Staff file photo / R. Michael Semple Lakeview linemen Gunner Derr (64) and Nolan Allen (52) block downfield for former Bulldogs tailback Thomas Easton (3) against Hubbard last season.

CORTLAND — When Ron DeJulio was named head coach of the Lakeview Bulldogs, it wasn’t a fresh introduction, it was a homecoming.

With 20 years in the program under his belt and having served as defensive coordinator under longtime coach Tom Pavlansky, DeJulio brings continuity with a sharpened competitive edge.

“My goal this year is simple: compete,” DeJulio said. “Compete in practice, compete in scrimmages, compete on Friday nights. We’ve built that into everything we do like in the weight room, drills, end-of-practice challenges. These guys are learning to push through fatigue and still compete.”

The continuity he brings, however, will be shown on the field. DeJulio said his offense is going to run multiple sets on offense but keep the defense generally the same in 4-4 or 4-5 sets.

“It’s not really going to change much from last year,” he said. “We’re going to keep everything right around the same. We have five starters coming back on offense and four on defense.”

DeJulio’s deep roots in Lakeview go beyond football. As a former athletic director and the current vice principal at the middle and elementary schools, his voice is a familiar one in the halls and now in the huddle.

“There’s not many kids in Lakeview that haven’t interacted with me at some point,” DeJulio said. “That helps. There’s already a trust built in.”

Lakeview’s last two seasons ended at 5-5, but both resulted in playoff berths. DeJulio knows the path to the postseason goes through one of the toughest conferences in the area, the Northeast-8. He said he likes the conference because it’s not only one of the most competitive conferences, he said it helps get his team ready for the playoffs.

“Every week is a playoff atmosphere,” he said. “Week in and week out, it’s a hard schedule. Every week it’s smash-mouth football.”

For his outlook on the season and the goals he wants to see accomplished, DeJulio said he wants to see his team compete in, and win, a conference championship and secure a playoff slot.

DeJulio is expecting to lean heavily on his senior leadership, most of which return to the offensive line, but are spread across the field. Gunner Derr, Hayden Newton, Calan Cunningham, Hayden Shardy and Alex Bates, among others, are tasked with that job.

“We’re going to have to lean on the big guys up front and our seniors as our leaders,” DeJulio said.

OFFENSE

Lakeview’s offensive identity under DeJulio will center around methodical ball control and trench dominance.

The Bulldogs return a strong offensive line featuring Derr, Bates, Nolan Allen and Joe Kuchcinski. Each brings game-tested experience, and the line will be the heart of the team’s success.

“We only go as far as our offensive line takes us,” DeJulio said. “(Derr) sets the tone. He’s a leader in every way. ”

Behind that line, the quarterback competition remains open between juniors Eli Gough and Asa Lantz. Both have been battling, with Gough having a slight advantage after seeing playing time last season. DeJulio added that both Gough and Lantz might see split duties.

“Both are smart, both have solid arms and both can read defenses,” DeJulio said. “We’re not naming a starter until after the scrimmages. They’re battling every day, and there’s a chance both see time under center. They both may see playing time, that’s not out of the question either.”

Also in the backfield is senior Hayden Newton who, DeJulio explained, brings a ton of experience.

“We’re going to have to be able to run the ball with the schedule that we play,” DeJulio said.

At wide receiver, Lakeview replaces its entire starting corps from a year ago. Among those stepping up are Trace Goyzueta, a newcomer after stepping away after his freshman season, and returning contributors Cole Wright, Troy Black, Calan Cunningham and Preston Littleton.

“Cunningham’s done a great job this summer, and Trace has been a standout,” DeJulio said. “Those two are probably in the mix to be our WR1.”

The goal for Lakeview’s offense this season is to control the ball and the clock. DeJulio said he wants to see his guys remain in control and not give the ball to opponents.

“Sometimes your best defense is your offense. We want to be able to control the ball,” DeJulio said. “We can’t give teams that we play too many opportunities on offense because they’re going to find a weakness. We’re going to be methodical. We could speed it up if we have to, but we want to be more methodical.”

DEFENSE

The Bulldogs’ defense remains anchored in a four-man front, with flexibility to shift into 4-4 or 4-5 sets based on situations.

The front line boasts familiar faces with high expectations.

Derr headlines the unit, joined by Shardy, Allen and Joe Kuchcinski on the line. Behind them, four-year letterman Newton returns to lead the linebacker group.

“These guys have the experience, and we’re going to need them to play well if we’re going to win games late,” DeJulio said.

While Newton appears to be a lock, the second linebacker spot remains open, with juniors Noah Engle and Troy Black making strong cases during camp, among other guys on the field.

In the secondary, Cunningham and Littleton appear set to handle cornerback duties, while the safety battle between Goyzueta and Lantz mirrors the QB competition in intensity.

“Trace and Asa are both competing hard,” DeJulio said. “We’re going to let that play out in camp and scrimmages.”

SPECIAL TEAMS

Junior Easton Bradley will handle kicking duties this fall and DeJulio has confidence in his leg.

“He has put in the work, gone to camps and improved tremendously. He’s been working hard over the winter and spring” he said. “I’m comfortable with him kicking from deep.”

In the return game, Lakeview is weighing options between Calan Cunningham and Noah Engle.

Lakeview will open the 2025 campaign on Aug. 22 at Springfield.