NWPASports.com

(Statistical Information Courtesy of NWPASports.com archives)

GREENVILLE TROJANS 2023 FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

Head Coach: Mike Menold, 1st year
Last Year: 2-8

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GREENVILLE -- In a constantly-changing world, the Greenville High School football program has been a model of consistency since the 1950s. But the Trojans are not immune from change, though, and the 2023 season marks a new chapter in the proud history of Greenville football.

Mike Menold, a 1991 Greenville High grad, takes over as head coach after Brian Herrick stepped down at the conclusion of the 2022 season. Menold began coaching in the Greenville program as a junior high coach in 1992 and is in his 27th year of teaching in the Greenville School District.

Menold is only the fifth man to serve as head football coach at Greenville since 1959, joining Ed Snyder (1937-43, 1946-54, 1959-68), Bob Ballock (1969-77), Bob Stone (1978-2006) and Herrick (2007-22).

"There will be similarities but we do plan on making some changes," Menold said. "Defensively, we're going to be very similar to what we were in the past. On offense, we're going to try to spread the ball out a little more, but still with a physical, power mentality."

Greenville finished 2-8 in 2022. However, four setbacks came by seven points or fewer, and with an experienced nucleus back in the fold, Menold feels that the lessons of 2022 can pay off this autumn. "That's one of the things that the kids and the coaching staff have really focused on: always competing. Every snap makes a difference. Being in those games last year with those good teams, I think the kids understand that we can change some of those losses into wins if we're competing and doing the right things play after play."

Offensively, the Trojans will use a senior-laden, power-oriented one-back attack. Hard-charging 215-pound senior Malachi Hyde ran for a team-leading 618 yards and six touchdowns last year. He has 1,443 career yards and will likely be the feature back this fall.

Senior quarterback Nick Solderich threw for 683 yards and five touchdowns in 2022, his first season as a starter. Senior tight end Jack Strausser caught seven passes and led the Trojans with a 17.7 yards-per-catch average. Senior Noah Philson also had seven receptions last season and will be a key part of the passing attack after recovering from an appendectomy.

Up front, senior tackles Logan Leskovac and Tucker Musser return after earning All-Region distinction last season. Senior guard Bennett Hayne also returns after moving from tight end early in 2022. Seniors Josh Stubbs and Gage Hammond are battling for the starting center spot while senior Joey Peterson looks to earn the starting nod at guard.

"We have a great group of seniors that have played a lot of varsity football," Menold said. "Our seniors have done a great job of leading and we'll go as far as they can take us.

A number of youngsters are also expected to start on offense for the Trojans. Sophomore Rudy Gentile will see action at running back and wide receiver. Sophomore Jacosa Mitchell and freshman Justin Schell are also in contention to start at wide receiver. Freshmen Jaden Schuver and Blaine Swartz are expect to battle for time at center.

Defensively, Greenville will use a 4-4 alignment that can easily adapt to a 4-2-5 against the spread offenses that are predominant in the area. Leskovac, Musser and Stubbs look to have three of the four defensive line spots sewn up. Hammond, Peterson and freshman Cameron Reimold are also expected to see ample time up front, if not start.

Gentile and Strausser will be the outside linebackers with Hayne and Hyde holding the inside spots. Hyde earned All-Region recognition last year.

Schell and Solderich look to start at cornerback. Mitchell will be free safety. Philson is expected to see time in the secondary when he returns.

Solderich will punt and kick off. Soccer standout Megan Wood will handle extra points and field goals. Freshman Cael Thurber will hold and Strausser is long snapper.

"We're very excited. We feel like we've had an excellent camp," Menold said. "Everything is a work in progress, getting things to jell. We have young kids on the back end on defense and some young kids out wide of offense. But I think they're doing great. There may be some growing pains because they're young, but they're doing an excellent job."

Greenville will again compete in Region 3, a combined Class 2A and Class 3A conference. Greenville's respective series with region rivals Grove City, Sharon and Sharpsville pre-date World War I. Greenville first played Farrell in 1918.

"It's a region with great coaches, great teams and great tradition," Menold said. "It's nice to know that you're going up against good competition every Friday night and you have to be at your best.

"The goal for us is to get better every day, compete on every play and hopefully, the other stuff then takes care of itself."