MORAVIA - Moravia moved down from Section IV's Class C to Class D this season, but its nemesis Walton, which knocked the Blue Devils out of sectionals last season, moves with them.
The difference in classes is not much, Moravia head coach John Crossgrove said, but it does present some irritating challenges.
"My initial reaction was that I wasn't happy," Crossgrove said. "I've been up here with varsity for six years and some of these guys we have seen others we haven't, so it creates more mystery and scouting."
The real mystery will be whether the Blue Devils can be successful after losing 13 seniors who led Moravia to a 17-10 record the past three seasons.
"That was a class that did a lot for Moravia football. They were all college-level athletes and players, " he said. "That's the nature of the business though, kids come and kids go."
The players that are staying are moving quickly because the name of the game this year is speed, especially on the defensive side of the ball, Crossgrove said.
Seniors Joel Mackey and Mike Marr return to play defensive ends, while junior Tommy Swan and freshman Logan Crandall will clog up the middle at noseguard. Senior Tim Nervina will be the eyes and ears on the field for Crossgrove at linebacker.
"I expect us to be the best defensive team I've ever had," Crossgrove said. "We have tough, defensive-minded kids and speed all across the board."
None are built tougher physically and mentally than Mackey, who battled back from a knee injury he suffered late last season.
He made it back for baseball season and to be playing football is impressive, Crossgrove said. Crossgrove describes him as an unselfish athlete who will do anything for the team.
"He is just a tough, hard-nosed kid that can bring the hurt to people," he said.
It is a little more complicated on the offensive side of the ball, with a number of positions to be filled, including replacing quarterback Cory Langtry who started 29 straight varsity games, and posted two straight 1,000-yards passing seasons.
"We spent most of the preseason trying to figure out who is going to fit in what spot," Crossgrove said.
Filling his brother's shoes behind center will likely be junior Greg Langtry, who played last season as a running back and cornerback.
He will have Nervina behind him at fullback and senior Mike Marr will make for a big target at tight end. Mackey and senior Chris Francis will return to the offensive line.
"It's all about finding who our go-to players on offense are going to be," Crossgrove said.
"My initial reaction was that I wasn't happy," Crossgrove said. "I've been up here with varsity for six years and some of these guys we have seen others we haven't, so it creates more mystery and scouting."
The real mystery will be whether the Blue Devils can be successful after losing 13 seniors who led Moravia to a 17-10 record the past three seasons.
"That was a class that did a lot for Moravia football. They were all college-level athletes and players, " he said. "That's the nature of the business though, kids come and kids go."
The players that are staying are moving quickly because the name of the game this year is speed, especially on the defensive side of the ball, Crossgrove said.
Seniors Joel Mackey and Mike Marr return to play defensive ends, while junior Tommy Swan and freshman Logan Crandall will clog up the middle at noseguard. Senior Tim Nervina will be the eyes and ears on the field for Crossgrove at linebacker.
"I expect us to be the best defensive team I've ever had," Crossgrove said. "We have tough, defensive-minded kids and speed all across the board."
None are built tougher physically and mentally than Mackey, who battled back from a knee injury he suffered late last season.
He made it back for baseball season and to be playing football is impressive, Crossgrove said. Crossgrove describes him as an unselfish athlete who will do anything for the team.
"He is just a tough, hard-nosed kid that can bring the hurt to people," he said.
It is a little more complicated on the offensive side of the ball, with a number of positions to be filled, including replacing quarterback Cory Langtry who started 29 straight varsity games, and posted two straight 1,000-yards passing seasons.
"We spent most of the preseason trying to figure out who is going to fit in what spot," Crossgrove said.
Filling his brother's shoes behind center will likely be junior Greg Langtry, who played last season as a running back and cornerback.
He will have Nervina behind him at fullback and senior Mike Marr will make for a big target at tight end. Mackey and senior Chris Francis will return to the offensive line.
"It's all about finding who our go-to players on offense are going to be," Crossgrove said.
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