Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division preview

Tim Warsinskey, The Plain Dealer, August 13, 2009 9:22 a.m.

PD projected finish

1. Chagrin Falls (8-4 overall, 5-2 league in 2008)

2. Perry (11-2, 6-1)

3. Aurora (13-2, 7-0)

4. West Geauga (6-4, 4-3)

5. Kenston (2-8, 1-6)

6. Wickliffe (2-8, 1-6)

7. Orange (4-6, 2-5)

Preseason awards

Preseason offensive MVP: Chris Trinetti, Chagrin Falls, QB, Sr., 5-11, 180.

Preseason defensive MVP: Mitchell Hokavar, Perry, FS, Jr., 6-1, 190.

Preseason Most Valuable Lineman: Rich Zalanka, Perry, OT/DT, Sr., 6-5, 250.

Outlook: Last year, huge senior classes at state champion Aurora and regional runner-up Perry were the story. This year, it's Chagrin Falls' turn with a talent-laden class of 23 seniors. Aurora and Perry definitely are "reloading" not "rebuilding," so it will be a bumpy ride for all. West Geauga is very competitive. Kenston is looking to rebound after struggling with a young team and a new coach last year. Wickliffe might be vastly improved, even if its record won't reflect it. Orange never lacks for talent, but still short on numbers. Beachwood switched to the Metro Division and Harvey will join Chagrin Division in 2010, so Chagrin Division has seven teams.

Top 3 games: Sept. 17, Chagrin Falls at Aurora; Oct. 15, Aurora at Perry; Oct. 30, Perry at Chagrin Falls.

Meet the teams

Chagrin Falls

Last year: 8-4, 5-2. Advanced to Div. III regional semifinal.

Coach: Mark Iammarino (92-56 in 14 seasons; 92-56 overall).

Key players: Scott Campbell, NT/OL, Sr., 5-11, 195; Connor Clegg, TE/DE, Sr., 6-5, 225; Alex Garnaut, LB/TE, Jr., 6-1, 230; Marc Geraci, WR/KR/PR, Jr., 5-8, 170; Chris Gorman, RB/PK/SS, Sr., 6-0, 200; Mike Hageman, WR/DE, Soph., 6-4, 190; David Powers, LB, Sr., 5-10, 185; Chris Trinetti, QB, Sr., 5-11, 180; Cam Turner, WR/P, Sr., 5-11, 180; Andrew Vento, CB, Sr., 5-11, 175; Bobby Winkelman, LB, Sr., 6-1, 210.

Scout report

Strengths: Trinetti (1,910 yards passing, 18 TDs) and Gorman (912 yards rushing, nine TDs) operate behind a veteran line led by Ryan Zdolshek, Aaron Davis, Austin Garofolo and Campbell. Tigers loaded on defense. Campbell very disruptive; Winkleman and Powers are impact linebackers and Gorman is a big hitter. Geraci and special teams also solid. Drop to suddenly wide-open Div. IV, Region 13 could result in a long playoff run.

Concerns: Lost a lot at WR, but keep an eye on newcomers Garnaut and Hageman.

Perry

Last year: 11-2, 6-1. Advanced to Div. IV regional final.

Coach: Matt Rosati (20-4 in two seasons; 89-50 in 13 seasons).

Key players: Braden Ferrell, PK, Sr., 5-10, 140; Mitchell Hokavar, QB/FS, Jr., 6-1, 190; Matt Kropko, WR, Jr., 6-0, 170; Anthony Kukwa, TE/OLB, Jr., 6-3, 210; Cody New, OT/DT, Sr., 6-3, 215; Josh Maffit, LB, Sr., 6-0, 200; Mickey Parker, WR, Jr., 6-0, 170; Ben Perko, RB, Sr., 6-2, 185; Erik Petrecca, CB, Sr., 5-9, 160; David Wallie, DL, Sr., 5-10, 185; Chad West, DE/G, Jr., 6-5, 225; Rich Zalanka, OT/DT, Sr., 6-5, 250.

Scout report

Strengths: Athletic group. Offense features a couple of exciting young playmakers in Kukwa and Hokavar. Makings of an outstanding offensive line anchored by Zalanka. Look for battle with Chagrin Falls to extend into the Div. IV playoffs.

Concerns: Experience and depth of defensive front seven, plus trying to replace a surprise All-Ohio RB. Can Pirates catch lightning in a bottle two years in a row?

Aurora

Last year: 13-2, 7-0. Division III state champion.

Coach: Bob Mihalik (62-30 in eight seasons; 63-20 overall).

Key players: Mike Ganoe, WR/DB, Sr., 6-0, 175; Tim Gardner, TE/OLB, Sr., 6-0, 185; Ben Jubell, C, Sr., 6-2, 305; Mitch Knapp, TE/DE, Sr., 6-5, 220; Matt Korosec, OL, Sr., 5-10, 220; Terrance Pegram, TB, Jr., 5-11, 170; Eric Schultz, OLB, Sr., 5-9, 180; Nick Sivillo, DB, Jr., 5-9, 165; Steve Snyder, SB, Sr., 6-1, 180; Ty Watson, QB, Sr., 6-4, 200; Brandon Widmar, OL, Jr., 6-4, 275.

Scout report

Strengths: Watson is a highly regarded QB despite not starting last year and there's plenty of speed and depth at skill positions as well as defensive backfield. Coming off a state championship and a fifth straight CVC title, this will be a "program year," where the state of the program will be tested and the Greenmen appear to be in good shape.

Concerns: Overall inexperience. Aurora graduated starters from 17 positions. Both lines are being rebuilt and much of its success will depend on their development. Greenmen moved up to Division II.

West Geauga

Last year: 6-4, 4-3.

Coach: Dave Bors (12-8 in two seasons; 12-8 overall).

Key players: Paul Bellito, OL/DT, Sr., 6-4, 265; Anthony Catalioto, RB/LB, Sr., 6-0, 180; Joe Drenski, QB/DE, Jr., 5-8, 160; Zach Farmer, TE/LB, Sr., 6-2, 180; John Knoble, OL/DL, Sr., 6-0, 195; Matt Molle', WR/DE, Sr., 6-2, 170; Andy Powers, RB/CB, Sr., 6-1, 180; Mike Pukay, WR/S, Sr., 6-1, 185; Josh Puskar, PK, Sr., 5-10, 150; Kevin Sonnie, RB/LB, Sr., 5-11, 180; Vince Ziccardi, RB/LB, Jr., 5-9, 200.

Scout report

Strengths: Decent team speed and fairly athletic. Good running game. Reviving old rivalry with Chardon in Thursday home opener should be fun.

Concern: Not very big. Returns just six starters. Will have to learn on fly at skill positions.

Kenston

Last year: 2-8, 1-6.

Coach: Roger Vasey (2-8 in one season; 2-8 overall).

Key players: Pat Behm, LB, Sr. 6-3, 190; Joe Ciresi, DT, Jr., 6-1, 215; Brendan Gilday, DT, Sr., 5-10, 190; Pat Porter, RB, Jr., 6-0, 200; Jimmy Tomcufcik, RB, Sr., 5-8, 175.

Scout report

Strengths: Solid at running back and both lines. Should be more competitive in CVC after tough 2008.

Concerns: Offensive consistency was a problem last year, but this is a veteran team in second year of Vasey's program, so that should improve.

Wickliffe

Last year: 2-8, 1-6.

Coach: P.J. Insana (first season at Wickliffe; 19-12 overall in three seasons).

Key players: John Austin, LB, Sr., 5-11, 170; Anthony Brooks, NT, Jr., 6-2, 240; Michael Cappuies, LT, Sr., 5-11, 205; Dom Duda, TB/CB, Sr., 5-7, 165; Zach Durastante, RT/LB, Sr., 6-1, 215; Tony Galioto, WR, Jr., 5-9, 155; Adam Lamonica, WR/CB, Jr., 5-11, 175; Christian Meier, WR/S, Sr., 5-11, 180; Angelo Powall, LG, Sr., 5-10, 250; Jason Salter, QB, Soph., 5-10, 175.

Scout report

Strengths: Insana returns to his alma mater, but has not coached in four years (2005 at Beachwood, 2003-04 at Richmond Heights), when he earned a reputation as a quick turnaround artist. Wickliffe has won five games in the last four years and hasn't had a winning season since 2003. The numbers are up with 60 players in camp, including 22 freshmen, a good first step. If Insana is in it for the long haul, this could be just what Wickliffe needs.

Concerns: Lack of varsity experience throughout the lineup and not much size up front. Third head coach in three years has installed a new system across the board, including a spread offense and a 3-5 stack defense, systems that demand crisp play.

Orange

Last year: 4-6, 2-5.

Coach: Adam Bechlem (first season as a head coach).

Key players: Ryan Bitzer, QB, Jr., 5-10, 170; Austin Crawford, DL, Sr., 6-1, 260; Cameron Macklin, WR/DB, Sr., 5-8, 165; Scott Piro, WR/DB, Jr., 6-0, 175; Josh Rogers, FB/LB, Sr., 6-0, 190; Nate Terhune, TE/DE, Jr., 6-3, 215; Julian Turner, WR/RB/DB, Soph., 6-1, 170; Chase Ullman, CB, Jr., 5-8, 180; Harrison Zucker, OL, Jr., 5-10, 240.

Scout report

Strengths: Rogers (802 yards rushing, seven TDs, 85 tackles) is among league's best players. Passing game will shine if Bitzer receives protection. Defensive backfield could be outstanding.

Concerns: Inexperience and lack of size and depth on both lines.