TRUMBULL ATHLETIC AT A GLANCE

BROOKFIELD
Head coach: Toby Gibson, 1st year.
2000 record: 1-9, 0-7 TAC.
Key losses: B.J. Arnold (C), David Eliser (TE/LB) and Kris Koerner (LB) graduated. Colin and Kyle Brubaker transferred to Ursuline. Gary Maligeri transferred to Sharon.
Returning lettermen (13): Neil Snyder (6-0, 195, Sr., OG/DG); Scott Stofan (6-0, 215, Sr., TE/LB); Ryan Brant (6-2, 220, Sr., TE/OB); Venti Cozart (6-0, 175, Sr., WR/S); Drew Fisher (5-9, 175, Sr., FB/OB); Dave Guerino (6-0, 245, Sr., OG/DT); Jordy Harris (5-10, 250, Sr., OT/DT); Charley King (5-11, 180, Sr., WR/S); Jeremy Matthews (6-2, 215, Sr., FB/LB); Jake Mortimer (5-10, 175, Sr., WR/CB); Joe Nagy (5-10, 260, Sr., FB/OB); Jeff Nasci (5-8, 145, Sr., QB/CB); Craig Saloom (5-9, 165, Sr., WR/CB).
Promising newcomers: Julian Hayes (5-11, 180, Jr., TB/S); Lou Scudere (5-10, 175, Jr., TB/CB); Dale Johnson (6-4, 310, Jr., OT/DT); Mike Heasley (6-1, 240, Soph., OT/DT); Lyle Hayes (6-0, 225, Soph., OG/DG).
Outlook: The Warriors will benefit from a number of returning players with game experience and a new staff eager to make an early statement.
Schedule:
Aug. 24 -- at Conneaut7:30
Aug. 31 -- Hickory7:30
Sept. 8 -- at Sharpsville7:30
Sept. 14 -- LaBrae7:30
Sept. 21 -- at Girard7:30
Sept. 28 -- Champion7:30
Oct. 5 -- Newton Falls7:30
Oct. 12 -- at Lakeview7:30
Oct. 19 -- Liberty7:30
Oct. 26 -- at Hubbard7:30
CHAMPION
Head coach: Greg Lazzari, 2nd year.
2000 record: 3-5, 2-2 TAC.
Key losses: Last year's offensive line.
Returning lettermen (12): Max King (6-3, 210, Sr., TE/OLB); Adam Wargo (5-9, 190, Sr., HB); Craig Allen (6-3, 190, Sr., WR/DB); Seth Terlecky (6-4, 200, Sr., WR/OLB); Brian Smith (6-0, 190, Jr., QB/DB); Kiff Kinkaed (6-4, 290, Jr., OL/DL); Gabe Gouvas (5-8, 185, Sr., OL/DL); Bryant Wilson (6-0, 240, Jr., OL/LB); Brandon Bernhard (6-0, 170, Jr., WR/LB); Joe Hess (5-10, 160, Jr., WR/DB); Mike Fox (5-10, 145, Jr., RB/DB); Mike Wortman (5-9, 165, Jr., RB/LB).
Promising newcomers: Geo Pagano (5-9, 195, Sr., C/DL); Brandon Blosser (5-11, 170, So., RB/DB); Steve Burkholder (5-10, 225, So., OL/DL); Jim Huff (6-1, 220, So., OL/DL).
Outlook: Lazzari expects the Golden Flashes "to be very competitive" because of outstanding skill strength. Lack of depth on the offensive line could be a problem. Lazzari says Hubbard and Newton Falls are his picks to win the league crown.
Schedule:
Aug. 24 -- at Jackson-Milton7:30
Aug. 31 -- Warren JFK7:30
Sept. 7 -- Berkshire7:30
Sept. 14 -- Liberty7:30
Sept. 21 -- Newton Falls7:30
Sept. 28 -- at Brookfield7:30
Oct. 5 -- Girard7:30
Oct. 12 -- at Hubbard7:30
Oct. 19 -- LaBrae7:30
Oct. 26 -- Lakeview7:30
GIRARD
Head coach: Bud McSuley, 5th year (20-22).
2000 record: 5-5.
Key losses: QB/DB Jason Collins (2,210 yards passing, 19 TDs); TB/DE Chris Simmons (500 yards rushing); TE/LB Mike Pearson (47 tackles); WR/DB Frank Caputo (48 receptions, 853 yards); Mo Jiles (junior, transferred to Ursuline).
Returning lettermen (20): Nick Blount (5-10, 202, Sr., G/LB); Henry Haines (5-11, 168, Sr., RB/LB); Jon Hepfner (5-7, 158, Sr., RB/DT); Anthony Jackson (6-1, 186, Sr., WR/DB); Randy Mason (6-2, 175, Sr., QB/DB); Tom McDonnell (5-11, 238, Sr., G/DT); Mike Mills (6-5, 274, Sr., T/DT); Paul Cole (6-3, 272, Jr., T/DT); Dustin Helle (5-8, 149, Jr., WR/DB); Todd Prodnick (6-1, 191, Jr., C/DE); Dave Shelley (6-0, 2-5, Sr., T/LB); Brian Brewer (5-11, 162, Jr., TE/LB); Adam Grdinich (5-7, 178, Jr., G/LB); Mark Grdinich (5-7, 160, Jr., RB/LB); Jake Racick (5-11, 190, Jr., G/DT); Nick Shirey (6-1, 190, Jr., WR/LB); Andrew Stevens (6-1, 196, Jr., T/DE); Greg Doran (6-0, 215, Jr., G/DT); Adam Fill (5-9, 151, Sr., RB/DB); Brian Charles (6-1, 158, Jr., WR/DB).
Promising newcomers: Allen Gordon (6-2, 248, Jr., C/DT); Walter Jones (6-1, 189, Sr., RB/DE); Matt Watts (5-10, 183, Jr., G/DE); Scott Maderitz (6-0, 171, Sr., WR/LB); Joe Markle (5-11, 146, Jr., WR/DB); Victor Mills (6-1, 170, Jr., WR/LB).
Outlook: After playing without a conference in 2000, the former Metro Athletic Conference team is more than ready for league play. McSuley feels his team's experience is one of its strengths. "Lack of depth at the skill positions," he says, will hurt.
Schedule:
Aug. 24 -- at Niles7:30
Aug. 31 -- Conneaut7:30
Sept. 7 -- Warren JFK7:30
Sept. 14 -- at Lakeview7:30
Sept. 21 -- Brookfield7:30
Sept. 28 -- at Newton Falls7:30
Oct. 5 -- at Champion7:30
Oct. 12 -- LaBrae7:30
Oct. 19 -- Hubbard7:30
Oct. 26 -- at Liberty7:30
HUBBARD
Head coach: Jeff Bayuk, 11th season (67-36 at Hubbard; 91-62 in 16-year career).
2000 record: 9-3, 4-1 TAC.
Key losses: Steve Pempili, two-time all-state G; Ron DeJulio, all-state LB; Ryan Meyer, OT (Miami of Ohio).
Returning lettermen (14): David Phillips (6-2, 185, Jr., WR/DB); Matt Smith (6-1, 195, Sr., QB/DB); Donnie Smith (6-0, 220, Sr., OL/DL); Anthony Smith (6-2, 175, Sr., RB/DB); Antonio Owens (5-10, 190, Sr., RB/LB); Gabe McKee (5-10, 170, Jr., QB/DB); David DeSantis (5-11, 175, Sr., WR/LB); Jerad Jordan (5-11, 185, Sr., RB/LB); John Dominic (6-2, 205, Jr., TE/LB); Matt Clark (5-9, 195, Sr., RB/LB); Mike Flaugher (6-1, 210, Sr., OL/DL); Mike Smida (5-11, 230, Sr., OL/DL); Lidel Hilson (6-2, 210, Sr., OL/DL); Dean Marshall (5-9, 175, Sr., TE/LB).
Outlook: The Eagles, who advanced to the regional final in the playoffs, lost last year's offensive line to graduation, but return seven starters on defense. Hubbard's top player is tailback Anthony Smith, who gained more than 1,500 yards last year. Bayuk sees Lakeview and Girard as being the teams to beat for the crown. "I wouldn't be surprised to see Girard come into the league and in their first year win it. They are very talented and they've been playing in the Metro [Athletic Conference] for years. They have a quality program and are a great addition to our league. We've had parity, but I think you'll see even more parity."
Schedule:
Aug. 24 -- Cleveland John Hay7:30
Aug. 31 -- Cleveland East7:30
Sept. 7 -- Struthers7:30
Sept. 14 -- at Newton Falls7:30
Sept. 21 -- Liberty7:30
Sept. 28 -- at Lakeview7:30
Oct. 5 -- LaBrae7:30
Oct. 12 -- Champion7:30
Oct. 19 -- at Girard7:30
Oct. 26 -- Brookfield7:30
LABRAE
Head coach: Dave Zelenak, 11th year (41-51).
2000 record: 6-4, 3-3 TAC.
Key losses: Chris Whitmore, Antwon Williams, Anthony Worthy, Pete Aston, Steve Szorody.
Returning lettermen (5): Richard Giles (5-11, 150, Sr., QB/DB); Shane Holmes (6-0, 225, Sr., T/DL); Andrew Scott (6-4, 220, Sr., T/DL); Brett Briscoe (6-1, 175, Jr., RB/OLB); Jon Wood (6-1, 225, Jr., G/DL).
Outlook: Zelenak says his young squad has a positive attitude despite having little experience and depth. As for the race, Zelenak says it's up for grabs because "every team in the TAC last year lost great players from last season."
Schedule:
Aug. 24 -- Ashtabula Lakeside7:30
Aug. 31 -- at Lisbon7:30
Sept. 7 -- Jefferson7:30
Sept. 14 -- at Brookfield7:30
Sept. 21 -- Lakeview7:30
Sept. 28 -- at Liberty7:30
Oct. 5 -- Hubbard7:30
Oct. 12 -- at Girard7:30
Oct. 19 -- at Champion7:30
Oct. 26 -- Newton Falls7:30
LAKEVIEW
Head coach: Tom Pavlansky, 3rd year (11-10).
2000 record: 6-5, 4-2 TAC.
Key losses: T/DE Ray Fitzpatrick, G/LB Donny Waldron, T/DT Ben Wittenauer, T Ryan Murphy, QB Jim Antil.
Returning lettermen (18): Kevin Rigby (6-1, 185, Jr., QB/DB); Andrew Mascioli (5-9, 155, Sr., WR/DB); Asher Falatic (6-1, 190, Sr., WR/DB); Neil Fiest (5-6, 160, Sr., RB/OLB); Kyle Irish (6-1, 187, Jr., RB/LB); Pete Brister (5-9, 185, Sr., RB/LB); David Costas (5-10, 170, Jr., RB/LB); Mike Megyesi (6-0, 170, Sr., WR/OLB); Dan Sprockett (6-0, 195, Sr., T/LB); Garrett Burke (5-9, 241, Sr., C/DT); Brad Mitchner (5-10, 205, Jr., G/DT); George Washko (6-1, 213, Jr., G/DT); Torrie Frangiamore (6-0, 197, Sr.,/DE); Joe Vescera (5-8, 215, Sr., G/DT); Brendan Mathews (6-0, 210, Sr., G/DT); Jason Kuppler (6-1, 228, Sr., T/DE); Jim Clay (5-11, 170, Jr., TE/OLB); Jeremiah Biehl (6-0, 165, Jr., WR/DB).
Promising newcomers: Jim McHale (6-1, 180, So., WR/DB); Matt Nero (5-9, 180, So., QB/LB); Sam Malmisur (5-11, 175, Jr., RB/DB); Jay Capan (5-10, 210, So., G/DT); Michael Monfredi (6-1, 212, So., TE/DE).
Outlook: The Bulldogs have seven defensive and five offensive starters returning. Pavlansky said his team "must stay healthy to compete because of a lack of depth." Lakeview is inexperienced in the offensive line but should have a strong kicking game. Pavlansky says, "Hubbard and Liberty have excellent skill players returning" and expects a competive league now that Girard has joined.
Schedule:
Aug. 24 -- at Canal Fulton Northwest7:30
Aug. 31 -- Niles7:30
Sept. 7 -- at Howland7:30
Sept. 14 -- Girard7:30
Sept. 21 -- at LaBrae7:30
Sept. 28 -- Hubbard7:30
Oct. 5 -- at Liberty7:30
Oct. 12 -- Brookfield7:30
Oct. 19 -- at Newton Falls7:30
Oct. 26 -- at Champion7:30
LIBERTY
Head coach: Jeff Whittaker, 7th year.
2000 record: 6-5, 5-1 TAC.
Key losses: QB Justin Smolkovich, G Chris Sarich, T Lamar Christian, LB Ben Massaro, FB John Staples, TE Greg Weimer.
Returning lettermen (13): Jaris Williams (6-1, 185, Sr., E/OLB); Scott Shimko (5-10, 195, Sr., TE/LB); Lawrence Clinkscale (5-9, 160, Sr., WB/DB); Joey Banner (6-0, 175, Sr., WR/DB); Ed Hunter (5-8, 190, Sr., HB/DB); Nate Williams (6-1, 160, Sr., SE/DB); Tairan Davis (5-7, 235, Sr., FB/DT); Ryan Beil (6-1, 190, Sr., QB/DE); Mike Marvin (5-10, 180, So., FB/LB); Manny Rivera (5-10, 180, Sr., G/LB); Jack Croyle (5-8, 180, Sr., G/DE); Ben Solomon (5-11, 265, Sr., T/DT); Chris Overton (6-2, 300, Sr., T/DT).
Promising newcomers: Brandon Winner (6-0, 210, Sr., G/DE), Mike Ochs (5-10, 240, Sr., C/DT), Brian Clinkscale (6-1, 195, Jr., TE/DE), Sean Lipkin (6-1, 225, Jr., TE-G/DE); Mcclon Lynch (5-9, 220, Jr., G/DE), Paul Martin (5-9. 165, So., QB/CB); James Lynch (6-2, 190, So., TE/LB); Jeff Weimer (6-3, 230, So. (T/DT).
Outlook: Whittaker says the Leopards' strength "is a good mix of size and speed." Weaknesses are depth and inexperience at key positions. "We want to defend our title, but it's a tough league, especially with the addition of Girard and all of Hubbard's returning skill."
Schedule:
Aug. 24 -- Struthers7:30
Aug. 31 -- at Garrettsville7:30
Sept. 7 -- McDonald7:30
Sept. 14 -- at Champion7:30
Sept. 21 -- at Hubbard7:30
Sept. 28 -- LaBrae7:30
Oct. 5 -- Lakeview7:30
Oct. 12 -- at Newton Falls7:30
Oct. 19 -- at Brookfield7:30
Oct. 26 -- Girard7:30
NEWTON FALLS
Head coach: Marc Bjelac, 10th year.
2000 record: 2-8, 1-5 TAC.
Key losses: Dan Langham (C/OLB), Ryan Gillespie (WR/DB), Josh Langley (QB), Greg Gacura (OT/DT).
Returning lettermen (12): Tim Beckner (6-3, 282, Sr., OG/DE); Marty Hutchinson (6-5, 192, Sr., TB/DB); Eric Lance (6-3, 180, Sr., WR/OLB); Jay Spahlinger (5-9, 171, Sr., FB/DB); Scott Wilson (5-11, 225, Sr., FB/MLB); Brandon DeSalvo (5-11, 192, Sr., TE/OLB); Justin Young (6-1, 205, Sr., TE/OLB); Jarod Loar (5-10, 235, Sr., OT/DT); Chris Church (6-0, 205, Sr., OG/DT); Ryan Clonch (6-1, 205, Sr., C/DE); Tim Frey (6-3, 295, Jr., OT/DT); Tom Nemet (6-0, 164, Jr., QB/DB).
Promising newcomers: John Massett (6-2, 220, Sr., C/DE); Mike Sole (6-2, 245, Jr., OG/DT); Frank McWhirter (6-0, 212, Jr., OG/MLB); Darren Brounce (5-9, 148, Sr., WR/DB); Matt Kufeldt (5-11, 168, Sr., WR/DB).
Outlook: Almost certain to improve after last year's dismal 2-8 season. Earned the school's first-ever playoff berth in 1999. Running back Marty Hutchinson, who rushed for 1,151 yards last season, anchors the offense, which returns four starters. Jay Spahlinger leads a defense that returns all but one starter.
Schedule:
Aug. 24 -- Warren JFK7:30
Aug. 31 -- at Jackson-Milton7:30
Sept. 7 -- at Grand Valley7:30
Sept. 14 -- Hubbard7:30
Sept. 21 -- at Champion7:30
Sept. 28 -- Girard7:30
Oct. 5 -- at Brookfield7:30
Oct. 12 -- Liberty7:30
Oct. 19 -- Lakeview7:30
Oct. 26 -- at LaBrae7:30