By Greg Gulas

sports@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

The Youngstown Christian Eagles are 19-5 the last past two seasons with back-to-back playoff appearances under head coach Brian Marrow.

The bad news is that 17 players from those combined squads have been lost to graduation.

But 13 lettermen return to a squad that boasts an all-time high 58 players entering its 10th season of existence.

“We move down a division this year, but it will still be a tough task in getting to the playoffs,” Marrow said. “We’re an inexperienced squad with numbers, as we have 12 first-year seniors and 19 first-year players overall.

“Our young kids have to step up and we must jell quickly if we expect to make another run at the post-season.”

The graduation losses include defensive end KaeVon Green, a two-time All-Ohio first-team selection and two-time All-Northeast District Co-Defensive player of the year, and All-Ohio running back Ryan Grier.

While skill positions are once again a team strength, question marks on the offensive line, at quarterback and at linebacker need to be answered prior to the Eagles’ first game at Lowellville on Aug. 30.

OFFENSE

Paris Bennett, who started at safety last year, will start at quarterback for the Eagles and go both ways again.

Pushing Bennett for playing time will be Ryan Houston and Seth Morrow, while no less than 17 candidates are competing for time on the offensive line.

Just two starters return to help Bennett — lineman Josh Abell and wide receiver Darien Townsend.

Robert Thompson and tight end Tymere Dubose are the top receiving targets with Kimone Bryant and Vince Pecchia among seven running back hopefuls.

DEFENSE

Dubose on the line and Townsend, Thompson and Bennett in the secondary are the only returning starters.

Linebackers Lavail LeFlore, Hector Colon, Junior Blair, Zach Cook, Darrick Alvarez and Ken Vogt are inexperienced, but can become a force if they develop some chemistry early.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Vogt will handle the placekicking duties, while other specialists include Andrew Ruby and Sammy DeJesus.

OUTLOOK

Playing together and hoping that the ball bounces their way will be strong indicators as to how Youngstown Christian’s season will unfold.

“We still have a lot of question marks, but hopefully we’ll be able to answer them after our scrimmages,” Marrow said.