Head Coach: Andrew Clouse
2018 record and finish: 4-4, lost in the Class C quarterfinals
Number of returning starters: 5 Offense/7 Defense
Key Returnees: Adam Mietz, Aidan Smith, David Kalinowski, Nick Wood, Logan Leeds
Key Losses: Millard Young, Brandon Orr
Akron is looking to take the next step in 2019 after going 4-4 the past two seasons. In order to do that they’ll need to replace the leadership of Brandon Orr and Millard Young. Adam Mietz will take over at quarterback. Meitz was second on the team in rushing and receiving last year. Aidan Smith will start at running back and strong safety. Akron is also looking for big things from OL/LB David Kalinowski and WR/LB Nick Wood. The Tigers could have enough talent to reach the postseason this year.
Head Coach: Glen Graham
2018 record and finish: 10-2, fell in NYSPHSAA Class C semifinals
Number of returning starters: 5 Offense/5 Defense
Key Returnees: Alex Rojek, Chris Diem, Carl Jackson, Thomas Johnson
Key Losses: Aaron Wahler, Javon Thomas, D’Mario Grant
The Eagles are very familiar in playing with a bulls-eye on their backs each season. For years Cleve-Hill has been the team to beat in Class C. Chris Diem is a great two-way player and has made big plays in big games every year he has been on Varsity. He will start the season as the lone tailback. There is a quarterback battle going on at camp right now between Hassan Sanders Jr. and Jayden Wilson. Each QB possesses similar skill sets. The big beneficiary to the new QB will be wide receiver Thomas Johnson, who has blazing speed and good hands. As always Cleve-Hill will depend heavily on the offensive line and senior Alex Rojek is poised to have a very good year.
Head Coach: Jeff Sabatino
2018 record and finish: 2-7, missed playoffs
Number of returning starters: 8 Offense/7 Defense
Key Returnees: Jax Lighten, DaRell Dabney, Santino Aramini, Stuart McLeod, Robert Witnauer
Key Losses: Scott Prell, Zack Manzella
The Bears have the pieces to contend for a playoff spot with most of their starters coming back this season. Dual-threat QB Jax Lighten returns for his senior season after accounting for over 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns. Santino Aramini was the Bears’ second-leading rusher with 430 yards and seven scores. JFK will need to replace two-way lineman Scott Prell. Expect the Bears to take a big step forward this in 2019.
Head Coach: Marcus Wyche
2018 record and finish: 0-8
Number of returning starters: N/A
Key Returnees: Charlie Brigham, Charlie Bruning, Ian Whitford, Walker Samanka
Key Losses: N/A
Head Coach: Sean Helmer
2018 record and finish: 2-6, missed Class C playoffs
Number of returning starters: 7
Key Returnees: Angel Carrabllo, Dom Jamison, Sam Braidich, Chandler Eggleston, Cole Golembieski, Max Caccamese
Key Losses: Luke Szumigala, Mac Gadawoltz
The Black Knights took a step back last season after going 6-3 in 2017. They return seven starters this season including RB/LB Angel Carrabllo and WR/DB Sam Braidich. Chandler Eggleston and Max Caccamese will anchor both lines. Watch out for sophomore LB Hunter Larson to have a big year. Dom Jamison moves to QB.
Head Coach: William Atlas
2018 record and finish: 7-2, fell in Class C sectional semifinals
Number of returning starters: 8 Offense/8 Defense
Key Returnees: Drew Westmorland, Brayden Dunlap, Declan Faery
Key Losses: Steve Frerichs, Marcel Wilson
The Wilson Lakemen’s 2018 campaign ended just like it did in 2017, losing a close game to Southwestern in the Class C semifinals. Wilson returns eight starters on each side of the ball including leading rusher Brayden Dunlap, Drew Westmorland and Declan Faery. However, they lose two very big pieces in QB Steve Frerichs, who’s now playing at SUNY Morrisville, and WR Marcel Wilson. The Lakemens’ success this season will come down to how quickly the youngsters adapt to the Varsity game. That usually isn’t a problem for the Lakemen and they should still be very competitive in Class C.
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