West Shore Conference preview

Pat Galbincea, Plain Dealer Reporter, August 17, 2009 9:33 a.m.

West Shore Conference preview: A three-team football race looms, with senior-laden North Ridgeville getting the nod over defending champion Avon and Midview.

West Shore Conference

PD projected finish

1. North Ridgeville (6-4 overall, 5-2 league in 2008)

2. Avon (12-1, 7-0)

3. Midview (5-5, 3-4)

4. Vermilion (6-4, 6-1)

5. Rocky River (6-4, 4-3)

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

7. Firelands (2-8, 0-7)

8. Fairview (2-8, 2-5)

Preseason awards

Preseason offensive MVP: Josiah Holt, RB, Midview, Sr., 5-9, 180.

Preseason defensive MVP: Ryan Waldmann, DE, Firelands, Sr., 6-4, 230.

Preseason Most Valuable Lineman: Alex Lovasz, C/DL, North Ridgeville, Sr., 6-2, 240.

Outlook: This is a three-team race, with North Ridgeville getting the nod as favorite with 24 returning seniors, a strong offensive line and no glaring team weaknesses except in the kicking game. Avon reached the Division III regional finals last season before suffering its first loss, and the Eagles will have a high scoring offense once again. Midview has many returning skilled players including Holt, the league's best back who rushed for over 1,300 yards last season with a 7.3 average per carry. Vermilion is fast but small. Bay has a strong defensive line, while Rocky River, Firelands and Fairview should be vastly improved as players get used to their second-year coaches' systems.

Top 3 games: Sept. 25, North Ridgeville at Avon; Oct. 16, Avon at Midview; Oct. 30, Midview at North Ridgeville.

Meet the teams

North Ridgeville

Last year: 6-4, 5-2.

Coach: Jeff Riesen (19-11 in three seasons; 115-59 overall in 17 seasons).

Key players: Taylor Abraham, RB/LB, Sr., 5-10, 175; Jacob Botson, G, Jr., 6-2, 235; Dallas Burt, WR/DB, Sr., 5-9, 165; Chris Fule, G, Sr., 5-11, 200; Moe Jaber, FB/LB, Sr., 5-10, 200; Steven Lopez, LB, Sr., 6-2, 205; Alex Lovasz, C/DL, Sr., 6-2, 240; Vinny Rodriguez, OT, Sr., 6-1, 245.

Scout report

Strengths: Strong offensive line and great senior leadership. Abraham is back and healthy after breaking his collarbone after rushing for 100 yards against Midpark last season. New 3-5 defense should work well with Rangers' aggressive players.

Concerns: Need a place-kicker and punter, plus depth at linebacker.

Avon

Last year: 12-1, 7-0. Advanced to Division III regional finals.

Coach: Mike Elder (18-5 in two seasons; 78-35 overall in nine seasons).

Key players: Josh Conrad, LB, Sr., 5-10, 200; Patrick Furnas, LB, Jr., 5-8, 185; R.J. Kauffman, WR, Jr., 6-0, 160; Brandon Mahaffey, WR, Sr., 6-1, 170; Jake Shagovac, C, Sr., 5-11, 185; Zak Wearsch, RB, Sr., 6-1, 200.

Scout report

Strengths: Eagles have several playmakers on offense and good speed, and that should make them entertaining for fans to watch. Good talent among the underclassmen. Conrad is a top- notch linebacker.

Concerns: Only five returning starters and a tough non-conference schedule with state champion Aurora, Wellington and Admiral King.

Midview

Last year: 5-5, 3-4.

Coach: Bill Albright (143-31 in 23 seasons).

Key players: Andrew Agee, WR/S, Sr., 5-11, 190; Zach Albright, RB/DB, Jr., 5-10, 165; Josiah Holt, RB/DB, Sr., 5-9, 180; Julian Jackson-Ross, OL/DL, Sr., 5-11, 260; Tony Petrosky, TE/DL, Jr., 6-2, 215; Travis Runser, OL/LB, Sr., 5-11, 205; Justin Strinka, WR/DB, Sr., 6-1, 190; Brett Whitesel, QB/LB, Sr., 6-0, 190; Kody Younglas, QB/LB, Sr., 5-11, 175.

Scout report

Strengths: Very good and experienced skill position players headed by premier running back Holt. Coach has 48 players in grades 10-12 despite $550 pay-to-play fee.

Concerns: Offensive and defensive lines and inside linebackers are generally very young. Tough non-league schedule pits Middies against Admiral King, Amherst and Buckeye.

Vermilion

Last year: 6-4, 6-1.

Coach: Frank Horvath (20-20 in four seasons; 145-115 overall in 26 seasons).

Key players: Anthony Budka, S/RB, Jr., 5-10, 160; Chris Champion, QB/LB, Sr., 6-1, 170; Brent Hurd, RB/LB, Sr., 5-10, 185; Carl Johnson, C, Sr., 5-10, 275; Ryan Kohl, DL/RB, Sr., 5-11, 175; James Martin, LB/G, Jr., 5-10, 165; Ray Riley, OL/DL, Jr., 5-11, 165; Tate Wilson, OL/DL, Jr., 6-2, 185.

Scout report

Strengths: Outstanding overall team speed.

Concerns: Not much size on the line except for Johnson, and inexperienced. Team depth thin with only 35 players on the roster in grades 10-12.

Rocky River

Last year: 6-4, 4-3.

Coach: Rick Adams (6-4 in one season).

Key players: Ted Keith, OL, Sr., 6-0, 220; Andy Krause, K/P/DE, Sr., 6-2, 215; Tim McGlaughlin, LB, Sr., 5-11, 185; Jameson McGovern, OT, Jr., 6-2, 235; Robbie Plagens, QB, Jr., 5-11, 170; Bobby Porter, WR, Sr., 5-10, 165.

Scout report

Strengths: Good core of receivers, and Plagens has a strong arm. Good team chemistry. Players now used to Adams' new system. Krause is an All-WSC punter.

Concerns: Three inexperienced offensive linemen and four inexperienced defensive linemen. Depth is thin and team has unproven running backs.

Bay

Last year: 2-8, 1-6.

Coach: Mike Peregord (3-17 in two seasons).

Key players: Zach Anderson, LB, Sr., 6-1, 190; Brian Johnson, LB/WR, Sr., 5-10, 180; Jake Johnston, OL/DL, Jr., 6-2, 240; Rhett Lariccia, DE, Sr., 6-2, 180; Conner O'Deherty, C, Jr., 6-2, 240; Harlen Pace, DE/FB, Sr., 6-3, 220; Andrew Stylski, OT/DT, Sr., 6-3, 280.

Scout report

Strengths: Rockets have strong offensive and defensive lines, and strong special teams. Twenty-five returning lettermen.

Concerns: Overall depth. Skill position players need to blossom and take advantage of a good line.

Firelands

Last year: 2-8, 0-7.

Coach: Todd Pooch (2-8 in one season).

Key players: Jacob Neice, LB, Sr., 6-0, 210; Jacob Sosinski, OT/DT, Sr., 6-5, 270; Jordan Sosinski, G/DT, Sr., 6-3, 230; Ryan Waldmann, DE/QB, Sr., 6-4, 230.

Scout report

Strengths: Large senior class with lots of experience. Also a big sophomore group. Offensive and defensive lines should be good, and coaches call Waldmann the best defensive player in the WSC. More players in the program, up to 48 from only 17 two years ago and 33 last season.

Concerns: Lack of depth at the skill positions.

Fairview

Last year: 2-8, 2-5.

Coach: Dave Latkovic (2-8 in one season; 15-36 overall in five seasons).

Key players: Mike Barth, LB, Sr., 5-10, 175; Gage Falcone, DL, Jr., 6-0, 220; Cortez Harris, DL, Sr., 6-1, 225; Matt Izso, OT, Sr., 6-3, 215; Taylor Melton, WR, Sr., 6-0, 170; Mahmoud Najjar, LB, Sr., 6-2, 220; Don Posladek, QB, Sr., 5-11, 130; Tom Rehor, LB, Sr., 6-0, 190; Nick Ruffing, G, Sr., 5-11, 230; Jose Sanchez, RB/P, Sr., 5-11, 185; Brett Willgren, S, Jr., 5-7, 150; Nick Williams, RB, Jr., 5-10, 190.

Scout report

Strengths: No standout individual but good team chemistry. Sanchez punts well.

Concerns: No players are above average in size, speed or strength, but team is physically stronger than last season.