By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE TEAM

JAKE EYE

• Head Coach: Jake Eye, 7th year, 23-31 career record.
• Coaching Staff: Rob Penney, defensive coordinator, defensive backs; Chase Eye, special teams coordinator, running backs, defensive backs; Larry Jones, wide receivers, linebackers; Tyler Simcox, offensive line, defensive line; Neil Martino, wide receivers.
• League: Northeastern Athletic Conference.
• Playoffs: Division VII, Region 25.
• 2023 Record: 2-8 overall, 0-4 NAC.
• Returning Letteermen (15): Jack Eye, sr.; Dylan McCune, sr.; Omar Duran, sr.; Brandon Petrich, sr.; Carlos Bruton, sr.; Austin  Collins, sr.; Zack Porter, sr.; Kaishawn Scales, sr.; Jayquon Smith, sr.; Seth Jones, sr.; Cam Hardwick, sr.; Jacob Cody, sr.; Louden Collins, jr.; Matt Kolaczek, jr.; Aeon Davis, jr.
• Lettermen Lost (3): Anthony Paolella, Anthony Wiley, Jacob Collins.

OFFENSIVE OUTLOOK

The Bombers welcome back plenty of talent, with 15 returning lettermen, including a veteran group of seniors.

“We possess a very good mix of power, size and speed in our backfield, and we should be much improved up front,” head coach Jake Eye said.

The team will remain heavy with its Wing-T offense, but will also lean on Spread priciples at key moments.

QUARTERBACKS

Dylan McCune is the team’s returning starter. He threw for 452 yards last year.

“He is a solid veteran with a good understanding of what we are looking to accomplish,” Eye said. “He has the ability to stretch the field, and we will also use him in the run game.”

The backup is Bryan Smithberger.

RUNNING BACKS

Jack Eye and Carlos Bruton are two very talented players.

Eye has great size (6-foot-1, 215 pounds) and is explosive. He is a threat to break a play every time he touches the ball. The same could be said for Bruton, whose speed, agility and vision will make him a special one-two punch with Eye.

“Jack has the power to be very explosive and Carlos is as electrifying as it gets,” Eye said.

Austin Collins will be a key to the team’s three-back formation sets. He brings speed and tough running style.

Jayquon Smith returns to the field after a knee injury sidelined him a year ago.

“He has the ability to be a solid blocking back and also an asset carrying the ball.”

Newcomer Dejuan Ramsey will also see action, as will Louden Collins.

OFFENSIVE LINE

The Bombers have key guys back and they are healthy this year.

The group will be led by Kaishawn Scales, Brandon Petrich and Omar Duran, while Azeon Davis, Seth Jones and Jacob Cody also have emerged as key contributors.

Freshmen Devin Sheman, Jakob Dalner and Jordan Bowerson also could earn time on the field.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS

Cam Hardwick and newcomer Nick Hopper anchor the passing game.

“They both have exceptional hands and are very dangerous in the open field. They have shown the ability to be great route runners, as well as good blockers.”

Zack Porter, along with another new face, Bryan Smithberger, will also see time.

At tight end, Matt Kolaczek, Alex Eye and Petrich will all see action.

“Matt possesses size and has good hands. Petrich is a savvy blocker and can get to the outside.”

DEFENSIVE OUTLOOK

“We want our style of play to be controlled chaos,” Eye said. “We want to fly to the football with fearlessness and toughness. Regardless of if we win or lose, we want teams to respect us and know after the game that we were tough as nails.”

The Bombers will have an even front, but also have worked on switching into odd fronts when needed.

“We have plenty of size up front and several key guys back.”

LINEBACKERS

Eye is the leader in the middle. His toughness and fearless nature has him poised for a big year.

Petrich, Smith, Kolaczek and Cody have all been starters in previous years, giving the Bombers strength and depth across the position.

Porter, Alex Eye and Collins all three more that will contribute.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Scales, Duran, Davis, Jones, Sherman, Bowerson and Dalner all will rotate on the defensive front.

“Kaishawn and Omar will be a handful for any opponent,” Eye said.

Hopper will also slide into the defensive end position.

“We feel his size and quickness has the ability to set the edge.”

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Bruton, Ramsey, Hardwick, McCune, Collins and Smithberger fill out the secondary.

Bruton will play strong safety and will get into the box to help with the run game.

McCune will be the voice of the defense from his free-safety position.

Ramsey has been tough on the outside throughout the preseason.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Dejuan Ramsey, soph.; Devin Sherman, fresh.; Alex Eye, fresh.; Bryan Smithberger, fresh.; Jakob Dalner, fresh.; Jordan Bowerson, fresh.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“Numbers is a constant battle for us,” Eye said. “We are currently sitting on a roster size of about 27 kids, so we must avoid injuries, which have been our nemesis the last two seasons. We strongly feel that if we can stay healthy, we can have a tremendous year.”