By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE TEAM

• Coaching Staff: Wezlee Spence, defensive coordinator/defensive line; Pete Smith, quarterbacks/defensive backs; Connor O’Harra, offensive line; DJ Snyder, wide receivers; James Heath, running backs; Tom Gerchak, linebackers; Andrew Mekeal, defensive backs.
• League: Metro Athletic Conference.
• Playoffs: Division IV, Region 13.
• 2024 Record: 12-1 overall; 7-0 league.
• Returning Lettermen (17): Janiere Cook, sr.; Kason Gellner, sr.; Manny Gibson, sr.; Trevor Kamlowsky, sr.; Tyler Kertis, sr.; Ayden Knuebel, sr.; Nolan Kuhne, sr.; Victor Links, sr.; Arthur Scott, sr.; Jerry Benci, jr.; Marcus Council, jr.; Logan Fincham, jr.; Demetrius Fuller, jr.; Adrian Monroe, jr.; Logan Sadowski, jr.; Dallas Morris, soph.
• Lettermen Lost (12): Devon White, Preston Laryea, Cohen Klimak, Jackson Gula, Trace Herman, Mar Fall, Jon Ekron, Drew Derschau, Alex Light, Connor Stevens, Jayce Fedor, Sean Seesler.

THE OFFENSE

The Rockets have long been one of the most disciplined and complex areas in the county, featuring multiple sets and variations to keep opposing defenses off-balance.

This season, they will play out of a Spread Option as a base, but with multiple formations, motions and shifts to disguise intent.

QUARTERBACKS

Junior Colton Cox gets the call to start at quarterback after two very productive junior varsity seasons.

He replaces Cohen Klimak, who graduated as the all-time leading rusher in school history and finished last season with 1,920 yards rushing, 793 yards passing and was responsible for 222 points. He was also a terror on defense, where he totaled 72 tackles.

RUNNING BACKS

The Rockets return plenty of speed and athleticism.

Marcus Council, Janiere Cook and Logan Fincham all earned All-Metro Athletic Conference honors last season.

And all three return.

Council rushed for 933 yards, Cook for 702 and Fincham had 609. Cook also scored 96 points last season.

Ayden Knuebel and Noah Hodge provide additional depth.

OFFENSIVE LINE

The group of Arthur Scott, Cooper Richmond, Tyler Kertis, Victor Links and Alan Podboy will be the starters on the largest offensive line that “we have had at Streetsboro,” according to head coach Pete Thompson.

John Martin and Demetrius “Meech” Fuller will provide solid depth and contribute in the team’s heavy personnel groupings.

Scott has signed his National Letter of Intent to play at the University of Wisconsin and Richmond has signed with Columbia University.

WIDE RECEIVERS & TIGHT ENDS

Manny Gibson is the team’s top returning receiver from a year ago when he pulled in nine passes for 169 yards. His versatility will line him up in the backfield on occasion, too.

Adrian Monroe, Kason Gellner, Kyle Giacomo, Connor Tonwe, Trevor Kamlowsky, Jaden Hushion and Dallas Morris are all expected to be in the mix and pushing for playing time.

THE DEFENSE

The base will be set out of a 3-4, but Thompson said the team will consistently work out of multiple fronts and coverages.

LINEBACKERS

Ayden Knuebel and Janiere Cook (63 tackles, 4 sacks, 10 TFLs) are two returning starters from a year ago.

Knuebel was named All-Metro Athletic Conference and also All-Northeast Inland District. He led the team and was second in Portage County with 128 tackles last year, which included three sacks and 14 tackles for a loss.

Jerry Benci, Logan Fincham and Kyle Giacomo will also see time at linebacker.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Scott highlights the line and is a two-time All-Ohio performer in Division IV.

Last season, he had 80 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 26.5 tackles for a loss.

Richmond, Links and Full all return as rotating starters.

Overall, the position is one of strength for the Rockets.

Senior Chris Jackson has also rejoined the program and has “flashed tremendous potential this summer as a defensive end,” Thompson said.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Adrian Munroe and Marcus Council are two returning starters.

Nolan Kuhne, Dallas Morris, Christian Hunter, Kason Gellner and Jaden Hushion will compete for playing time.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Demetrius Fuller, jr.; Colton Cox, jr.; Kyle Giacomo, jr.; Alan Podboy, soph.; Dallas Morris, soph.; Christian Hunter, soph.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“Replacing the leadership provided by last year’s senior class,” Thompson said. “Also, complacency and not taking their successes for granted.”