Just the facts
Conference: Great Lakes Conference
OHSAA: Division III, Region 10
Coach: Josh Wells, ninth season (53-33)
2022: 4-7 (3-2)
Twitter: @CoachWells1
Home Field: Rocky River Stadium
Schedule (subject to change)
Aug. 18: Harvey at Rocky River, 7 p.m.
Aug. 25: John Marshall at Rocky River, 7 p.m.
Sept. 1: Rocky River at Perkins, 7 p.m.
Sept. 8: Lakewood at Rocky River, 7 p.m.
Sept. 15: Rocky River at Valley Forge, 7 p.m.
Sept. 22: Rocky River at North Olmsted, 7 p.m.
Sept. 29: Westlake at Rocky River, 7 p.m.
Oct. 6: Rocky River at Elyria Catholic, 7 p.m.
Oct. 13: Rocky River at Bay, 7 p.m.
Oct. 20: Fairview at Rocky River, 7 p.m.
Best in the classroom: Julian Patti, 4.3 GPA
Best bench press: Tony Liva, 240 pounds
Best 40 time: N/A
Best squat: Tony Liva, 365 pounds
Projected lineup
OFFENSE
QB: Julian Patti*, Sr., 6-1, 185
RB: Nick DiSalvo*, Sr., 5-9, 180
WR: Oran Grieve, Jr., 5-10, 165
WR: Rowan McDougal, Sr., 6-0, 175
WR: Ryan Ricketti*, Sr., 5-10, 178
TE: Andrew Lang, Sr., 6-1, 192
LT: Will Sweeney, Jr., 6-3, 305
LG: Max Fano, Sr., 6-0, 235
C: Connor Granzier*, Sr., 6’0” 215
RG: Connor Kane, Sr., 6-1, 280
RT: Zane Lindquist, Sr., 6-2, 205
K: Tony Liva, Sr., 5-9, 175
DEFENSE
DE: Alex Van Meter So., 6-2, 208
DT: Will Sweeney, Jr., 6-3, 305
NT: Max Fano*, Sr., 6-0, 235
LEO: Trent Delventhal*, Sr., 6-2, 200,
SAM: Ben Bogre*, Jr., 6-3, 175
MIKE: Ben Kuhne*, Jr., 5-11, 205
WILL: Andrew Lang*, Sr., 6-1, 192
CB: Colin Slomka, Sr., 6-1, 172
FS: Ryan Ricketti*, Sr., 5-10, 178
WS: Josh Mommers*, Jr., 5-10, 182
CB: Cam Bulkowski*, Jr., 5-8, 170
P: Cohen Blair, So., 5-9, 165
*. returning starter; Returning letterwinners: 18; Key reserves: Colin Slomka, Sr., 6-2, 172, Cam Bulkowski, Jr., 5-8, 170, Abel Sereika, Sr., 6-0, 198, Michael Worgull, So., 5-10, 168
Outlook
Coming off a down season in which the Pirates still made the playoffs, Josh Wells’ crew is ready to bounce back in 2023. Rocky River returns starting quarterback Julian Patti, three more offensive starters and eight returning starters on the defensive side of the ball for 12 total returning starters. While experience along the line is a concern, the Pirates have speed to burn at the skill positions.
Player to watch
Senior Julian Patti will command the offense for the second straight year. He’s improved on his accuracy and deep ball, which will open up the offense.
Underclassman to watch: Josh Mommers got plenty of playing time at safety as a sophomore. Expect the young veteran defensive back to take another step up.
Bottom Line
IF: Players can execute the fundamentals, THEN: It’ll allow Rocky River to create and stop plays.
