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2023 Snapshot: Sycamore

Sycamore WR Gio Garrett (photo by Autumn Duncan/TriStateFootball.com)

There aren’t many teams more eager than Sycamore to step on the field and erase its woes from 2022. The Aviators went winless and come into the season riding an 11-game losing streak. Look for that skid to end early in 2023 as a group of experienced returnees are out for some vengeance.

There are so many things to improve on from last year. Scoring points was a big problem for Sycamore. The Aviators averaged just 9.9 points per contest and trailed at halftime in all 10 of their games. They were held to 13 points or less on eight occasions, shutout three times and found the end zone just 13 times (eight pass, five rush). The good news is that players who scored 12 of those 13 touchdowns return.

The rushing attack was non-existent last season. Sycamore ran for just 49.3 yards per game and 2.1 yards per carry. Compounding the Aviators offensive troubles were 22 turnovers including the quarterbacks throwing four pick-sixes. That taxed a defense that was on the field far too much, in too many games.

There is enough talent coming back for Sycamore to be a menace in the GMC and it’s not rocket science to make that happen. The Aviators need to do what they’ve done best in their successful years, run the football and don’t turn it over.

Division I, Region 4
2022 RECORD: 0-10, 0-9 GMC
COACH: Scott Dattilo (103-77 at Sycamore, 17 years; 120-91 overall, 10 years)

HONOR ROLL
Gio Garrett, Sr, WR – Another season like last and Garrett will go down as one of the most prolific pass catchers in Aviators history. He had 31 receptions for 558 yards and eight touchdowns on his way to First Team All-GMC honors as a junior. Garrett has 45 career receptions for 784 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Jahad Jabar, Sr, DL – Has the talent to be one of the best defensive linemen in Region 4. Jabar was named Second Team All-GMC after tallying 48 total tackles and seven and-a-half tackles for losses as a junior.

Sycamore DL Jahad Jabar (photo by Autumn Duncan/TriStateFootball.com)

OTHER RETURNEES
Eugene Harney, Sr, LB – The Division I state wrestling champion at the 150-pound weight class, who’s toughness is the backbone of the Sycamore defense. Haney has had back-to-back seasons of 61 total tackles. He also led the Aviators with three rushing touchdowns, a year ago.

Craig Holly, Sr, OL – The anchor and leader of the offensive line. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound Holly and linemates have something prove in the run game.

Sycamore OL Craig Holly (photo by Autumn Duncan/TriStateFootball.com)

Elijah Hill, Sr, DB – Will be a three-year letterman and vital cog in the Aviators defensive backfield. Hill has 44 total tackles, a fumble recovery and an interception in his career.

Drew Dattilo, Sr, WR – Could be a pleasant surprise after showing signs of being factor on offense as a junior. Dattilo had 16 catches and four games with three receptions.

Seth Truter, Sr, QB – A returning starter who played admirably despite the teams record in 2022. With some help in the running game Truter should have a very good senior year. He has thrown for 1,210 yards and nine touchdowns in his career.

Kevin Metalitsky, Sr, OL/DL – Will be counted on to make a difference on both sides of the lines for the Aviators. Metalitsky had 17 total tackles as a junior.

Sycamore DL Ethan Metalitsky (photo by Autumn Duncan/TriStateFootball.com)

Ron Matthew, Sr, DB – Showed s great nose for the ball in his first year as a starter in 2022. Matthew was in on 14 total tackles, had three passes defended and two interceptions.

Chase Terrell, Sr, DB – A returning starter in what should be a very secondary for Sycamore. Terrell was in on 16 total tackles as a junior.

Tre Meadows, Jr, DB – A solid varsity debut for Meadows, who showed why he has all-district potential. Look for him to play an even bigger role on offense this fall. Meadows had 27 total tackles as a sophomore.

Sycamore DB Tre Meadows (photo by Autumn Duncan/TriStateFootball.com)

Oscar Piedrahita, Jr, OL – A returning starter who will be asked to become more of a leader as a junior. The 6-foot-5, 210-pound lineman could turn himself into a college prospect with a very good junior campaign.

Nick Branam, Jr, LB – A pleasant surprise for Sycamore in 2022. Branam recorded 38 total tackles and had three takeaways (two FRs, one INT) as a sophomore.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(nine appearances, 5-9) – 2021, 2020, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2012, 2011, 2007, 2006, 1996

2023 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/18/23 – KINGS (13-2 in 2022) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/25/23 – at Fairfield (7-4)  – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/01/23 – MIDDLETOWN (3-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/08/23 – at Colerain (4-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/15/23 – OAK HILLS (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/22/23 – LAKOTA WEST (13-1) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/29/23 – LAKOTA EAST (3-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/06/23 – at Mason (10-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/13/23 – HAMILTON (3-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/20/23 – at Princeton (9-3) – 7:00 PM

 

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