New starters
CHERRY TWP — Having graduated a bevy of seniors from last season, Moniteau's cupboard isn't necessarily bare.
It just needs to be restocked.
The Warriors are coming off a 2-6 season that involved 11 seniors seeing the bulk of activity.
“We've got about 30 players on the team and only six are seniors,” coach Bob Rottman said. “We are counting on a lot of production from underclassmen.”
Moniteau does not have a player on its roster who took a snap at quarterback last year. The Warriors' top four running backs are gone. Then-freshman David Dessicino had one carry for eight yards a season ago. No one else on this year's roster had more.
The team's top five receivers in terms of production in 2020 are gone. Top returnees there are seniors Caden Roxberry (2 catches-34 yards) and senior Cooper Boozel (2 catches-27 yards).
Rottman is counting on 6-foot-4 sophomore Dessicino to take over at quarterback.
“I think he's our guy,” the coach said. “He's athletic and has a strong arm.”
Moniteau's offensive personnel may lend itself toward throwing the football more often than in recent years.
“We need to make plays in the passing game and we're very capable of doing that,” Roxberry said. “I can see us throwing the ball quite a bit and that will be fun.”
Boozel agreed.
“We've got weapons in the passing game. That may be where our strength is,” he said.
Running backs will come from juniors Matt Martino — a 240-pound fullback — Hunter Stalker and Conner Alfreno. They will be running behind a relatively under-sized line.
Rottman said Stalker will play a wingback position this year.
Mike Boozel, a junior guard, and sophomore James Mitchell are the Warriors' biggest linemen. They weigh 205 pounds.
The only linemen on the roster bigger than that are freshmen.
“Size is not one of our strengths,” Rottman said. “We're small up front, but this may be the fastest team I've had here.
“Last year, we had one kid who could run the 40 in 5.7 (seconds). This year, we've got six or seven who can beat that time, including a couple of linemen.
“We will have to use our advantage in quickness against opposing lines to get an edge along the line of scrimmage,” Rottman added.
Maverick Sutton, a 5-9, 180-pound senior, will be the starting center.
“I know I'm always going to be lining up against guys bigger than me,” Sutton said. “But I'll be faster. I need to get a jump off the ball and gain leverage.
“All of our linemen are going to have to do that.”
Boozel and Sutton are the Warriors' only returning starters on offense. Defensively, the returning starters are cornerback Roxberry, safety Stalker and middle linebacker Martino.
“Our defensive line doesn't have much experience playing the sport,” Sutton, a starter on that line, admitted. “We have to tie up blockers so our linebackers and DBs can make plays.”
“Discipline will be key for us,” said Boozel, a cornerback. “We have to play fundamental football.”
Moniteau's top seven tackle leaders from last year graduated. Stalker and Dessicino are the top returnees in that area with 21 tackles each, including 16 solo stops.
Despite the Warriors' lack of experience overall, Rottman remains confident.
“I think we'll be improved at the varsity level,” the coach said. “Everyone has a positive attitude going in. If we maintain that, we'll get better as the season goes on.”
MONITEAU
2021 Schedule
Aug. 27-at Kane, 7 p.m.
Sept. 3-CENTRAL CLARION, 7 p.m.; Sept. 10-at Ridgway, 7 p.m.; Sept. 17-KARNS CITY, 7 p.m.; Sept. 24-BRADFORD, 7 p.m.
Oct. 1-at Brookville, 7 p.m.; Oct. 8-DuBOIS, 7 p.m.; Oct. 15-ST. MARYS, 7 p.m.; Oct. 22-at Punxsutawney, 7 p.m.; Oct. 29-KEYSTONE, 7 p.m.
2020 results (2-6)
Karns City 8-31, Punxsutawney 21-14, Central Clarion 14-46, Brookville 14-47, DuBois 16-19, Karns City 0-24, Punxsutawney 28-14, Warren 15-47
