VALLEY CHRISTIAN EAGLES

August 23, 2015 at 12:00a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

After winning 19 of 24 games from 2011-12 and posting back-to-back play-off appearances, the Valley Christian Eagles have managed just three wins over the past two seasons while looking to improve upon their 1-9 mark of a season ago.

The former Youngstown Christian High School will enter the season with a new name and color scheme as it looks to return to those glory years under veteran head coach Brian Marrow.

“We’re looking to get back to where we were,” Marrow said. “We want to continue to play hard and represent Christ, but injuries and family deaths last season just took a toll on everyone. Everything snowballed and it was really tough to handle. It was a tough year all-around but the upside of it all was that quite as few players saw valuable playing time, and they’re all returning this season.”

The Eagles were outscored 394-81 last season, suffered four shutouts and scored seven or fewer points in eight of 10 contests.

While the quarterback battle could come down to either a sophomore or freshman under center, experience at running back and line play on both sides of the ball might be the determining factor in their turnaround.

OFFENSE

The Eagles will run a multiple set offense with sophomore Marcus Roman and freshman Milan Square vying for the starting QB job.

They have depth at running back with Berchindle Foster, Alex Gomez, Tre’Von Clay and Kenneth Donaldson all seeking playing time.

A talented receiving corps includes Jamynk Jackson (he missed last season due to injury), Kimonie Bryant and Hector Colon at wide receiver, and JaQuan Green, Kylin Hart and Isaac Woodward the tight end candidates.

Fred Hicks is the anchor of the line at center with Nick Cornell and Zack Cook the guards. Christian Carson holds down on of the tackle slots while Tavares Hodge and Darrick Alvarez are battling it out for the other tackle position.

DEFENSE

Green is an all-state candidate at end and serves as the anchor of the Eagles’ 4-3 defense. Corey North complements Green at end. Hicks and Hart are the two tackles expected to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Cook, Cornell, Colon, Jacob Roman and freshman Altwjuan Beck-Lindsey comprise the linebacking unit while the defensive secondary includes Bryant and Dezmond Tate at safety, Gomez and Brandon King at the corners, with Jordan Trowers and Jackson also pushing for playing time.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Colon is expected to handle the punting duties while Logan Schnabl is the placekicker and Cornell both the short and long snapper.

Jackson and Trowers will return punts with Bryant and Foster penciled in to return kicks.

OUTLOOK

Teams scored early and often last year against the Eagles, who hope to return the favor in 2015.

“Collectively, we just need to come out and play together as a unit,” Marrow said. “We need to play tough and show tenacity with mental toughness, something that we lacked last year,.

“It sounds cliche, but we must take care of the football as well, eliminate opponents’ big plays and score when we get into the red zone. It’s all about controlling the ball, moving the chains and then taking advantage of our scoring opportunities. A new identity with a touch of color has everyone positive and excited about the upcoming season.”