[BTrev]

2012 Schedule

8/23 Campbell
8/31 at Lakeview
9/7 at Field
9/14 Brookfield
9/21 at Hubbard*
9/28 Poland*
10/7 at Beaver Local*
10/12 Canfield*
10/19 at Niles*
10/26 Howland*

I think Canfield will be the Homecoming game, and Howland will probably be Senior Night.

Without a doubt, this is their toughest schedule from start to finish since the 2003 and 2004 seasons.

Who's graduating?

Christian Walker C/LB
Dylan Duchek WR/CB/KR/PR
Mike Kunzer HB/SS/P
Bobby Malone WR/FS
Mike Maillis FB/NT
Mike Shaffer OT/DT

Maillis missed the entire 2011 season, after tearing his knee up covering the opening kick in week 1. Shaffer missed the final 2 games, after getting kicked off the team due to an off the field incident.

Who's coming back?

QB Gary Muntean JR
RB/LB Dave Stewart SR
RB/LB Nick Pollifrone JR
WR/CB Chris Wess SR
WR/CB/KR Ja'Quayntae Wilburn JR
WR/DB/KR Tommy Kimbrough SR
TE/LB Vinny Fandozzi SR
OT/DT Roy Patterson SR
OT/DT Curtis Wagner SR
G/DT Mike Pape JR
G/DT Danny Pape JR
C/DE Tommy Baron SR
OL/DT Tyler Arranz SR
DE Steve Seiffert SR
LB Braxton Koup JR
FB/LB Zane Henricksen JR
WR/LB Tameko Holmes JR
DB/K Brandon Kish JR
WR/DB Marcus Donnadio JR
HB/DB Dalton Moore JR
C Carmen Sinkovich JR

My projected starters...

QB: Muntean
FB: Pollifrone or Henricksen
HB: Stew and Pollifrone
WR: Kimbrough and Wess/Wilburn
TE: Dozzi
LT: Patterson
LG: M. Pape
C: Baron, Arranz, or Sinkovich
RG: D. Pape
RT: Wagner

Stew, Pollifrone, Henricksen, and Koup all saw time in the backfield last year. Any of them could be the starting FB. Pollifrone was the starting fullback last year, and he’ll likely step in at HB to spell Stew, when he needs a breather. #44 should get the majority of carries though. For the sake of continuity, I'll say Pollifrone at FB and Stewart at HB, since those were the starting running backs for much of last season.

Kimbrough has split end written all over him. Wilburn would be a nice compliment across from him at flanker. I've been told that Wess is a pretty reliable slot receiver. All 3 played a lot last year, but none of them played much WR. Kimbrough started 7 games at QB in 2011, and all 10 games at QB in 2010. Wess and Wilburn both played a lot at CB. Wess really came on late last year, as a Nickel back. Fandozzi can also flex out into the slot, from the TE position.

Patterson and Wagner could switch sides. The same goes for the Papes at the guards. The center position is a big question mark, but it's likely to be one of those 3. My gut says that it'll either be Baron or Arranz.

LE: Seiffert
RE: Baron
DT: Patterson, Wagner, Arranz, and/or the Papes
WILL: Pollifrone and/or Dozzi
MIKE: Koup and/or Stewart
SAM: Stewart or Henricksen
CB: Wess, Wilburn, Kish
FS: Kimbrough
SS: ?

The D-Line should have a healthy rotation inside. This is important, because majority of the starting caliber DTs will be starting on offense too. It's key to keep the big guys fresh. There's a good possibility that Seiffert and Baron will only play defense, which wouldn’t hurt. If Coach Kuntz wants to run a 3-4 or 4-4 base, Seiffert can play the SAM LB position.

LB is probably the deepest and most experienced group of positions. Stewart started 3 games at ILB in 2010, and he played sparingly at stand up DE last year, in Asher's hybrid 3-4/4-3 defense. Koup is a bonafide stud. He played a little OLB last year, but mostly MLB. If he can stay healthy, Koup will be an impact player and leader. Last year, Pollifrone played most of the season at weak side LB. Dozzi started a few games at MLB, before Koup's emergence at the position, and started when Koup was out with injury. Dozzi can play inside or out. Henricksen played sparingly last year, in a reserve role. I've heard that he's a hard hitter though.

The secondary has a few question marks, but they do return some experienced players. Wess and Wilburn both played a lot at corner last year. If Wess doesn’t adjust well to covering outside receivers, rather than the slot, he could play free safety. Kimbrough only played defense after Muntean took over for him at QB. I think he’ll start at FS, but he’ll probably play all over. SS is the biggest question mark on defense. Anyone that steps up could take the starting job.

K: Kish
P: Kimbrough
KR/PR: Kimbrough and Wilburn

Kish tried most of the PATs in 2011. I've never witnessed so many PATs get blocked, as I did last year. The entire FG unit needs to improve. I'm not sure who the punter will be, but I know Kimbrough has a boot. I just hope we don't see anymore of that stupid rugby punt BS.

As for kick returners, Kimbrough has only ever returned a couple of kicks, but he almost took one to the house against Hubbard. Wilburn almost returned one all the way last year too, against Jefferson. Both have breakaway speed.

Let’s discuss.

[MahoningValley]

Big question mark on your LT. Thats all i'm saying there. The team looks to be solid, and if there's any year they can win some games, this is the year. The attitude must be there, the winning attitude. haven't seen much of that in Struthers football as of late. The pape's will be fine up front, both good young guys. The rest of the line is SUSPECT at best.

[BTrev]

Why not Patterson at LT? Who should take his spot? He's a better LT than Wagner. He gets along with his teammates. He's built like an ox. If he's being lazy and being a distraction, he shouldn't play. If he's doing what the coaches ask him to do, staying out of trouble, and he's the best player at the position, he should definitely play. Unless there's something there that I'm not seeing.

I said before, Wagner might play LT and Patterson might play RT. If Patterson doesn't start, I guess Wagner would start at LT and a Sophomore would start at RT. They don't exactly have a ton of depth on the offensive line.

I thought Danny might play LT, but I found out that he was going out for one of the guards, along with his cousin. He took Shaffer's spot at RT late last year. There was actually talk about Danny starting at LT last Summer. I don't know why he didn't... Pape or Patterson would've both been better options.

Patterson had off the field issues last year, and he got hurt like halfway through the season. It's understandable why he didn't start, or even play much. If he keeps it together, he should start though. JMO. You don't have to agree with me.

The offense is probably gonna run a lot of the I, with some Spread mixed in. Maybe some Wildcat. Kimbrough would be a beast as a Wildcat QB.

The defense could conceivably run a ton of different looks and personnel groups. I'm interested to see what they go with.

One thing that everyone will agree on... they have the pieces to win some games.

[MahoningValley]

"Why not Patterson at LT? Who should take his spot? He's a better LT than Wagner. He gets along with his teammates. He's built like an ox. If he's being lazy and being a distraction, he shouldn't play. If he's doing what the coaches ask him to do, staying out of trouble, and he's the best player at the position, he should definitely play. Unless there's something there that I'm not seeing."

Potential is there, but its going to be his senior year and he hasn't shown ANYONE he really wants to play. I dont know if its a lack of motivation or sheer laziness.. sadly i'm hearing the same things from this off season. I've seen him play, and i would agree somethings missing. Just watch the film, you'd see it too. I like Danny at LT actually, if they can find a guard to step in there and move Danny out, that would be nice. Hope i'm wrong about your LT, i know he loves this city.

[Buck Blvd]

Must learn how to tackle playing the big boys again. That should be the main priority

[MahoningValley]

Ttt

[go_struthers]

Any signs of who is in the running to replace Asher? Thanks.

[BTrev]

It was announced back on December 19... Kurt Kuntz is the new Head Coach at Struthers.

Coach Kuntz was most recently the Offensive Line Coach/Offensive Coordinator at Poland.

[BTrev]

It's been very quiet on here of late.

A few new developments. Henricksen, Wilburn, and Patterson are all off the team.

Henricksen was kicked out of school, following a questionable incident.

Wilburn is ineligible. He missed too much school.

Patterson's injury from last year didn't heal properly, so he is unable to play.

Now for speculation...

LT: D. Pape
LG: Arranz or ?
C: Sinkovich or ?
RG: M. Pape
RT: Wagner or ?

The absence of Patterson is a big one... literally. Danny may have to slide back out and play OT. I think he'd be a better fit on the left side. Despite his size, Wagner was really overmatched as a blind side protector for much of last season. Moving Wagner to the right side may be best for everyone, if not just benching him entirely.

This would leave position battles at the LG and maybe the RT positions.

Arranz has put in a lot of time in the weight room over the offseason, and has gotten stronger. Maybe he could step in and fill the guard spot across from Mike. I guess other potential starters at LG could be Donald Clyde (JR), or Cameron Suchora (SOPH).

Sinkovich may end up being the center by default, if Arranz plays guard and Baron only plays defense. Muntean probably has a lot of experience taking snaps from him, so I guess that's one thing he has working in his favor.

I think Mike may end up staying put at RG.

As for RT, it's either Wagner or someone inexperienced.

I don't really know anything about the upcoming Sophomore class, or the Juniors and Seniors that didn't play Varsity last year. Maybe you guys could shed some more light there...

TE: Fandozzi,
WRs: Kimbrough, Wess, and Holmes

Kimbrough and Wess will probably see most of the targets, along with Fandozzi. Tameko might end up being in the mix at WR or TE too. With Wilburn being out, maybe Poindexter, Kish, Cerrano, Moore, Donnadio, etc, could also push for PT at WR. Koup and McNally could also be used as extra TEs in heavier formations.

FB: Pollifrone and Koup
HB: Stewart and Pollifrone
QB: Muntean

Not much new going on here. I think Koup may see increased PT at FB, especially in short yardage and goal line situations, but that's about it.

DEs: Seiffert and Baron
DTs/NT: the Papes, and Arranz or Wagner

The DL has everyone coming back from last year, with the exception of Patterson. Baron and Seiffert saw a lot of PT at DE. Holmes and Stewart also saw time at DE. At the tackles, the Papes would play 3 technique. Wagner and Arranz can both play nose.

LBs: Koup, Pollifrone, and Stewart

Koup will be the Mike LB. Fandozzi, Pollifrone, and Stewart can all play inside or outside in the 4-3... so can Koup, but he'll be the leader in the middle. All 4 of them could play inside in the 3-4, with Seiffert and Holmes playing Rush LB. Stewart, and maybe Baron, could also play outside in the 3-4.

CBs: Kimbrough and Poindexter
FS: Wess
SS: Moore

The Cats lose 3 of their 4 starting DBs from last year. 4 of 5 if you count the loss of Wilburn. The lone returning starter is Wess. Wess mostly played CB in 2011, but I really like him at FS. Moore isn't very big, but he made a lot of tackles last year covering kicks. I'm not sure what his cover skills are like, but he has some speed and he doesn't shy away from contact. Kimbrough could probably play anywhere in the secondary. Other than Wess and Kimbrough, Poindexter will be the only SR in the defensive backfielddddddddd. It'd be nice if he can step up and work his way into the starting lineup. Cerrano, Kish, and Donnadio, among others, could also see some PT in the secondary.

I didn't go to any Freshmen or JV games last year, so I'm unfamiliar with anyone who didn't get Varsity experience in 2011. Again, perhaps you guys could help me out.

The football team started back to work on Monday. They probably just started conditioning, but the Kurt Kuntz era at Struthers is now officially underway.

Only 78 days left until kickoff...

Go Cats!!

[Bigdawg80]

Hey is Todd Smith still coaching there?

[BTrev]

I doubt it. They've had 3 different Head Coaches in the last 3 years, and 5 different Head Coaches over the last 10 years. Unless he just got here with Coach Kuntz, I'd say he's been gone for a while.

I haven't met the coaching staff yet, so I couldn't tell you for sure.

Also... Anthony Lariccia is playing this year. I'd pencil him in as the starting SS over Moore.

[BTrev]

I read on another site that Struthers has scrimmages scheduled against...

Reigning D2 All NEO Inland Offensive POTY and 1st team D2 All State QB, Tra'Von Chapman, and Kent Roosevelt... August 7 in Struthers.

And... in Streetsboro on August 14, presumably under the lights in a game situation.

[NewarkCatholicFan]

In following the season last year by ready the net it seems this team proved it could be good teams, with wins over Jefferson Area (7-3) and Memorial(7-3)The they drop the game against Youngstown East(3-7).

If they can beat the teams they should this season and find a way to beat good teams like they did at times last season, you have to think they can improve on their 5-5 record.

[BTrev]

Jefferson was 7-2... they only played 9 games. A win over Struthers, or a full slate and an 8th win and they're in the playoffs.

A win over Struthers would've put Campbell in the playoffs too.

So the Cats managed to knock off two playoff calibur teams.

Their other 3 wins came against opponents with a combined 2-28 record. And when it came down to crunch time in the middle of the season, they were outscored 109-26 by 3 teams that were a combined 15-15.

I think they only play one team all year that was below .500 last year, and that's not until week 7. I know they've been working hard, and they're commited to getting over the hump. It's important that they get off to a fast start, and pick up where they left off in 2011.

They'll play some familiar teams, like Campbell, Lakeview, Hubbard... Beaver Local. But they've not seen the likes of Poland, Canfield, Niles, and Howland, since the MAC folded back in 2007... so it'll be interesting to see how they hold up against the big boys again.

I really like the scrimmages, especially the Kent Roosevelt scrimmage.

[Buck Blvd]

Losing patterson doesn't say much for me the kid never proved anything to me at any level so ill let that lay to rest. Kimbrough and stewart are names you will hear alot, Muntean has a very nice arm and can get the ball to those 2 but they have to become big time playmakers with this schedule.

[BTrev]

I said it was "a big loss, literally."

Reading comprehension must not be your strong suit. Let me be more elaborate...

Roy is big. Struthers doesn't exactly have 350+ linemen growing on trees. Hence, it's literally a big loss.

I didn't say that he was going to have a noticeable impact this year, or that his presence on and off the field would be greatly missed.

Whether it was his unenviable work ethic, attitude, or injuries, for whatever reason, I don't think he lived up to his potential either. But I'm not gonna come on here and bury him for it.

I'll say this, and leave it at that, there were worse linemen than Patterson in the starting lineup last year...

If the Cats are going to be successful this year, they'll need production out of everyone... not just 2 or 3 players. If they don't play as a team, they're gonna revert back to the 2-8 seasons and the progress they've made the last couple of years will be for nothing.

[baked alaska]

Do you know if any of your boys went to the Toledo combine in Poland today? I know Mooney and Niles had some boys there. Niles had three huge lineman, One was 6'8, one was 6'5, and the third was very close to the 6'5 kid.

[BTrev]

I don't know. I haven't talked to anyone in a couple of weeks.

Just guessing... I'd say there's a good chance that Struthers had at least a couple of young men there.

I really have no idea though. For all I know, they didn't have anyone there.

[NewarkCatholicFan]

I thought Joe's site had Jefferson 7-3.

[BTrev]

Joe may have... but he's not always 100% correct. JA was 7-2. Google it.

On this site, there were talks of a JA/Howland game for week 10 last year. Both teams had open dates in week 10. For some reason, it never came to fruition.

JA may as well have gone 7-3. 7-2 may as well be 7-3. An open date on the schedule is the same thing as a loss, in terms of playoff points.

Howland would have been heavily favored against JA, and a win over them would've given them a home game in week 11, for sure.