Correspondent file photo / David Dermer Struthers running back Tyler Cole takes a carry during a game against South Range on Sept. 20 in Beaver Township.

STRUTHERS — Coach John Pascarella has seen a lot of football, especially at Struthers for the past 15 seasons, but didn’t envision himself at the helm. Sometimes, life presents opportunity, and he’s eager to kick-start the 2025 campaign with a younger, but experienced, Wildcats roster.

“Just a lot of guys that we were hoping would step up, have stepped up. We have a lot of inexperienced players coming back with the massive senior class that we had last year, so seeing a lot of these guys step up and kind of take over and take leadership, that’s been amazing,” Pascarella said. “That’s kind of helped this team gel and come together. We got 25 freshmen and 15 seniors, so you kind of fill them in, in between. We got a nice little mix here.”

Pascarella, a 1999 Ursuline graduate and Hiram College football alum, looks to pass on some of the lessons he’s learned during his first head coaching assignment.

“I’m still taking it day by day because it was never really in my plans. I loved being an assistant coach and I loved being a part of the program and doing what I can to help out,” Pascarella said. “When it came time, I kind of talked it over with my wife and my family, and they encouraged me to give it a try and I’m really glad I did. I’m still very blessed to wake up every morning and, wow, I’m the head coach of Struthers football, this is unbelievable. The staff that we’ve put together are great guys to be around for our kids and at the office.

“It’s more than a game. Playing here in this area, it can’t be taken for granted, it’s truly special. I’ve gone all over to watch different people play and stuff, and there’s nothing like Mahoning Valley football on a Friday night.”

Of course, playing in the Northeast 8 will battle-test any squad, and the Wildcats 2025 slate leaves zero rooms for miscues. Non-conference showdowns include trips with Notre-Dame Cathedral Latin and Chaney, with home duels versus West Branch and East.

That’s added in with the usual NE8 fair of South Range, Niles, Poland, Lakeview, Hubbard and Girard.

“Playing in the NE8, it’s a blessing and a curse. You know that you have a war every week, but if you’re lucky enough to sneak into the top 12 and make the playoffs, you’re definitely ready to go,” Pascarella said. “I think if you still have a winning record and you’re going up against some of the teams that we’re facing on a yearly basis, I think you’re going to deserve to get into the playoffs. You’re not going to be sneaking in.

“Not only are you actually going to earn that, but you’re just going to be prepared and ready to go, and just hopefully things work out and you can hopefully go on another magical run like we did a couple of years ago.”

OFFENSE

Sophomore quarterback Ashton Pascarella has the task of running the Wildcats offense following the graduation of the previous QBs.

“He has slowly become a leader on and off the field for us,” Pascarella said. “Pretty mobile, can throw the ball pretty well, definitely getting a quarterback coach in here to help him has helped his development.”

A trio of running backs will earn their share of the rock, including sophomore Tyler Cole (667 yards rushing, five touchdowns), senior Ty Price (207 yards, two touchdowns) and junior Gionni Stewart.

“We’re going to get them on the field in different ways just to give them the ball. They’re definitely dudes. We just have to get creative and let them make plays for us,” Pascarella said.

Senior duo Adin Nicholas and Anthony Pastella will eye the chance to take the ball in space at the wide receiver position. The one returning starter on the offensive line is Braylon Myers, who was described as “true leader” of the Struthers team by Pascarella.

“He’s the leader on and off the field, he’s our unspoken leader. When he speaks people listen, so we’re very blessed to have him,” Pascarella said.

Fellow senior Nico Calabrette will man the offensive line as well, with fellow senior Michael Scavnicky switching over from fullback to the line.

“(Scavnicky) wore number 26 his entire career because that was his father’s number and his father passed away a couple of years ago. He gave up the number, because he knows we need the help on the line, so he did the unselfish thing. He’s going to be wearing 52 this year,” Pascarella said. “You really can’t say enough about the kid and he’s a true team leader, putting the team first.”

Juniors John Holley, TJ Sturgiss, Max Casillas and sophomore Lerelle Beck add much needed depth up front as well.

DEFENSE

Moving to a three-man front, seniors CJ Harmon and Tre James will suit up on the defensive front, alongside Myers.

Pascarella said his group up front is “just what Struthers football is about.”

“They’re going to show up, play hard nosed football and probably not make many tackles, but take on the double teams and stuff,” Pascarella said.

Cole (29 tackles), Casillas and Price will lock down the linebacker spots alongside senior Riley Painter.

In the secondary, Nicholas (30 tackles, two for a loss) and Pastella (six tackles) add experience.

“Having them two in the back definitely helps everyone up front to be able to fly around and make plays,” Pascarella said.

Senior Mason Donatelli and Ashton Pascarella will man the other two defensive back positions, while the team works to add depth.

“That’s where having the coaching staff that I’ve been blessed enough to have really comes into play. They’re taking a lot of these young kids, and helping them buy in,” Pascarella said. “Really being meticulous with all of the details and showing them just how to be a defensive player, how to be an offensive player.”

SPECIAL TEAMS

The special teams unit will provide an opportunity to some younger faces to see the turf.

Nicholas will fill in for kicking duties on point-after attempts, and will return kicks with Pastella.