WHEELING — The 2022 grid season was one of the most impressive in Linsly School history. The Cadets went 9-1, winning the OVAC championship against a most demanding schedule, defeating the likes of powerhouses Steubenville, Dover, Morgantown and Youngstown Cardinal Mooney to name just a few.

The Cadets didn’t fare as well last season against another daunting schedule. Coach BJ Depew’s charges finished with a highly respectable 5-5 mark.

Once again this fall, Linsly will be tackling a most rugged 10-game card. Moreover, graduation claimed 20 senior Cadet gridders, 10 of whom were defensive starters.

Nonetheless, Depew, now in his 19th year at the helm of his alma mater, harbors optimism. He is working with a 35-player roster, 16 of whom are lettermen.

“I like the makeup and chemistry of this team,” Depew said. “A lot of people don’t realize how big that is. But it is. We have no ego problems. They respect each other’s work ethic.

“They know there are spots to be won for playing time. They are hungry to earn their place.”

One position in solid shape is that of quarterback.

Junior Braden Wade (6-0, 190) moved into the starting role at mid-season and distinguished himself over those last five games.

“Braden has tremendous potential,” Depew said. “He has a great arm and is a very good leader.”

Coach B.J. Depew on the upcoming season

Three other Cadets are in the quarterback scenario but will also be utilized elsewhere. The trio consists of sophomore Landon Cottrill (6-2, 160), letter-winning junior Jaxon Murray (6-2, 170) and rising sophomore letterman Chris Upton (6-0, 165).

The running back picture is not as clear. All Cadet ball-carriers of note from a year ago have since moved on.

Senior Nathan Clifford (5-6, 170) is counted on to fill much of the void. The two-year letterman would have seen quality carries last year but missed much of the year due to injury.

A host of candidates are vying for time next to Clifford. The rushing hopefuls are senior Aiden Brooks (5-10, 185), sophomore letterman Cole Kendzerski (5-10, 160), junior letterman Chase Labritz (5-10, 170), sophomore Simon Camp (5-8, 165), senior Jay Lee (5-9, 180) and promising freshman George Mamakos (5-6, 155).

Depew also plans to utilize a fullback with senior standout Brody Cottrill (6-3, 220) handling those chores. The two-year letterman is one of the top players in the OVAC.

He will be supported at fullback by sophomore letterman Rocco Troullos (5-8, 150) and sophomore Joaquin Zanura (5-8, 170).

Junior Donovan Jones (6-2, 210) and junior letterman Julian Fischer (5-11, 175) are the front runners at tight end.

Depew has good experience in his wideout corp.

Two-year letter-winning senior Ramello Derr (5-9, 145) along with Murray and two-year letterman junior Lucca Troullos (5-8, 150) all enjoyed solid seasons last fall and are poised for even more productive things this year. Upton is also expected to see considerable pass-catching duty along with senior Angus Januth (5-7, 160), sophomore Justin Heckman (5-10, 150) and senior letterman Taven Mayo (5-7, 125).

Adding depth at wideout comes from sophomores Bruno Diaz (5-9, 145) and Taiga Goto (6-0, 140), and freshmen Griffin Hendershot (5-9, 145) and Skyler Hunter (5-9, 140).

The offensive line is anchored by returning senior starter Brock Kuttie (6-5, 275). The other tackle will be senior letterman Patrick Christ (6-2, 230).

Holding down the fort at guards are sophomore Darryn McCormick (5-10, 230), sophomore Hayden Ward (6-2, 200) and freshman Eliott Wade (5-9, 250).

Senior Isaac Depew (5-10, 220) is a top-flight center. He is a two-year letterman.

Offensive line depth is delivered by senior Adam Kotson (6-2, 315), junior Nee Boating (5-11, 232) and freshmen Cooper Riesbeck (5-10, 200).

Defensively, Linsly will align in a 4-2-5 look. The lone returning starter is Brody Cottrill. He may see action at a variety of positions.

All four defensive line spots are wide open.

They will be filled by a posse composed of McCormick, Kutie, Kotson, Depew, Christ and possibly Brody Cottrill.

Leading the race for starting linebacker spots are Kendzerski and Rocco Troullos. They will be pressed by Jones and Fischer. If Brody Cottrill is not holding the fort down on the D-line he will start at linebacker.

Derr and Murray will man the cornerback slots, backed by Heckmen, Mayo, Hunter and Brooks. Lucca Troullos and Fischer, if not stationed at linebacker, will be safeties along with Upton.

Murray is the team’s punter and may handle the placements.

Linsly opens its season on Thursday, Aug. 29 at Pittsburgh Westinghouse.

The schedule contains heavyweights Steubenville, Bridgeport (W.V.), New Philadelphia, Columbus DeSales, Dover, Parkersburg South, Kiski Prep and Huntington.

“The kids have bought into our culture. They don’t complain about our schedule,” Depew said. “They have come to expect it and are very proud of it.”

Depew’s coaching staff is outstanding.

James Wallace is again cast in the role of defensive coordinator while Mark Dodd is the offensive coordinator.

Doug Tush is special teams coordinator; Gee Lofstead is the offensive line coach; Brian Valentine handles the defensive line; R.J. Zitzlesberger is in charge of running backs and defensive backs; Trevin Tush directs the receivers and cornerbacks while Wyatt Hirt is the QB coach.