Eagles seeking to repeat as TAC-8 champions

Last season, Hubbard won its first TAC-8 title since 1991, going 8-2, yet didn't make the Ohio Division III playoffs because it didn't garner enough points. Two years ago it was a similar story, as Hubbard went 9-1 during the regular season but fell short of a post-season berth.

Now Bayuk (45-25 at Hubbard) must deal with attrition due to graduation in the form of 15 seniors.

The most notable absence is 4,000-yard rusher and school record-holder Frank Harris. He was one of the area's best rushers last year, averaging 127.2 yards/game while finding the end zone 13 times.

Also gone are tight end Julian Jennings, who led all receivers with seven catches; Jack Kline, and linemen Tony Neri, Matt Karlovic, Mike Witt and Joe Shepherd.

''We graduated a big senior class,'' Bayuk said. ''We're going to have a lot of young kids in the lineup.''

Easing the transition somewhat is senior running back Carmen Tanferno, who along with Harris formed one of the most lethal 1-2 punches in eastern Ohio scholastic football. Tanferno averaged 112.9 yards/game and led the team with 16 scores.

''He has the potential to be a good back,'' Bayuk said. ''We're expecting big things from him.''

Another player Bayuk expects to rely on is senior signal-caller Matt Kanetsky, who saw limited action last year behind starter Todd McKinney. Like McKinney before him, being stuck behind a talented quarterback in Steve Valley, Kanetsky will have his opportunity to shine. Due to a slight playbook overhaul, Kanetsky will have the chance to test the aerial route more frequently than McKinney did last year. There were a few games the Eagles didn't attempt more than five passes.

''He's leading the team,'' Bayuk said. ''With him, we'll be throwing the ball more than we usually do.''

In the past, the Eagles were big on the offensive line and could bowl defenders over to create gaping holes for runners. The line is smaller this year, averaging under 200 pounds, according to Bayuk. Tackle Glen Silvidi and guard Bill Coletta are the only returnees from last year.

With Kanetsky looking to pass, he'll be able to rely on what is possibly the most experienced group on the team -- the receivers.

Senior Eric Oltmann enters the season with the most receptions among returnees with three. Tight end Bobby Thompson, who had one catch, will look to replace Jennings. Wideout Jason Bastin is also an important cog, as is John Schiraldi

The trio of Oltmann, Schiraldi and Bastin also will be expected to bolster a young defense as well. Six starters from last year are back.

''We're going to learn on the run,'' Bayuk said. ''They don't have a lot of game experience.''

Despite being young, Bayuk does have one bonus, though.

''They've been playing since their sophomore years on winning teams. That's a big help,'' Bayuk said.

Yes, but will it be enough to make some noise in what is always a combative conference?

''The league is pretty balanced,'' Bayuk said. ''From what I heard, Lakeview and Champion are the teams to beat. Champion is huge; they average about 280 across the line. But we'll take a shot at them. I think they're the frontrunners going into the season.''

Although Bayuk, a Greenville native who played scholastically at Kennedy Christian, feels Lakeview and Champion are the two teams to beat in the TAC-8, it will be hard not to pick his Eagles. After all, Hubbard has made a steady progression the past few years under his leadership.

Including his seven seasons as a head coach at Hubbard, Bayuk has a 70-51 career record. He spent five years at Canfield prior to coming to the Eagles.

Assisting Bayuk will be: Mickey Sikora, Steve Hunt, Jack Arvin, Ron DeJulio and Don Evans.