You can’t blame Ryan Linn for being optimistic.
Now in his ninth season as head football coach at Moon Area, Linn is working with a veteran squad that is – in his own estimation – probably the most athletic team he’s had since he’s been there.
“And I can say that confidently,” Linn said last week.
What has Linn brimming with confidence going into Friday’s 7 p.m. season opener at Trinity is that his roster includes 26 seniors, five of whom are returning two-way starters, and plenty of depth, particularly at certain spots.
“I’m probably two-deep at every wide receiver and defensive backfield spot,” he said. “We’ve had big teams in the past with great linemen, tight ends and great backs. But we have a lot of speed and athleticism (this season).”
A year ago, Moon went 2-3 in Class 5A Allegheny Six Conference action — good for fourth place in the six-team league — and 5-5 overall.
Returning are two-way starters Austin Knox (guard/defensive end), Navy commit Braeden Stuart (safety/athlete), Myles Turner (wide receiver/cornerback), Jared Moyer (wide receiver/outside linebacker) and Paul Bronaugh (athlete/cornerback). All are seniors.
Kyden Kulvanish, one of the team’s top running threats last year with 426 yards and three touchdowns on 76 carries, is back for his senior season as are returning defensive starters Ryan Culligan (linebacker) and Jayden Revis (cornerback).
In terms of schematics, Linn said he’ll stick with a 3-4 defensive alignment.
“Our defensive coordinator (Tyler Krokonko) loves to blitz and play zero coverage,” said Linn, who wasn’t worried about giving anything away. “It’s no secret that we do it.”
Offensively, Linn said, the Tigers will show a little more diversity.
“We had been run-heavy,” Linn said, “but we’re going to open things up more than we have in the past because we have the quarterback coming back.”
That quarterback, senior Andrew Cross, will be starting for the third season. A year ago, Cross completed 61 of 129 passes (47.3%) for 943 yards, 10 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Bronaugh hauled in 11 passes for 200 yards and three touchdowns, and rushed for 471 yards on 63 carries, including five more touchdowns. Moyer, whom Linn identified as a deep threat, caught 10 passes for 242 yards a year. Junior wide receiver Sevy Vendetti caught 11 passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns a year ago.
Linn said those players “will take the lead on things” offensively, but he noted that four or five other players will rotate in and get their share of touches in any given game.
“We’ll find quick ways to get them the football,” Linn said of his depth at the skill positions. “It’s more of a committee around here than anything else.”
Another returning player who should contribute is kicker Evan Senkevich while newcomers who should help include senior linebacker Daiveon Taylor – a transfer from Aliquippa by way of Bishop Canevin and a Kent State commit – freshman running back/linebacker Caden Hawkins, sophomore wide receiver/running back/cornerback Dionte Henry and sophomore linebacker Chris Miller.
Linn said he told his group they have a chance to do something special if they do the things they’re supposed to do.
“That doesn’t mean listen to people telling you how great you are,” he said. “You have to work. And I’ve seen some good things in camp and over the summer.”
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