By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

High school football preview capsule for the Rootstown Rovers’ 2022 season.

Head Coach: Chris Knopick, 2nd year; 5-6 carer record.

Coaching Staff: Randy McCoy, defensive coordinator and linebackers; Mark Knopick, offensive line, defensive line and special teams coordinator; Zach Davis, defensive backs and wide receivers; Jacob Rosario, safeties and slot receivers; Ben Sherman, running backs and defensive ends; Bill Adelman, volunteer assistant.

2021 Recap: 5-6 overall record; 1-3 Portage Trail Conference.

Returning Lettermen (13): Branden Bobbs, sr.; Cody Coontz, sr.; Hutton Krieger, sr; Drew Nero, sr.; Linden White, sr.; Chris Cooper, jr.; Tony Karp, jr.; Kyle Kuharich, jr.; Ryan Piscitani, jr.; Cohen Schlaubach, jr.; Dominic Silow, jr.; Nic Malek, soph.; Brian Youngblood, soph.

Lettermen Lost (9): Donny Birkett, Xavier Birkett, Isaac DiTirro, Brandan Nicholas, Landon Bengston, Jaggar Kokochak, Nick Wancik, Giorgio Gabriella, Quinten White.

Offensive Outlook: “We look to take a big step forward, returning most of our offensive line and two playmakers in Cody Coontz (5-10, 190) and Branden Bobbs (5-9, 150),” head coach Chris Knopick said.

Up front, the Rovers are led on the line by All-Ohio tackle Tony Karp (6-foot-1, 275 pounds) and All-Northeast Inland District guard Linden White (5-10, 250).

“We will be a spread-multiple team, relying on 11 and 20 personnel, and we will hop into our power formations at times, as well.”

Rootstown does replace most of its receivers, but Knopick said he has been happy with the team’s progress.

Quarterbacks: Senior Luke DeAngelis (6-5, 225) and junior Ryan Piscitani (6-3, 185) are competing for the starting spot for the Rovers.

“Both have looked good this summer. Both are big, athletic and have strong arms.”

Running Backs: Coontz led the Rovers in rushing last year with 836 yards to earn All-Portage Trail Conference honors. Bobbs was named All-District and finished with 450 yards rushing, 278 yards receiving and scored five touchdowns.

Underclassmen Mason Fleck and Dominic Duvall will provide depth.

Offensive Line: Knopick expects this to be the strength of the team.

Anchored by Karp and White, the Rovers will be able to create running lanes and protect the quarterback consistently.

Brian Youngblood and Kyle Kuharich (6-0, 190) are two other starters returning for the Rovers.

Additionally, Dominiuc Siglow is getting starters reps, but will be pushed for time by Trent Gierke and Braden Wright.

Wide Receivers: The Rovers were deep here last year with Donovan Birkett, Xavier Birkett and Nick Wancik.

This season, Bobbs will spend some time in the slot to help provide some replacement in production.

Additionally, Chris Cooper, Dawson Morgan, Nic Malek and Will McEwuen will all see time on the outside.

At tight end, All-District defensive end Drew Nero brings “great size and speed.”

Defensive Outlook: Rootstown will run a base 4-2-5, which will be highlighted by a veteran defensive line.

The Rovers, however, are replacing key linebackers and secondary.

Defensive Backfield: Only junior Cohen Schlaubach (5-10, 155) returns as a starter from last year’s team.

Morgan and Malek have taken over the safety position.

Chris Cooper and Bobbs will be on the outside, with McEuwen and Colby Scott also pushing for time in the secondary.

Linebackers: Coontz is the leader at this spot and brings athleticism and experience to a group that is still relatively young.

Sophomores Dominic Duvall, Brian Youngblood have “good speed and instincts.”

Kyle Kuharich, Tristan McKibben and Damien Reuting provide depth.

Defensive Line: Three returning starters spotlight this position in Karp, White and Nero.

Meanwhile Piscitani has “looked athletic and physical.”

Gierke, Siglow, Krieger, Wright and Fleck are all battling to provide depth up front.

Special Teams: Krieger returns as the kicker and will handle all field goals and extra points.

Piscitani has stepped up and impressed as the long-snapper.

DeAngelis will handle punting, while McEwuen will be the holder.

From the Coach’s Eyes: “I am proud to coach this team, because I know the work these young men have put into the weight room this off-season. We have seen great strength and speed gains this summer, and we are excited to see those gains translate to the field.”