Steubenville Central Crusaders: 2024 High School Football Preview

The 2024 Crusaders will have some big shoes to fill after their first 9-win season in ten years.
They think they’ve got the pieces to do so, but development will play a major factor in solving this puzzle.

“This is my 25th year as head coach and player development is always important but I don’t know if I can ever remember a year where it will be as important as this year we got to get kids better every single day.”

Eric Meek- Head Coach

Aside from on-field excellence, health was key for a smaller roster. Coach Meek knows that, and will continue doing everything in his power to keep his players in top-shape.

“We lift hard in-season, we stretch, we do all those things and also you gotta have a fine balance between how much hitting you do and you gotta make sure with how many Saturday games we play that our kids have fresh legs on Saturday night.”

Replacing Tyler Ialenti at Quarterback will be Junior Matthew Sprochi, adding another track star defenses need to worry about.

“He’s a junior, he’s been the fastest kid on the team since I been here the last 3 years.”

Eric Meek- Head Coach

In his backfield, Matthew will be surrounded by returning starters like Tommy Pergi, Timmy Mihaylo & Jimmy Hernon, with freshman Rahim Mitchell potentially seeing some time as well. When it comes to a 2-way stud like Pergi, Central has big expectations for #18.

“He’s gotta have his best year ever, I’ve coached some great safties on defense over the years, he’s up there with them, he needs to now turn it up on offense because I beleive he can be just as good offensively as he is defensively.”

Eric Meek- Head Coach

Up front, the Crusaders bring back Peyton Rauch, Cam Bradley & Johnny Kostecki with Noah Hough split out at Tight End.

Steubenville Central opens its season at home on Saturday, August 24th when Wellsville comes to town.

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