By KEVIN J. KELLER
Press-News Sports
The goals are simple for the Canton South Wildcats in 2008; make the playoffs for the third year in a row and contend for a league championship.
Under the direction of third-year head coach Moe Daniska, the Canton South football team is poised to make yet another run at the elusive Northeastern Buckeye Conference title and one of eight playoff spots in Division III, Region 11.
The Wildcats posted a 6-4 record last year, securing the fifth seed in the region and a trip to Dover in the first round of the playoffs. But, after beating Dover in week one of the regular season, South's second-straight trip to the OHSAA playoffs ended in an 11-7 defeat.
In all, 13 starters return for the 2008 campaign, including eight on the defensive side of the ball.
Among those back on the defense is three-year starting middle linebacker Mike McKinney. McKinney (6-0, 205 pounds) has been the anchor of the 3-5 defense since Daniska took over the reigns of the program and has numerous postseason accolades to his name.
He was among the team leaders in total tackles, tackles for loss and sacks a year ago.
The linebacking corps also features returning starters Rob Dale (6-0, 185) and Jordan Wanner (5-10, 170). Each will fill outside linebacker spots for the Cats this season.
Along the front, six different players are vying for just three starting positions as the season approaches. Ryan Jialanella (5-8, 200), Andy McMillen (5-10, 215), Steve Steiner (5-10, 220), Montel Bush (6-4, 280), Charles Warrick (5-10, 225) and Matt Bushong (6-3, 350) all have legitimate cases as to why they should be among the first unit defense.
The secondary will be completely new for South this year as all three starters graduated in June. Some variation of Jerald Robinson (6-2, 175), Jared Grigsby (5-8, 160), Mark Trissel (5-10, 170), Anthony Lanham (5-8, 125), Jordan Ryba (6-1, 180) and Matt Kopache (5-8, 135) will take up the three starting roles in the defensive backfield.
"As a unit, we're very excited about the young men we have returning on the defensive side of the ball," said Daniska. "As always, we will rely on applying pressure and using out team speed and athleticism on the defensive side of the football."
On the offensive side of the ball, six starters are back from last season's campaign. The most notable of the six back is third-year starting quarterback Matt Trissel.
Matt Trissel (6-0, 180) has been the signal caller every year in the Daniska era of Canton South football, guiding the program to a 14-9 record and the school's first ever playoff victory (a 27-17 triumph on the road over Licking Valley in 2006).
He has thrown for nearly 5000 yards in his two seasons under center and also has the ability to tuck it and run when necessary.
Protecting Trissel will be an experienced offensive line that is nearly intact from a season ago. Back for another season in the trenches are Bush, John Nolan (6-2, 225), Nate Randall (5-10, 240), Justin Darnell (6-0, 240) and Nick Mercurio (6-3, 230).
One of the strong suits of South's offensive attack over the last two seasons has been the receiving corps. This year, that group will be one of the most inexperienced.
Robinson is the only returning starter at wideout, making it important for guys like Grigsby, Dale, Ryba and Mark Trissel to step up and fill roles in the pass-happy spread offense that has become the trademark of Canton South.
The battle at running back is still playing itself out as the season opener against Dover draws nearer. Jialanella, Justin Keith (6-0, 200), J'Colby Waters (5-8, 175), Wanner and T.J. Sheridan (5-11, 180) are all vying to become the feature back.
"We are going to have to rely on our experienced offensive line to protect Matt (Trissel) if we want to be successful this year," said Daniska. "We also need Jerald Robinson to step up and lead our inexperienced, but very talented, receiving corps."
Daniska's coaching staff will remain the same as last year, with Greg Williams as defensive coordinator and Eric Frazee as offensive coordinator. Williams will also handle the offensive line and linebackers and Frazee will also take care of the offensive line and defensive line.
Greg Eibel will coach the wideouts and defensive backs, Oscar Addis will handle the running backs and defensive line and Don Bates will be the special teams coordinator and will also help with the wide receivers and defensive backs.
"We play a brutal non-league schedule against three playoff and league champion football teams in Dover, Canfield and Ravenna," said Daniska about his team's schedule in 2008. "It doesn't get any easier when we get into NBC play.
"If we are able to stay healthy, we hope to make a strong push for our first league title and third-straight playoff appearance," commented Daniska.
Canton South opens the 2008 season tonight with a trip to Crater Stadium to take on Dover. The Cats split a pair with Dover last year, winning 28-21 to open the year and losing 11-7 in the playoffs.
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