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2024 Snapshot: Sycamore

Sycamore DB Tre Meadows (photo courtesy of ScoutingOhio.com)

This will be one of those typical blue-collar, lunch pail, work ethic driven Sycamore teams. The Aviators may not have the talent that some other GMC schools have but they will be disciplined, won’t do things to beat themselves and make their foes pay foes their miscues. This team will be an extension of head coach Scott Dattilo, not flashy calm, prepared and resilient and that’s what makes the Aves so dangerous in 2024.

Sycamore has good size in the trenches. If an unknown and inexperienced backfield follows their lead the offense has a very good shot at besting the 293.0 yards per game that the team averaged a year ago.

The Aviators defense has plenty to prove to itself. The front seven is a veteran group and should have no problem putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. A young secondary must capitalize on those opportunities for takeaways. The faster the unit gets off the field and the ball back in the hands of the offense the better Sycamore’s chances to win tight affairs, which there will be plenty of.

The program hasn’t finished above .500 since 2018. The Aviators have lost twice as many games as they have won (17-34) since that season. Twenty of those affairs have been decided by eight points or less. Sycamore is 6-14 in those losses. Closing out those nip-and-tuck battles will get the Aves back on the winning path.

Division I, Region 4
2023 RECORD: 5-6, 5-4 GMC
COACH: Scott Dattilo (108-83 at Sycamore, 18 years; 125-97 overall, 21 years)

HONOR ROLL
Oscar Piedrahita, Sr, OL – The anchor and leader of the Aviators o-line. Pedrahita is one of the top linemen in Southwest Ohio. He was named Honorable Mention All-Ohio as a junior.

Sycamore OL Oscar Pedrahita (photo courtesy of ScoutingOhio.com)

Tre Meadows, Sr, DB – A lock down defensive back who is difference maker. Meadows was named Division I Honorable Mention All-Southwest District in 2023. A Lehigh commit, Meadows has 77 total tackles, two forced fumbles, seven takeaways (four INTs, three FRs) and a pick-six in his career.

Nick Branam, Sr, LB – A three-year starter and heart-and-soul of the Sycamore defense. Branam tallied 47 total tackles, six tackles for losses, had one forced fumble and two interceptions on his way to First Team All-GMC accolades as a junior.

OTHER RETURNEES
Nicolas Schnelle, Sr, K – The Aviators are going to lean on Schnelle’s leg. He will see his share of big moments this fall. Schnelle connected on 29/31 extra points and 3/7 field goal attempts (long of 29-yards) for 38 points as a junior.

Finn Courtney, Sr, DE – All signs point to a breakout year for Courtney. As a junior he was in on 15 total tackles, with five tackles for losses and three sacks.

Tim Miller, Sr, WR/DB – Will be valued just as much as a blocker as he will as a receiver. Miller will also see time in the secondary adding depth and help for Meadows.

Levi Simpson, Sr, QB – Gets his shot at running the offense. Simpson has had some snaps at the varsity level and thrown 318 passing yards over the past two campaigns.

Griffin Dunning, Sr, LB – Is ready to prove himself on the field. Look for an outstanding senior season out of Dunning.

Kingston Seumanutafa, Jr, LB – Teams with Branam and Dunning to form a very strong crew at linebacker. The sky is the limit for this rising star.

Nick Walker, Jr, OL – Will be called upon to be a leader on offense. The 6-foot-0, 280-pound Walker has all-conference talent.

Sycamore Head Coach Scott Dattilo

NEWCOMERS
Senior WR Kayden Bell and junior DB Brady Eagan are expected to make contributions starting in Week 1. Both players still lack Friday night lights game action but should make the adjustment seelessly.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(10 appearances, 5-10) – 2023, 2021, 2020, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2012, 2011, 2007, 2006, 1996

2024 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/23/24 – at Kings (6-6 in 2023) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/30/24 – PRINCETON (12-1) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/06/24 – FAIRFIELD (3-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/13/24 – at Middletown (3-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/20/24 – COLERAIN (0-10) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/27/24 – at Oak Hills (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/04/24 – LAKOTA WEST (11-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/11/24 – at Lakota East (1-9) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/18/24 – MASON (7-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/25/24 – at Hamilton (8-4) – 7:00 PM

 

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