NWPASports.com

2025 SLIPPERY ROCK ROCKETS PREVIEW

SLIPPERY ROCK – Plenty of familiar faces return for the Slippery Rock Rockets in 2025 after an injury-riddled 3-7 campaign that pressed numerous youngsters into the lineup in 2024. Tenth-year head coach Larry Wendereusz and his staff have higher hopes and expectations for that experienced group this fall.

"We have a lot of names that are familiar for us because they've been in their role," Wendereusz said. "But being in the role and going 3-7 isn't what we're looking for. Being in the role and turning that around, that's what we need to do.

"The players have bought in to where we're trying to go and what we are trying to do. We're looking forward to seeing that happen on Friday nights."

Slippery Rock will again employ a 4-2-5 defensive alignment. The Rockets will rely upon a veteran group of linebackers and defensive backs to help lead the way. Juniors Lamont Patterson and Peyton Reich return as starting inside linebackers with senior Kole Scott and sophomore Kaine Humphrey pushing for starting spots.

"We have four pretty good ones there," Wendereusz praised.

Senior Owen Long, a Second Team All-Region selection in 2024, returns at free safety. Senior Doug Popovec returns at weak safety while junior Alex Cornelius is a returning starter at the Rockets' hybrid strong safety/outside linebacker post. Junior Logan Schlobohm looks to hold down one cornerback spot with junior Cole Schwartz and sophomore Jackson Novak dueling on the other side.

Seniors Sawyer Allen and Carter Jeannerat are penciled in at defensive end, along with sophomores Noah Cornelius and Trenton Reich. Senior Jacob Reich, sophomore Cole Staab and junior Justin Wroblewski are competing for the tackle positions.

Popovec enters his first season as a full-time starter at quarterback after taking over midway through 2024. He caught 19 passes at wide receiver before moving into the backfield. Popovec also ran for a team-high three touchdowns and is expected to be a dual threat in the Rockets' spread scheme.

"Doug's extremely athletic and we're going to use his athletic ability in different roles," Wendereusz said.

All-Region honoree Long led Slippery Rock with 436 rushing yards and also pulled in 19 receptions as a junior. He and Alex Cornelius are returning starters at running back. Patterson and Scott are also expected to get carries.

"We're excited to see those four handle the ball," Wendereusz said. "Obviously, with Doug's athletic ability at quarterback, we're going to let him run the ball as well."

Several men are competing for starting spots at wide receiver, including Novak, Schlobohm, Schwartz, junior Mitchell Stadtmiller and sophomore Cameron Tonelli. Backup sophomore quarterback John Petras has also been working at wide receiver. "Our goal is to let them show off their athletic ability when the lights come on Friday and Saturday nights," Wendereusz said.

Allen, Humphrey and Jeannerat are competing for the starting tight end position.

Injuries have affected the Rockets along the offensive line during camp, with several men having been sidelined at times. Staab started at center last season but could slide to guard. Jacob Reich has played both guard and tackle while Noah Cornelius also has experience at tackle. Maddox Reich and Trenton Reich are battling for starting spots.

"I'll be honest, I don't know how that's going to play out because of the injuries," Wendereusz said.

All-Region performer Zach Lasko returns to handle the kicking and punting duties. He drilled three field goals last season while also hitting 11 of 13 extra points.

Slippery Rock will again compete in Class 3A Region 4. Wendereusz cited two main keys for the Rockets to move up in the league and return to the District 10 playoffs.

"We have to get healthy," he began. "Number two, I think our kids have to play with confidence. I think we lost that the last couple of years due to coming out and not being comfortable and confident in our play. And it showed in the scores on Friday nights and Saturday nights. So our kids have to come out and be confident and be comfortable with what we're doing and go play."