Staff photo / Brian Yauger Brookfield junior running back Christian Davis runs for a gain during a recent practice at Brookfield High School.

BROOKFIELD — Anytime a football program loses several high-producing players, it could mean the next year or two are bound to be rough.

In the eyes of head coach Randy Clark, the Brookfield Warriors are setting out to crush expectations.

OFFENSE

The offense, Clark said, is going to be much different than in the last two or three years. With the graduation of quarterback Donovan Pawlowski, Aiden Jones will be tasked with stepping in and taking charge of the offense, which Clark believes will be a run-heavy attack.

“We’re going to be running the ball a lot more,” Clark said. “We don’t have those 6-foot-4 receivers we had or the 6-foot-3 linemen. Running the ball will be our MO this season. We’re going to feed Christian Davis and Aiden Jones. When you have two fast kids like that, you have to give them the ball and give them some space.”

Jones steps into the quarterback position after spending the past few years as one of the team’s athletes. Throughout the preseason, Clark said Jones has exceeded expectations as he settles into the new role.

“He’s throwing the ball better than we anticipated. He’s doing a really good job with what we’re throwing at him and he has picked up the mental side of the offense very well,” Clark said.

It also helps to have a quarterback who can utilize his legs as well as a running back. Clark said Jones’ speed is “unmatched.”

“Anytime you have a quarterback who can run like that, it’s an extra person in the backfield that the defense has to account for. He’s quick and knows the part well so it’s like having two running backs in the backfield,” Clark said of his new quarterback, who was a state finalist in the 100 and 200-meter dashes.

Complementing Jones in the backfield will be the duo of Davis and Rico Smith. Davis was one of the top rushers on the team last year and has the ability to run hard and also has a second gear when he breaks through the offensive line. In regard to Smith, Clark said the freshman is going to be substantial in the years to come.

“Rico Smith is a name you’ll be hearing for a long time,” Clark said. “He’s very good. He’s not built like a freshman, doesn’t play like a freshman and doesn’t act like a freshman. He’s strong and fast.”

Another first for Clark in a few years is a true backup quarterback.

The skipper plans on using freshman signal caller Josh Riken in times when Jones needs a breather or can’t be on the field.

“In the last two or three years, I just had a position player fill the role. (Riken) is a freshman, but has the skills of an upperclassman. He’s understanding the mental side of it and we’re excited for him. If Aiden needs a break, I feel confident throwing him in there,” Clark said.

As for the receiving group, Clark has a quartet of Ta’Hari Wester, Brett Carsone, Deegan Hunkus and Preston Hunter. Another option available is tight end Kaden Kirilla.

“If defenses load up the box, we’re going to throw the ball,” Clark said.

“We still have solid receivers in Carsone and Kirilla at tight end. We also have some freshmen who can help us at skill positions.”

Up front, Brady Heiner, Japer Malufau, Collin Heater and Justin Hall will be the main starters on the offensive line. The coaching staff is still looking at a couple of options to round out the offensive unit.

“We have a few prospects we’re looking at and we feel good about, but right now it’s not filled,” Clark said.

Shifting to a run-heavy offensive attack, Clark said the run-pass-option offense the team will utilize allows Jones the opportunity “to do whatever he wants.”

“I can see most teams are thinking that if they stop Christian (Davis), then they stop Brookfield, but we have a lot of things we can do off of that offense,” he said. “We have a lot of play-action passes, which Aiden is doing well at. We feel good about the offense even though it’s different from what we’ve done in the last two years.”

Staff photo / Greg Macafee
Brookfield senior free safety Brett Carsone makes a play during a recent 7-on-7 passing scrimmage against Hubbard at Hubbard High School. Carsone will look to play a bigger role for the Warriors this season.

DEFENSE

On the defensive side of things, the greatest asset to the defense is its speed. That speed is thanks in part to Jones, Davis, Carsone and Wester. The four went to the regional track and field finals in the 4×100 relay. Jones, Davis, Carsone and Wester will make up the defensive backs and the secondary.

Kirila is also expected to do big things from the linebacker position. He replaces AJ Bartolin and will complement Malufau, the newest addition to the linebacker group.

“He’s a bigger structure and a plugger. I’m confident with those two,” Clark said.

“I like Kirila at linebacker. I would say he’s one of the better linebackers in the area.”

Up front, the defensive line is comprised of Hall and Heater, but also Smith on the end. Smith’s speed will help make up for the loss of bigger bodies on the defensive line.

“We feel good about the front. We may not have the gigantic guys anymore, but we have four to six kids that can step in at any time,” Clark said. “I like the way the defense flies to the ball, and I like their speed. We’re going to be fast and physical.”

Despite losing much of the team’s offensive output to graduation, many of the new faces on the offense and defense are returning players. But it’s the incoming freshman class that has Clark most excited. He said there are 15 incoming players and there are a handful that Clark anticipates to have an immediate impact.

“I think five or six can contribute this year and not miss a beat. I’m confident in their abilities to make a difference. I can put them in and not be concerned,” Clark said.

The new year brings a new team and Clark said he anticipates his team to surprise many.

“Last year’s team was expected to win. This year, I don’t think the team is expected to, but myself, the coaching staff and players all expect to win,” Clark said. “I think (the team) is going to surprise a lot of people.”

SPECIAL TEAMS

Brian Smith and Brandon Evans are both listed as kickers for the Warriors this season and

The Warriors open the 2023 season Aug. 18 at Norwayne.

2023 Schedule

Aug. 18 at Norwayne 7 p.m.

Aug. 25 vs. Springfield 7 p.m.

Sept. 1 at Valley Christian 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 vs. Champion* 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Liberty* 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 vs. Crestview* 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 at LaBrae* 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 vs. Campbell Memorial* 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 vs. Newton Falls* 7 p.m.

Oct. 20 at Garfield* 7 p.m.

*Conference game

2022 Results (10-2)

at Ursuline (10-3) L 14-52

at Springfield (7-5) W 27-14

vs. Western Reserve (3-7) W 47-3

at Liberty (4-6) W 47-6

at Campbell Memorial (2-8) W 53-13

vs. Crestview (4-5) W 53-6

at Newton Falls (3-7) W 34-0

vs. LaBrae (1-9) W 34-6

at Garfield (9-3) W 35-14

vs. Champion (3-7) W 42-7

#vs. Pymatuning Valley (4-7) W 48-16

#at Dalton (10-3) L 3-26

#-OHSAA playoffs

Coaching staff

Head coach: Randy Clark

Staff: Alex Clark, Adam Hughes, Carmen Furillo, George Kurpe, Randy Reardon, Tim Reinsel, Chuck Valot

Team facts

Divison VI, Region 21

Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference – Gray Tier

Players on roster: 36

Returning letterwinners (13): Kaiden Kirila, Aiden Jones, Justin Hall, Brett Carsone, Brian Smith, Troy Randall, Christian Davis, Japer Malufau, Collin Heater, Brady Hiner, CJ Campana, Bryan Reardon, Jacob Hodge

2022 season: Before Brookfield’s season came to a disappointing end with a 26-3 loss to Dalton in the second round of the playoffs, the Warriors lit up the scoreboard. They rebounded from a season-opening loss to Ursuline and then won 10 straight games while averaging 42 points per game.