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Benedictine football: 2023 season preview

ben hercik, the news-herald, willoughby, ohio
·3 min read

Aug. 14—Just the facts

Conference: Independent

OHSAA: Division II, Region 5

Head coach: Joe Prevesk, First year

2022: 0-10

Twitter: @BeneBengalsFB

Home field: Euclid Community Stadium

Schedule

(Subject to change)

Aug. 18: Benedictine at Walsh Jesuit, 7 p.m.

Aug. 24: Avon Lake at Benedictine, 7 p.m.

Sept. 2: Benedictine at St. Francis (N.Y.), 7 p.m.

Sept. 8: Benedictine at Strongsville, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16: Buchtel at Benedictine, 1 p.m.

Sept. 22: Benedictine at Normandy, 7 p.m.

Sept. 30: Canisius (N.Y.) at Benedictine, 2 p.m.

Oct. 7: Cathedral Prep at Benedictine, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13: Brush at Benedictine, 7 p.m.

Oct. 20: Benedictine at Akron SVSM, 7 p.m.

Projected lineup

OFFENSE

QB:Matthew Frust, So., 6-0, 195

QB: CJ Ross, So., 6-1, 170

RB: Luke Reed*, Sr., 5-10, 180

WR: JJ Baldwin*, Jr., 6-1, 170

WR: Nehemiah Seals, Sr., 6-2, 165

TE: Augie Rosalina, Jr., 5-10, 180

LT: Eddie Dinwiddie*, Sr., 6-2, 245

LG: Braylen Rose, So., 5-9, 225

C: Deonte Sims, Sr., 5-8, 275

RG: Michael Duckworth, Jr., 6-0, 235

RT: Darnell Johnson, Sr., 6-1, 255

K: Bryce Meitin, Jr., 6-3, 170

DEFENSE

DE: Michael Duckworth, Jr., 6-0, 235

NT: Tyshawn Wilson, Jr., 6-1, 255

DE: Diondre Taylor, So., 6-0, 250

LB: James Yane, Jr., 5-10, 205

LB: Jamere Church, Jr., 5-9, 200

LB: Jonathan Spikes, So., 5-11, 200

DB: Christopher Maloney*, Jr., 5-10, 175

DB: Antonio Hobbs*, Jr., 5-8, 155

DB: Shamar Darling*, Sr., 6-0, 180

DB: Joseph Morse, Jr., 6-0, 165

DB: Joseph Pomnean, Jr., 6-0, 165

P: Bryce Meitin, Jr., 6-3, 170

*: returning starter; Returning letterwinners: 15

Key reserves: Joseph Pomnean, Jr., 6-0, 165, Christopher Maloney, Jr., 5-10, 175, Daniel Joyce, So., 5-10, 180, Nehemiah Seals, Sr., 6-2, 165;

Best in the classroom: Sean O'Connell, 4.4 GPA; Jeremy Ade, 4.4; Daniel Joyce, 4.1

Best bench press: Tyshawn Wilson 315 pounds

Best squat: Tyshawn Wilson 585 pounds

Best 40 time: Luke Reed 4.5 seconds

Outlook

While last year was rough for Benedictine, the Bengals had five games decided by a touchdown. This year is going to be the first under coach Joe Prevesk after he served as the offensive coordinator. They have a pair of sophomore quarterbacks and several new names in the skill group, as well. The defense has all new names in the front, but Prevesk liked the pressure they have shown through camp. With the entire secondary back from last year and the antsy front, the Bengals are excited for their showing on that side of the ball.

Player to watch

Michael Duckworth has shown strong progress on the offensive and defensive lines. His motor and ability to lead on both sides of the ball have made him a name that the coaching staff can rely on.

Underclassman to watch: Jamere Church became a name on the defensive side with his willingness to play with reckless abandon. He'll also see several opportunities on the offensive side of the ball in the backfield.

Bottom line

IF: the young players can develop chemistry, THEN: the Bengals will have a bounce-back year.