TORONTO — A new era of Toronto football is here as Jaret Aubiel makes his way into the big chair.

Aubiel, who served as an assistant coach for the Red Knights last season, has taken over the reins of the program from Josh Franke, who left to become the head coach at Westerville Central.

“The transition has been great,” Aubiel said. “I have gotten great support from the administration, the community, the players and the coaching staff. Coach Franke helped to make it a smooth transition. Everything has been smooth.”

The Red Knights enter the 2024 season coming off of a successful campaign in which they finished the regular season at 9-1, captured the OVAC Class 2A title and secured a home playoff game. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned in the postseason as No. 13 Norwalk St. Paul defeated Toronto, 56-20, in the first round of the Ohio Division VII Region 25 playoffs to end Toronto’s season at 9-2.

“Last season ended in disappointment, but that only served as motivation going into the offseason and going into this season,” Aubiel said. “We’re looking to have another successful season, for sure.”

The Red Knights lost several key contributors in all phases of the game to graduation, but the cupboard is far from bare this season as Toronto returns plenty of talent on offense, defense and special teams.

“It is hard to say where you want to be at a certain time, but we are building toward where we want to be,” Aubiel said. “We had a midnight practice today. It wasn’t a full practice, but we got a lot of work in. The guys are working hard.”

Toronto has 37 players on its roster.

“We have 37 kids in the program,” Aubiel said. “For a small school like Toronto, that is a pretty good number. We have some new kids out who have never played before. That says a lot about the success we have had. Thirty-seven kids is a good number.”

Toronto is going to continue to do some of the same things it has done in the past, however, Aubiel is going to put his own spin on the team.

“The system is going to be the same,” Aubiel said. “The verbiage is going to be the same. I am going to put my own spin on it. We are going to see where we are at.”

A big reason for optimism this season is the return of senior standout quarterback Zeb Kinsey, who has committed to play at the University of Cincinnati. Kinsey missed the last eight games of last season after getting injured in Week’s 3 home game against Weir. The hosts were leading when Kinsey got injured, however, the Red Riders rallied to win the game, 23-12, to hand Toronto its only loss of the regular season.

“He’s looked good,” Aubiel said about Kinsey. “He’s been practicing well. We are happy with how his recovery is going. We are excited to get rolling.”

When Kinsey went down, Russ Dickinson took over as the team’s signal caller, and he established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the Ohio Valley. Unfortunately, Dickinson got hurt in the Red Knights loss to the Flyers, pressing No. 3 quarterback Michael Henry into action.

“Russ Dickinson is a great kid,” Aubiel said. “He has an awesome personality. He’s a leader. He is well respected. “If his number is called, I’m sure he will be ready to go.”

Dickinson will be one of the team’s three starting wide receivers this season along with Aiden Filby and Brady Fair.

Senior standout Mason Marchbank returns at tight end. Marchbank, who has received multiple offers to play at the next level, is the team’s top returning pass catcher. As a junior, Marchbank caught 29 passes for 609 yards — for an average of 21 yards a catch — while hauling in 11 touchdown receptions.

Drake Bouscher — a sophomore — will be the team’s starting running back. He replaces Kam Baker, who graduated.

Toronto has a good group up front in Andy Silverthorn (right tackle), Alan Sanseverino (right guard), Lucas Wiseman (center), Chase Heckathorn (left guard) and Heath Thomas (left tackle).

“We definitely have some size, for sure,” Aubiel said. “We just have to be able to use that size for good. In the playoffs, Norwalk St. Paul did not have a lot of size, but they were able to pound the ball in the run game. We have to be able to use our size as an advantage. We have to perfect our technique and our scheme so we can be the best we can be.”

Toronto will run a 3-5-3 defense this season.

Silverthorn (right defensive end), Spencer Board (defensive tackle) and Thomas (left defensive end) will fill the spots up front.

Three of the starting linebacker spots are set with Bouscher (middle linebacker), Zavier Kinsey (Sam) and Henry (Will). Zeb Kinsey and Dickinson will man the positions on the outside, but which side had not been set as practice began

Brody Winters (cornerback), Fair (cornerback) and Filby (free safety) will make up the secondary.

Henry will handle the team’s kicking duties — field goals, extra points and kickoffs. Fair or Dickinson will serve as the team’s holder and Filby will be the punter. Filby and Fair will return punts and kicks. The duo has big shoes to fill as stand out returner Dom Bouscher graduated. He was a threat to reach the end zone every time he touched the ball. Dom Bouscher was also a big threat on the offensive side of the ball.

“When you lose a kid like Dom Bouscher, he’s tough to replace,” Aubiel said. “We have had some young guys step up. Hopefully, we have some playmakers on the outside.”

The Red Knights have had their share of success on the gridiron the last few seasons, and the team is looking to continue its winning ways.

“I’d say our strength is our culture,” Aubiel said. “Our culture is pretty good. Our kids play for each other. It is a great environment. We want to go further into the postseason.”

Coming off a strong season, Toronto will get the best shots from its opponents.

“We try not to focus on that kind of stuff,” Aubiel said. “We just want to take it one week at a time. We just want to continue to be successful.”

The Red Knights have had success in the regular season, now the team looks to have success in the postseason.

“Our goals are to make the playoffs, win an OVAC championship and beat our rivals,” Aubiel said.

Toronto has moved up to Division VI, Region 21 this season.

“Our schedule is pretty good,” Aubiel said. “It is tougher than last season. We are looking forward to the challenge.”

Lowellville, Newcomerstown and Wheeling Central are new to the schedule, replacing East Palestine, Madonna and longtime rival Catholic Central.

“The kids are definitely excited,” Aubiel said. “We had a practice at midnight on Aug. 1. We’re able to hit people. It felt like a mid-August practice. The kids are ready to get after it. So am I.”

This season, Aubiel will be assisted by Matt Ludewig, Derrick Phillips. Rick Daugherty, Michael Conlon, Michael Ludewig, Trevor Host, Harris Ong and Erle Heaton.

“Having continuity with the coaching staff is really important,” Aubiel said. “Matt Ludewig is our defensive coordinator. He has coached for a while. Our offensive coordinator is Derrick Phillips. He has coached in the system for a long time. I’m very grateful to have a great group of coaches.”

Toronto is scheduled to open the season Friday night on the road at East Canton. The Red Knights downed the Hornets, 34-0, at home to open the 2023 season.