By Steve Ruman

sports@vindy.com

MCDONALD

Over the years, the McDonald High football program has achieved a level of success which has been nearly unmatched locally.

McDonald’s all-time record is 530-239-32. The Blue Devils have logged 13 undefeated seasons, and they have made 13 playoff appearances. Since 1979, the program has experienced just one losing season.

Perhaps that explains the urgency displayed by the current 40-man roster. Sure, last year resulted in a winning season (6-4), but it also marked the second straight year that the Blue Devils didn’t win a league crown or advance to the playoffs.

“The winning tradition is embedded within the community,” said McDonald coach Dan Williams. “This group grew up watching teams go 10-0. They know what what is expected and they also deeply want to be part of that success.

“You could see a little extra focus all throughout the offseason. There is an extra passion from this group to get back to the top.”

OFFENSE

Junior Zack Conley started the final four games last year at quarterback and in that span the Blue Devils went 4-0. He is expected to handle most of the snaps this year, but Williams also will use sophomore Ben Carkido.

“Zack and Ben are different types of quarterbacks, so mixing things up now and then will keep the defenses off-balance,” Williams said.

In the backfield, Randy Walters and Cameron Ifft are both just juniors, but they each already have two years of varsity experience.

Senior lineman Carson Williams and senior tight end Tom Rebraca have already earned multiple letters. They will anchor an offensive line which returns all starters.

DEFENSE

The bulk of the offensive line also plays defense, so the Blue Devils’ defensive line is experienced. Ifft returns at his middle linebacker position, but he will be surrounded by youth. In the secondary, senior Matt Morrell will serve as the field general, according to Williams.

“Just like on offense, we bring a lot of experience in all parts of our defense, with the exception of linebacker,” Williams said. “Experience is something you can’t teach, so in that regard we feel pretty good.”

OUTLOOK

Don’t let the low number of seniors — eight — on McDonald’s roster fool you. The Blue Devils lost just four players to graduation, and they return 10 starters on offense, and eight on defense.

“Because of injuries and other circumstances, a lot of players on this team got varsity playing time as freshmen,” Williams said. “They went through some ups and downs, but I think they are ready to step up and make their mark.

“There are always very high aspirations in this town. These kids know that, and they want to live up to the expectations.”

McDonald’s out-of-conference schedule is noticeably stronger than in years past. After opening at home against East Palestine, the Blue Devils play back-to-back road games at Streetsboro and Cuyahoga Heights.

“When we made out our schedule a few years ago, we did so with the belief that this group would be up for the challenge,” Williams said.