards through the air and also had five touchdowns.

He has the size to put the ball down and run on occasion.

As backups, Tyler Shaw and Lucas Hixon are on the depth chart.

RUNNING BACKS

Last year’s top runner, Bryer Pickana (1,483 yards and 102 points), has moved out of the district.

Some new faces will look to fill the production void, with Maverick Wood, Alaunte Massrock, Nathanael Rivera and Shaw all expected to be part of that mission.

OFFENSIVE LINE

The line will be anchored by returning starters Landon Durstine, Aidan McCann and Abdullah Alrawahneh.

Adding depth will be Daniel Clint, Nate Muccino and Seth Besaw.

Overall, it is a group that has power and mobility.

WIDE RECEIVERS & TIGHT ENDS

The trio of Peyton Donovan, Devon Channell and Sundarius Davis highlight the position.

Only two players had more than 100 yards receiving last season. One of them graduated (Austin Mejia) and the other returns, but has been moved to the backfield (Rivera).

THE DEFENSE

New defensive coordinator Bobby Staudt has a number of returning starters to work with, while he evaluates other options for depth and viable packages to use across multiple circumstances.

In total, eight starters return, making the defense one of the team’s cohesive strengths heading into the season.

LINEBACKERS

Landon Durstine is the top tackler returning from last year’s group. He had 41 tackles, which was good for fourth-best on the team.

Speed and strength will be joined here with Joe Sharish, alongside depth provided by Xander Messina, Tyler Shaw, Lucas Hixon and Travis Amicarelli.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Aidan McCann and Nate Muccino return as starters, with Jordan Mulhollen, Connor Buchkoski, Ethan Fox and Liam McCann all pushing to be in the mix on Friday nights.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

One of the strengths of the team, with returning standouts Maverick Wood, Peyton Donovan, Nathanael Rivera and Alaunte Massrock. The group possesses plenty of speed and physicality, but also quick reads on the ball and formations.

Sundarisus Davis will also be included on the early depth chart.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Alaunte Massrock, soph.; Tyler Shaw, soph.; Jordan Mulhollen, soph.; Lucas Hixon, fresh.; Liam McCann, soph.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“We are young,” head coach Patrick Youel said. “We believe they are capable and talented, but they need to continue to gain experience fast. And, as always at a school our size, we have to stay healthy.”