By Steve Ruman

sports@vindy.com

WARREN

The Warren John F. Kennedy Eagles will enter the season with a distinction shared by just six other schools statewide.

Defending state champions!

Kennedy rolled through the 2016 regular season with a 9-1 record, which included five shutout victories. The Eagles then outscored five playoff opponents 174-29 en route to a Division VII state title.

All eyes will now be focused on JFK as it enters the 2017 campaign. And with the spotlight comes the added pressure of living up to high expectations.

Or does it?

“Our expectations are no different than they were a year ago,” fourth-year JFK coach Jeff Bayuk said. “We simply want to get better every time we step on the field. We want to improve from our last performance.”

“Our kids don’t feel any added pressure. They have always felt an obligation to live up to the deep Kennedy tradition. They embrace the opportunity to wear that Kennedy uniform and they welcome the expectations that go with it.”

OFFENSE

With the loss of explosive game-changers such as Evan Boyd and Jacob Coates, it’s safe to say that the Kennedy offense will have to reinvent itself to a degree. However, five returning starters should help with the transition.

Like it was a year ago, JFK’s offense will be triggered by quarterback Greg Valent. As a junior, the Valent threw for 725 yards while completing 60 percent of his passes.

“We’ll look to utilize him a bit more this year, both as a runner and thrower,” Bayuk said. “He has the ability to hurt teams with both his arm and his legs.”

Valent’s favorite target will likely be Hyland Burton, who last year led the team with 21 receptions, six for touchdowns. Seniors Alec Burzynski and Thomas Yanovich, who both played sparingly on offense last year, will have their roles increased. Tailback Dominic Scott and halfback Isaac Hadley will also provide depth and experience.

The line will be anchored by returning center Chris Urchek and left tackle Alex Hernandez.

DEFENSE

With seven starters lost to graduation, there is some concern. However, the Eagles do return some core players such as Burzynski, Urchek, Yanovich and Scott.

“We’re going to be moving some guys around. You might see some familiar players in different positions this year,” Bayuk said. “We have some talent on defense, we have some experience, but there will be a learning curve.

“Our success last year centered around team defense, everyone attacking the ball. We’ll go into this year with the same approach.”

SPECIAL TEAMS

One of Bayuk’s biggest tasks is replacing kicker Justin Bofenkamp. The four-year letterman was a first-team All-Ohio selection last year.

Junior Nunzio Merlo will look to fill the void, and has earned high praise from Bayuk.

“Nunzio lacks varsity experience, but he is very capable and has shown some great potential,” Bayuk said.

Many of the players who will spark the JFK offense will also look to provide big plays on kickoff and punt returns.

OUTLOOK

Even though Kennedy lost a wealth of talent from is state title team, there is no reason to believe the Eagles cannot play deep into November again this year.

With a roster of 43 players — many who earned 15 weeks of playing and practice time a year ago — JFK looks as though it is more poised to reload, rather than rebuild.

“We’re cautiously optimistic, we’re excited to see how this season plays out,” Bayuk said. “We like the core of veterans that are returning, and we’re anxious to see how some of the younger players pan out. There’s potential, but you never really know how a lot of kids are going to respond under the lights.

“And make no mistake about it, we do have some very big shoes to fill.”

Kennedy opens the season with three Trumbull County opponents — Champion, LaBrae and Girard. It then hosts perennial power Crestview before jumping into league play.

“I look at our schedule, and I don’t feel comfortable about any team on there,” Bayuk said. “It’s going to be a grind. And like any Division VII school, depth is a major concern. We have to stay healthy if we’re going to compete for a league title and playoff spot.”