2020 Team Previews: Methacton Warriors (1)

Written by: David Mika on Saturday, August 8th, 2020. Follow David Mika on Twitter.

Head Coach: Dave Lotier

Assistant Coaches:

Lou Orth – OC
Ed Lynett – Co-DC / RBs
Steve Jones – Strength and Condo / WRs
Brad Kull -OL
Jason Lindsay – LBs
Spencer Jones – Varsity Asst
Eric Ranieri – 9th HC
Dave D’Orazio – 9th Asst

Team Name: Methacton Warriors

2019 Record: 3-7

Key Starters Lost:

Mike Torcini RB/DB
Brent Romano LB (Cal U Pa)
Keino Kinard OL/DL (DelVal)
Larry Dickerson WR/DB
Marcus Melle WR/DB (Mansfield)
Ryan Eckman OL/DL
Ron Fondots TE/LB
Nick Olivieri ATH

Offensive Starters Returning: (10)

Sr. QB Mike Merola, 5’11 175
Sr. RB Justin Carfrey, 5’10 170
Sr. WR Justin Gumienny, 5’11 170
Sr. OL Mario D’Addesi, 5’11 265
Sr. OL Dan Meier, 5’11 220
Sr. OL Quinn Shields, 6’4 240
Sr. OL Brian Stagliano, 6′ 215
Sr. H-Back Ryan Cassidy, 5’11 220
Jr. WR Brian Dickey, 5’11 175
JR. Ath Dan Brandi, 6’1 185

Defensive Starters Returning: (9)

Sr. DB Justin Gumienny, 5’11 170
Sr. LB Jude Wozniak 6′ 200
Sr. DL Mario D’Addesi, 5’11 265
Sr. DL Dan Meier, 5’11 220
Sr. DL Ryan Cassidy 5’11 220
Jr DB Matt Blakemore, 5’11 170
Jr. DB Brian Dickey, 5’11 175
Jr. LB Chris Augustine, 6′ 200
Soph LB Tyler Weil-Kaspar, 5’10 170

Special Team Starters Returning: (0)

Key Newcomers:

Sr. TE/LB Nick Caville, 6′ 195
Sr. WR/DB Sean Conner, 6′ 165
Jr. RB/LB Jason McGinley, 5’10 185
Jr. OL/DL Tommy Dickinson, 6’4 265
Jr. WR/DB Khaydon Smith, 5’11 165
Jr. RB/LB Dean Sapalidis, 5’9 170
Soph. OL/DL Josh Cancro, 6’2 210

Key Stats: Return 9 starters on both sides of the ball

2020 Offensive Outlook: Offensively we feel that we have an experienced group that is ready to put it together under new Offensive Coordinator Lou Orth. Establishing the line of scrimmage will be key for us. To accomplish this, we return 4 starters on the O-Line who are all primed to take another step forward this season. At the QB position we return Mike Merola who has thrown for 1000+ yards and 10 TDs in his career. We also bring back QB/Ath Dan Brandi, who will run, catch, and throw the ball for us this season. We must replace our big play threats at the wide receiver position after losing Larry Dickerson and Marcus Melle to graduation. Looking to step into those roles are Justin Gumienny, Brian Dickey, and Matt Blakemore, all of whom return with the experience and the talent to do so. Running the ball for us this season will be Justin Carfrey. Justin had his Jr campaign cut short due to injury, but is 100% healthy and looking for a breakout season.

2020 Defensive Outlook: Defensively we bring back key starters at each level. On the defensive line we will be led by returning All-Conference players Dan Meier and Mario D’Addesi. At linebacker, Jude Wozniak, Chris Augustine and Tyler Weil-Kaspar are all back after productive 2019 seasons. Our secondary will be led by Justin Gumienny, Brian Dickey and Matt Blakemore. All three return, looking to step up after making big contributions in 2019. To take advantage of all that experience, we will be become more multiple with our fronts and coverage this year. How our guys pick up these new concepts, especially with the short off-season, will be a big key for us early on.

2020 Special Teams Outlook: We graduated our kicker and punter. We have a few legs on the team, and will get a soccer player or two out. Finding the K/P replacements will be essential for us on special teams.