WEIRTON — Heading into the 2024 season, the Madonna High School football program finds itself in the familiar position of having to adapt to a new head coach.

John McCune, a 2008 graduate of Madonna and former player for the Blue Dons, stepped up to become the program’s fifth head coach in four years this summer and is looking to bring some stability to his alma mater while working to prepare for his first campaign.

McCune was the head coach of the Junior Dons program prior to taking over the big job. He replaces Troy Fetty, who stepped down after guiding Madonna to a 6-4 mark last year despite taking over less than a month before the season started after Ted Arneault, was hired prior to last season, got an opportunity to become principal at Weir High during the preseason and departed.

“I stepped away from the area for a few years after graduating college and came back. I helped restart the Junior Dons program about three years ago,” he said. “When I moved back to the area, I realized there wasn’t a program and felt there was a need for the future of the school and football program. We started it back up and had great success — the numbers continue to go up every year and last year we went 7-0. Becoming a high school football coach was not something I really anticipated, but when coach Fetty stepped down the opportunity became available and the stars kind of aligned, the time was right and, most important, my wife approved. She told me to go for it.

Coach John McCune discusses the upcoming season

“The tradition, the Catholic education, they draw you back and make you want to be involved. We’re God-fearing men. I brought my family to church and when I moved back there wasn’t even a choice where I wanted to send my kids — they both go to St. Pauls. We’re part of the community, once you’re a part of Madonna you’re always a part of Madonna.

“This would be considered a dream job for me because there is no other football job I would take but Madonna.”

McCune has surrounded himself with fellow Madonna grads and former Blue Don players who share his passion for restoring the program to success.

Those familiar names to Madonna fans include former state champion quarterback and University of Massachusetts star Ross Comis, a 2013 graduate, who will be the offensive coordinator; 2010 alum Lou Comis, who will coach the linebackers and defense; 1993 grad Rob Gill, who will help with the lines; 2009 grad Dante Greco, who will help coach the lines and defense; 2004 grad Matt Hirkala, who will coach the lines and defensive ends; and 1960s alum and longtime coach John Lesho, who also is a member of the staff.

“My whole staff is made up of alumni — it’s pretty impressive that all of these guys were willing to raise their hand and give their time to the program,” McCune said. “They’re giving their time to help the school and football program be successful and teach these young men.

“Our coaching staff is extremely close.”

The first challenge for the new coaching contingent will be working with a roster of 20 players and making sure the group stays healthy and ready to compete for 10 games while pushing for a playoff return.

“The transition has gone well,” McCune. “It’s still a battle to get everybody we can — we’d like to continue to grow the numbers. The 20 players that are here are excited.

“The kids have really bought into what we’re trying to do. As a younger staff, I think we relate to them. We built a lounge for the kids that they didn’t have with TVs, air hockey tables, couches … we’re really trying to make (the football program) a place they want to be. We want them to enjoy being here and each other’s company.

“We want to try and build this thing and be successful.

Getting back to the postseason is something McCune has set as a goal, one he views as very attainable because the Dons just missed the playoffs last season by a couple of spots under the old three-class format. The WVSSAC is implementing a four-class system this year.

“We want to get to that seven- or eight-win mark and get back to being a playoff team,” McCune said. “With the new four-class system, I think that’s a very doable goal.”

McCune and company will have to replace five seniors who each played a big role last season. Chase Littleton, who was a 1,000-yard rusher and passer and a Herald-Star/Daily Times All-Area selection at quarterback; all-area linemen Caleb Kimberland; all-area defensive back Luca Muzzi; starting receiver Jonah McKay; and starting linemen Marquis Parker.

This version of the Dons will feature seven seniors and nine freshmen, with just three juniors and one sophomore in between the classes.

The senior group consists of returning all-area selections Koleton Grishkevich and Andre Crossland as well as returning starters K.J. Ward, Dominic Maple, Logan Brown and Trent McCartney. They will be joined by Oak Glen transfer Wesley Molish.

“I give these seniors a lot of props. They’ve had five coaches in four years and that’d be tough for anybody,” McCune said. “I’ve seen this group really step up. It’s a hungry group that is ready to make that next step.”

Looking to be counted on to replace Littleton, who’s now playing football for West Liberty, at quarterback will be a freshman in Maddox Bowen, who had a successful tenure at the position under McCune with the Junior Dons.

“We’re all in on Maddox, he’s worked hard during the summer and is great to work with,” McCune said. “He’s a big, strong kid and a football junkie.

“He is really taking a leadership role, and the seniors have bought into him. He’s got big shoes to fill as a freshman. I think he’s going to answer the bell.”

Grishkevich returns at wide receiver and outside linebacker; Molish will play running back, receiver and middle linebacker; Ward is back at receiver, free safety and kicker; Crossland at receiver and corner; Maple on the offensive and defensive lines along with Brown; and McCartney at wide receiver and defensive back.

The juniors are Matt Geer, who was an all-area selection last season, on the defensive line and running back; corner and wide receiver Angelo DoBraska; and offensive and defensive lineman Nick Snodgrass.

The lone sophomore is outside linebacker and wide receiver Ben Lazear.

Joining Bowen in the incoming group of freshmen will be RB/WR/DB Connor Carte, RB/OLB Brennan Gray, WR/DB Tyler Dillon, WR/DB Luke Wingett, WR/DB Evan Kovarik, center/DL Anthony Decaria and WR/DB Will Nichols.

“I think the strength of this team is going to be its speed,” McCune said. “We’re going to be very fast. We are loaded at the skill positions. Even with 20 kids we have a depth chart at wideout and running back so we have a lot of guys who will have the ball in their hands.

“Everyone is going to contribute. With 20 we’re going to need everyone at some point. Conditioning has been a big part of our offseason; we want to keep everyone healthy and on the field.”

The Blue Dons open the season with a home game against Wellsville on Aug. 30.