The Eagles of Erie Mason are coming off a 2023 season, which saw them miss the playoffs for the first time since 2020. With only 2 league games, Erie has a make-shift schedule from several leagues around the state, to include 2 teams from Ohio. Mason will have their work cut out for them, if they are to get back to the playoffs. By my estimation, this is a tough 2024 schedule.
Returning Starters:
Offense (7): Cam Davis (junior, OL), Phoenix Stefko (senior, WR), Maddix Wise (junior, OL), Michael Narew (senior, RB/WR), Lucas Neely (sophomore, OL), Logan Goodin (senior, RB), and Reece Turner (senior, OL)
Defense (6): Phoenix Stefko (senior, DB), Michael Narew (senior, LB), Maddix Wise (junior, LB), Cam Davis (junior, DL), Aiden Cannon (junior, LB) and Logan Goodin (senior, DE)
Impact Players:
**Logan Goodin 6’2” 190 lbs. / Senior / WR/RB/DE. Returning 2-year starter at DE. Had 180 tackles including 14 TFLs and 5 sacks over last two seasons. Also, had 400 of total Offense last season. TCC Honorable Mention DE
**Michael Narew 5’7” 160 lbs. / Senior / QB/WR/LB. One of 3 competing for starting QB. Started last 2 seasons on offense and defense. Had 24 catches for 300 yards last season and averaged 8.5 yards per carry. Returning starter at LB with 64 tackles last season.
**Cam Davis: 5’9” 175 lbs. / Junior / OL/LB. Starting for the 3rd season on OL. Team leader in the weightroom with skill position speed. Had 29 tackles last season and is moving from the DL to LB this season.
**Phoenix Stefko: 5’11” 195 lbs. / Senior / WR/DB. Returning 2-way starter. Started last two season at DB. Had 52 tackles last season and 7 catches for 71 yards.
**Aiden Cannon: 5’6” 130 lbs. Junior RB/QB/DB. One of 3 competing for starting QB. Extremely quick and shifty athlete who will make an impact on offense. Returning defensive starter with 56 tackles last season.
**Maddix Wise: 5’11” 160 lbs. Junior OL/LB. Returning starter on the OL. Intelligent football player with good quickness on the OL. Should also be one of our starting LBs who had 18 tackles last season.
. Newcomers:
**Landen Nastale: 5-10, 160 / Senior / RB/LB. Landen joins the team this season after a season off. As the school record holder in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes, he will add an element of speed on both sides of the ball that is a bit more than what we have had the last several seasons.
**Kaleb Pope: 6-0, 180 / Senior / DL. Kaleb also is back playing football after missing his junior year. He is a high-motor player who is a workhorse on the defensive line. He is one of our hardest workers in practice who challenges everyone to give their best every rep. He will be a nice addition to our Defensive Unit.
Assistant Coaches:
• Steve Bowers – Head Coach / Offensive Coordinator
• Devyn Kennedy – Assistant Coach / Defensive Coordinator
• Cody Wily – Assistant Coach
• Kevin Kaufman – Assistant Coach / JV Head Coach
• Jake Trainor – Assistant Coach
• Eric Tunison – Assistant Coach
Coach’s Thoughts:
We have a good mix of returning starters and varsity letter winners along with some first-time varsity players who will all make contributions this season. We are excited to see some guys step up and fill the roles of several 2- and 3-year starters who have graduated. Our overall numbers remain low, so staying healthy throughout the season will be imperative to our success. Continuing our matchups with local teams like Summerfield, Whiteford, and Dundee will provide some good Monroe County small school football games. Facing 4 teams we have never played before in football will also be an interesting change this season. Our focus will be to continue to improve and get better each day as we stack play on play, practice on practice, and game on game throughout the season.
*Red Out in Memory of Coach McQuaide & Support and his family: Thursday, August 29, 2024
FNV Outlook: As mentioned above, things become difficult being a member of a 3 team league. However, the athletic department did a nice job filling out the schedule with some quality teams. I got a chance to see the Eagles at their scrimmage. I was impressed with the fundamentals displayed and how hard the kids played. The coaching staff does a great job, which will put Mason in a place to win several games with excellent blocking and tackling. A winning season is very possible, a swing game vs our own Chris Schultz’s Advanced Tech, is a game to keep an eye on.