By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE TEAM

MIKE DEVIES

• Head Coach: Mike Devies, 10th year, 26-66 career record.
• Coaching Staff: Jeff Sharkey, defensive coordinator; John Foster, defensive backs, wide receivers; Owen Playmate, defensive line; Corey Rakes, offensive line, defensive line; Tyler Brown, wide receivers, defensive backs.
• League: Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Scarlet Division.
• Playoffs: Division VI, Region 21.
• 2023 Record: 3-7 overall, 0-6 MVAC.
• Returning Lettermen (13): Seth Feciuch, sr.; Austin Hurst, sr.; Aric May, srl; Landon McClain, sr.; Brandon Moore, sr.; Matthew Ralston, sr.; Bradyn Robinson, sr.; Luke Thomas, sr.; Brady Hakes, jr.; Nolan Hamilton, jr.; Dominic Harouff, jr.; Xavier Rebecchi, jr.; Keyshawne Anderson, soph.
• Lettermen Lost (11): Bobby Harouff, Kaii Warren, Cody Enk, Dakota Finney, Trisjin Kaley-Dolan, Jayden Hakin, Aaron Hart, Aidan King, Nathan Roberts, Joey Ortega, Gavin McClinsey.

OFFENSIVE OUTLOOK

The Vikings’ boast a core group of returning starters, which has veteran coach Mike Devies “interested to see what we can do this fall.”

He expects the team do use a lot more read-option plays in an attempt to get the ball into the hands of playmakers in space.

“We want to utilize those skill players,” Devies said.

Overall, Devies was pleased with a number of players on the roster for their off-season work, including Landon McClain, Austin Hurst, Matthew Ralston, Seth Feciuch and Brady Hakes.

“They had a very good off-season,” he said.

QUARTERBACKS

The team graduated its starter from last year, Jayden Hakin (930 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns, 780 yards passing.

Players have been battling for the starting role throughout preseason.

RUNNING BACKS

The backfield will feature Austin Hurst and Aric May, while Brady Hakes, Luke Thomas and Keyshawne Anderson are also expected to make major contributions.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Seniors Seth Feciuch and Bradyn Robinson highlight the group, along with Xavier Rebecchi as a returning starter.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS

The group is a bit inexperienced, with the top-two targets from last year graduating (Bobby Harouff had 309 yards receiving and Kaii Warren had 166 yards).

Landon McClain is the team’s top returning aerial threat. The team captain had 12 receptions for 137 yards.

Matthew Ralston will also see significant time on the outside.

DEFENSIVE OUTLOOK

“Defensively, we are fortunate to have a lot of tackles coming back,” Devies said. “We are going to need these guys to continue to be aggressive in their reads and put us in good situations.”

Ralston strong off-season has Devies hopeful that his “increased size and strength can make a difference.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Kade Thomas, soph.; Keyshawne Anderson, soph.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“Our lack of depth up front,” Devies said. “We will need to stay healthy along both offensive and defensive lines.”