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2019 Team Previews: Lackawanna Trail Lions (2)

Written by: David Mika on Tuesday, August 6th, 2019. Follow David Mika on Twitter.

Head Coach: Steve Jervis

Assistant Coaches: Jim Becchetti, Jeff Stage, Chad Gibbs, Matt Landsiedel, Colin Golden, Steve Jervis, Sr., Tim Ronchi, Ben Simmons, Tyler Hinkley, Rich Ronchi

Team Name: Lackawanna Trail Lions

2018 Record: 14-2

Twitter: @lackawannasd

Hudl Highlights:

Key Starters Lost: Nathan Rolka, Zac Cost, Jordan Edwards, Jacob Brim, Cody Moyle, Noah Coleman, Zac Stec, Robbie Davis

Offensive Starters Returning: (5) SR QB (making the switch from WR) Nico Berrios 6’2 170, SR RB Jeffrey Resto 5-8 170, SR OT Mark Dunckle 5’10 230, JR FB Ray Melnikoff 5’11 215, SR C Richard Rodenbach 5’11 225

Defensive Starters Returning: (5) SR ILB Josh Brown 6’0 180, JR ILB Ray Melnikoff 5’11 215, SR DT Mark Dunckle 5’10 230, SR FS Nico Berrios 6’2 170 , SR OLB Jeffrey Resto 5’8 170

Special Team Starters Returning: (1) JR K/P Ray Melnikoff 5’11 215

Key Newcomers: (4)

SO OG/DL Cole Choplosky 6’1 215
SO RB/OLB Kody Cresswell 6’0 170
SO OL/DL RJ Schirg 6’1 245
FR WR/DB Evan Litwin 6’0 145

Key Stats: Coming off a run to the state championship run where our season ended in Hershey, hoping the extra weeks will have a positive impact this season

2019 Offensive Outlook: Both Ray Melnikoff and Jeffrey Resto were two of our leading rushers from a year ago, they will have to shoulder the workload especially early in the season. Nico Berios will take over for four year starter Nathan Rolka and brings plenty of athleticism to the position. Mark Dunckle and Richard Rodenbach will anchor the offensive line as returning starters.

2019 Defensive Outlook: We return three starters at the linebacker position in Josh Brown, Ray Melnikoff and Jeffrey Resto. We will have many new faces along the defensive line, figuring out the right combination to accompany Mark Dunckle will be critical to our success.

2019 Special Teams Outlook: We return Jeffrey Resto as a kick returner and Ray Melnikoff who can both kick and punt. Adding quality depth will be critical.