Coach: Paul Patterson, first year
Last season: 10-1, 7-0 NBC
Returning letter winners: 16
Returning starters:R Offense 3, defense 5
Schemes: Multiple Wing-T/3-4
Top players: Seniors Jake Wojciechowski, 5-11, 195, RB/LB; Kyle Edwards, 5-11, 180, QB/DB; Cody Pickard, 5-10, 180, RB/DB/K; Blake Traver, 5-10, 190, OL/LB; Jay Nino, 6-1, 235, OL/LB; Andrew Belcik, 5-9, 170, RB/DB; Tyler Baird, 5-10, 210, OL/LB .
Outlook: Genoa has racked up a 77-9 record over the last seven seasons with six league titles.
Patterson is in his first season as a head football coach. Patterson also was an assistant coach for Central Catholic when it won state championships in 2005 and 2012. He joined Genoa’s staff as an assistant last season.
The offensive line returns three starters in Traver, Baird, and Nino. The skill players will be led by Edwards at quarterback with Wojciechowski in the backfield. Wojciechowski rushed for 671 yards and 10 TDs.
On defense, the interior will be led by Traver (67 tackles) and Nino (45 tackles) while the secondary returns Belcik and Pickard. Pickard also is a two-time All-Ohio kicker. Pickard, who rushed for 175 yards, converted 67 extra point and kicked 15 field goals. Pickard and Traver were All-NBC first teamers.
Fourteen seniors return but six players who earned all-league first team honors are gone.
“A number of players will have to step up into leading roles, and depth is always a concern” Patterson said.
GENOA
Aug. 29-at Waite
Sept. 5-Oak Harbor
Sept. 12-Port Clinton
Sept. 19-Rossford
Sept. 26-at Eastwood
Oct. 3-at Fostoria
Oct. 10-Lake
Oct. 17-Otsego
Oct. 24-at Elmwood
Oct. 31-at Woodmore