By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

High school football preview capsule for the Mogadore Wildcats’ 2022 season.

Head Coach: Matt Adorni, 19th year; 179-44 career record.

Coaching Staff: Jason Dannemiller, defensive coordinator; Larry Murphy, offensive and defensive lines; Ben Kobus, wide receivers, defensive backs and special teams coordinator; Billy Rosato, running backs and linebackers; Anthony Ricci, quarterbacks and defensive backs; Aaron Male, tight ends and linebackers; Austin Williams, offensive and defensive lines.

2021 Recap: 10-4 overall record; 3-1 Portage Trail Conference; PTC co-champions; Division VI regional finalists.

Returning Lettermen (14): Zeke Cameron, jr.; Mason Williams, sr.; Austin Constantine, jr.; Collin Lehner, sr.; Corey Lehner, jr.; Nick Coffman, sr.; Will Baskey, jr.; Trevor Davis, jr.; Tyler Shellenbarger, sr.; John Ardelian, jr.; Adam Debenedictis, sr.; Bo Lanham, jr.; Aiden Leslie, sr.

Lettermen Lost: 10.

Offensive Outlook: As always, expect the Wildcats to play with precision and an acute attention for detail and discipline.

When it comes to Mogadore football, there is never a detail too small to polish.

Quarterbacks: Zeke Cameron (6-foot-2, 182 pounds) returns as the team’s starter.

Running Backs: The Wildcats feature a stable of capable runners, with senior Mason Williams (6-4, 235), who recently committed to Ohio University, leading the way.

Williams is a bruising runner not afraid of contact, but also with the athleticism and speed to elude and burst past defenders.

With Williams also splitting time at tight end, expect Austin Constantine (5-8, 154), Collin Lehner (5-5, 140) and Corey Lehner (5-4, 145) to get carries as well.

All three saw action last year for the Wildcats.

Newcomers to the backfield include sophomore Aaron Rumschlag (5-8, 175) and senior Adam Debenedictis (6-foot, 210).

Wide Receivers: There are open spots that will be filled here, but it is Nick Coffman (5-8, 125) that leads the way as a returning starter.

Coffman is quick and has good hands.

Meanwhile, Nick Stephenson and Devin Graham are competing for spots as the split end.

As previously mentioned, Williams will spend time as the team’s big tight-end target, but Will Baskey will also see time at the position.

Offensive Line: The Wildcats benefit from three returning starters: Center Trevor Davis (6-1, 225), guard Tyler Shellenbarger (5-8, 240) and tackle John Ardelian.

Another returning lettermen on the offensive line is senior Aiden Leslie.

Defensive Outlook: Quick to the ball and wrapping up ball-carriers has long been a calling card for Mogadore defenses.

Expect much of the same this year.

Defensive Line: Returning starters on the line include Williams and Debenedictis, along with returning lettermen Aiden Leslie.

Linebackers: The trio of Bo Lanham (5-8, 140), Constantine and Collin Lehner all are returning starters and provide a dose of experience for the Wildcats.

A newcomer to the group is CJ Westfall (5-8, 160).

Defensive Backs: Coffman is a returning starter and quick to the ball on interception reads. Corey Lehner and Graham will join him in the secondary as starters.

Special Teams: Constantine will be the place kicker, while Williams acts as the punter. Cameron is the place-holder.

Coffman and Corey Lehner are scheduled to be the team’s starting kick returners.

From the Coach’s Eyes: “I am proud of our team culture that has been established,” head coach Matt Adorni said.