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|---|---|---|
| Coach Paul Russick | Victor Narsavage | Gunnar Zaledonis |
TEAM: Pittston Area Patriots
COLORS: Red, White & Blue
COACH: Paul Russick, 1st Season (20-30 overall)
PIAA: Class 5A
2025 CONFERENCE: WVC Division 1
2024 RECORD: 2-9 (1-4 in conference)
RECORD LAST FIVE SEASONS: 17-31
STADIUM: Charley Trippi Stadium
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 6
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 8
OFFENSIVE SCHEME: Multiple
DEFENSIVE SCHEME: Mulitple
2025 PREVIEW
After guiding Honesdale to its first winning season in a decade, Paul Russick returns to his alma mater to take over the Pittston Area program. He inherits a roster that now carries valuable experience after several years of growing pains with younger players. The Patriots’ goal is to take the next step and compete with the WVC elite.
The first order of business will be at quarterback, where a new starter must emerge. Paulie Ferentino, Santino Capitano, and Deondre Miller are the top candidates for the job. At tailback, options include Jude Ferentino, Kayden Bailey, and Aidan Brody. Brody Spindler moves back to his natural position at fullback after spending last season on the offensive line. The wide receiver group brings experience, led by returning starters Lucas Lo Presto and Stephen Barnic. Additional depth comes from Malkolm Blackshear, Antonio Lombardo, Billy Dessoye, Christian Cerasaro, Dan Girman, Aiden Levandoski, and Evan Mancini. At tight end, John Jadus, Jaylen Hart, Landon Kendzor, and Blake Jaworski are all in contention.
Up front, the Patriots return experience with left tackle Brandon Lockett, left guard Nico Cielo, and right guard Gunnar Zaledonis. Jordan Talerico is expected to take over at center, with Cielo, Brian Hankey, and J.J. Grochal providing depth. At right tackle, Kayden Walker is projected to start, while Hankey and Jimmy Tighe add depth.
Defensively, Hart anchors the front as the lone returning starter. He’ll be joined by Matt D’Aiello, Zaledonis, and Ryan Kowalczyk in the tackle rotation. Walker, Jaworski, Hankey, Jadus, and Tighe are candidates at defensive end. At linebacker, returning starters Narsavage and Spindler lead the way, with Bailey, Capitano, Ferentino, Kendzor, Chance Radzewicz, Zak Ridgely, and Dominick Salvo competing for snaps. The secondary should be a strength, with both starting cornerbacks—Lo Presto and Blackshear—back in the fold. Barnic returns at safety, while Brody, Levandoski, and Cerasaro provide depth.
On special teams, Lombardo and Cole Baldwin are competing for the kicking job. Talerico is slated to handle punting duties, with Lo Presto or Dessoye as the long snapper. Lo Presto will also serve as the primary return man.
QUOTE FROM COACH RUSSICK: With a fresh system being installed, the focus is on putting our playmakers in the best position to succeed. One of the biggest positives heading into the year is the depth. This depth gives us flexibility in how we attack and allows us to be creative with formations and tempo. The biggest question heading into the season is who will take the reins at quarterback. We’re currently evaluating our options and letting the competition play out.
RETURNING ALL-STARS – WVC DIVISION 1
First Team Athlete – Lucas LoPresto
First Team Defensive Lineman – Brody Spindler
Honorable Mention Fullback – Jaylen Hart
Honorable Mention Offensive Lineman – Brody Spindler
Honorable Mention Offensive Lineman – Gunnar Zaledonis
Honorable Mention Defensive Lineman – Jaylen Hart
Honorable Mention Defensive Lineman – Gunnar Zaledonis
Honorable Mention Defensive Back – Malkolm Blackshear
