Stout Defense Will Once Again Carry Tiger Football

Joe Schiavone knows a thing or two about championship football.

The first-year Twinsburg head coach was a part of two national title teams while playing for Division III national power Mount Union. As an assistant coach at Benedictine, Schiavone was on the sidelines for three straight state championship games, including state titles in 2003 and 2004.

As the Tigers' defensive coordinator, Schiavone produced the No. 1 defense in Division I, Region II the past two seasons as Twinsburg allowed just 7.7 points per game in 2010 and 8.4 points per game in 2009.

That trademark Tiger defense will come in handy this season as the Tigers have moved up to the Northeast Ohio Conference's Valley Division. The team will now take on such perennial powers as crosstown rival Solon, Strongsville, Medina, Brunswick and Mentor.

And next week's season opener? A battle with former state champion Aurora.

"We know that week in and week out we're going to be facing some great competition," said Schiavone. "Our players are looking forward to it. With our schedule we can't overlook anybody, but playing against great teams is a good thing."

The Tigers have advanced to the state playoffs in each of the past three seasons. Last year, they knocked off Sylvania Southview in a 24-21 overtime thriller before being sidelined by Toledo Whitmer in the regional semifinals.

Twinsburg returns five starters on each side of the ball. "We're going to keep doing what we do on defense," said Schiavone. "Like every team, we are concerned about injuries and depth."

Junior back John Barton (5-10, 185) will be the focus of the running game after picking up 681 yards and scoring 14 touchdowns last year. Barton also had 26 receptions for 477 yards and three TDs as a key component of the spread offense.

It will be tough to replace quarterback Aaron Macer, who will be playing at Ohio University this fall, but junior Jalen Washington (6-1, 175) looks like the real deal. "No question, Jalen is going to turn some heads," said Schiavone. "He is very poised and composed for a young quarterback."

Twinsburg is deep and fast at the wide receiver spots with seniors B.K. Grewal (6-0, 175) , London Carter (5-8, 165), Mitch Harrison (6-3, 190), Zack Buckeye (5-5, 155), Jordan Bray (5-10, 175) and Trey Jones (5-10, 160). "Jalen passes the ball well so we will throw a little more than we have in the past," said Schiavone. "He's been very effective when he makes the right decisions."

Seniors Quentin Chambers (6-3, 230) and Dimitri McDaniel (5-10, 240) return on the offensive line, where the development of younger players will be essential to the team's success.

Carter, Jones and senior Michael Baker (5-10, 185) anchor an outstanding defensive secondary. Senior Myles Campbell (5-11, 210), second on the team in tackles last season, will be one of the area's top inside linebackers and senior defensive end Dylan Minick (6-3, 235) had four sacks last season.

Senior free safety Andrew Tozzi (5-10, 165) , junior strong safety Ben Bisesi (5-11, 185) and junior inside linebacker Scott Tegowski (6-0, 195) will all be counted on to contribute to Schiavone's tenacious 4-2-5 defense.

Frank Candau, the goalkeeper for the Tiger soccer team, will handle the kicking duties.

Schiavone will be assisted this year by offensive coordinator Scott Amstutz, offensive line coach Jim Lipinski, wide receiver coach Chris Shaffer, running backs coach Dan Thompson, defensive secondary coach Jeff Tomko and defensive line coach Mark Mole.

The 2011 season will be a test, but the Tigers are looking toward just one game – next Friday's season opener.

"We're focused on Aurora," said Schiavone. "They've become a great rival for us. We'll move on after that."