Just the facts
Conference: Independent
Coach: Ben Malbasa, seventh year (33-27)
OHSAA: Division II, Region 5
2020: 1-6
Twitter: @USFootball1890
Home field: Scovil Field
Outlook
After a 1-6 campaign last fall, the Preppers are eager to turn the page to improved fortune. The personnel is in place to get there. Boland saw plenty of reps guiding the US offense as a freshman and will look to build on that with a solid receiving corps paced by Hodge. The size on the line is good, with returning guards Ippolito and Calabrese, and Malbasa is hopeful to see a progression from Hanna after an “outstanding” offseason. Malbasa had high praise for his defensive line amid a veteran ‘D,’ stating, “This is the most disruptive front we have had during my time at US.”
Player to watch
Alex Weinberg, a 5-foot-10, 178-pound senior, will be an invaluable influence from his ILB spot. Weinberg, who will also see some RB time, is the kind of read-and-react, physical LB with burst that Malbasa wants leading his defense.
Underclassman to watch: Junior LT-DE Christopher Jackson (6-1, 240), is a promising young performer to keep an eye on for whom Malbasa has high hopes with his work ethic and strength.
Bottom line
IF … US can return to its prolific offensive roots to complement a veteran defense; THEN … a big bounceback from 1-6 is in play.
Schedule (subject to change)
Aug. 21: Columbus Academy at University, 5
Aug. 27: University at South Range, 7
Sept. 3: Bay at University, 7
Sept. 11: Lake Catholic at University, 2
Sept. 18: Kiski Prep at University, 2 (HC)
Sept. 25: University at Gilmour, 2
Oct. 2: Mogadore at University, 2
Oct. 8: University at Bedford, 7
Oct. 16: Warrensville Heights at University, 2
Oct. 22: University at Steubenville, 7
Projected lineup
OFFENSE
QB: Jackson Boland, So., 6-1, 196
RB-WR: Quint Hanna*, Sr., 5-6, 156
WR: Bryce Hodge*, Sr., 6-1, 198
WR: Brian Kellon*, Jr., 6-2, 167
WR: Cooper Mlakar*, Jr., 5-8, 150
TE: Joey Valerio*, Sr., 6-5, 191
LT: Christopher Jackson, Jr., 6-1, 240
LG: Gavin Ippolito*, Jr., 6-3, 285
C: Sean Fioritto, So., 5-11, 206
RG: Gianfranco Calabrese*, Sr., 6-1, 236
RT: Cam Beiswinger, So., 6-3, 226
K: Evan Weybrecht, Sr., 5-7, 140
DEFENSE
DE: Sammy Martin, Jr., 6-2, 194
DT: Lex Kekic*, So., 6-1, 220
DT: Mitchell Ramage*, Sr., 6-1, 178
DE: Christopher Jackson*, Jr., 6-1, 240
ILB: Jack Cocco*, Jr., 5-7, 144
ILB: Alex Weinberg*, Sr., 5-10, 178
OLB: Ryan Pattison, Jr., 6-0, 176
CB: Javan Cobb*, Sr., 5-6, 127
CB: Riggs Gorman, Sr., 5-10, 144
S: Sam Henry, Sr., 6-1, 149
S: George Minello/Cooper Mlakar, So./Jr., 5-7/5-8, 155/150
P: Brian Kellon, Jr., 6-2, 167
*: returning starter; Key reserves: OL Brian Billups, Jr., 5-9, 277, WR Duke Brennan, So., 6-1, 141, WR-S Johan Guy, Jr., 5-8, 136, FB-LB Daniel Kadlic, Jr., 5-9, 146, FB-DE-LB Noah Tidmore, So., 5-8, 199, S J.P. Brennan, Sr., 6-0, 140, DL Tyler Ryan, Sr., 5-10, 199, LB Ajay Krishnaney, Sr., 5-8, 160, DL Ethan Jackson, Sr., 6-1, 183, LB Jordan Heiser, Jr., 5-11, 160
Best in the classroom: Julian Berger, 4.11 GPA
Best bench press: Christopher Jackson, 300 pounds
Best 40 time: Javan Cobb, 4.43 seconds
Best squat: Alex Weinberg, 485 pounds
#NHfootball preview: @USFootball1890's Bryce Hodge discusses the upcoming 2021 season
(US preview capsule can be found here: https://t.co/pQY3Wwz6SY) pic.twitter.com/4wfkBgzsMI— Chris Lillstrung (@CLillstrungNH) August 17, 2021
#NHfootball preview: @USFootball1890's Cooper Mlakar discusses the upcoming 2021 season
(US preview capsule can be found here: https://t.co/pQY3Wwz6SY) pic.twitter.com/U3TLfQ2viT— Chris Lillstrung (@CLillstrungNH) August 17, 2021
