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2024 SHARPSVILLE BLUE DEVILS PREVIEW

SHARPSVILLE – It’s “Back to the Future” in 2024 for the Sharpsville Blue Devils.

After utilizing a spread offense the last three seasons with graduated 5,000-yard passer Caullin Summers, the Blue Devils are returning to their traditional Delaware Wing-T offense this fall. Plus, head coach Paul Piccirilli will take over as the offensive playcaller after the retirement of longtime offensive coordinator Len Grandy.

There’s also change on the defensive side as Sharpsville is returning to a 5-3 alignment this year.

“We’re getting by,” Piccirilli said as he enters his 29th year as head coach. “Things are moving along and hopefully, we can improve each day.”

Sharpsville looks to take advantage of a massive offensive line with its run-oriented attack. Tackle to tackle, the Blue Devils average 285 pounds per man. First Team All-Region selection Brian White returns for his senior year while sophomore Jordan White will take over the other guard spot. Senior 250-pounder Colton Spangler moves into the center position. Seniors T.J. Locklear and Michiah Lenzi will take over the tackle positions.

“Our line is very big. We have a lot of size,” Piccirilli said. “We have seniors, but some of them haven’t played much, so we’re trying to configure them. That’s taken some time.

"We’re hoping our size helps us with wearing teams down.”

Senior Aidan Cadman, a starting guard on the Sharpsville basketball team, takes over as the starting quarterback after playing as a reserve earlier in his career. “He is doing very well,” Piccirilli said. “He is very knowledgeable and athletic. That’s make our job easier on offense.”

The return of junior All-Region running back Jaiden White will also help ease the offensive transition. White ran for 431 yards and six scores last year. He caught 33 passes for 380 yards and five more touchdowns in 2023.

He is penciled in at the fullback spot but will likely be used in a variety of roles, according to Piccirilli. “We’re going to try to move him around and keep people off balance. He’s one of our best pass catchers, he’s a heck of a runner and a heck of an athlete. We have to try to get him as many touches as possible.”

Sophomore Caleb Koncar and senior Graham Pernesky are also in the mix at fullback. Junior Will Vogan and freshman Gino Currie are the top contenders to start at halfback in the three-back alignment.

Senior Aiden Puskar caught 10 passes last year and will be the split end. He earned All-Region in 2023. Seniors Haidyn McFeaters and Antonio Cornejo, a pair of 220-pounders, will play tight end. McFeaters merited All-Region honors last fall.

“We can catch the ball,” Piccirilli said. “It’s a matter of protecting. We’re not going to throw the ball 30 or 40 times a game, like we did the last couple of years. We’re going to try and keep it on the ground and use play action.”

The 6-foot-4, 370-pound Locklear will anchor the defensive line at nose tackle. Brian White and Cornejo will flank him at tackle. Koncar and Vogan will start at end.

Jordan White and McFeaters return at two linebacker spots. Currie and sophomore Brennon Huffman are battling for the third linebacker position.

Pernesky and Puskar will play cornerback, with All-Region selection White at safety.

Piccirilli hopes that Sharpsville’s defense will benefit from the change in offensive philosophy. “Last year, it seemed like our defense was on the field 60 or 70 percent of the game and tired out. So, we’re going to try to reverse our roles this year.”

Junior Rylan Piccirilli returns at place-kicker after earning All-Region in 2023. Cadman will punt.

Sharpsville opens the season August 23 against Class 3A Girard at McCracken Field. The Blue Devils visit Greenville in non-league action in Week Two before entering Region 1 play. Sharpsville plays Farrell, Kennedy Catholic, Mercer, Reynolds and Wilmington in league action this fall.

“Being where we are, I’ll take the schedule we have and move forward,” Paul Piccirilli said. “It’s just one game at a time. I know it is a cliché. We’re hoping we can get off to a good start against Girard.”