Ashtabula, OH- As autumn approaches, seven Ashtabula County football teams are gearing up for what promises to be an exhilarating season. Fans can catch all the action streamed live on www.ysnlive.com, featuring St. John, Conneaut, Edgewood, Lakeside, Jefferson, Pymatuning Valley, and Grand Valley. The 2024 season is set to bring significant changes to the county’s high school football landscape as teams rebuild following the graduation of key players from the class of 2023.

Edgewood Warriors: The Edgewood Warriors face a substantial rebuild this season, needing to fill numerous starting positions vacated by graduating seniors. The team will deeply feel the loss of Ashtabula County’s all-time passing leader Tony Hall, deep threat receiver Jacob Ernst, and standout linebackers Seth Enos and Zeke Lucas. The departure of offensive linemen Nick Wyman and Nick Barger also leaves big shoes to fill.

However, the Warriors retain some key talent, most notably the electric Zach Carlton-Hull. Carlton-Hull’s versatility as both a wide receiver and running back, coupled with his lightning-fast speed and ability to separate from defenders, will make him a cornerstone of the Warriors’ offense. Riley Baldwin returns as a deep threat receiver, known for his athletic jumping ability and long wingspan that allows him to “headtap” defensive backs. Promising talents JJ Dufour, Josiah Pope and Ben Schwartfigure join the receiving corps, with Dufour bringing varsity experience and Schwartfigure offering above-average catching and route-running skills and Pope with unparalleled athleticism.

In the backfield, Michael Ochoa, Denver Kessler, and Jaiven Pope will compete for carries, looking to establish a strong ground game. The offensive line will be anchored by Christian Braat and Alex Malasky, along with returning standouts Brock Fultz and Mason Thorr.

Perhaps the biggest challenge for Edgewood will be replacing Tony Hall at quarterback. Junior Nate Stewart steps into this crucial role after two seasons learning behind Hall. Stewart brings a strong arm and good field vision to the position, with the ability to run when needed.

The Warriors finished 6-5 in 2023, losing to Niles McKinley in the first round of the OHSAA playoffs. They open the 2024 season with a tough road game against Garrettsville Garfield, who finished 12-1 last year with over 4,500 rushing yards. Key matchups include home games against Conneaut in week 8, Jefferson for the Hoadly Cup Trophy in week 9, and the season finale against Lakeside for the Battle of the Bridge.

Jefferson Falcons: The Jefferson Falcons enter 2024 with a fresh approach after a challenging 0-10 season in 2023, which saw them face Division 4’s 6th toughest schedule. With a revamped schedule, the Falcons have replaced tough opponents Beaver Local, Perry, and Lutheran West with Painesville Harvey, Orange, and Pymatuning Valley. Despite having few seniors, the team boasts many returning lettermen, as last year’s starters were primarily freshmen and sophomores.

The Falcons’ receiving corps looks particularly promising, led by senior Kaige Boczar, a three-year letterwinner known for his speed, strength, and ability to break tackles. Joel Navarro and Devin Salinas bring sure hands and athletic route-running ability, while the imposing 6’4″ Terry Brown, with his nearly 7’0″ wingspan, promises to be an end zone threat on every play.

Junior Matthew Webster will lead the backfield, bringing a punishing running style that was on full display at the 2024 Ashtabula County Football Combine, where he won the trophy for most bench press reps with 29 at 185 pounds. Webster will also be a key player on defense as a linebacker.

Junior QB Dylan Burlingham, considered one of the county’s top quarterbacks, will direct the offense with his dual-threat capabilities. Burlingham’s impressive arm and running ability should keep defenses off-balance throughout games.

The offensive line, while young, is eager to establish themselves and protect their quarterback. Key games for Jefferson include the season opener at home against former NE8 Conference rival Girard Indians, a week 3 home game against the talented Pymatuning Valley Lakers, and the week 9 road game against Edgewood for the Hoadley Cup Trophy.

Conneaut Spartans: The Conneaut Spartans aim to build on their 5-5 record from 2023, which ended with a playoff loss to Garrettsville Garfield. The offense will have a new look following the graduation of Max Gleason and Wyatt Payne, who combined for over 2,500 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns last season.

Colby Stiltner takes over as the full-time starting quarterback, bringing a strong passing game to complement his running ability. This shift could signal a more balanced offensive approach for the Spartans in 2024. Senior Thad Huya leads a talented receiving corps, offering an impressive catch radius and relentless motor that often finds him open. Ryan Turner’s transition from offensive line to tight end adds an interesting dynamic, as his size and strength make him a dual threat in both blocking and receiving.

The Spartans return an experienced offensive line, anchored by 6’7″ senior Dylan Phillip a one man wrecking crew, who has been a starter since his sophomore year. Four-year starter Jaydon Anderson, along with experienced players Gavin Nesbit and Chetti Arcaro, round out a formidable front five. The rushing attack will be led by junior Carrick Dobran, whose agility and field vision should make him a threat in the open field.

Conneaut opens the season at Grand Valley, christening the Mustangs’ new turf field. Other key matchups include a week 8 road game against rival Edgewood and a week 9 home game against CVC Lake Division opponent Lakeside.

Saint John Heralds: The Saint John Heralds look to improve on their 3-9 record from 2023, with an impressive 17 of 21 starters returning with varsity experience. Senior QB Vin Narducci, who threw for nearly 1,800 yards last season (second in Ashtabula County), returns to lead the offense. Narducci’s dual-threat ability, having led the team in rushing as well, makes him a constant concern for opposing defenses.

Senior Ryan Williams will be the primary running back, offering both power as a bruising runner and versatility with his receiving skills out of the backfield. The Heralds boast a deep receiving corps, led by senior Will Anderson, who amassed 999 receiving yards in 2023. His speed and fantastic hands make him a difficult cover for any defense. Junior Anthony Severino adds a deep-threat dimension to the passing game with his speed and great release off the line.

The offensive and defensive lines, featuring seniors Grayson Petros, Ethan Hastings, and Manny Cooper, all with three years of varsity experience, promise to be a strength for the team. Juniors Milo Twinning, Anthony Petrochello, and Frankie Dubsky have put in significant time in the weight room and are poised to make an impact.

On defense, seniors Sully Twinning and Joe Piccirillo will lead the charge. The Heralds also have promising underclassmen in Carlo Fasano, Chase Newsome, and Gus Petros, who are set to be significant contributors on both sides of the ball.

Saint John opens their season on the road against the Trinity Trojans. Key home games include week 4 against Steubenville Catholic Central and week 6 versus Pymatuning Valley.

Pymatuning Valley Lakers: The Pymatuning Valley Lakers aim to build on their successful 8-4 season in 2023, which ended in the second round of the OHSAA playoffs against Mogadore. With an astounding 20 of 21 starters returning, expectations are sky-high for 2024.

The Lakers’ dynamic backfield duo of QB Ryan Croston and RB Ty Vickery returns after each rushed for over 1,500 yards and combined for 35 touchdowns last season. Croston’s unique skill set of speed, agility, and elite vision makes him a constant threat to run, while his impressive arm keeps defenses honest. Vickery complements Croston perfectly, rarely going down on first contact and possessing a nose for the end zone.

The passing game features talented and speedy receivers like Jaren Nowakowski, Jayce Fulkman, and Sean Croston. The offensive line, anchored by senior Jon Finello, has proven itself against some of the best defenses in Division 6.

On defense, defensive backs Jayce Fulkman and Alex Simon look to build on their multiple-interception seasons from 2023, providing a shutdown secondary that will challenge opposing quarterbacks.

The Lakers have won their conference (NAC) for the past five seasons and have made the OHSAA playoffs for four consecutive years. They aim to continue both streaks in 2024. Key games include a week 1 rematch at Mineral Ridge, seeking revenge for a last-second loss in 2023, a week 3 trip to Jefferson, and a week 5 home game against Girard.

Grand Valley Mustangs: The Grand Valley Mustangs enter 2024 with renewed optimism, joining the NAC conference after leaving the CVC and debuting a new turf field at home. Looking to improve on their 2-8 record from 2023, the Mustangs return senior QB Sammy Goforth for his second year as starter. Goforth’s athletic ability will be crucial in the Mustangs’ run-heavy offense.

The receiving corps features senior Shawn Hall, juniors Mason Kocab, Lane Gallagher, and Noah Waldo, with senior tight end Mark Hall adding size and blocking ability to the passing game. Seniors Andrew Soltis and John Foss-Peters provide a potent one-two punch in the backfield. Soltis brings a hard-nosed, downhill running style, while Foss-Peters offers agility and deceptive speed.

A major advantage for Grand Valley is the return of all five starting offensive linemen from 2023, providing continuity and experience up front. This seasoned line will be crucial in opening holes for the running game and providing protection for Goforth.

The Mustangs open their season at home against Conneaut, showcasing their new turf field in what promises to be an exciting debut for both the facility and the team’s new conference affiliation.

Lakeside Dragons: The Lakeside Dragons enter 2024 with a new head coach in Terrence Henton, who brings his high-powered offensive scheme from Edgewood, where he served as offensive coordinator in 2023. Henton’s “equal opportunity offense” promises to reward playmakers who get open and make plays.

First-year starting QB Omar Ambriz will lead the offense, bringing speed to the running game while looking to develop the passing attack. The receiving corps features an intriguing mix of talent, including newcomer Zar Triplin, an athletic and rangy receiver with above-average leaping ability. Returning letterman Matt Wagner, Sincere Turner, and the precise route-runner Zion Thomas round out a promising group of pass-catchers.

The Dragons’ backfield boasts a trio of dynamic runners in juniors Devan Miller and Jay Anthony Williams, along with senior Nate Bartone. Miller, a returning starter, brings strength and breakaway speed. Williams is an elite-level tackle-breaker with shifty running and great vision. Bartone offers muscle as a bruising, bulldozer-type back who excels in short-yardage situations.

On defense, senior linebackers Nate Bartone and Tierre Anderson anchor the middle. Anderson is noted for his size, strength, incredible motor and nose for the ball, while Bartone’s strength helps clog running lanes.

The offensive and defensive lines represent the most inexperienced facet of the Dragons’ team, with a completely new group on both sides. Underclassmen will be called upon to step up and improve throughout the season.

Key games for Lakeside include a week 2 home matchup against Notre Dame Cathedral Latin, a week 7 trip to Jefferson, and the season finale at home against rival Edgewood in week 10, which has become one of Ashtabula’s most heated rivalries.

As the 2024 season approaches, Ashtabula County football promises excitement, intense rivalries, and great action across all seven teams. Fans can catch all these teams and more on YSNlive.com, the definitive home for high school football in the region.