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SHADYSIDE -- The more things changed, the more they stayed the same for Shadyside's football program in 2022.
Yes, the Tigers had their worst record since before 2000, and they were directed by an interim head coach last season with struggles on both sides of the football evident of the late changes to the coaching staff mere weeks before the start of the regular season.
However, the Orange-and-Black, even with just a final record of 3-8, managed to keep their Ohio playoff streak alive. The Tigers have now advanced to the post-season 19 consecutive times and 23 of 24 campaigns during the 2000s.
Mike Kernik, who served as interim head coach last year, has officially been given the head coaching title this year and there are plenty of things the former decorated Shadyside quarterback needs to address.
The Tigers lost to all six teams they played with winning records in 2022, including starting the season with a 0-5 mark, four of those outings at Fleming Field. Shadyside allowed at least 26 points in every game but one and were outscored by a whopping 360-196 margin, including 34-6 in the first round of the playoffs at Reedsville Eastern.
"We had problems stopping people on defense, moving the ball on offense and we killed ourselves with a surplus of penalties," Kernik admitted. "And that all led to the most losses we have had here in over 24 years.
Coach Mike Kernik discusses the upcoming season
"But the great thing is that the kids managed to stay positive and in a good mood and they never got down on themselves. And they have come in ready to work this year, which I believe says an awful lot about their character.
"There is a lot of work to do, but it starts in the weight room in the off season and we pushed hard to make that happen and the kids really took to it. These kids were in the weight room every day, whether it was with the team or on their own and they realize size and strength are the keys to improving."
Senior quarterback Ben Wach (5-11, 160) is back to lead the team under center after taking over early in the 2021 season. Wach has battled injuries, and will need to stay healthy, but should the need arise junior Caden Nippert (6-1, 150) will be ready to take over.
The running back position continues to be an issue since the graduation of three-time All-Ohioan Wyatt Reiman. Senior Karl Tsoras (6-0, 190) missed the first four games last year but will be the go-to back this season.
He will be backed by sophomores Dante Mavrikas (5-9, 150) and his brother Ryder Mavrikas (5-9, 160) along with senior Hayden Keen (6-0, 165).
Senior Mark Waggoner (5-10, 160) was slated for some carries at running back and/or fullback but has yet to fully heal from a track injury last spring. He will be a huge addition when he can return. Until then sophomore Ace Nelson (5-11, 165) will occupy the fullback slot.
Senior Nathan Booth (6-0, 185) and junior Griffin Kritz (6-0, 160) will both see action at tight end with three returning receivers to lead the way after the graduation of standout Elijah Brock. Junior Cole Micker (6-0, 165) will be joined by senior Dylan Booth (6-0, 170), Nippert and junior Kaiden Baker (5-10, 130).
There are three returning starters to anchor the offensive line led by senior Colton Gorby (6-2, 215) at left tackle and juniors Anthony Forgacs (5-11, 200) at right guard and Derrick Russell (6-2, 210) at center. Senior Landen Prickett (6-1, 180) will be the other guard with junior Ean Weatherson (6-0, 180) the other tackle.
Also available on the line will be seniors Chris Stillion (5-7, 205) and Alex Olack (5-10, 160), sophomore Landen Simmons, the only sophomore on the roster (5-8. 165) and freshman Trent Wakulchik (6-1, 170).
Wach will handle kickoff duties while Micker could be the punter. Junior Gavin Bommer (5-5, 135) will take care of extra points and field goals.
The defensive backfield returns with Baker and Dylan Booth at the corners and Wach and Micker at the corners with Nippert adding help when Micker moves to linebacker.
Tsoras and Gorby are both back in the middle with Nelson, Kritz and Waggoner available when he returns.
Nathan Booth and Weatherson or Waggoner will be on the ends with Keene and Wakulchik seeing playing time while Forgas, Stillion, Prickett and Olack all seeing time at tackle.
"These kids have all worked their butts off through the winter and into June and July," Kernik added. "I learned a lot last season and having the head coach title will make things a little easier. I know first-hand that there is a lot that we need to get better at. But we have a group of seniors that are great leaders, both on this team and at school. These kids are all well aware of the tradition here, they look at the pictures on the wall every day. And with that they want to be a part of what Shadyside football has been. Nobody here wants to be the next group to say 'we didn't get in the playoffs.'"
The teams remain exactly the same on the schedule with some teams being met in different weeks this year.
"We had to move some teams around, but we are playing the exact same 10 teams this year," Kernik commented. "We have six road games, but that's alright, we had six at home last year.
"Right now Martins Ferry in the opener is the biggest game because you can build so much around that one if you get a win. "