As Randy Spencer rattled off the lengthy list of players he expected to contribute prior to the 2018 season, it may have been difficult to picture how so many would be involved in the performance of a small school football team.
For reasons good and bad, Spencer’s early assessments were accurate.
The Warriors showed a surprising number of players able to rotate through duties with the top unit. They also won so often by large margins that the second and third groups had chances to show their skills and did so impressively.
Finally, the team was hit by an uncanny string of injuries, several of them long-term to key players, forcing the depth to prove its worth.
The Warriors deep roster did just that in an unbeaten regular season before the team fell short in a home-field playoff upset loss to Lakeland.
“Hopefully, we’ll have that same type of capability to create playable depth without the substantial, significant injuries,” Spencer said.
In part because of how many of them played last year when a strong junior class led the championship effort, the Warriors appear to have the depth part covered again.
They also have star power in established performers like Corey Mruk, Dominic DeLuca, F.J. Braccini, Derek Ambrosino, Samuel Solomon and Brian Williams.
Mruk ran for more than 1,100 yards and shared the team tackle lead with Braccini.
DeLuca, a three-year starter at quarterback, hit more than half his passes while throwing for 16 touchdowns. He also ran for 519 yards and 11 more touchdowns, led the team with five interceptions, averaged 34 yards per punt and, in his spare time, was a dangerous kick returner when the Warriors needed another option there.
Williams was his leading receiver.
Ambrosino is back for a third year starting at tight end and defensive end.
Solomon has done his best previous work at Wyoming Valley West before transferring, then missing most of last season with a leg injury.
That leaves expectations incredibly high for a team that went 11-1 last season.
“Coming off the excitement of last year, we’re certainly looking to be able to take that next step this year,” Spencer said.
And, while injuries certainly contributed to the disappointing end in 2018, Spencer is hoping his team learned from the other factors that were in play in the District 2 Class 3A semifinal loss.
“As much as we were shorthanded, we did some things that we did not do a lot of in our other games,” Spencer said. “We turned the ball over, we penalized ourselves, we gave up a couple of big situational plays. That’s not how we had played in any other game all year.
“As much as it was hurtful last year, you hope you bring it into this year and it stays fresh in everyone’s mind.”
Most of this year’s squad went through last year’s experiences, most of which were positive, together.
Jacob Williams is again DeLuca’s backup. Sophomore Blaise Sokach-Minnick, who will handle long snapping duties, is also working at quarterback.
Mruk, the steady, ball-control back has plenty of support at tailback, mostly from players who bring a change of pace to the position.
Darren Rodney is back from injury. Leo Haros took over when Mruk also got hurt. Zajquay Williamson could see time and freshman Drew Mruk, Corey’s brother, also shows promise. Vincenzo Giambra, another tailback, has returned to the school and team.
The fullback options are big and plentiful.
Solomon, Nicholas Elko and Dillon Williams average 270 pounds. Braccini and Colby Gashi also play fullback.
Brian Williams is back at one wide receiver. Senior Riley Rusyn may join him, but the tailback corps and Jacob Williams could also spend some time at the position along with Rocco Pizano and Adam Sigman.
Ambrosino is back at tight end where Caleb Graham also has experience and sophomore Michael Clark could factor in.
Bryce Hinkle started most of last season at center after an injury opened the position.
There will be some changes in the rest of the line.
Nasir Condry, who will back up Hinkle, will start at either guard or tackle, along with Dante Bovani and Shawn Kostack.
Other possibilities include Tom Wycoski, Jayden Rusyn, Vincent Bowers and Ryan Gilpin.
Solomon, Elko, Bovani, Wycoski, Kostack and Jayden Rusyn give the Warriors many qualified options at defensive tackle with one from that group going to nose guard when Spencer wants a bigger combination. When the coach seeks a speedy nose guard, look for Enzo Scotto-Diluzio and Gashi to continue contributing there.
Ambrosino, Dillon Williams and Graham will combine to take care of the end positions. Quadre Sessoms and Jerrel Chepalonis provide depth.
Corey Mruk, Braccini are back at linebacker where Charlie Banashefski’s return from injury adds to the strength at the position. Condry and Drew Mruk are also in the mix.
DeLuca, Rodney, Haros and Williamson form an experienced secondary.
The Warriors will go with five or six defensive backs during some of the situations when they force teams into long yardage. That gives more ways for Jacob Williams, Riley Rusyn and Brian Williams to be part of the secondary.
The schedule has been beefed up with the addition of defending district champions Scranton Prep and Dunmore.
