By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE TEAM

• Coaching Staff: Chase Eye, defensive coordinator; Bruce Rininger, defensive coordinator; Larry Jones, linebackers/running backs; Casey Anderson, defensive backs/wide receivers; Tyler Simcox; Neil Martino; Mike Dunn; Shawn Baraskus, offensive line/defensive line.
• League: Northeastern Athletic Conference.
• Playoffs: Division VII, Region 25.
• 2024 Record: 10-2 overall; 6-1 league.
• Returning Lettermen (12): Jordan Ridenbaugh, sr.; Matt Kolazcek, sr.; Azeon Davis, sr.; Cam Peet, sr.; Louden Collins, sr.; Dejuan Ramsey, jr.; Bryan Smithberger, soph.; Michael Bolyard, soph.; Devin Sherman, soph.; Jacob Dalner, soph.; Cam Batterij, soph.; Xavier Bruton, soph.
• Lettermen Lost (11): Jack Eye, Carlos Bruton, Austin Cales, Dylan McCune, Omar Duran, Nick Hopper, Brandon Petrich, Zack Porter, Jayquon Smith, Jacob Cody, Alex Eye.

THE OFFENSE

“We will have experience and depth up front, but we will have several areas to fill in the backfield,” head coach Jake Eye said. “We will be young and continue to run our traditional Wing-T offense, with some added winkles.”

QUARTERBACKS

Sophomore Bryan Smithberger moves into the starting role following the graduation of Dylan McCune.

“Though young, Bryan shows plenty of poise and has a strong arm,” said Eye, who also plans to use Smithberger in the run game.

The backup is Gavin Kiser, who will see plenty of action in a variety of positions this season.

RUNNING BACKS

The Bombers have a versatile group this season, with speed and strength.

Dejuan Ramsey, Xavier Bruton, Jordan Ridenbaugh, Matt Kolaczek and Louden Collins will all be in the mix. And all will likely be needed to fill the void of the graduated production of Jack Eye (1,763 yards and 229 points) and Carlos Bruton (1,141 points and 138 points).

“Dejuan will anchor us as our sole returning starter. He is electric in the open field, with plenty of speed and quickness,” Eye said.

Bruton has flashed promise and Kolaczek is making the move from tight end to the backfield.

“Matt possesses size and the ability to run downhill,” Eye said.

Ridenbaugh is another player making a position change, moving to running back after playing center last year.

“He has been a big surprise to us in camp with his aggressive running style and his ability to break tackles,” Eye said.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

The position group will feature Azeon Davis, Cam Peet, Devin Sherman, Malikye Petrich, Jacob Dallner, Jaiden Arnone, Riley Christener, Zach Shultz, Blake Cottle, Jacob Simmons, Aidan McGhee and Dakota Jeffries.

“We have good size across the board up front and more depth here than we’ve had in recent years.”

Davis will serve as the line’s anchor, alongside Sherman and Dallner. All three are strong and are returning starters.

Petrich has earned the role as the team’s starting center.

WIDE RECEIVERS & TIGHT ENDS

Kolaczek and Ridenbaugh will shift back and forth from running back to tight end.

“Both are exceptional blockers and both are big targets with good hands in the passing game,” Eye said.

Ian Carmen, Ethan Thornton, Gavin Kiser, Cam Battery and Cam Witherspoon will also see plenty of action at wideout.

THE DEFENSE

“We want to be aggressive to the ball and look to be more aggressive up front with blitz packages and stunts,” Eye said. “We want controlled chaos. We preach 11 men aggressively to the ball at all times.

LINEBACKERS

Jack Eye will be missed on defense, too. The graduated league Player of the Year was dominant on defense, as well, with 163 tackles, four interceptions, three forced fumbles, four sacks and 31 tackles for a loss.

Jordan Ridenbaugh, Matt Kolaczek (71 tackles last year) and Bryan Smithberger will share the workload here.

“All three are tough, physical players and have a nose for the football,” Eye said.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

Like the offensive line, there is good size here, but also good awareness, according to Eye.

Azeon Davis, Jacob Dallner, Devin Sherman and Jaiden Arnone are the leaders of this group.

Depth up front will allow the team to rotate several guys, including Malikye Petrich, Riley Christener, Zach Shultz, Louden Collins, Aiden McGhee and Cam Peet.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

The group of Dejuan Ramsey, Ethan Thornton, Ian Carmen and Xavier Bruton will be the team’s starters.

“They are athletic in the open field and have the ability to man cover,” Eye said. “They also will help us in the run game.”

Others who will see time in the defensive backfield will be Cam Witherspoon and Cam Battery.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Bryan Smithberger, soph.; Devin Sherman, soph.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“We graduated 12 seniors, who had a big impact on our memorable season last year, so we will be extremely young,” Eye said. “With youth comes growing pains. We will need to mature in a hurry if we want to be successful.”