Leetonia has two early tests

LEETONIA

It’s been five years since Leetonia has made the playoffs but the Bears seemed to be on their way last year with a 3-1 start. A 2-4 finish wiped out those hopes but expectations are high again in the Inter Tri-County League’s Tier Two.

“We’ve had a real good camp and two-a-days,” Leetonia coach Matt Altomare said. “The morale is real high. Our goals haven’t changed. We want to make playoffs this year. We want to win the league.”

The Bears will learn early how they match up with games against rivals Lisbon and Columbiana.

“We got a lot of work to do,” Altomare said. “Lisbon is going to be much better. There is no doubt about that. That is a real big important game.”

OFFENSE

The Bears return their entire backfield from with junior quarterback Trent Ferry and leading rusher Zack Van Giesen.

“Zack is a tough kid,” Altomare said. “He’s gritty, tough. He’s going to get you yards. He had 900 yards as a junior and almost 600 yards as a sophomore. We’re trying to get that progression. We’re expecting a lot of yards.”

Leetonia averaged 21.6 points last season. Altomare expects a balanced attack and multiple weapons to help.

“I think we’ll be balanced and in a sense it is because of a problem we have,” Altomare said. “I think it’s a good problem. I don’t think we’re going to have enough footballs for the ballcarriers we have. In addition to Zack, I’m expecting big things out of Trent passing and running the ball this year.

“We have Colten Gudet who is going to be our tailback. Bryce Turney is going to be our wingback. We’re expecting big things and it’s a good problem to have.”

DEFENSE

The defense allowed just 18.8 points per game last season and forced 21 turnovers but the Bears must replace four key starters.

“That’s always the goal, to have kids without much experience to step in and play hard,” Altomare said. “We’re fortunate that on one side of the ball we have six starters and then seven on the other side.”

SPECIAL TEAMS

“We’re still looking for a kicker,” Altomare said. “Zack Van Giesen will be our punter. We try to hang our hat on special teams and have a good unit. It’s still a work in progress, but we’ll find out hopefully by Week 1.”

OUTLOOK

Altomare thinks his team will be in the mix for a league crown.

“I think we can put our 11 against anyone,” he said. “We just need to stay healthy, not turn the ball over or make bad mistakes.”