2024 Snapshot: Mariemont

It’s hard to believe that Mariemont has only made the playoffs twice in the last nine seasons and not since 2021. Five times in the seven years that the Warriors failed to make the postseason in that span they finished .500 or better. With one of its most complete rosters, Mariemont is out to be a closer and get back to playing in November.

“This group is battle tested, having lost five games by eight points or less last season. We went through a lot of trials and heartache but we know the only way forward is to keep working hard. We feel like this is a reload not a rebuild by any means.” head coach Nick Leone states.

Depth plays a large role in Leone’s outlook on 2024. “We bring back a lot of great players who were lost to injury last year. We return the most experienced group of linemen in my time here, nearly 10 of them with varsity experience.”

The biggest question for Leone and the offense is under center and in the backfield.  “We graduated the most skill players in a long time at Mariemont. For the first time in nearly 15 years, we will have a true quarterback battle. We have great kids competing for the spot, so it is less of a weakness and more of an unknown.”

The Warriors positives outweigh their negatives heading into 2024. With four of the top eight seeds from last season’s playoffs moving out of Region 20 including Valley View, the regional champion the past two seasons, Mariemont has a great opportunity to capture a top seed and do great things in Region 20 this postseason.

Leone sums it all up. “We have had a great offseason so far. Our numbers continue to rise in the program. People want to be a part of the Mariemont Football Family. This community is proud of the work these kids put in every single day and we are excited to see them play next season.”

Division V, Region 20
2023 RECORD: 4-6, 2-5 CHL
COACH: Nick Leone (21-21 at Mariemont, four years; 21-21 overall)

HONOR ROLL
Finn Warden, Sr, RB/LB – A breakout junior year saw Warden named OPSWA Division V Second Team All-Ohio. Warden, the vocal leader of the Warriors recorded 114 total tackles, six tackles for losses, four forced fumbles and recovered four fumbles.

Max Duckwall, Jr, RB/LB – Will be a huge focal point of what the Warriors do on offense. Only a junior, the hard-working Duckwall is ready for monster campaign. He was named Second Team All-CHL (RB) after running for 424 yards, with three rushing touchdowns, 39 total tackles and an interception in 2023.

Hunter Metze, Sr, OL/DL – A vocal leader in the trenches who is always pushing his teammates to be better. Metze started every game on both sides of the ball as a junior and was named Honorable Mention All-CHL. He will make a significant impact for the Warriors this season.

OTHER RETURNEES
Micah Hromadka, Sr, OL/DL – Along with Metze, Hromadka is the leader of the o-line. The teams center, Metze’s work ethic has helped the younger lineman around him grow and improve.

Oliver Lupien, Sr, OL/DL – A key member of the Warriors returning linemen. The coaching staff expects a big senior campaign from Lupien.

Jack Walton, Sr, WR/DB – The receiving core will look to Warden for guidance. A tough competitor, Walton will be a great security blanket for Mariemont’s young quarterbacks.

Jack Simpson, Jr, TE/DL – Was on his way to a great sophomore season when injuries took Simpson down in Week 5. A dominant force up front who has the potential to be one of the best defensive linemen in the CHL and beyond. Simpson has 74 total tackles, five sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in his career.

Lincoln Griesmer, Sr, TE/LB – Injuries have kept Griesmer from having his presence felt on the field the past two years. Griesmer is one of the teams smartest and most athletic players. He has a tremendous upside.

Eli Lupien, Sr, OL/DL – Has worked extremely hard to get back from a season ending injury that happened early last fall. Like his twin brother Oliver, the coaching staff is expecting a big senior year out of Eli.

Trey Gabbard, Sr, OL/DL – The final member of the Warriors season ending injury club. Gabbard has rehabbed and pushed himself back to be ready for his senior campaign.

NEWCOMERS
George Georgostathis, Sr, WR/DB – The transfer from CHCA and fit in immediately at Mariemont. Georgostathis constantly outworks people in the weight room. He has great hands and speed and is expected to be a big time impact player for the Warriors.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(14 appearances, 12-14) – 2021, 2020, 2014, 2013, 2005, 2003, 1996, 1995 (State Runner-up), 1994, 1991, 1990, 1984, 1980 (State Runner-up), 1974

2024 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/23/24 – at Oakwood (4-7 in 2023) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/30/24 – NORWOOD (1-9) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/06/24 – at Williamsburg (10-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/13/24 – INDIAN HILL (9-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/20/24 – at Finneytown (3-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/27/24 – TAYLOR (4-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/04/24 – MADEIRA (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/11/24 – at Wyoming (12-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/18/24 – DEER PARK (3-8) – 7:00 PM
Sa – 10/26/24 – at Reading (7-4) – 7:00 PM

 

 

 

 

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