FALCON FOOTBALL AIMS TO FLY HIGH: 2023 JEFFERSON FOOTBALL PREVIEW

East Palestine, OH- The Jefferson Falcons are gearing up for another exciting football season in 2023, following their remarkable Cinderella story in the previous year. With an impressive 11-4 record and the school’s first-ever regional championship win, the Falcons have set the stage for high expectations and a thirst for continued success. However, the new season brings about significant changes, from the loss of key graduating players to a shift in conference competition.

In 2022, the Falcons enjoyed their most successful football season, leaving fans and the community in awe as they clinched victory after victory. Notably, they secured their first regional championship, marking a historic achievement for the school. The players who contributed significantly to this triumph, including Grant Hitchcock, Wade Woodworth, Trent Hodge, and Mason Pawlowski, have graduated, leaving behind big shoes to fill on the field.

Grant Hitchcock, recognized for his outstanding dual-threat capabilities, passed for an impressive 1,188 yards and 15 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,855 yards and 24 touchdowns. Wade Woodworth, a defensive stalwart, claimed the title of Ashtabula County’s top tackler with an impressive 122 tackles. Trent Hodge, the team’s top wide receiver, made his mark with 37 receptions for 552 yards and 5 touchdowns. Mason Pawlowski, awarded Ashtabula County Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2022, showcased his exceptional skills in the trenches.

The 2023 season ushers in changes not only in personnel but also in conference affiliation. The Falcons will make their debut in the CVC conference, competing in the Lake Division. This shift presents an exciting challenge as the team faces new opponents and strives to continue its winning streak.

Leading the charge for the Falcons this year is quarterback Kaige Boczar. Boczar, known for his electrifying athleticism, transitions to the role of full-time starter after taking snaps in the previous season and accumulating 313 yards on 24 attempts. Notably, Boczar previously showcased his skills as a wide receiver, with 26 catches for 425 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022. His versatility and speed make him a force to be reckoned with on the field.

In the running back position, Luke Funtash steps up as the primary option for the second consecutive year. Funtash demonstrated his capabilities in the previous season, amassing 873 rushing yards and contributing 7 touchdowns. The offensive line, while young, holds promise with players like Alex VanGiesen, Jose Rivera, Dylan Jacobs, Colton Rood, and Jordan Tressler bringing their natural size and strength to the table.

The wide receiver corps is undergoing competition for the top spot, with players such as Devin Salinas, Caden Heinly, and Dylan Burlingham vying for their chance to shine. On the defensive front, the Falcons’ linebacking core, featuring Anthony Shank, Brandon Truckey, Luke Funtash, and Matthew Webster, aims to thwart opposing offenses with their agility and strength, stopping run games in their tracks.

The Falcons also boast one of Ashtabula County’s top kickers, Jensen Yarosh. Yarosh’s precision on special teams in 2022, with a field goal success rate of 5/7 and a remarkable 46/52 on PATs, adds an extra layer of confidence to the team’s performance.

The 2023 schedule introduces seven new opponents, including strong teams like Beaver Local, Lutheran West, and Perry, each with 9 or more wins and deep playoff runs in the previous year. Familiar foes from Ashtabula County, including Lakeside, Geneva, and Conneaut, also make appearances. The Falcons kick off the season against Girard, their old NE8 conference rival, in what promises to be an exciting opening match.

A highly anticipated event in the Falcons’ schedule is the annual faceoff against Edgewood, with the coveted Hoadley Cup at stake. The competition is bound to draw immense excitement from fans and players alike.

As the 2023 season unfolds, third-year head coach Brandon Hanna, awarded the Division 4 Coach of the Year in Ohio, emphasizes the team’s youthful energy, speed, grit, and unity as the key factors for success. Coach Hanna underscores the importance of maintaining the team’s health and fostering rapid growth and cohesion throughout the season. Coach was quoted “Expect a young team that’ll strive to play fast, with grit and together. In order to see success we’ll have to stay healthy and find a way to gel and grow at a quick pace through the season.”

The Falcons are poised to build on their incredible momentum from the previous year and are set to continue their journey towards success. Fans can catch all the action on Ashtabula’s home for high school sports, www.ysnlive.com, as the Falcons aim to make their mark once again on the football field.