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2025 GROVE CITY EAGLES PREVIEW

GROVE CITY – Much like pumpkin-flavored bakery goods, leaves dropping off of trees and standard time replacing daylight savings, the Grove City Eagles qualifying for the District 10 football playoffs has been a rite of autumn over the last decade. But in 2024, Grove City's streak of eight straight postseason appearances ended as the Eagles finished 3-6 overall.

This fall, Grove City looks to start a new streak of postseason berths after using last season's adversity as a learning tool in the offseason.

"We're using those past experiences to continue to grow and build as coaches and players," 12th-year head coach Sam Mowrey said. "Life isn't always going to be easy.  You're not always going to have undefeated championship seasons. That's not something we're going to shy away from. We think that's important to use those as teaching lessons as we move forward.

"The boys attacked the offseason with such great attitudes, starting in the winter. They've done a great job of continuing to work to better themselves and put themselves in position to be successful this year."

Grove City welcomes back its leading rusher from 2024, senior running back Jaxyn Wilson. Wilson ran for 723 yards and nine touchdowns and also caught 10 passes out of the backfield as a junior. Senior Jonah Stucchio, a standout triple jumper for the Grove City track and field team, also returns after rushing for 249 yards as Wilson's running mate in the backfield.

Sophomore Zach Mathieson is also expected to challenge for carries, according to Mowrey.

While Grove City seemingly has clarity at running back, the starting quarterback job remains up for grabs. Junior Drake Moore and freshman Heath Hohman are battling for the starting post. Moore made three starts in 2024 and threw for 170 yards and two touchdowns.

"They've had a great battle," Mowrey said. "It's been something that's been special to watch as a coach, watching the grace that they handle the competition with. They are being joyful for each other and encouraging each other. That type of attitude rubs off on everybody else."

Junior Austin Gothe, junior Peyton Miller, junior Ben Moore, junior Levi Toth and sophomore Charlie Miller are all battling for time at wide receiver. Junior Jimmy Cooper is a returning letterwinner at H-back in Grove City's spread attack.

Seniors Delathian Boanes, Logan Dice and Karson Heckathorn return to lead Grove City's offensive line. Dice has played extensively at center while First Team All-Region pick Boanes returns at guard. Heckathorn looks to nail down a full-time spot at tackle.

Senior Kade Anderson, junior Patrick Faler, junior Andres Navarro, junior Brody Thompson and sophomore Malachi Whitley are competing for starting spots in the front five. "We do have experience coming back, but we're going to need seven or eight guys that can step in there and play," Mowrey said. "That's another position where there has been some great competition."

All-Region honoree Boanes and Heckathorn return to lead Grove City's three-man defensive line. Stucchio, Wilson and Drake Moore are all returning letterwinners at outside linebacker. Cooper, Dice and Navarro return at inside linebacker. Mowrey, who also serves as defensive coordinator, cited Mathieson and sophomore Luke Gamble as two men who are also battling for time at inside linebacker in Grove City's 3-4 alignment.

Gothe, Ben Moore and the Millers aim to comprise the starting secondary. "They've done a great job of being flexible and learning multiple positions," Mowrey said.

Second Team All-Region performer Stucchio returns at kicker. He kicked three field goals in 2024 and routinely booms the ball into the end zone on kickoffs. Several players are working out at punter.

Grove City opens the season by hosting North East at Franklin High School in Week One. The Eagles also play District 10 playoff regulars Fairview, Fort LeBoeuf and Oil City in non-conference play, in addition to the Region 3 schedule. "What a great schedule and great opportunity that we have to improve ourselves as a program and as a team," Mowrey said. "We look forward to those challenges."