The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
A look at teams as training camp starts
Clearview running attack to be strong; Lutheran West could be a surprise
That familiar feeling is back. It’s football time. Teams have just returned to the field for two-a-days and training camp and undoubtedly have a lot to work on before Week 1 comes at the end of the month.
Just how much work, though, is up for debate.
So, here is a quick, team-by-team look at what The Morning Journal area squads look like in the first week of practices.
Here are Divisions IV and III. Divisions II and I will be published Aug. 5, while Divisions VI and V were published Aug. 3.
DIVISION IV
• Brookside: Last year, the defense was a sticking point for the Cardinals. It should not be an issue this season with five returning players as opposed to two last year. The offense is where there could be some questions, particularly the line. Malachi Sheffield is slated to be the only returning starter. Quarterback Jonathan Hice had some good reps in his sophomore year that will help him find Dustin Spirko and David Chambers, but the line combined with a developing running game could mean early growing pains.
• Clearview: The good news?
The Clippers’ running game should be one of the best in the Patriot Athletic Conference Stripes Division behind Drew Engle and Khaliel Fenderson — not to mention four returning offensive linemen. The bad news? Clearview will be trying to outlast some teams as the defense returns only three starters, with only one being a secondary player (Noah Kasperovich).
• Fairview: The Warriors started to click at the end of the season, winning four of their final five games. Unfortunately, Fairview will have to reset once again, losing top player Josh Fillkill and starting a new journey under returning coach Dave Latkovic. How quickly the team can buy into Latkovic’s system while reloading will determine how the season goes.
• Firelands: With a new coach, the Falcons could have a question about them. However, with running back Nick Denney returning, the offense has little to worry about. The line should be even better this year with Calvin Stull, Landon Peterson and Sean Lipscomb returning. Defense has been Firelands’ calling card the past few seasons and, even with a high turnover and new coach, that should not change.
• Keystone: In what is becoming a familiar refrain, the biggest obstacle that the Wildcats will have to overcome is a new coach. After 13 years under the guidance of Rob Clarico, a familiar face in Don Griswold takes over. This season could feel like a complete reset of the Wildcats. Keystone was a senior-heavy team last year. Expect some growing pains this year.
• Lutheran West: The Longhorns had multiple injuries derail what could have been a decent season last year. That could be a blessing in disguise for Lutheran West. Plenty of young players gained valuable experience filling in at the end of the season, and with a returning veteran cast that includes Rory Zakareckis, Owen Albers and Shawn Naim, the Longhorns have the potential to be a Patriot Athletic Conference surprise.
• Vermilion: The Sailors found out firsthand that the Sandusky Bay Conference is a tough place to play. Now under first-year coach Matt Kobal, Vermilion is ready to show it can be a strong player in a tough conference. With junior quarterback Seth Hurd, senior running back Caine Zannoni and a trio of solid wide receivers in Jonah Pfeil, Eli Balek and Trevor Boyd back, the offense should be fine. The defense is a bit more of a question, but returning nine starters is definitely a plus for the Sailors.
DIVISION III
• Bay: The Rockets are one of the fastest rising teams in Northeast Ohio. With three straight playoff appearances and a pair of Great Lakes Conference titles, expect Bay to stay the course. With returning quarterback Connor Shell and running back/linebacker Trey Psota, along with receiver RJ Sunahara, the core of the Rockets will be strong. Defensively, there will be some questions as five starters return. However, defense has been the bread and butter of Bay since Ron Rutt took over.
• Rocky River: The Pirates have some big gaps to fill on defense this year following the graduation of Titus Snavely, Albert Becker, Jack Rodgers, Josh Ranc and Jack Aerni. The simple fact is that Rocky River will have time to fix those issues since the Pirates have arguably the best running tandem in the area in seniors Dameon Crawford and Matt Popovich. Throw in quarterback Cam Blue with a year of experience under his belt, and the Pirates will be one of the top offenses in the area.