Big questions for teams heading into the 2023 season.

Alderson Broaddus: 2022 2-5

Quarterback play

AB is coming off of their winningest season to date. Strong wins against STAC and Chestnut Hill show what the Battlers can potentially be. The first step in that move forward is figuring out who will be the new quarterback. QB Tim Tillman recently finished his career as the Battlers all-time leader in passing yards(1971) and passing touchdowns (11). While during his tenure the AB offense was never considered elite, with Tillman at the helm teams had to respect what the passing game could potentially do. With the high level of QB play in the CSFL this season AB will need to address their opening at the position if they hope to make noise this season.

Army: 2022 6-2

Donovan Mannion replacement

The Army offense is due for another great year with Sr QB Mikal Willeke gearing up for his final season. The big question is who will be Willeke’s main target? Last season star WR Donovan Mannion finished up a stellar career. He finished his career with the 12th most receptions in sprint football history (68) and 7th most receiving touchdowns in sprint football history (16). Its safe to say his impact will be missed. Sr WR Cody Lominac who was third on the team in receiving yards last season (291) and tied for second in receiving touchdowns (4) is the leading receiver returning. Jr WR Devon Brown made big plays down the field as the fourth or fifth option finishing the season with a team high 24 yards per catch. There are a few other names that will be in the mix for the Army offense, but it will be interesting to see who emerges as the main guy for Army next season.

Caldwell: 2022 5-2

Receiving core consistency

Caldwell is looking to secure their third winning season in a row. Top notch defense with a strong running game has been the driving force for the Cougars the last few seasons. A strong first season from Soph RB Devon Turner gives the Cougars a bright spot in the backfield for years to come. The other catalyst has been the strong play of Sr QB Frank DeMaio who threw for 908 yards and 9TD last season. With DeMaio returning for his final year the cast of receivers he will be throwing to will need to produce if Caldwell wants to take it all the way this season. Sr WR Jeremy Colon, who is the leading returning receiver, had 16 receptions for 182yards and 1TD last season. Despite some amazing plays and games from the likes of Colon, Soph Donovan Swasey, and Sr Zaheir Mitchell, no Caldwell receiver had 200 yards for the season. If Caldwell is going to go far this season, they will need to have this receiving core do big things throughout the year.

Chestnut Hill College: 2022 0-7

Defense

The last two seasons have not been kind to Chestnut Hill. The Griffins had their first winless season ever finishing last year 0-7. While the offense did have their struggles, defensively CHC had a hard time stopping their opponents. With the graduation of program staples like LB/DB Ryan Jakeman the CHC defensive will need some new guys to take charge and turn this defense around. Soph DL Jonathan Havrilak looks like he can be one of the guys. The young defensive lineman led the team last year in tackles for loss (10.5) and sacks (5.5) . Jr DB Dimitri Laylor could be a cornerstone as well. If the young talent at CHC can continue to improve then there’s a chance the Griffins could get headed in the right direction this season.

Cornell: 2022 1-6

What will come of this fresh start?

Cornell has struggled he last few seasons finishing this past year with a 1-6 record. Entering 2023 Cornell hopes all of that will change with the hiring of new coach Nick Quartaro. Coach Quartaro takes over for coach Terry Cullen who was involved with the program as a head coach or assistant since 1964. As coach Quartaro settles into his new position he will need to assess his roster. The best player by far the last two seasons has been Ath Evan Nicholas. Two seasons ago he led the team in receiving yards (272) and touchdowns (3) while last season he was second on the team in pass break ups (4) and was tied for first on the team in interceptions (1). Nicholas in certainty a dynamic athlete who has been one of the only bright spots for Cornell the last two seasons. It will be interesting to see what type of new talent this coaching staff brings in and how they can cultivate the talent they have led by Jr Ath Evan Nicholas.

Mansfield: 2022 5-3

Cornerback play

Mansfield continues to perform as one top tier of teams in the CSFL. Jr QB Chasid Raymond is one of the best players in sprint football history, the program continues to turn out all-time great talent like DL/LB Chase Moser & LB Matt Robert, and the program has had a winning record since 2018. On an otherwise solid team one of the main issues of concern should be the cornerback position. Mansfield hasn’t traditionally had great cornerback play but if they can get something close to that this year, they could have a special season. Jr JaQuan Carter, Jr Aaron Thomas, Soph Jaden Polk, and Soph Nyasir Brown are just a few names that may have a shot to step up this season. If they can get some strong DB play to match their lively front seven and dynamic offense, then Mansfield might have a chance to make a deep run.

Navy: 2022 8-0

Next up at Running back?

Navy finished last season with an undefeated record and were crowned CSFL Champs after defeating Army in the championship game. 2023 looks like it will be another strong year from Navy with two of the best players in the league with Sr QB Brandon Atwood and Sr WR Andrew Margiotta. The pair made for one of the deadliest connections in the CSFL. Despite the life that has been seen in the passing game as of late Navy is traditionally a run first team with a dynamic feature back spearheading the offense. Last season that was Alex Totta who finished his career with the second most rushing yards at Navy(1722) and tied for the most rushing touchdowns (28). For the 2023 season it remains to be seen who that next guy in a long line of elite running backs will be to play for Navy. Sr Victor Otero , Soph Walt Manny, Jr Cephas McKinney, and Jr Tyron Francis should be the mix of guys that a lead rusher could emerge from. The running game has never been a problem for Navy, but this is the first time in recent years where there wasn’t a clear-cut guy in the ranks just waiting for his turn.

Penn: 2022 3-4

Quarterback play

Like a few other teams in sprint football the biggest concern for Penn this season is who will start at quarterback. Despite team struggles last season Andrew Paolini finished up a great career which placed him 4th in career passing yards(2881) and passing touchdowns (28) at Penn. The issue for next season is who will replace the steady hand of Paolini. Whoever it is will have two top tier weapons in Jr WR Jake Wang and Soph WR Brandon Graves. Sr QB Sam Pasco and Converted WR- QB Ty Scherer should be in the mix as well as any new additions to the team. If Penn can address their QB concerns sooner rather than later then Penn could potentially have a quick turnaround.

STAC: 2022 3-4

Injuries

Despite injuries derailing what could have been an even more impressive season STAC still won the most games in program history. Injuries to WR Mahki Matthews and Jr QB Ryann Kenny left the Spartans without two of their best players for the majority of the season. Every team has to deal with the injuries, but the Spartans were left under manned at crucial position in big time games last season. If STAC can manage to keep some of their key players healthy and have Kenny out do last year’s performance STAC may be able to turn the corner and make some real noise in the CSFL.

MSFL

*Excluded* Oakland City & Walsh University-Inaugural season 2023

Bellarmine: 2022 4-3

Offensive Development

All of the MSFL teams are still very early in their maturation process as programs. Despite that every program already has a unique feel. Bellarmine had success their first season on both sides of the ball, but they were undoubtably led by Soph RB Brenden Reid. Reid led the team and MSFL in rushing yards (772). Reid also held it down on defense as one of Bellarmine’s better defensive players. Going into their second season the development of guys like Soph QB Dylan Gough, Soph WR DJ Griffin, and Soph ATH Tavius Francis with be crucial for the growth of the offense. Another strong recruiting class with a standout to replace ATH Devan Hendricks (572 all-purpose yards 4TD) and continued development from offensive returners could have Bellarmine threatening for a MSFL title this season.

CCSJ: 2022 5-2

Passing Game

CCSJ had a great inaugural season which took them all the way to the championship game inevitably losing to SMWC. Strong defense and a lethal running game spearheaded by Soph RB Jonathon Flemings (709 rushing yards 7TD) was enough to win against every other team in the MSFL during the inaugural season. Like many other teams CCSJ started freshman quarterbacks but they struggled to throw the ball more than some of their peers. QB Blaze Cano and QB Carson Crowe combined for 724yards 6TD 9int. If CCSJ hopes to repeat as one of the top teams in the MSFL the development of the quarterbacks will be essential.

Fontbonne: 2022 2-5

Running Game

Like some other teams you could go a few different ways with the focus for Fontbonne, but I’d say getting a consistent running game would be highest on the list. Good young defenders like LB Avion Bass and DL Isaiah Sanders and capable playmakers in the receiving core kept most games close for Fontbonne during their first season. Improving the running game will go a long way in making the Fontbonne offense more effective. Soph RB Darrion White was a solid lead back leading the team with 307 rushing yards. But as a team Fontbonne only had 3 rushing touchdowns. More additions to the backfield and improvement upfront could have Fontbonne in the mix this season.

Midway: 2022 0-7

Defense

Despite flashes on both sides of the ball Midway is still searching for their first win in program history. Offensively Midway was kept afloat by Soph WR Penther Alphonse and Soph WR Ja’shawn Lee. Spectacular plays those two helped generate yards and points to keep Midway in a few games last season. The defensive struggles are ultimately what kept them down. The Midway defense gave up 31 points a game. This proved to be too much for the offense to overcome throughout the season. Improvement from key returners and new talent from another recruiting class could result in Midway getting that first win this season.

Quincy:2022 4-3

Quarterback play

Quincy was in the unique situation of having an upperclassman as their starting quarterback during their inaugural season. QB Taylor Klusmeyer finished his lone season with 818 passing yards 9TD 329rushing yards 4TD.Finding and developing a replacement for Klusmeyer should be a major focus for Quincy. Soph QB Nick Manzo should be in the mix as one of the returners with in game experience. With a strong defense led by Jr LB Ray Lingard & Soph LB Jaree Jones and offensive playmakers like Soph ATH Exavior Hinton & Soph WR Camden Pye, Quincy is in a position to improve upon their early program success.

SMWC: 2022 6-1

Quarterback Play

SMWC put together a strong season from start to finish as they were crowned the first ever champs of the MSFL. A strong offensive line anchored by Soph OL Adonimi Parker & Soph OL Lane Suder, an elite running game with Soph RB Patrick Perea, and tough defenders on all three levels of the defense have SMWC looking strong as they head into their second season. The one area of concern would be the questions at quarterback. Soph Kyle Vernelson took over from Brennon Landry late in the season and the team didn’t look back. It remains to been seen if the QB of the future is Kyle Vernelson or if an incoming freshman will take charge at the helm. Whoever plays quarterback for the Pomeroy’s they will be in a great situation surrounded by plenty of weapons this season.