The dissolution of the East Suburban Conference left two of our local teams without a home. But Mathews and Southington are now members of the Northeast Ohio Athletic Conference for the 2009 season.
The Mustangs also have a new coach this season, and he is a familiar face in Mahoning Valley coaching circles. Jack Pierson takes over the program at the age of 76. His resume includes stops at South Range, McDonald, Howland, Niles and most recently Jackson Milton.
Unfortunately, Pierson does not have a lot of experienced players to work with this season. RB Wade Pruitt is the only returning starter, and the roster has only two seniors and three letterwinners from last year's 6-4 squad.
Mathews will open up the season at Western Reserve on Friday, August 28.
Southington is happy to field a team this season. With the institution of pay-to-play, the Wildcats had trouble filling out their roster, ending up with 28 players. But they do have 12 returning starters - six on each side of the ball - from last year's 5-5 team.
Leading the way will be junior tailback Jimmy Rasey, who ran for 2,000 yards in 2008. Senior TE Brandon Ellis is a four year starter and senior Derek Casper takes over at quarterback.
The Wildcats open at Conneaut. They will compete with Grand Valley, Ledgemont, Py Valley and Mathews in the NAC.
West Branch is ready to make a run at the NBC title thanks to some big linemen and a star QB.
The Warriors return four of their five offensive linemen from last season, and two of their three starters along the defensive line. Leading the way will be Brad Ferguson, a 6'5'' senior who has caught the eye of divison one college recruiters. Seniors Nate Gambone, Jon Wilson and Zach Lenigar provide experience in the trenches as well.
The triggerman will once again be Mike Smith. The senior returns under center after throwing for over 1,800 yards and 17 TD's in 2008. But graduation hit the skill positions hard after last year's 5-5 campaign.
West Branch will open on the road at Southeast on Friday, the 28th.
East Liverpool's new coach was a familiar face. Mark Asher of Coumbiana Buick heard about the opening from some customers, and ended up coaching the Potters. A former assistant at Youngstown State, East Liverpool, Brookfield and Kettering, Asher is very excited about his new squad.
Willie Lavell makes the move from quarterback to running back this season, while receiver Preston Foster returns to the lineup as well. Fred Love (6'5'', 290 lbs) will anchor the line, while Jordan Williams is back at linebacker and tight end.
The Potters open the 2009 season at Beaver Local.
