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District 10 Region 4 Season Preview

Tagged under: Conference Previews, District 10, News

| August 13, 2022


Region 4 Overview

For people over the age of 35, the new scheduling this year has Region 4 looking a lot like the TCAC conference of old. And that’s a good thing because the new alignment has several northwest football rivals back together once again. 

Look for Meadville to top the standings in 2022. Although, two teams that could make a run at the Bulldogs could be Oil City and Warren, but it will be a matter of how well their young talent has progressed from last year. But it will be an uphill struggle because Meadville returns all but one starter on a team that made a deep playoff run last year, and this year’s team is poised to be even better. Expect Meadville to win the Region, and everyone else to be a step behind.  

Preseason Region Rankings

  1. Meadville
  2. Oil City
  3. Warren
  4. Titusville
  5. Franklin
  6. CASH

Team Previews

Meadville

2021 Record: 9-4

Team Preview:

Brady Walker, Meadville

After a deep playoff run in 2021, Meadville returns all but one of its starters. Expectations have never been higher. With one of the most underrated offensive linemen in the state Douglas Ruric blocking for speedster Khalon Simmons and bruising back Brady Walker, the Bulldogs should be racking up the yards and touchdowns on the ground. On paper, Meadville should cruise through the region on the way to another Region title and are the favorites to win the Class 4A District 10 title. But the Bulldogs do have some tests on their schedule, including matchups with Butler and McDowell. How they perform against those teams could be an indicator if they will make another deep playoff run and contend for the PIAA title. 

Conneaut Eagles

2021 Record: 0-9

Team Preview:

After a winless 2021 campaign, the Conneaut Eagles are again looking to rebuild with a young team. A core group of sophomores looks to play a significant role in helping the team compete. First-year head coach Josh Blood will have his work cut out for him because Region 4 looks to be one of the strongest in District 10. But Blood has already begun to inject new life into the Eagle’s football program. Last year, the team only fielded 25 players. This year the team will suit up close to 50, a testament to the new coaching staff and leadership. That said, until Blood is fully able to establish his new vision, this year could be another one short on wins for Conneaut. 

Oil City

2021 Record: 3-5

Team Preview: 

With 13 starters returning in 2022, Oil City looks to build upon what was a rebuilding year in 2021. Tight end Cam Crocker should be a force on offense in blocking for the run game, along with his speed and ability to make catches in traffic. He already had received multiple Division II offers. 

If any team could take down the Region 4 preseason favorite Meadville, it could be the Oilers. But don’t count on it, Meadville returns plenty of talent, and Oil City is probably still a year away from being a true contender. That said, the Oilers should finish second in the region. 

Franklin

2021 Record: 1-9

Team Preview:

2021 was a rebuilding year for Franklin, and expect 2022 to be much of the same. Though the Knights are more experienced, they’ll have their work cut out for them in a tough Region 4. Turnovers and ball security were major issues during the 2021 campaign. Fix some of those issues, and the Knights will see an improved record in 2022 but don’t expect this still young team to be a contender in the region. 

Titusville

2021 Record: 3-5

Team Preview:

Titusville graduated 10 seniors and their veteran quarterback, so 2022 could be a rebuilding year for the Rockets. As camp opens in August, young players in the backfield and on the offensive line will be battling it out to earn their way onto the football field. Expect some struggles out of this young team this year as they gain experience. 

Warren

2021 Record: 5-5

Team Preview:

Coming off a 5-5 season with their second playoff appearance in three years, the Warren Dragons look to remain competitive in Region 4. In his 6th year at Warren and his 42nd year involved in football coaching, head coach Mark Morelli is just four wins away from 100 career wins. 

14 returning starters should make the Dragons a contender in Region 4, but replacing first-team District 10 receiver Ben White will be a challenge. With returning starters Tommy Nyquist and Ethan Senz, Warren will most likely rely heavily on its running game, but with Eric Dippold at quarterback, the Dragons won’t be afraid to open up the playbook and throw the ball around a bit. Will Warren be able to compete with Meadville for a Region title? Probably not. But second place in the Region and a winning season is certainly a possibility. 

District 10 Schedules

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