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Mathews anxious to not repeat 2018
Mustangs’ streak of decent seasons crashed
By DANA SULONEN
VIENNA
No one on the Mathews High School football team wants a repeat of the 2018 season.
After five straight years of a 5-5 record or better, including three trips to the playoffs (2014, ’15 and ’17), the Mustangs had a setback last season.
A 1-9 record, being outscored 271-126 and being shut out in four games was the result of a heavy graduation year where the Mustangs had to throw many young players in the fire.
“We lost all our skill last year,” head coach John Protopapa said. “We didn’t have the line. We had all young guys on the line.”
The fourth-year Mathews coach is hoping last year’s inexperience will now pay off as those once younger players have been through the Friday night grind.
The Mustangs are still young in certain spots, having only six seniors and two players who have three years of starting experience.
But with a veteran offensive line and players who have had multiple reps on the defensive side of the ball, he hopes that will carry the Mustangs back to a winning season.
OFFENSE
There’s a quarterback battle in Vienna, and Protopapa isn’t blowing smoke when he says he’s not sure who will take the first snaps of the season. The three players in the running all bring something different to the table, making Protopapa’s job that much more difficult.
Jake Williams is the lone senior in the running, but despite having the most football experience, he has never taken a snap at quarterback. The senior has lettered three years at receiver, and if he doesn’t win the job, that’s where he’ll line up at his fall.
Junior Nate Weisbarth, who Protopapa describes as a “good athlete” with a 5-foot-10, 184-pound frame, has speed on his side. Also a baseball player, Protopapa says that if the Mustangs want to run from under center, Weisbach is the guy to do it.
“He can take the beating,” Protopapa said.
Then there is the freshman, Alex Schiavi.
“He really grasps the offense well,” Protopapa said. However, arm strength at this stage is Schiavi’s weakness, but the staff has given him plenty of reps to get his chance.
“They all bring something different to the table,” Protopapa said. “We’ll see how washes out in scrimmages.”
J.J. Walsh and Ryan Myers return at running back and will run behind an offensive line that is one of the most experienced units on the team. Led by All-County and All-League player Bryan Prentice, the Mustangs will be leaning on that group as the rest of the offense comes along.
DEFENSE
As the offensive line is the strength of the offense, the linebackers will hold that title on defense. Led by Prentice, he will be joined by Walsh, Denis Schwartz, and Williams in the Mustangs’ 4-4 scheme. Also playing as a linebacker/safety hybrid will be Xander Gedeon.
Like the offense, there are some green players on the defensive side of the ball. Mathews had to go without a middle school team two years ago, but was able to bring it back this year. However, that means some players missed time as seventh and eighth graders, and had to be caught back up last year, and even this year.
One of those players is junior defensive lineman Justin Barnes, who Protopapa calls “a force” at 6-3, 321 pounds, but hasn’t played in a number of years. Protopapa hopes to bring him along on the offensive side of the ball, but he will start the year as a member of the defensive unit.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Prentice does it all for Mathews, including handle the kicking on special teams. He will take care of kickoffs and extra points. Walsh and Myers will handle the return duties.
OUTLOOK
The goal is to get back to those winning years and perhaps a trip to the playoffs. The Mustangs will start the season officially in Week 2 against Leetonia, as their Week 1 opponent, St. John’s, moved to 8-man football due to low numbers. A big test will come during a four-game road stretch when the Mustangs go to Sebring, Madonna (W.Va.), Valley Christian and Windham.