Correspondent file photo / Michael G. Taylor Campbell’s Nate Hanni attempts to pull Western Reserve’s Chirst Pater (8) away from the goal line during a game in Campbell on Sept. 27.

CAMPBELL — During the heatwave in the middle of the summer, a small group of football players gathered at the Campbell football stadium. They ran routes and got in some cardio in preparation for the upcoming season.

Overseeing it all was David Porch, the Red Devils’ rookie head coach.

David Porch had a vision for his first season atop the hill in Campbell, and his players were getting accustomed to new roles they will play in 2025.

He wants to utilize the program’s athleticism as much as possible, and find creative ways of translating it to wins on the gridiron.

“We’re gonna figure out a way to manipulate any defense you run with our athletes,” Porch said. “Get them out in space and let them be the athletes they are. We’re gonna scheme around them and help us help them.”

Porch took over for Andrew King, who guided the Red Devils to a 3-7 record last season.

The Red Devils started strong with a 2-1 record, picking up wins against St. Thomas Aquinas and Champion. They almost had three straight wins, but they dropped a 26-25 game to LaBrae in Week 2.

However, things fell off the Campbell as it dropped five straight games upon entering Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Scarlet Tier play. The Red Devils snapped the skid with a win over Jackson-Milton, but they concluded the season with a 12-8 loss against Waterloo.

During the summer, Porch understood that Campbell was looking to get back on a winning track. But he also was aware that there was talent on the team, along with some experience.

The Red Devils have roughly a dozen seniors on the roster this season, so the upperclassmen and the coaches have helped set the culture over the summer. Porch said the competitiveness among the coaches trickled down to the players, leading everyone to push themselves.

All of those pieces resulted in Porch instilling expectations into the program in his first season. He wants to show that the Red Devils are back in 2025.

“It’s been exciting, it’s been fun,” Porch said. “The kids bought in. The coaching staff’s been great, they’re showing up for the kids.”

OFFENSE

Last season, the Red Devils relied on Demetrius Lambert at quarterback and Kevin Timlin at running back to drive the offense.

But Timlin graduated, and the Red Devils will need to use Lambert as a go-to weapon. So Porch decided to move him to receiver.

“He’s been taking over more of a role at receiver, and we got a couple kids battling it out at quarterback right now,” Porch said.

Junior R’Mani Robinson and freshman Ricky Fleetion competed for the starting QB spot over the summer.

“They’ve been fighting every day, showing up, competing. They’re good friends, they talk all the time, but they compete with each other every time they are on the field,” Porch said.

Porch said that whoever isn’t chosen to be the quarterback could also line up at receiver.

Joining Lambert at receiver will be seniors Kaleb Boudrey and Jalen Hall, junior D’Ondre Brown, sophomore TJ D’Altorio, and freshman Jeff Driskell. Porch plans to also use Brown and Driskell in the backfield as well.

Seniors Roberto Ramirez and Dino Brown will line up at running back. Fellow senior Kenneth Addison came out for the football team for the first time after spending previous falls on the soccer pitch, and he could see some time in the backfield as well.

Seniors Nick Logan (left guard) and Jordan Craft (left tackle) and junior center Cayden Thomas return on the offensive line. Junior Ramon Morrow is also expected to fit in along the offensive line while competitions determine the final spot. Additionally, Kyzere Whitfield and Nate Hanni will be at tight end.

DEFENSE

Porch said the linebackers will be a strength on the defense in 2025.

Dino Brown, Driskell, Pano Kolidakis and Ramirez will line up at the second level. Whitfield and sophomore Malachi Tillison will also see time at linebacker.

“We have a rotation of guys who can jump in there,” Porch said. “When we sub guys out, we have guys who can do the same thing that the guy who just came out can do.”

Logan, Morrow, Thomas and Hanni will all give reps at defensive end. Craft will also fit in along the defensive line.

In the secondary, Lambert returns to help lead the group. D’Ondre Brown, Boudrey and Hall will also be penciled in at defensive back, and D’Altorio also stepped up defensively over the summer. Porch also said that Robinson could also see some time at safety because of his 6-foot, 5-inch frame.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Addison’s soccer skills will be put to use on special teams. He’ll handle the place kicking and kickoff duties.

“He’s got a big leg,” Porch said. “He’s a soccer kid as well. He’s done track and soccer, but he’s bought in completely to football.”

Fleetion will be the punter, and either Thomas or Hanni will be the long snapper.