Devils return to Wing-T looking for spark
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MCDONALD -- In an effort to get back to its winning ways, the McDonald High football team is returning to its football roots.
Under coach Dan Williams, the Blue Devils have enjoyed a wealth of success. Williams' resume includes seven league titles, 12 playoff appearances and four undefeated regular seasons. Williams is a member of the Trumbull County Sports Hall of Fame.
However, the Blue Devils are currently on the wrong side of history. The Devils have recorded three consecutive losing seasons, something that previously hadn't happened since 1958-60.
This year, McDonald will return to a look which was for decades synonymous with the program -- the Wing-T offense.
"We just felt that it was time to return to some old-school basics and start fresh," Williams said. "With our personnel, we just felt like this was the right time to mix things up. The kids have bought into it, they have been extremely focused."
Williams noted that in his 27-year career as a head coach, this is the first time he had to teach an entire group of players the Wing-T from scratch. When he inherited the McDonald program in 2000, the Devils had been running the same style of offense since 1978.
"When I took over I kept the same terminology and the same playbook," Williams said. "When we went to the spread (2018) it was an easier transformation. With the Wing-T, there's more moving parts and there's a lot to learn. But we have a lot of experienced kids and we have a team of very intelligent players who are making this a smooth transition."
Change aside, it's the familiar faces which just might help McDonald return to its winning ways. The Blue Devils return 16 lettermen, including eight starters on both offense and defense. A roster which was dominated with underclassmen the past couple of years now includes a wealth of juniors and seniors. Those upperclassmen are determined to leave the program on a winning note.
"All of us seniors feel like this is the year, there are no excuses and it's up to us to turn this thing around," senior James Hipple said. "We have the talent. We have the experience. And I think most importantly we have the determination to make this happen."
"All offseason we were focused. I saw a bunch of guys get bigger, faster, stronger. The weight room was always full. There was just a lot of work and a different level of focus."
Hipple says he and his teammates are well aware of the recent struggles. They are also aware of the history of success within the program.
"We don't need to be reminded of the great tradition of McDonald football," Hipple said. "This community takes pride in the Blue Devils. We know it's up to us to bring back the winning tradition. We feel like we're up for the challenge."
McDonald's roster includes 45 players, up 10 from a year ago.
OFFENSE
The change in style of offense means that there will be changes in personnel, with multiple players moving into new roles.
Juniors Kyle Puckett (575 passing yards, 6 TD) and Brady Klockner will battle for the quarterback spot, with Puckett owning the edge because of his playing time last year as a sophomore.
"Kyle played in a number of games, including as a starter in week 10 and in our playoff game," Williams said. "We feel confident that Kyle can run the new offense. He's smart and very capable of making the right decisions regarding whether to run or throw. And he's very good in this system in that he can beat you running or throwing the ball."
Junior Drew Zajack (6-foot-3, 220), who shared time at quarterback last year, moves to fullback. He'll share time with senior Jayden Taylor.
"Drew is very athletic, and his size will fit right into that position," Williams said.
Senior William VanMeter and junior Casey Miller -- both featured as wide receivers last year -- will move to the wingback position. Senior Tobias Domitrovich will be the featured tailback, with sophomore Preston VanMeter backing up Domitrovich.
Junior Jordan Perry will be the go-to wide receiver while senior Elias Tingler will also be a target on passing plays.
Hipple, who is on schedule to earn his fourth varsity letter, returns at the tight end position.
"James brings a lot of experience and he might be our best blocker," Williams said. "He's going to be a key player in this new offense."
The line returns a wealth of experience, including guards Julien Sattarelle and Gionni Carkido. Tackle Landon Isaac returns after starting all 11 games last year. Tackle Jacob Bowser also lettered in 2023. Sophomore Amari Carayol, who moves into the center position, is the lone lineman without varsity experience.
"We're excited about our line, there's a lot of experience and with a little bit of depth this becomes one of the better units on our team," Williams said.
DEFENSE
Zajack and Sattarelle return as defensive ends while the defensive tackle roles will be shared by Bowser, Isaac, Carayol and Caleb Smith.
"We have four solid guys for two tackle spots, we'll try to keep them fresh and limit their need to play both offense and defense at times," Williams said.
Hipple and Carkido return as three-year starters at middle linebacker. The outside linebackers will include Domitrovich, who started all 11 games last year, and Taylor, who rotated at the position in 2023. William VanMeter will also get playing time as a linebacker.
Miller returns at the corner spot. Perry, who started 11 games at corner last year, moves to safety. The defensive backfield will also be manned by Tingler, William VanMeter and Klockner.
"Again, we have some depth here and we'll be able to rotate some players based on how much playing time they're getting at other positions," Williams said. "We feel pretty good about our backfield."
SPECIAL TEAMS
Hipple returns as the kicker, handling kickoffs, extra point attempts and field goals. Zajack is back as the punter, while Klockner also assumes the role he held last year as the PAT and long-snapper.
"We really stress the importance of special teams so it's nice to have those veterans back, it's always a relief to have experience on the special teams," Williams said.
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