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Perry football: 2022 season preview

john kampf, the news-herald, willoughby, ohio
·3 min read

Aug. 16—Just the facts

Conference: CVC Chagrin

OHSAA: Division V, Region 17

Coach: Bob Gecewich, second year (10-3)

Twitter: @Perry_Pirates

Playoff record: 15-18 in 18 appearances

2021: 10-3

Home field: Alumni Stadium

Schedule

(Subject to change)

Aug. 19: Perry at Riverside, 7 p.m.

Aug. 26: Kenston at Perry, 7 p.m.

Sept. 2: Perry at Madison, 7 p.m.

Sept. 9: Chagrin Falls at Perry, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16: Perry at Lakeside, 7 p.m.

Sept. 23: Edgewood at Perry, 7 p.m.

Sept. 30: Perry at Kirtland, 7 p.m.

Oct. 7: Orange at Perry, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13: Perry at Geneva, 7 p.m.

Oct. 21: West Geauga at Perry, 7 p.m.

Projected lineup

OFFENSE

QB-WR: Brayden Richards* Jr., 6-0, 177

QB-WR: Walter Moses, So., 6-2, 162

RB: Jayden Studio, Jr., 6-1, 195

WR: Jaden Hacking* Sr., 5-11, 168

WR: Charlie Rockwell, Sr., 6-3, 201

WR: Luke Sivon, So., 5-11, 163

LT: Chuck Thomas, So., 6-2, 186

LG: A.J. Kifus* Sr., 6-5, 290

C: Jack Knisely, Jr., 6-0, 219

RG: Gavin Nickerson, Jr., 5-9, 208

RT: Anthony Zagrocki, So., 6-2, 168

K: Jaden Studio, Jr., 6-1, 195

DEFENSE

DL: Brian Cox* Sr., 5-11, 196

DL: Jayden Studio, Jr., 6-1, 195

DL: Andrew Smith, So., 5-5, 148

DL: A.J. Kifus, Sr., 6-5, 290

LB: Owen McKoon* So., 6-0, 174

LB Dominick LaMacchia, Jr., 5-10, 166

CB: Jaden Hacking, Sr., 5-11, 168

CB: Owen Tomasic, Sr., 5-10, 185

S: Brayden Richards, Jr., 6-0, 177

S: Brock Christian, Sr., 5-8, 141

S: Datone Washington, Sr., 5-11, 162

P: Brian Cox* Sr., 5-11, 196

*: returning starter; Returning letterwinners: 7

Key reserves: Armani Chiappone, So., 5-10, 157, Cade Schiano, Sr., 5-10, 138

Best bench press: Brian Cox 300 pounds

Best squat: Brian Cox 425 pound

Best 40 time: Jaden Hacking 4.56

Outlook

Under second-year coach Bob Gecewich, the Pirates are pretty young. There's plenty of skill on both sides of the ball, but linemen depth is a concern. Both Brayden Richards and Walter Moses are capable of running the ship at quarterback. Jaden Hacking had a breakout season last year at receiver and will be the go-to guy there. Multiple backs will carry the ball, but big 200-pound Jayden Studio is a mountain of a man to bring down. Defensively, the team swarms and is aggressive, anchored by senior Brian Cox at defensive end and sophomore Owen McKoon at linebacker.

Player to watch

Brian Cox is going to be a busy young man this season, and rightfully so. He moves from safety to linebacker/defensive end this year, is likely the area's best punter and could also get snaps on offense. He's a high-energy, high-producing senior.

Underclassman to watch: Owen McKoon, grandson of legendary Perry coach Bob Ritley, started as a linebacker as a freshman. He's back at linebacker this year and also carry to ball this year. Does NOT play like a sophomore.

Bottom line

IF: The Pirates' lines develop on both sides of the ball; THEN: Perry will be a factor in the CVC Chagrin Division race.