NDCL football: 2022 season preview
Aug. 16—Just the facts
Conference: Crown
OHSAA: Division III, Region 9
Head coach: Andrew Mooney, eighth year (44-31)
2021: 5-6 (1-3)
Twitter: @NDCLathletics
Home field: Lozick Field at Lion Stadium
Schedule
(Subject to change)
Aug. 19: NDCL at South, 7 p.m.
Aug. 26: NDCL at Lewis Center Olentangy, 7 p.m.
Sept. 2: NDCL at Kenston, 7 p.m.
Sept. 9: Gilmour at NDCL, 7 p.m.
Sept. 16: Taft at NDCL, 7 p.m.
Sept. 23: East Liverpool at NDCL, 7 p.m.
Sept. 30: Walsh Jesuit at NDCL, 7 p.m.
Oct. 7: NDCL at Padua, 7 p.m.
Oct. 14: NDCL at Louisville, 7 p.m.
Oct. 21: Lake Catholic at NDCL, 7 p.m.
#NHfootball preview: @NDCLathletics' Ryan Pesho discusses the upcoming 2022 season
(Team capsule will be published online/in print in the days ahead) pic.twitter.com/T8YpClESnx
— Chris Lillstrung (@CLillstrungNH) August 15, 2022
Projected lineup
OFFENSE
QB: Ryan Lipowski, So., 5-11, 170
RB: Burke Buell, Sr., 5-11, 190
WR: Brandon Smul*, Sr., 6-0, 170
WR: Hayden Dixon, Sr., 6-0, 160
WR: Brayden Buell, So., 5-10, 175
TE: Ryan Callahan*, Sr., 5-10, 210
LT: Aiden Purcell, Sr., 6-2, 240
LG: Joey Valentino*, Sr., 6-2, 210
C: Brendan O'Brien, Sr., 5-9, 220
RG: Ryan Pesho*, Sr., 6-3, 245
RT: Brody Seibert*, Sr., 6-2, 241
K: Gianni Spetic*, Sr., 6-1, 175
DEFENSE
DL: Luke Peroni*, Sr., 6-1, 230
DL: Bryce Wheatley*, Jr., 6-1, 205
DL: Simon Paulic*, Sr., 5-10, 200
LB: Matt Urda*, Sr., 5-11, 225
LB: Josh Grambo*, Jr., 6-3, 215
LB: Angelo Tamburrino, So., 6-0, 190
LB: Mac Rottinghaus*, Jr., 6-0, 200
DB: Brandon Smul, Sr., 6-0, 170
DB: Griffin Moskal, Jr., 5-9, 175
DB: Aaron Tate, Sr., 5-10, 175
DB: J.P. Nowak, Sr., 5-9, 165
P: Gianni Spetic*, Sr., 6-1, 175
#NHfootball preview: @NDCLathletics' Matt Urda discusses the upcoming 2022 season
(Team capsule will be published online/in print in the days ahead) pic.twitter.com/UQyExsojb1
— Chris Lillstrung (@CLillstrungNH) August 15, 2022
*: returning starter
Key reserves: Caleb Cirino, Jr., 5-9, 165, Conner Hernan, So., 6-3, 180
Outlook
The Lions' primary strength will be a quick, playmaking defense with six returning starters — although yes, a new-look secondary has to jell. That offensive line, averaging 230 pounds across, could be a calling card as well. Spetic is one of Ohio's premier specialists. That skill position group must find its way — and fast. But the potential is there.
Player to watch
LB Matt Urda, a 5-foot-11, 225-pound senior, is a leader and stalwart on defense, coming off 108 tackles, including 17 TFLs, in 2021. It wouldn't be a surprise to see more prolific totals.
Underclassman to watch: Junior Josh Grambo (6-3, 215) is one of this area's brightest young defenders, moving to LB from DL after 81 tackles and 2021 first-team all-district plaudits.
Bottom line
IF: that offense gets rolling and the secondary develops to complement that standout front seven; THEN: at least six wins and playoff contention is there for the taking.
