Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Struthers had one of their best seasons in school history, finishing the regular season 9-1 and making the playoffs. With that kind of success it should come as no surprise that the Wildcats had three players on the Division IV all state list that was released yesterday. AJ Musolino, a Kent State commit, was most recognized for being the Wildcats quarterback. Most do not realize how exceptional he is on the defensive side of the ball, as he was named to the first team defense. Struthers head coach Curt Kuntz had high praise for Musolino.
“There are twenty two positions on a football team, 24 if you count your kicker and punter. I think A.J. could play about sixteen of those positions.” Kuntz also praised what kind of person Musolino is.
“Most kids nowadays only care about stats and awards. A.J. only cared about winning, stats did not matter.”
Musolino is penciled in to play safety at Kent State, but will be used where ever they need him.
“A.J. is going to play where ever they need him. Whether it’s safety, linebacker, running back, quarterback, he could be great at any of those positions,” Kuntz said.
Offensive lineman AJ Iarussi (first team) and Adam Sedzmak (special mention) helped anchor the Struthers offensive line. Kuntz also spoke highly of both of them.
“Adam never played before last year. He was focusing on other sports,” Kuntz said. “Now, while most kids are getting trophies or ribbons for their accomplishments he’s getting a full ride scholarship to play college football. I’m really proud of the progress he’s made.”
Sedzmak will be playing at Robert Morris University next season.
A.J. Iarussi, who joined Musolino on the first team is only a junior. Kuntz desribed him as a game changer, and someone who is completely different on and off the field.
“He’s a super smart kid. He’s gonna be a valedictorian next year, he got a 26 on the ACT his sophomore year, he’s just a really smart kid,” Kuntz said. As far as on the field, the physicality of Iarussi changes the game.
“He changes defenses with his physicality. He gets movement on every single play. Not once every few plays. Every single play,” Kuntz said.
Joining Musolino and Iarussi on the first team in Division IV was Mooney linebacker Ray Anderson. The Navy commit totaled 136 tackles, with 6 six and a forced fumble, Offensively he ran for 583 yards and four touchdowns.
Three area offensive lineman anchored the offensive line on the Division IV second team including Ursuline standout and Navy commit Jeff Marx, Wesley Best from Hubbard, and Ian Sharp from West Branch. Cardinal Mooney’s Jaylen Hewlett and Hubbard’s David Hernandez joined them on the second team. Hewlett totaled 60 tackles, six sacks, an interception, and a defensive touchdown for the Cardinals. He also gained 836 yards rushing with 10 touchdowns on offense.
On the Third team were three local players. Salem WR Jake Humeniuk, Beaver Local offensive lineman Terry Adkins, and Mooney DB Pat Pelini, who totaled 41 tackles and four interceptions on the season.
In Division III Poland kicker Colt McFadden headlined the first team. McFadden kicked a 55 yard field goal against Youngstown East this season, a Poland school record. A pair of Howland Tigers made the list as well. Linebackers Victor Williams (first team) and Stephen Baugh (third team) were recognized. The pair led Howland to the playoffs for the first time since 2012. Williams is Howland’s all time leader in sacks (51) and tackles (371). Canfield defensive lineman Mason Giordano made the second team. A host of other local players made the special mention list in both Division III and IV.
Staff report