By Steve Ruman

sports@vindy.com

MINERAL RIDGE

Steve Wyllie was able to turn around a struggling Garrettsville Garfield program.

Now he hopes to do the same at his alma mater.

Wyllie, a 1992 Mineral Ridge graduate, took over the Rams program during the offseason when Jeff Whittaker resigned following a two-year stint.

While at Garfield (2005-2012), Wyllie’s teams compiled a 54-29 record. The G-Men won a pair of league titles and made two trips to the playoffs.

Mineral Ridge has struggled in recent times. Its resume includes just three winning seasons since 2008. Its record since 2014 is just 8-22.

“I am extremely passionate about bringing winning football back to Mineral Ridge,” Wyllie said. “I’m excited, because that passion is starting to rub off on the players. They are starting to understand what it means to wear a Mineral Ridge uniform. They want to win, and more importantly they are starting to understand what it takes to succeed.”

OFFENSE

The Rams offense will revolve around a very large offensive line.

“When we get off the bus, we’re going to pass the eye test. We’re going to look intimidating,” Wyllie said. “We’re going to have to take advantage with our size up front.”

Seniors Antonio Tedesco (6-foot-2, 265 pounds), Dillan Keeley (6-3, 340), Steven Fitzgerald (5-9, 320) and Troy Squiric (6-2, 245) will be joined up front by newcomer Darren Jordonek (5-11, 180), who last year played in the backfield.

The Rams backfield of Michael McLean, Joey Caruso, DeCosta Baptiste and Jarred Miller all should get plenty of touches behind the big line. Last year, Miller started at quarterback and rushed for 816 yards. Baptiste was second with 423 yards.

McLean is on pace to earn his fourth varsity letter, while Miller has already lettered twice.

Sophomore Dakota Edwards (5-11, 175) has the edge at quarterback.

DEFENSE

The size on offense will carry over to defense, as most of the linemen are two-way players.

“We have a nice rotation, where when a couple of guys need a breather we can plug guys in and out,” Wyllie said.

Nathan Chiclowe and McLean “are two really skilled guys playing defensive end,” according to Wyllie.

Jordonek, “who just loves to hit someone” will anchor the linebacking corps.

Baptiste and Miller bring experience to the defensive backfield.

“We’re a pretty athletic group on defense,” Wyllie said. “Our size will catch some attention right out of the gate, but we will surprise some people with our athleticism.”

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Rams return punter Nathan Chiclowe. Baptiste is expected to handle the kickoff duties.

“Nate has one heck of a strong leg, if he can become more consistent with his drops he will emerge as one of the better punters in the area,” Wyllie said. “DeCosta has the best leg in terms of kickoffs. Very powerful. We also have a few other players who might be thrown in the mix for field goals and PATs if needed.”

OUTLOOK

A change in coaching staffs often signals a transition period in high school football. However, with 12 returning lettermen and 13 seniors, Wyllie isn’t ready to dub 2017 a rebuilding year.

Instead, he believes the Rams can succeed right out of the gate.

“I really believe we have six or seven wins in us, and if everything goes our way it could be eight or nine,” Wyllie said. “We’re poised to improve on our recent past.”

Mineral Ridge opens at Pymatuning Valley, then travels to Lisbon before its Sept. 8 home opener against Newton Falls.

“It’s extremely important that we open strong,” Wyllie said. “These kids have put in so much hard work. They have bought into what we’re trying to build. It would be a pretty big mental setback if we come out and lay an egg.”