The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
University>>Preppers
Just the facts
Conference: Independent
Coach: Ben Malbasa, seventh year (33-27) OHSAA: Division II, Region 5
2020: 1-6
Twitter: @USFootball1890
Home field: Scovil Field
Outlook
After a 1-6 campaign last fall, the Preppers are eager to turn the page to improved fortune. The personnel is in place to get there. Boland saw plenty of reps guiding the US offense as a freshman and will look to build on that with a solid receiving corps paced by Hodge. The size on the line is good, with returning guards Ippolito and Calabrese, and Malbasa is hopeful to see a progression from Hanna after an “outstanding” offseason. Malbasa had high praise for his defensive line amid a veteran ‘D,’ stating, “This is the most disruptive front we have had during my time at US.”
Player to watch
Alex Weinberg, a 5-foot-10, 178-pound senior, will be an invaluable influence from his ILB spot. Weinberg, who will also see some RB time, is the kind of read-and-react, physical LB with burst that Malbasa wants leading his defense. Underclassman to watch: Junior LT-DE Christopher Jackson (6-1, 240), is a promising young performer to keep an eye on for whom Malbasa has high hopes with his work ethic and strength.
Bottom line
IF: … US can return to its prolific offensive roots to complement a veteran defense; THEN … a big bounceback from 1-6 is in play.
— Chris Lillstrung
University quarterback Jackson Boland looks to hit the edge vs. Gilmour in 2020.