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SALEM QUAKERS
By Greg Gulas
SALEM
The Salem Quakers are coming off back-to-back 3-7 campaigns and with 31 letterwinners returning to the fold, it’s understandable to see why fourth-year head coach Ron Johnson is cautiously optimistic about his team’s chances in 2015.
While a bevy of lettermen return, finding replacements for five key players lost to graduation will be paramount in the preseason if the team expects to have a break-out year.
“This has been four years in the making and as a staff we expect big things this year,” Johnson said. “Players have a lot of snaps under their belts in our system so we’re excited about their conviction and cannot wait for the season to get started.”
The five key losses include leading receiver Blake Hochadel, leading tackler Jake Bezon, three-year starter Jesse Slocum, offensive lineman Logan Joy and nose guard Daemin Robinson.
After winning two of their first three outings last year, the Quakers dropped six of their final seven. That’s a trend they’d like to end in 2015.
OFFENSE
The Quakers will run a multiple spread offense, looking to take what the defense gives them each and every snap.
Three-year starter Matt Weingart returns under center with Mitch Davidson serving as the backup.
“Matt throws the ball really well and has a great feel for the game. He calls the plays and we have a lot of trust in him as a staff,” Johnson added. “We turn the car over to him on Friday night and just tell him to drive us.”
Kade Byland and Cooper Bezeredi will share the slot and back duties with receivers Jake Humeniuk and D.J. Pullie, and tight end Tony Maniscalco expected to be targets for Weingart.
Tackle Keaton Turney and guard Zach Cusick are also in their fourth year with Johnson while guard Josh Campbell enters his third year on the line. Center Willie Wilson and tackle James Monigold round out the offensive front. Nick Blackburn also is expected to see plenty of action.
DEFENSE
Anthony Wynyard and Ethan Bailey are the ends in Salem’s 3-4 defense with Cusick, Turney, Blackburn and Joe Dotson all set at nose guard.
The outside linebackers are Maniscalco and Tyler McCoy, the inside linebackers Campbell and Andrew Irwin while Kobe Leininger is an added luxury as the next player in at all four posts.
Three players, Pullie, Byland and Lex Murray are set at cornerback while four players, Bezeredi, Jerod Carner, Ross Armeni and Humeniuk provide experience and depth at safety.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Weingart and Murray are the punters. Cusick is the long and short snapper. The kickers include Braydon Gibson, who had an excellent freshman campaign a season ago, and strong-legged Max Righetti, two players whom Johnson says complement each other really well.
Bezeredi, Byland and Pullie will handle both punt and kickoff returns.
OUTLOOK
According to Johnson, experience and physical size are two strengths which will allow the Quakers to compete each week.
“When we took this over we had to build and develop so we’re anxious to get the season started,” he said. “This group has persevered, set high goals and if they can stay healthy then expect big things from them this year.”