Returning talent, motivation to propel Lakers
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ANDOVER -- Heading into the 2024 campaign, Pymatuning Valley head coach Neal Croston believes his team's leadership from its upperclassmen, as well as the returning talent across the board, will translate to success.
A season ago, the Lakers ended the year 8-4 overall and went undefeated in conference play. The last few weeks of the season Pymatuning Valley dominated its opponents by allowing only six points defensively while scoring a staggering combined 186 points to round out the regular season.
"We were more physical than the teams we played in conference," Croston said. "In the beginning of the year, we just came off a 4-6 season, so I think it was in the back of our minds. We knew we were going to be better, but you didn't know if you could compete in the non-conference. We gained confidence in weeks one through five last year and once we got into conference play, our guys' weight-lifting regimen over the last couple of years really showed with our run game."
Physicality, for Croston, is a major component of success -- especially as it pertains to the offensive line. The senior class, and some juniors as well, have moved on from needing inspiration from the coaching staff and have become more self motivated to get in the weight room.
"They're doing it on their own and it's a good thing. Even when we don't practice, they're in the gym," Croston said. "The things I look for over the summer is if they're being physical when they're lifting, are they being aggressive and are we doing it when we're in pads -- when we get the equipment on, is that continuing? I don't have to tell them what to do."
That sense of physicality is also the reason his defensive unit last year, most of which are returning this season, only allowed six points in four games. Croston commended his linebackers for being the heart of the defensive prowess of his team.
"Our front four did a great job, but the linebackers with their speed and strength was our top aspect from week one to week 10," he said. "As the season went on, it was our front eight that did a great job to stop the run. even in the playoffs. Our biggest let down in that playoff game against Mogadore was giving up two third-and-long passes over the top. We stopped the run for the most part, but we just have to do a better job with the pass rushing and knocking down the ball when we're there as defensive backs."
In keeping with the leadership component, Croston spoke highly of his senior quarterback Ryan Croston and his ability to take control of the huddle. Joining Ryan in the backfield is Ty Vickery.
"They're a great combination in the backfield and guys who have been starters for me since they were freshmen," Neal said. "It's that confidence factor when your quarterback is on the same page with you. He's been in a lot of situations now so there isn't going to be a lot out there that will be overwhelming."
Heading into the season, the Pymatuning Valley skipper said his team has three goals: be competitive in the non-conference schedule, win the conference, make the playoffs.
"I think we were competitive in the non-conference schedule last year. Out of the six games, we had a chance to win five of them," Neal said. "We can, of course, add another goal after qualifying for the playoffs but we have to get there first."
OFFENSE
The Pymatuning Valley's strength offensively this season, according to Neal, will be the offensive line. That thought process comes not only from how physical his line is, but from the bonds he has built with his unit.
"I'm hoping up front we're going to be even better and more physical than we were last year. I think if we can improve on something, it would be our pass blocking," he said. "With this group, I don't have to tell them what to do. A lot of these guys I coached when they were in pee-wee football. ... You build a bond with these guys. A lot of them will run through a wall for one another and I think they would do that for me too."
Returning to the line this year are Landon Paul, Stuart Jenick, John Finello and Damon Brainard. The only new face on the line this year is Ben Zarczynski.
"He's a big guy and you can't teach size, so that's going to help us be more physical," Neal said of his new lineman.
Speaking on the returning starters, Neal said each of them had spectacular seasons a year ago.
"They all grew and got better. Now this year, it's the same thing. They call out the blocking assignments in the huddle. I know that's going to happen. Last year, you weren't sure at times and were worried about miscommunication, but all four guys know what we're doing and they're physical," Neal said.
Handling quarterback responsibilities will be Ryan, whose leadership ability on the field has been crucial for the Lakers.
"Leadership is a big thing with taking control of the huddle and making adjustments. Before, he was just running a play. Now, he might have a read or might have a run-pass option. The offense is in his hands and I trust him," Neal said.
Along with Ryan getting it done on the ground, Vickery and Luke Giddings will also shoulder the responsibility of carrying the football.
"Vickery is one of our better athletes. With small schools, sometimes you have to move your athletes around and call a play just for them. So if we have to move him to receiver or in the slot, we will," Neal said. "He's a good running back and a physical runner. I think what will help this year is Giddings in the backfield and I can put Vickery on a route or anywhere else if needed."
Rounding out the offense is Jaren Nowakowski at tight end, and Jayce Fulkman and Sean Croston in the slot receiver position. Also in that receiving group are Matthew Adkins and Alex Simon. Nowakowski pulls double duty as a tight end with a great set of hands and, according to Neal, the ability to be like a sixth lineman when the offense runs the ball.
"One special thing about him is his physical run blocking," Neal said. "He had about eight or nine receptions for us, but when he did they were huge. Probably 20 or 30 yards downfield. He's a threat and has gotten faster and bigger so we're going to use him in different ways."
Early in the season last year, Sean Croston went down due to a season-ending injury. In his absence, Fulkman was looked at to haul in Ryan's passes.
"We wanted to use (Sean Croston) as our deep threat on the outside, but Fulkman really stepped up big," Neal said. "He didn't have a lot of receptions but when he made plays, they were big ones."
DEFENSE
At the core of the defensive unit are the Lakers' linebacking group comprised of Ryan, Vickery and Giddings. The prowess, according to Neal, all stems from Vickery and Ryan.
"It all started in the last few years with those guys. Vickery plays inside and Ryan Croston plays outside. Giddings had an unbelievable year last season at inside linebacker just chasing guys down," Neal said. "Vickery and Ryan Croston move the kids around and get them lined up. Giddings is also one of those guys who has good football instincts too."
In the defensive backfield, in an effort to learn from the Mogadore playoff loss last season, Neal moved Sean to free safety. He also has Fulkman, Simon and Bryce Brown to help limit the threat downfield.
"We have two guys coming out for the first time and I think they can help us out in certain situations and give our two-way players a break. I think that's part of the reason we got beat deep last season. Guys were a little tired or, a lot of the times, we had a sack but the opposing quarterback got out of it," Neal said. "It wasn't always the DB's fault, but we have a little more depth this year that we can put five or six guys in those spots."
Up front for the defense this year will be Nowakowski, Brainard, Finello and Adkins. The latter saw significant time last year as a linebacker after being moved back due to Sean's injury. Neal said the team has some much-needed depth at the linebacker position.
"We want to have a good rotation so some guys can take a play or two off. Adkins played linebacker last year, but we have a few guys who can fill his empty spot," he added.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Handling kicking duties for Pymatuning Valley this season is a hodgepodge of Lakers. Ryan is an option, as is soccer player Elliot Jones and Padraig Ferrie. With Jones, however, Neal said the team will have the chance to kick extra points rather than opting for two-point conversions, as was common last year.
Responsible for returning the ball will be Fulkman, Giddings, Sean and track standout Brayden Shinault. Neal believes Shinault's speed will be a weapon this season, so he will be tried out as a return man.
The Lakers open the 2024 season Aug. 23 at home against Mineral Ridge.
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