The Trojans are coming off a 2016 campaign that saw them finish with a 3-6 record. Monroe has qualified for the playoffs 4 out of the last 6 seasons and are once again coached by 2nd year head coach Nick Notario.
Monroe returns 26 letter winners including 7 returning starters on offense and 6 of defense. Offensively the Trojans will be led by their offensive line Jared Rochowiak, Drew Harmon, Garret Doederlein, and P.J. Brown . Behind center will be Caden Brooks. Taking the handoffs from Brooks will be Austin Sadjak and Jalen Johnson. Lane kirk will be counted on to haul in balls through the air along with Chris Winkleman and Spencer Knapp.
Defensively Monroe will be led LB Ethan Hoffner and Harlan Pfefferlee, New comers Maleik Linton, Cole Sulfaro, Hayes Brooks and Cody Scsavnicki will add depth and a youthful spark to the Trojan attack.
Coaches’ Outlook: “We have a good mix of seniors and juniors this year with a couple sophomores knocking on the door to being called up to Varsity. Our league is always tough with Bedford and Saline being the teams to beat. The opener vs Churchill will tell us a lot about how our season will go. If we stay healthy, as every team in high school, we should have a good season”.
The early part of the schedule is manageable for Monroe. As stated above, the opener is a big one as far as confidence and by season’s end, playoff contention. A 2.5 hour trip to Indiana makes things interesting in week 2. Bedford, Fordson and Saline await in the back half of the schedule, no easy task for anyone. Momentum must be built early and hopefully it can carry over to the tougher portion of the schedule.
Gary’s Pick: SEC Red 3-2 Overall 5-4
Chris’s Pick: SEC Red 2-3 Overall 4-5
I don't think that puts him in the hot seat. It just gets a few parents talking, but what is new.
You see this is what is wrong with "fans" and people like the previous poster. Putting coaches on "the hot seat" after 2 years is not good for programs in general. That being said, I expect them to be 7-2 to 6-3 and a few injuries away from being 5-4.
5-4 would be average with this group and puts Notario on the hot seat going into his third season. No reason these kids can't make the playoffs this year. On a positive note I love the new helmets and am excited to see what the Trojans will do this year!!!