Coach: Tigers 2013 Schedule May Be Toughest Ever

After finishing 6-4 and a thrilling over-time win at Solon last season the 2013 Tigers football team is looking to tear up the competition this season.

Head Coach Joe Schiavone will return for his third season leading the Tigers. He broke down the team this season highlighting the team's strength and weaknesses.

Starters Lost/Returning

Twinsburg lost 13 starters from last season, eight on offense and five on defense. This year three starters will return on offense and six will be back on defense.

Key Offensive Returners

Schiavone will rely on these three to lead his offensive squad this season:

• Tailin Johnson, Sr. WR-29 Receptions, 364 yards, 12.6avg, 2 TD’s (2012)
• Mike Peelman, Sr. Slot- 35 Receptions, 298 yards, 8.5avg, 3 TD’s (2012)
• Dillon Gilbert, Sr. Guard- only returning offensive lineman

Key Defensive Returners

• Cameron Dial, Sr. DE- Co-Defensive Player of the year in the NOC Valley, 3rd on the team in tackles last year. In 10 games, 14 Solos, 41Assists, 6 TFL’s and 5.5 Sacks, 6 QB Pressures, 4 QB Hits, 1 FR & 1TD
• Jacob Turay, Sr. ILB- 2nd on our team in tackles last year. In 10 Games, 9 Solos, 51 Assists, 8 TFL’s, 1 Sack, 1 FF, 2 INT’s, 1 PBU, 1QBP, and 3 QBHits
• Mike Mickovic, Sr. ILB- In 8 Games, 4 Solos, 26 Assists, 1 TFL, 1 INT, & 1 QBHit
• Kon Grewal, Sr. FS- In 10 Games at Corner Last year. 17 Solos, 11 Assists, 1TFL, 4 INT’s (team high), 4 PBU
• Darion Eiland, Sr. SS- In 10 Games, 14 Solos, 39 Assists, 3 TFL’s, 1 Sack, 1FR, 1 INT, 2 PBU, 2 QBP
• Noah Edwards, Jr. C- In 10 Games, 7 Solos, 11 Assists, 1TFL’s, 1 FF, 1 FR, 5 PBU (team high)

Players to Watch

• Darius Jones, Slot/WR/Corner- Can stretch the field. Saw limited action last year during 2nd half of the season. Expected to be a big contributor for our offense.

• Lamont Weakley, Jr. LB- Very productive off season, was only player to gain 1,000lb club status. Was key player on special teams last year. Expected to step into one of the linebacker spots.
• Joe Leondarides, Jr. SS- JV player of the year. Was a back up in 2012. Was key player on special teams last year. Looking to solidify one of the strong safety spots on defense.

2013 Outlook

The 2013 Schedule is tougher than ever, and might be the toughest in school history. Six of our opponents are 2012 playoff teams. We remain in the Valley division of the NOC, and the only Division II team with Solon, Strongsville, Hudson, Brunswick and Mentor. Our out-of-conference games are just as competitive: Aurora, Nordonia and Avon, and our two “NOC Crossover” games are North Royalton and Garfield Heights. We need to stay healthy as depth will play a huge factor for us.

Team Strengths

Very productive off season, we are young (especially on offense) but our young players got very strong in the off season. Our speed and athleticism are our cornerstones of success. Defense has the most returners and will be leaned on heavily.

Team Concerns

How fast can we gel as a team? Depth is always a concern, especially among the offensive and defensive lines. Replacing almost the entire offensive personnel will lead to a lot of competition during camp. Our schedule is very tough and we’ll need to stay healthy in order to compete every week. We may have to rely on some sophomores to step in and fill some rolls.