WESTERN RESERVE BLUE DEVILS

BERLIN CENTER — Prior to Andy Hake’s arrival at Western Reserve in 2009, the Blue Devils had made just two playoff appearances.

Today, the Blue Devils are as much a part of November as turkey and pumpkin pie.

Western Reserve has made eight consecutive postseason appearances, including seven under Hake, who owns a 72-14 record.

There are mixed reviews as to whether or not the Blue Devils can extend their streak. They do return 20 lettermen, but have just five seniors and possess a youthful defense.

“We have our work cut out for us, but we also have a tradition and a mindset that demands the belief that with hard work and dedication we can compete for league titles and regional championships,” Hake said. “These guys, they have grown up in a culture where excellence is expected. And you achieve that excellence with grit and hard work.”

OFFENSE

Senior quarterback Wyatt Larimer is the most lethal weapon among the seven starters which return on offense. Larimer threw for 1,241 yards and 12 touchdowns while also leading the Devils in rushing with 663 yards and nine TDs.

The tandem of Jack Cappabianca (450 yards, seven TDs) and Austin Seifert will lead the Western Reserve running attack.

“Our backs are big and strong, and they can run,” Hake said. “We like where we’re at in the skilled positions.”

Senior Cody Hilles (6-foot-4, 250 pounds), who is being recruited by a handful of colleges, will anchor an experienced offensive line.

“As much as our skilled guys get the notoriety and rightfully so, our strength on offense is our line,” Hake said. “We play very spirited football up front.”

DEFENSE

With just four returning starters, Hake says the defense will be a work in progress during the early stages of the season.

“Our defense is young, fast, inexperienced and loyal,” Hake said. “We will develop as the year goes and become a unit that is a credit to our tradition. We will need a little time to grow, mature, and develop but with our schedule time is something we don’t have.”

Cappabianca and Seifert return to anchor the linebacker position. Hilles will also provide some much-needed experience on the line while Karl Klockenga is described by Hake as “a leader and a great corner.”

“We’re young, even with the guys we have coming back, so we’re going to have to mature quickly,” Hake said.

SPECIAL TEAMS

“We’re small school football, so we are always looking to solve the puzzle on our special teams unit,” Hake said. “This year is no different.”

The Blue Devils do have an experienced punter in Cappabianca, who averaged 33 yards per punt last year. Joey Clegg is expected to handle the kicking duties.

“Special teams is such an important part of the game, so it is very important that we find the right guys to plug in at the right spots,” Hake said.

OUTLOOK

The Blue Devils scored 34 or more points seven times in 2015, and with experience both on the line and in the skilled positions, there should be little problem putting points on the board this fall.

Defensively, the Devils must gel quickly, and that will be no small task considering the early season schedule includes Columbiana, South Range and Steubenville Catholic Central.

Last year, Western Reserve advanced to the playoffs, only to lose in the first round to eventual state champion Kirtland.

“We set lofty goals, we want to play for regional titles and we want to play with the Kirtlands and the Marion Locals of the football world,” Hake said.