Preview of other football teams

Bob Fortuna, Tim Rogers and Tim Warsinskey, The Plain Dealer, August 18, 2009 11:18 a.m.

Read previews on the football teams at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, Manchester, Ledgemont and Western Reserve Academy, which play in conferences outside of The Plain Dealer's coverage area.  

Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy

Affiliation: Principals Athletic Conference.

Last year: 9-2, 6-1. Advanced to Division IV regional quarterfinals.

Coach: Ray Carroscia (75-48 in 12 seasons).

Key players: Howard Bollar, RB/DB, Sr., 5-7, 170; Xavier Douglas, TE/DE, Sr., 6-3, 205; Daniel Griffith, LB/OL, Soph., 6-1, 210; Jordan Judd, OL/DL, Sr., 6-2, 200; Zak Knettel, QB/DE, Sr., 6-0, 175; Matt Meadows, OL/LB, Soph., 5-9, 185; Joe Peticca, WR/DB, Sr., 6-0, 170; Mark Richard, OL/LB, Sr., 6-2, 195; Nathan Rosenberger, RB/LB, Soph., 5-9, 170; Alex Utley, RB/LB, Jr., 5-10, 185.

Scout report

Strengths: Will battle Manchester and Tuslaw for PAC title. A strong work ethic within a strong-knit group will have to carry one of the youngest teams in school history. There are seven seniors, nine juniors, 17 sophomores and 28 freshmen in the program.

Concerns: Not very big and not very experienced. The nonleague schedule includes three teams that made the playoffs in 2008.

Manchester

Affiliation: Principals Athletic Conference.

Last year: 7-3, 4-3.

Coach: Jim France (306-76-3 in 36 seasons; 313-79-3 overall in 37 seasons).

Key players: Neal Devericks, DT/TE, Sr., 6-2, 195; Craig Dougherty, RB, Sr., 6-0, 175; Brit Hunter, LB/FB, Sr., 5-9, 180; Kyle Kelly, OT/DT, Sr., 6-2, 235; Steve King, QB, Sr., 6-0, 170; Mark Knoble, RB/LB, Jr., 6-2, 175; Alex Kreakbaum, WR/DB, Sr., 5-7, 153; Nick Miller, TE/LB, Jr., 6-2, 185; Jon Mitchen, OT, Sr., 5-10, 220; Tom Ross, G/NT, Sr., 6-0, 185.

Scout report

Strengths: Will battle CVCA and Tuslaw for PAC title. Enthusiasm, hard work, resilience and a desire to win will carry the Panthers. King begins his fourth year as the starting QB, a rarity under France.

Concerns: Not a lot of experience on either side of the line.

Ledgemont

Affiliation: Moved to theNortheastern Athletic Conference from the East Suburban Conference.

Last year: 3-7, 1-4.

Coach: Joe LaRosa (first year as a head coach).

Key players: Caleb Claypool, TB/MLB, Sr., 6-1, 175; Bobby Fowler, C/DT, Sr., 5-11, 215; Danny LaRosa, RB, Soph., 5-11, 170; Jake Lynch, G/DT, Sr., 6-0, 250; Josh Ohler, G/DE, Jr., 6-3, 200; Brad Seiler, RB, Soph., 5-10, 160; Shane Ritts, QB, Jr., 6-2, 175.

Scout report

Strengths: Eight starters back on defense. Could develop a nice running game out of two-back spread. Talented sophomore class has 11 players (28 total on roster), several of whom played last year.

Concerns: Youth throughout the lineup. Tackling needs to improve.

Western Reserve Academy

Affiliation: Interstate Preparatory School League.

Last year: 5-3.

Coach: Chris Monfiletto (5-3 in one season).

Key players: Quentin Boyer, NT, Sr., 5-11, 205; Nick Gasbarro, WR, Jr., 5-10, 180; Dillon Giorgis, TB, Jr., 5-7, 170; Anthony Greco, LB, Sr., 6-1, 225; Brandon Hall, TE/DE, Sr., 6-6, 240; TaShan Mitchell, DE, Jr., 6-3, 205; Cam Neckers, LB, Sr., 6-0, 205; Eddie Tiemann, OT, Sr., 6-3, 250; Nick Zuccarelli, FS, Sr., 5-10, 180.

Scout report

Strengths: The team, which has added more local schools to its schedule, will have a second season under the same system and there is good size in some spots.

Concerns: A little thin body-wise up front.