BEES LOOK TO CONTINUE SUCCESS

By Dom DiPasqua/Staff Writer

Sunday afternoon, August 23, 2015

BROADVIEW HEIGHTS – Fresh off a playoff appearance, its second in as many years which is a school record, Brecksville-Broadview Heights will look to keep things headed in the right direction this season. They will attempt to do it in a new league and against five teams they have never played before.

The unknown factor is what has players, coaches and fans eager to get the 2015 campaign underway. How it shakes out ten weeks from now is anyone’s guess.

Post-season appearances are far from a gimme. But what you can count on from the Bees is continuity. Jason Black is now in his seventh season as head coach. His offensive coordinator, Tom Tupa, has been on the job for six seasons. Defensive coordinator John Shirilla for three. That kind of stability and know how goes a along way, especially when heading into uncharted waters.

As a fan it is nice to know what to expect on the field from the Bees, a team that went 8-3 overall and 5-1 (2nd) in the Southwestern Conference in 2014. Offensively they will do whatever it takes to put points on the board in their pro style offense, which features four wide receivers. Defensively Brecksville will rely on its basic 4-2-5 set. It is a unit that is coached to have eight red helmets swarm to the ball carrier.

 

The Offensive Personnel

Returning at quarterback for Brecksville is junior Luke Strnad (6-0, 200). He started 10 of 11 games in 2014 and played in all of them. His numbers a year ago were impressive for anyone, let alone a sophomore. How about completing over 67% of his passes for 2,433 yards? And what about the 32 touchdowns he tossed against 12 interceptions? The answer. Those stats landed Strnad on the All-Southwestern Conference First-Team.

The bar has been raised this season. “I expect so much more out of Luke this year than last,” Coach Black said early this morning in his office. “This is Luke’s second year in our true system. He can be so much better than he already is. We expect the world from him.”

With those type of expectations one might think that a person could get weighed down by them. Strnad won’t. He is strong and fast. He is being tutored by a guy who played 18 seasons in the NFL. And Strnad carries himself the way a top-notch quarterback should, with confidence and a steely demeanor. He is pretty much unflappable.

 

Who Lugs the Leather?

Strnad takes his snaps out of the shotgun formation. That is Brecksville football. Lining up adjacent to him in the backfield will be senior Josh Underwood (5-9,180). Underwood got off to a good start last year before suffering a broken ankle in the Olmsted Falls game (week four). He has recovered nicely and will be counted on this season to pick up where he left off, and then some. “Josh has worked very hard to come back. I love how he always keeps his feet moving,” Black said of his speedy feature back.

 

The Good Hands Guys

They grow quality wide receivers on trees in these parts. And those trees keep bearing fruit – by the bushel full. Headlining the group is senior Tyler Tupa (6-1, 200). Tupa has verbally accepted an offer to attend Ohio University where he will very likely play in the defensive backfield for Frank Solich’s Bobcats. Until then he will be the man that opponents have to know where he is on the field at all times. Tupa, who also handles the Bees punting, could appear in as many as 100 plays on an Friday night.

Tupa was a two-time First-Team All-SWC player. He will look to make his mark in the Suburban League and beyond again this fall. That shouldn’t be a problem. A year ago he hauled 81 passes for 20 touchdowns. Simple math: Nearly 25% of his receptions resulted in six points for the red and gold.

Tupa averaged 15.5 yards per catch. And, in addition to his glue fingers and his ability to position himself against a constant double-team, his yards-after-catch numbers are just as impressive. Needless to say he has an extremely high football IQ. Tupa has been a marked man by the opposition since day one. Watching what he does with the bulls eye on his back is what brings the Bee Nation faithful to its feet and opponents shaking their heads in awe.

Tupa, a two-year captain, is a natural team leader. A player that teammates gravitate toward. “I ran out of good things to say about Tyler a long time ago,” said Black. “All I know is that we have been spoiled by him.”

Having intelligent football players on the field is always a bonus. The fact that they are coaches sons means that talk around the dinner table is not likely about much more than getting good grades and playing heads up ball.

Another gifted athlete and captain is born leader Danny Shirilla (6-0, 160). Don’t let Shirilla’s lean frame fool you. He is an accomplished track athlete and a basketball player who loves to compete. His understanding of the game is from the inside out. Shirilla has good hands and the speed to get up field after the catch. He is also Strnad’s back-up and knows the Bees offense (and defense) like the back of his hand. “Danny has three years of experience in Coach Tupa’s offense. That says it all,” Black said.

Brilliant in the classroom with a 4.3 GPA and multi-dimensional on the field is senior Zach Venesile (5-9, 175). He is a player that can hurt you in so many different ways. Mixed and matched parts is what makes the Bees offense so unpredictable, and Venesile will play a big part in that. He has been cast into the role that may win him best supporting actor by the end of October.

“Zach is our ‘Slash'”, Black said. “He will line up at tailback, in the slot and outside. We can put him everywhere. And he knows everything about what he is supposed to do when we put him there.”

Joey McGonegal (5-9, 165) became the Bees running back after Underwood was lost for the season on September 19. He answered the bell by having a stellar game the following week against North Olmsted. He ran well and reached the end zone against the Eagles. The problem was was that late in the first half he came up limping. McGonegal played the second half and, unbeknownst to anyone at the time, including McGonegal, it was discovered after the game that he too had broken his ankle.

Joey McG’s season ended with 98 yards rushing on 28 attempts. He also caught three passes out of the backfield. This fall he will line up at wide out. But don’t be surprised to see him tote the pigskin now and again. “We’re going to use Joey a lot of different ways, more as a receiver,” said Black. “As a runner Joey is patient and does a good job setting up his blockers.”

 

The Interior Line

The last time Brecksville used a tight end with any sort of consistency was before Obama became president. Or maybe it just seems that long ago. So at the ends of the O-line you will see the tackles.

On the left side, protecting Strnad’s blind-side, is three-year varsity player Nick Sokolowski. At 6-5, 250 Soko is, by height and weight, the Bees biggest player. “We’re looking forward to Nick’s continued leadership on the offensive line,” Black said.

On the other side is the teams second biggest player in senior Andrew Siegman (6-4, 230). “Andrew has worked hard in the off-season and it has shown. His techniques and physicality are much-improved,” said Black. “We are looking forward to seeing him progress throughout the year.”

Brecksville also returns both its guards. Junior John Baltas (6-3, 305) is not likely to be bullied along the line of scrimmage. He played in all 11 games a year ago, starting most of them. Baltas transferred back to his home school district after his freshman year. “Benedictine’s loss is our gain,” Black said. “John is a physical player inside who will help us run the ball better.”

To the right of center is sophomore Cole Costanzo (6-0, 260). The best thing about Costanzo is not what lies ahead of him this year and the next two, but what he already has in his Bee football bank account in terms of experience. Costanzo was an extreme rarity in that he played in 11 varsity games in 2014 as a freshman. He is athletic and hard-nosed. Relatively speaking this season will seem like old hat to him. “Cole was baptized by fire last year and did well. That experience will be invaluable to us because he now knows what to expect on Friday nights,” said Black.

The man in the middle is junior Nick Burkhart (6-1, 230). He has waited his turn and is prepared to go. His size and no-nonsense mindset will be a benefit in the middle of the line. “Nick is conscientious in the way he goes about his business,” Black said.

 

The Defensive Personnel

It all starts up front. The Bees have eight returning starters on offense and its defense is just about as seasoned with seven returnees who played in 11 games in 2014.

Brecksville has a solid front four. Lining up on the outside at the end positions will be veterans Ryder Seballos (5-10, 170) and Victor Bierman (6-1, 190). They are the Bees second and third most returning tacklers from last years squad.

Seballos (76 tackles) is a senior, a captain, and gifted 4-point plus student who is lightning fast off the edge. “Ryder’s motor never stops. He sprints to the football on every single play,” said Black.

Bierman (77 tackles) flat out has a nose for the ball and is an avid kick blocker. Like Seballos he uses his speed to get to the quarterback. Bierman, a junior, has packed on a good 20 or more pounds to his frame this year which will make him that much more effective. “Victor has has gotten bigger and stronger. With that added size he can be a force,” Black said.

At the tackle spots are senior mainstays Eddie Sternad (5-11, 230) and Sokolowski. “Eddie is a two-year starter who has improved a lot from last season to this. And Soko is a hustle machine on defense,” said Black.

 

In the Middle of Things

Backing up the line are a pair of newcomers – by varsity game experience only. By name they hail from a succession of brothers who have come through the Bees program over the years and have made their marks as members of Beeville’s football family.

What they may lack in Friday night experience, at least at this point, they will soon make up for because of their pedigree. Nick Zakelj (6-3, 210) is a junior whose older brother Matt earned his stripes on the Bees defensive unit in the not-too-distant past. “Nick grew and improved his speed. He has earned his opportunity,” Black said.

Next to him will be sophomore Michael Graham (6-1, 175) whose brother Kyle was one tough hombre and an all-star behind the line of scrimmage. “Michael has an understanding of the game of football and a knack for getting to the ball,” said Black.

 

The Secondary

Senior captain Niall Lewison (5-9, 180) is Brecksville’s returning leading tackler from 2014. He hunted down 104 ball carriers a season ago and racked up a solid 19 solo stops. With the way that Coach Black charts tackles, because of the teams swarming style of play with multiple hats to the ball, 19 individual tackles in 11 games is a stellar number.

Lewison, who was born in Minnesota, gophered opponents to the tune of 11 tackles for a loss while picking off three passes and breaking up yet three more. He will play what is known as the star position. “Niall just does an excellent job for us in that position,” Black said.

Tupa, Shirilla, Venesile and McGonegal will use their speed, talent and athletic ability to make plays in both defending the pass and run. “Tyler just flat out knows how to play football. Danny is a coach on the field. Joey is a good coverage guy. And Zach fills in at all the defensive backfield positions,” said Black.

Look for senior P.J. Austin (6-2, 160) to back-up McGonegal. And for junior Steven Klaus (6-1, 180) to play when Venesile is utilized in other roles. There should be no drop off. Austin, who also plays basketball, has football experience. But was unable to play last year because he transferred back to the district from Holy Name. Klaus intercepted a pass in his first varsity game in last seasons opener against the Green Wave. “Steven is coming off a strong sophomore season and we expect that to continue. And P.J. has been a nice surprise since he joined us this summer. He has lived up to our expectations,” Black said.

Shirilla, Lewison and Bierman were Second-Team All-SWC players last year. Seballos earned honorable mention recognition.

The Bees have 52 players on their grades 10 through 12 roster. Black said that as many as 40 of them may see playing time at the varsity level from the beginning of the season until the end. Likely candidates include sophomores; Mike Rose, Adrian Asimou, Sam Wiglusz, Jack O’Donnell, Alec Buckley and Alex Barsotti.

 

The Specialists

Like last season Tyler Tupa will punt. “He won’t come off the field,” Black noted. Venesile is the long-snapper and takes his craft seriously. The sure-handed Shirilla will take a knee and hold for field goals and extra points. And it is in that role that makes him so valuable as a heady player who can run, pass – or whatever – out of the Bees trademark muddle-huddle line-up on extra points. The element of surprise out of this package is what renders opposing defensive coordinators sleepless on Thursday nights. Your first reaction when you see this act on film has to be, “What the heck? “.

“Muddle huddle lives. And will continue to live as long as I am the head coach,” Black said with a smile.

Imagine that you are Coach Black and you are sitting in your classroom one day. And then this happens. “Sammy Kraguljac came to my classroom in the winter and asked if he could kick. He basically ‘tried out’ and the coaches fell in love with his ability to kick the football,” said Black, with an even bigger smile.

Kraguljac (5-11, 140) is a junior soccer player who has never played football before. Evan Baschko quit the band to play football a year ago. He became an all-star and is now playing at John Carroll University. Baschko was a gift that literally fell out of the sky in 2014. Or, at least in his case, the bandstand.

Yes, it is early and the brights lights have yet to be turned on. And upward of 6,000 people haven’t packed the stands yet, but so far the Sammy Kraguljac story may just be this years Evan Baschko story.

 

The Outlook

Jason Black is a teacher first. And a good one. He takes pride in simplifying things for his students, whether they are in the classroom, in film study or out on the field. “Offensively our philosophy is to take whatever the defense gives us. It doesn’t matter how many times we run the ball or pass it. All that matters is that after 48 minutes we have one more point than the other team,” Black said. “Defensively we expect execution in getting as many as eight red bullets to the ball. It’s that simple.”

The Bees goals, as always, are to win the Golden Shoe game against North Royalton, compete for the Suburban League championship and make the playoffs. Accomplishing two of those three, especially against their schedule, would be a successful campaign. “I want to win ‘The Shoe’ and play in week 11,” said Black.

And how will Brecksville accomplish that? Especially with the fact that, other than North Royalton and Hudson, it will play almost an entirely new slate of teams otherwise this season. And five of those squads they have never met on the gridiron before.

“We have a lot of experience back, but that doesn’t mean anything. Our kids have to go out and play like a Bee every week. That is with a relentless effort, a toughness and a high Friday night IQ,” Black said. “And we have to have what we call a ‘Pound The Rock’ mentality. That is everyone has to be involved as a unit. We’ll keep chipping away at that big rock, swinging as a team, until we break it down. If we play like a Bee and Pound The Rock we can’t ask for any more from our players.”

 

See You At The Bee Hive!

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