Young Pios serving it up big in football
BY DREW BONIFANT

One of the greatest challenges any scholastic athletic team faces each year is how it will rebound the following season after losing players to graduation. And because experience often plays a crucial role in a team’s success, a great year is often compensated by the fact that much of the reason for that success will leave at season’s end.

Yet the Marietta Pioneers football team is finding a way to accomplish any coach’s goal: Win with a team built for the future. After a 46-21 road drubbing of Heidelberg, the Pioneers are now 2-0, and have enjoyed seeing much of the success come as a result of solid play from underclassmen.

While the main offensive weapon continues to be senior All-OAC running back Steven Wagner, who has rushed for 267 yards and three touchdowns in two games, the Pioneers have also received standout performances from sophomore wide receivers Chad McDaniel (three catches, 90 yards) and Paul Cirino (five receptions, 78 yards). Junior quarterback Jason Vrable has also provided consistent performance that can be counted on for next year.

Defensively, underclassmen have been playing just as large a role. Sophomore linebacker Brian Hahn leads the team in both sacks (two) and tackles (14), while sophomore defensive back Cody Venderlic has contributed 11 tackles, including a team-high nine coming solo. Sophomore Clay Ream has taken command of the defensive line, notching a sack and 13 tackles. Junior Anthony Banks has provided an all-around presence that has been crucial to Marietta’s success, posting two interceptions and 10 tackles as a defensive back in addition to returning punts. Marietta is off to a good start due largely to these players, and has the additional satisfaction of knowing they will be back next year.