It’s hard to believe, but the 2023 high school football season is officially here.
Reynolds (1A), Farrell (2A), Grove City (3A), Meadville (4A), Cathedral Prep (5A) and McDowell (6A) will look to defend their District 10 titles from 2022. Of course, Prep is the only 5A team in District 10, and the Ramblers have their sights set on a deep postseason run.
The week one schedule features mostly non-region contests, with a sprinkling of region games dotting the slate.
Without further ado, here’s a closer look at the opening slate to the District 10 season.
NON-REGION
Mercyhurst Prep at Fairview
Both of these teams were in the postseason a year ago, with Mercyhurst Prep falling to Sharpsville, 21-14 in the 2A semifinals, while Fairview gave eventual 3A champ Grove City everything it could handle in the 3A quarterfinals before falling, 35-21.
The Lakers are big up front and return a talented group of position players in JJ Ganska (running back), as well as receivers Ja’son Ellman and Steve Grayson. They must replace quarterback David Bahm, but coach Jeff Root loves the potential of sophomore Paul Johnson, a dual-threat who was an all-region defensive back as a freshman.
Fairview must replace a talented senior class, but coach Mark Soboleski is excited by his young group, including Vinny Campoli, who will take over at quarterback. Expect Jacob Truitt (running back) and receivers Sam Work and Braeden Moore to play a major role playing behind an experienced offensive line.
Cochranton at Eisenhower
Eisenhower rolled through the regular season unbeaten before falling to Reynolds in the 1A title game. They must replace a bulk of their offensive line, as well as 2,000-yard rusher Benji Bauer, but do return some talented skill players in the form of quarterback Shawn Pascuzzi, running back Tucker Lindell and tight end Kris Bunk, the latter of whom was an all-state selection.
Cochranton, meanwhile, is looking to bounce back from a 1-7 mark in 2022. Walker Carroll is expected to make the move to quarterback for the Cardinals, while Blake Foulk returns at running back and Noah Cummings shifts to receiver.
Lakeview at Seneca
The expectations are high for both of these teams going into the 2023 season. This game was originally slated to be played at Seneca but moved to Lakeview due to stadium issues at Lakeview. The Sailors return an experienced offensive line for talented backs Mitchell Tingley (a 1,000-yard rusher), as well as Danick Hinkson. The Sailors must replace quarterback Cameron Pence, but certainly have plenty of firepower, as well as an experienced defense and will be motivated after a playoff quarterfinal loss to Maplewood in 2022.
The Bobcats must replace Ryan Miller, among others, who rushed for over 2,000 yards and also amassed over 100 tackles on defense. They do return experienced quarterback Nolan Seabury, who threw for over 1,000 yards, ran for over 900 and combined for 30 touchdowns.
Iroquois at Mercer
The Mustangs qualified for the Class 1A playoffs last season, dropping a hard-fought 21-14 decision to Cambridge Springs in the quarterfinals. They return a number of talented ball carrieres, including Daemyin Mattocks (739 yards, 17 touchdowns), as well as Carter Addison and Nic Michael. They will run behind an offensive line that returns a number of starters, includingDerrick King, Caden Guiler and Seth Sturgin.
Iroquois, meanwhile, looks to recover from an 0-10 season under the direction of first-year head coach Manny Johnson.
Reynolds at Union City (Saturday)
Reynolds, the back-to-back D10 1A champions, must replace a ton of talent, including all-time leading rusher Jalen Wagner, quarterback Brayden McCloskey, as well as Haydin McLaughlin and a number of starters up front. Mutli-year starter Kolton Wilkinson is back to anchor the offensive line, and expect Gabriel Minjarez to step into the running back spot.
Union City was 2-7 a year ago, and returns quarterback Austin Sherwood, as well as backs Owen Kerns and Skyler Olmstead.
Girard at Northwestern
Bill Henwood takes over the reins at Northwestern after serving as an assistant at Sharpsville under Paul Piccirilli. The Wildcats lost to Seneca in the 2A quarterfinals last season. The Wildcats return Lloyd Fountain at quarterback, who threw for over 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. Kolten Sutter also returns at wide receiver/defensive back for Northwestern after picking off seven passes a year ago.
Girard, meanwhile, is coming off a 2-7 season and must replace quarterback Gabe Messmer and leading rusher Zach Lowe.
Farrell at North East
The Steelers are loaded and once again poised for a potentially deep playoff run. Kabron Smith returns at quarterback after throwing for just shy of 2,000 yards as a junior. Brandon Chambers moves over from running back to receiver, while Juelz Johnson takes over in the backfield. Danny Odem, Julius Phillips and Simeir Wade, along with Chambers, give the Steelers a plethora of talented targets.
Jovon Johnson enters his second season at the helm at North East and returns a ton of talent from a team that was much better than its 2-8 record would indicate. The ‘Pickers return four starters along the offensive line, as well as quarterback Jackson Humes, along with Jamri Curlett on the outside.
Greenville at Hubbard (Ohio)
First-year coach Mike Menhold takes over a Greenville team that went 2-8, but that record is deceiving, as the Trojans lost four games by one possession. Jack Strausser returns at tight end, as does Logan Leskovac, Tucker Musser, Joey Peterson and Bennett Hayne return along the line, as does Nick Solderich at quarterback, as well as Noah Philson and Malachi Hyde at the skill spots.
Hubbard is coming off a 10-6 season-opening win over East (Youngstown) in a game they won despite gaining less than 100 total yards of offense.
Avonworth at Grove City
Grove City’s quest for a D10 repeat begins against an Avonworth team that beat them 27-7 a year ago and advanced to the WPIAL title game before losing to Belle Vernon. Senior quarterback Hunter Hohman threw for 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. He returns a talented group of receivers, led by Gavin Lutz (797 yards), Nathan Greer (939 yards) and Joey Hathaway.
Harbor Creek at Hickory (Saturday)
Hickory is coming off a 5-6 season, but the Hornets are loaded with returning talent. Zander Telesz got his feet wet at quarterback last season and assumes the full-time role in 2023. He’ll have speedsters to throw to on the outside, including Keenan Scullin (623 yards), Luke Nevil (497 yards) and Will Acrie. Sean Kennedy returns in the backfield and is also a defensive stalwart for the Hornets at linebacker.
Heath Betza returns at quarterback for Harbor Creek, which returns plenty of experience, but must replace Nick Krahe (now at West Virginia) on the offensive line. CJ Pius will be among his top targets.
Neshannock at Sharon (Saturday)
The Tigers must replace some key weapons in quarterback Mikey Rodriquez and running back Jayveerh White, among other. The Tigers have plenty of options, however, including Ethan Engelmore, Cortez Nixon and Ike Friday. Also look for Lamont Austin, Bishop Root and Mister Ham to have a big impact.
Neshannock won this matchup a year ago, 45-28 and advanced to the WPIAL semifinals before falling to Steel Valley in the WPIAL semifinals.
General McLane at Slippery Rock
A pair of playoff teams a year ago, both must replace a lot. Magnus Lloyd returns at running back, but the Lancers must replace their entire starting offensive line and quarterback. Look for Ian Salisbury and Jacob Zeitz to have a big impact.
Sam Schwartz returns at receiver/defensive back for a young Slippery Rock team that lost to Grove City in the D10 title game a year ago. Look for Eli Anderson to step in at quarterback.
Fort LeBoeuf at Conneaut
Justin Blose’s Fort LeBoeuf squad brings back nearly its entire offensive line from a team that won seven games, but must replace leading rusher Justin Leuschen, as well as quarterback Isaac McGuire. Look for Conner McChesney to take over at quarterback, while Ryan Welka and Aiden Lesik are the top returning rushers.
Conneaut broke a lengthy losing streak with a win over Franklin in their season finale a year ago, and is poised for a jump in 2023. Josh Blood’s team returns a number of key pieces, including running back Logan Groover, quarterback Ben Easler and nearly its entire offensive and defensive lines.
Corry at Meadville
The only two 4A teams in District 10, Meadville has made a habit out of playing deep into the postseason. The Bulldogs are always able to run the ball, and expect Brighton Anderson, Ryan Reichel and Nic Williams to touch the ball a lot. Justice Esser returns to anchor an offensive line that will have a different look to it this season.
Corry went 4-7 a year ago and showed steady improvement. Quarterback Nolan Carey returns, while Nick Lesher and Mason Savitz will tote the rock. Rylan Smith and Gabe Scouten will help anchor the receiving core.
Archbishop Hoban (Ohio) at Cathedral Prep
Prep lost a lot of talent but also has a lot coming back. Pitt recruit Jivani Cooley returns to anchor the offensive line, while quarterback Luke Costello and running backs Suhtaun Lewis and Dajoure Hollingsworth also return. Costello threw for 1,261 yards and 15 touchdowns a year ago, while Lewis and Hollingsworth were both over 700 yards on the ground.
Archbishop Hoban, which won this game over the Ramblers a year ago, is coming off a season-opening 45-6 win over Frederick Douglass (Kentucky).
Erie at Euclid (Ohio)
The Royals are looking to bounce back from a 1-9 season in 2022. Adrien Tate returns as a jack-of-all trades for the Royals and will likely line up at quarterback. The Royals also return an experienced offensive line.
Euclid, which beat Erie for its only win a year ago, lost its season-opener last week to Austintown-Fitch, 40-6.
McDowell at Walsh Jesuit (Ohio)
The Trojans graduated 13 players who are in the college ranks, but nevertheless have a lot of talent coming back. McDowell won the 6A title last year and dropped a 57-50, triple-overtime heartbreaker to State College in the PIAA playoffs a year ago. The Trojans feature an imposing offensive line, led by Penn State recruit Cooper Cousins, as well as Aidan Probst. Bobby Blue looks to take over as the primary running back, while Blayze Myers takes over at quarterback.
Walsh Jesuit is coming off a season-opening 49-26 win over Benedictine. McDowell won this game a year ago, 56-37.
REGION 1
Kennedy Catholic at Cambridge Springs (Saturday)
Expectations are high at Cambridge Springs after going 8-4 a year ago and nearly knocking off Eisenhower in the D10 semis a year ago. Mason Applebee returns at quarterback after throwing for more than 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns a year ago. Brett Kania (730 yards rushing) and Josh Gorton anchor the rushing attack behind an experienced offensive line. Preston and Josh Gorton look to anchor the defense.
John Cox takes over at Kennedy Catholic and takes over a team that was 2-7 a year ago. Rayvion Wilbon-Venable and Damian Harrison return and both will touch the ball a lot for the Golden Eagles.
Saegertown at Maplewood
Ben Gilberto graduated after a 2,000-yard rushing season, but Maplewood feels like they will have more players capable of carrying the load in 2023, led by Elliott Beuchat. The Tigers knocked off Lakeview in the D10 quarterfinals a year ago before falling to Reynolds. AJ Proper returns at quarterback, as well as Dominick Kinney and Dorian Doubet at receiver.
Wyatt Burchill, Aaron Shartle and Reese Wilkinson will carry the load for a Saegertown team that is looking to improve off of a 2-8 season.
REGION 3
Sharpsville at Wilmington
Sharpsville’s Caullin Summers is one of District 10’s top returning quarterbacks. Summers did it all last season, throwing for 2,172 yards and 21 touchdowns and also rushing for 836 yards and 13 touchdowns. The Blue Devils hung with Farrell until the late stages of the D10 title game a year ago. Summers will work behind an offensive line that returns all but one starter.
Wilmington, meanwhile, is looking to bounce back from a 3-7 season. Ben Miller (605 yards rushing), Tyler Mikulin and Buddah Book all return in the backfield for the Greyhounds. Book was also Wilmington’s leading receiver a year ago. Both sides of the line are experienced, with Rocky Serafino helping to lead the way.
REGION 4
Titusville at Franklin
The Rockets have plenty of firepower returning, led by Ian McDonald, who took over in the middle of the season at quarterback and threw for just under 700 yards and eight touchdowns in 2022. Jaxon Covell had 489 yards rushing and six touchdowns last season, while KameronMong had 400 yards receiving for a team that finished 3-7.
Franklin, meanwhile, is looking to bounce back from an 0-10 season. The Knights have been young, but have gained valuable experience, led by Cole Buckley, one of District 10’s most explosive receivers, as well as tight end/defensive end Alex Wible.
Warren at Oil City
What will Ethen Knox do for an encore? He was among the leading rushers in the nation last season, rushing for 3,705 yards and 41 touchdowns. The Oilers went 7-3 a year ago and fell to Slippery Rock in the D10 quarterfinals. Henry Milford returns to anchor both sides of the line, while Kevin Pearsall returns at linebacker after amassing over 100 tackles last season.
The Dragons are young and must replace a number of starters along the line under the direction of first year coach Cody Bupp. The Dragons do have some talented players returning, led by running back/defensive back Tommy Nyquist (1,028 rushing yards, 528 receiving yards in 2022), as well as quarterback Eric Dippold (1,403 yards, 14 touchdowns).
