Just the facts
Conference: WRC
OHSAA: Dvision II, Region 5
Coach: Ross Bandiera, seventh year (33-28)
2021: 2-8
Twitter: @MayfieldSports
Home field: Wildcat Park
Schedule
Aug. 19: Mayfield at Shaw, 7 p.m.
Aug. 26: Jackson at Mayfield, 7 p.m.
Sept. 2: Mayfield at Nordonia, 7 p.m.
Sept. 9: Kenmore-Garfield at Mayfield, 7 p.m.
Sept. 16: Mayfield at Chardon, 7 p.m.
Sept. 23: Riverside at Mayfield, 7 p.m.
Sept. 30: South at Mayfield, 7 p.m.
Oct. 7: Mayfield at North, 7 p.m.
Oct. 14: Madison at Mayfield, 7 p.m.
Oct. 21: Mayfield at Kenston, 7 p.m.
Projected lineup
OFFENSE
QB: Rocco Monastero, Jr., 6-1, 175
RB: Anthony Santoro, Sr., 5-9, 165
WR: Nick Biega*, Sr., 6-0, 175
WR: Mason Arth*, Sr., 6-0, 185
WR: Mikey Storey, Sr., 6-0, 170
WR: Dylan Parnell, Jr., 5-10, 165
LT: Luke Durosko*, Jr., 6-0, 265
LG: Kade Woods*, Jr., 6-1, 255
C: Nick Sperling, Sr., 6-1, 250
RG: Anthony Brack*, Sr., 5-10, 230
RT: Nick Januszewski*, Sr., 5-10, 225
K: Nick Biega, Sr., 6-0, 175
DEFENSE
DL: Daron Arnold*, Jr., 5-10, 235
DL: Kade Woods, Jr., 6-1, 255
DL: Niko Trazcyk, Jr., 6-4, 285
DL: Mikey Trazcyk*, Sr., 6-0, 245
LB: Joey Barch*, Jr., 5-10, 205
LB: Dom Milano*, Jr., 5-10, 210
LB: Bo Lewis, Jr., 6-0, 205
CB: Luis Vasquez*, Sr., 5-10, 170
CB: Vince Caspio, Sr., 5-10, 165
S: Aidan Arth, Sr., 6-0, 175
S: Lance Reed, So., 5-9, 155
P: Dylan Parnell, Jr., 5-10, 165
*: returning starter; Returning letterwinners: 14
Key reserves: Dylan Colello, Jr, 5-10, 165, Chris Fero, Sr, Position, 5-10, 265, Owen Moon, Jr, Position, 5-9, 165, Anthony Howard, Jr, Position, 5-10, 170;
Best in the classroom: Mackenzi Neil, 4.27 GPA; Aidan Arth, 4.0; Nick Biega, 4.0
Best bench press: Luke Durosko, 350 pounds
Best squat: Luke Durosko, 455 pounds
Best 40 time: Nick Biega, 4.4 seconds
Outlook
After an un-Mayfield like year in 2021, the Wildcats look to return to form in 2022. Building confidence as the season progresses is one of Ross Bandiera’s biggest goals this season. The Wildcats feature junior quarterback Rocco Monastero, who in his first year as a starter will have experience on the outside with three returning receivers. Up front, the Wildcats see four of their offensive linemen back as well. While the offense features a plethora of players back from last season, the defense has three returning players in their front seven and an entirely new defensive system in place.
Payer to watch
Mikey Traczyk has made the move from linebacker to defensive end during training camp. The transition was a challenge at first but his athleticism has allowed him to still be a dominant defensive force. Traczyk has bought into the weight room and taken the reigns as a leader.
Underclassman to watch: Both junior linebackers Dom Milano and Joey Barch have slotted into Traczyk’s spot. Both have put in extra time in the weight room during the offseason to fill the middle of the defense. The pair got some varsity experience last year and have seen every rep in the offseason.
Bottom line
IF: Skill players continue to take big strides behind an experienced line, THEN: Wildcats can contend for the top half of the WRC.