Monroe is coming off a 3-6 campaign in Coach Kyle Reed’s first year at the helm. Ending the season with 5 straight losses and missing the playoffs for the 3rd straight season, the Red and White look to 2024, as a year to further establish culture and get the program back on track.
Last 10 seasons:
Record: 37-50 — Playoff Record: 2-4
Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Kyle Reed
Assistants: Drake Minton, Dave Reed, Michael Miller, Jody McCollum, Alex Russo, Travon Hamilton, Greg Jones, Jason Major, John Giarmo, Brad Montague, Eric Carter.
The team has combined JV/Varsity coaching efforts, focusing on both offensive and defensive aspects with a staff of 11. This approach aims to develop young talent and maximize player growth.
Returning Starters
**Offense: Tanner Collett (TE), Nolan Cacioppo (OL), Myles Nestor (OL), Brady Kay (OL)
**Defense: Tanner Collett (LB), Jax Jones (LB), Donavan Howard (LB), Delmar Clay (DL), Nolan Cacioppo (DL)
Impact Players
1. **Tanner Collett, 6’2″, 215, Junior LB/TE**
A dynamic 3-year varsity player, Collett earned All-League SEC Red 1st Team and All-Region 1st Team honors last season with 59 tackles, 9 TFLs, and 3 sacks. He’s a key defensive presence and a versatile offensive weapon at TE.
2. **Jax Jones, 6’0″, 180, Senior LB/RB**
With 73 tackles, 8 TFLs, 3 sacks, and 2 interceptions (1 for a TD) last season, Jones brings significant experience and playmaking ability. He’ll be instrumental on both defense and offense, contributing as a running back.
3. **Collin Steele, 6’3″, 190, Senior QB**
Returning from injury, Steele showed promise with 3 TDs last season. Known for his strong, accurate arm, he’s expected to lead the offense and make big plays.
4. **Nolan Cacioppo, 6’2″, 220, Junior OL/DL**
Cacioppo had 2 sacks and 3 TFLs before his season ended prematurely. His return will bolster both the offensive line and the defensive front with his strength and playmaking ability.
5. **Delmar Clay, 6’3″, 330, Senior DL/OL**
Clay is a force in the defensive interior, recording 33 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 1 sack, and 2 forced fumbles last season. His presence will be crucial in stopping opposing offenses.
Newcomers
**Keoni Snavely, Junior FB/Safety**
A versatile player with experience as a JV fullback, Snavely is expected to provide toughness and vision in the Wing T offense.
**Brendan Bacon, Junior RB/DB**
Bacon, with strong potential shown on the JV level, will contribute significantly on both sides of the ball.
**Julian Espinoza, Sophomore Corner**
Moving up from JV, Espinoza is ready to start at corner and will also play a role in the offense.
**Carlos Perry, Junior TE/DE**
Returning after a break from football, Perry is athletic and coachable, vying for a spot on the field either as a defensive end or tight end.
Team Slogan
**“Win The Day”**
Traditions
**Ralph Carducci Victory Bell**
A new tradition, the team will ring the Victory Bell after home games and upon returning from away games.
FNV Outlook
The 2024 Trojans will need to gain stride quickly with 3 winnable games to start the season. A quick start would be crucial, as Monroe will lean heavily on it’s newcomers. Standouts, Collette and Jones, must be just that, if Monroe is to reach their team goals. Closing the regular season with Dexter, Bedford and Riverview, will largely determine the steps forward the Trojans hope to take, in year two of the Kyle Reed era.
Monroe could start 5-1, with their only loss in that span being to saline, but they really might struggle in the last third of the season. I think they get revenge on Huron and Pioneer in addition to beating the 3 teams they did last year because they appear down this year, but the rest of the games could be blowout losses. I don’t think Monroe can hang with the good teams.
On a side note, Monroe could meet saline with a better record than the hornets. Since a 3-0 start is plausible, saline will probably come in at 2-1 since they’re probably losing to Dexter this year. Hell, even a 1-2 start for saline isn’t that unlikely. Their week 1 opponent, Brighton, seems strong this year.