CHERRY TWP — It’s one thing to start on both sides of the football.

It’s another to excel while doing so.

Moniteau junior quarterback-defensive end David Dessicino and senior guard-fullback-defensive end Matt Martino fit that bill for the Warriors.

“They are cornerstones of this team, absolutely,” coach Bob Rottman said. “I’m counting on them as leaders and they’ve been doing that for a while now.”

The 6-foot-5, 205-pound Dessicino threw for 767 yards and rushed for 406 last year. Defensively, he had 61 tackles, including 48 solo, and four quarterback sacks.

The 6-0, 255-pound Martino rushed for 523 yards and five touchdowns last season. He also caught 11 passes for 91. He led the Warriors defensively with 84 tackles, 58 solo, and had 3.5 sacks.

“What I need to do right now is get used to our new players and help bring them along,” Dessicino said. “I’m getting accustomed to the younger skilled guys on the team, figuring out their speed and how to get the ball to them.

“This team has a lot of talent. We just have to figure out the best way to use it.”

When it comes to playing quarterback, Dessicino said his favorite part of the position is running with the football.

That notion brings a smile to Rottman’s face.

“David is a big, physical kid and we plan to use him a lot as a runner,” the coach said. “He doesn’t play the position like a quarterback. He’s more like a linebacker or fullback playing quarterback.

“He’s an exceptional athlete who we’re going to use in a variety of ways.”

While Martino enjoys playing the fullback position, he may be used more at guard in the early part of the season. Half of Moniteau’s 32-player roster consists of sophomores and freshmen.

“I don’t mind playing guard at all,” Martino said. “I enjoy the physicality of football. I love running downhill, running over people when I do get the football. Blocking down on defensive ends, creating holes, I’ll do that, too.

“My favorite part of the game is defense. I love hitting people. I want to lead the team in sacks and tackles.”

Rottman said the Warriors are developing more linemen and may need Martino to start at guard for the first few games until others are ready to gain more playing time.

“When Matt can go back to fullback, whether it be in Week Two or Week Seven, we’ll be a better team for it,” the coach said.

He loves the idea of Dessicino and Martino starting on opposite sides at defensive end.

“I’m hoping for two things out of that,” Rottman said. “One, teams won’t try to run outside against us. Two, we won’t have to blitz to get to the quarterback.”

With only one win last season, the Warriors are anticipating improvement. Martino knows one thing for certain.

The team will be physically stronger.

“Our weight room was so crowded in the off-season, you couldn’t find room to get in there at times,” he said. “This team is together. Our bond really got stronger over the past few months.

“I want to encourage our younger players, help them along. We’re going to need them.”

Dessicino and Martino are two of the team captains this season. Hunter Stalker, Mike Boozel and Logan Campbell are the others. All five were selected by vote of the team.

“I would have picked those same guys,” Rottman said. “The fact the team voted for them shows the respect they’ve earned from their teammates.”