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Dynamic playmaker to lead Greece Arcadia's offense: Top players, schedule, what to know

marquel slaughter, rochester democrat and chronicle
·2 min read

Greece Arcadia is trying to find its way in a rugged Section V Class A division.

A winless campaign in spring 2021 led to a .500 season and semifinals trip that fall, but coach Brian Shonitsky's Titans regressed and won one game in 2022 despite a promising opening week battle with Canandaigua.

Arcadia hasn't chosen captains yet, but Shonitsky praised senior Deshaun McClemmon for stepping up and helping his teammates buy into the program. McClemmon is also as dynamic as they come, accounting for over 1,700 all-purpose yards last fall. He rushed for 100 yards in all but one game.

"We try to be one unit, but when push comes to shove, he's the man," Shonitsky said. "He's a great kid, a great young man, and loves the pressure on his shoulders."

Quarterback Deshawn Caesar is also back in the backfield. Arcadia's returning offensive lineman — Connor Gorden, Trevor Fien and Jayden Vargas — should provide protection for receivers like Mikel Whitfield to make plays. Defensively, Quintenn Workman stars at linebacker while Dominic Zona may play both backer and safety.

"If we stay healthy the sky is the limit. It doesn't matter what we did last year. We have to perform. We'll take it one day at a time," Shonitsky said.

Greece Arcadia football at a glance

  • Head coach: Brian Shonitsky (4th season).

  • Classification: Class A.

  • Last season’s record: 1-6 (Lost in Class A2 quarterfinals).

  • Last Section V championship: 1988.

Greece Arcadia football schedule for 2023 season

Marquee matchups for Greece Arcadia

Arcadia is "up for a challenge" right away in Week 1 against a well-coached Gates Chili team with plenty of returners. September is a gauntlet with perennial Section V title contenders Canandaigua and East waiting. An October stretch that ends with Brockport in the finale may be for playoff positioning.

"Class A is always loaded. Every team has a chance to win. It doesn't matter what you've done in the past. Put work in the preseason and show up week to week," Shonitsky said.

Greece Arcadia top returning players

RB/WR/FS Deshaun McClemmon, QB Deshawn Caesar, TE/WR/LB Xavier Smith, G/T/DT Connor Gorden, C/DT Trevor Fien, T Jayden Vargas, WR/LB Mikel Whitfield, LB Quintenn Workman, FS/LB Dominic Zona.

A look back: Greece Arcadia football

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Greece Arcadia football 2023 schedule, top players, preview