The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Perry » Pirates
Outlook: offense
There are only four returning starters, but there’s a sense of confidence the Pirates are going to have a high-paced, highscoring offense because of the skill set returning and Coach Rosati’s offensive ingenuity. RB Josh Petruccelli ran for more than 1,000 yards last year and is more than capable coming out of the backfield. Few area receivers are more athletic with the ability to go up and get the ball like senior Andy Foley. Junior quarterback Kolston Brewster has put up gaudy numbers on the JV team while backing up last year’s QB Jackson Burdyshaw. Now is his time to step up and be the offensive leader. Two big keys are the offensive line, where junior Hayden Makad anchors things, and the other skill players stepping up to make it a varied offensive attack.
Outlook: defense
Experience is another question mark on defense, where there are only five returning starters. Three of them — Makad, Foley and Petruccelli — start on offense, too, so health is a big key not only for the offense, but for the defense. The front seven is rather big for a Division IV team. Makad (250) and Nick Mason (235) are the anchors. Stopping the run will be important. The good news is Foley, Petruccelli and Jacob Allen are good lockup kind of defensive backs. If the front seven can shut down the run and get some pressure on the quarterback, the back end of the defense has some big play-making ability. The Pirates gave up nearly 25 points per game
last year.
Player to watch
In his first year with the Pirates after transferring from Madison, Josh Petruccelli ran for more than 1,000 yards on offense and also intercepted eight passes on defense — two of which he took back for touchdowns. The kid has a nose for the ball and for making big plays. There’s a lot of talent around him, especially Foley, who is another key player to watch.
Underclassman to watch
Two-way starting lineman Hayden Makad has already opened up some eyes with his summer camps, including one at Michigan State. The 6-4, 250-pound junior is the linchpin for the Perry lines. He’ll probably see some double-teams on defense, opening up lanes for other defenders to make plays.