By Brian Dzenis

bdzenis@vindy.com

URSULINE

Ursuline’s position is rare, but not unprecedented.

Coach Larry Kempe had to look up the last time one his teams didn’t make the playoffs before last year — it was 2011. The Irish followed up on 2015’s state semifinal appearance with a 3-7 mark and now they have to turn things around.

“This 2017 season gives Ursuline a great opportunity to show that the we slipped a year ago. In my first four years, we were in the playoffs. We were in regional finals — we were in a state semifinal — and then we stumbled,” Kempe said. “It happens and it wasn’t for lack of effort and commitment by the team. Some things didn’t go our way and that’s part of the game.

“It’s an opportunity for us to get back into the playoffs and take our shot.”

OFFENSE

Kempe would like more linemen. He has 17 total to split among the offense and defense when he usually has them number into the 20s. Half of them are underclassmen. Seniors David Simon, Nick Petro and juniors Dan Henry and Louis DelColle are the returning offensive lineman with experience.

“With having the younger linemen, you have to learn to depend on the person next to you no matter what,” Simon said.

Kempe considers senior Jared Fabry the best athlete on the team, but not necessarily his starting QB, which is a role he held for the past two seasons. Junior Bobby Cavalier has played under center for a time in 2016 as well and there’s junior Glen Griswold, a Canfield transfer who has to sit for five games.

“I think as young as we were, it came down to a production issue. I’m not blaming either one of the guys returning,” Kempe said. “It’s a fact that we sputtered on offense. The competition is going to be good this year.”

Seniors Joe Floyd and Fusillo return in the backfield and sophomore Daivon Jones could see some carries. At wideout, Fabry will be the first option should he not be the quarterback. Colt Jamieson is another senior who can see time out wide. Some of the underclassmen being considered for those roles include junior Luke Pipala and sophomores Julian Johnson, James Philips and T.J. Hollander.

DEFENSE

The makeup of the defense remains fluid with young players needed to fill in around the five returning starters. Fabry slots in at safety. Fusillo and senior Dan McCarthy will be at linebacker. On the defensive line, Tyree Reeder lines up at defensive end and DelColle returns at defensive tackle.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Fabry will handle the punting duties and senior soccer player Brandon Freer returns as the kicker.

OUTLOOK

Ursuline’s rebound is going to take some heavy lifting, but with experience on both sides of the line and in offensive skill positions, the team can make some noise.

The Irish will begin their quest to return to the playoffs in traditional fashion, with one of the area’s most brutal schedules. Cleveland Benedictine, East, Akron Hoban, Massillon and Warren Harding are the first five opponents for Ursuline.

“I love it. Coach Kempe has taught is to embrace it over the past four years being here,” senior Mario Fusillo said. “We’re expecting nothing less than perfection this year.”