By Greg Gulas

sports@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

Since making back-to-back play-off appearances in 2011-12 when they posted an impressive 19-5 overall mark, the Eagles have found it tough to put any notches on the left side of their record.

They’ve also found it equally as tough to penetrate an opponents’ end zone, having been outscored 393-79 during a 1-9 campaign a season ago.

Going 3-23 over the past three seasons, however, hasn’t dampened the spirits of new head coach Albert “Butch” Jennings.

He takes over the helm from Brian Marrow, looking to bring with him magic that he worked at his two previous stops which resulted in seven combined Virginia state football championships.

“The biggest challenge has been learning each other and building relationships along the way,” Jennings said. “I came here back in March, substituted at the school and have gotten to the players, which has been very beneficial for everyone.”

In addition to learning a new system, which Jennings says the players have responded to and picked up on, the team is also using the former South High School football field as its practice facility for its weekly drills.

“This is a very exciting time for not only me, but the entire program. We’re young and talented and that excites me because of what I see in front of me,” he added.

OFFENSE

The Eagles will run a multiple offense, but Jennings cautions that his team will have to play within their own system.

“We will run a multiple system with a variety of fronts, running multiple plays out of our formations,” he noted. “Adjusting within our own schemes will be the key.”

Domonhic Jennings is the quarterback candidate with Milan Square, who has been used at wide receiver in the pre-season, also in the mix as a signal-caller.

Trevon Clay and Altwjuan Bech-Lindsey are the running backs with protection and open passageways provided on the line by Isaac Woodward, Fred Hicks, Zack Cook, Demar Brown, Willie Harris, Tylen Chatman and Tavares Hodge.

Jamynk Jackson and Ja’qwuon Dow are the slotbacks while Dawan Martin expected to handle tight end duties.

DEFENSE

Defensively, a 3-5-3 configuration will be used as the Eagles look to be as stingy as possible to opponents who expect an uncontested road into the end zone.

Last year, the offense scored just seven points four times and were shut out twice, resulting in extended time on the field by its defense.

That was reflected in opponents scoring 40 points or more eight times last year, the least a 36 point effort by St. John Central at the midpoint of their schedule.

Terrell Walker, Hodge, Chatman and Dow form the wall up front, Joshua Suszczynski, Marquis Prieto, Jamar Nuby, Hicks and Cook are one set of linebackers with the outside linebacking corps comprised of Bech-Lindsey, Marcus Roman, Harris and Derek Sharpe.

The secondary is expected to include Jordan Trowers and Damon Christian at safety with Jackson, Dow and freshman Saun Peterson at the corners.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Jackson, Dow, Christian and Prieto will handle the punt and kick-return duties, Roman is expected to be the punter, and Hicks will take care of the placekicking chores.

Lynn Schnabl is slated for extra point duty.

OUTLOOK

Taking baby steps in order to grow as a team will be the key in Jennings’ first season at the helm.

He has instilled a 14 member leadership team, which includes three freshmen as they help lead the team over the course of the season.

“We do a lot of assessments. And while we don’t have a captain system, in order to be a game-day captain, you have to be a member of our leadership team,” he added.

Improving each and every week while limiting costly mistakes should keep Jennings’ first Eagles team on a path of continued improvement.