Rockets’ Football Expectations for the Season 

     The 2023-24 Rockets football team finished their season with a 9-1 record. In their last game of the season they beat Springfield  27-13. Their only loss is to Western Reserve with a score of 21-14.  The team’s goal was to go 10-0 like last year and go deeper into the playoffs. Even with a loss, they still have an excellent shot at the playoffs. 

     I had a chance to talk with two seniors Mathew Lucido and Michael Ballone about the season so far, their goals for the season, and their future.  Michael said, “Taking it one week at a time, hoping to win the conference again and go deep into the playoffs.” 

     The first game was a rough start but we still got the win and after that the team seemed to be able to connect and won three straight games.  Mat said, “We were off to a rough start but we are getting better as the weeks go on and hope to keep improving on that.” 

     Mat won the Big Dog of the Week against athletes from bigger schools. When congratulating Mat, he  said, “ I am Thankful.  Thank you to everybody for their support and it doesn’t matter from the size of the school. Lowellville has a really good community.” 

     Michael is taking on the QB1 position from graduate Vinny Ballone. Vinny Ballone had a huge impact for the team last year and I asked Michael  if Vinny gave him any tips. Michael said, “ No, but he did show me how to be a great example and how to conduct the team on the field.”

     I also had a chance to talk with the only two starting Sophomores Andrew Boehlke  and Josh Pazel. Andrew is a starting middle linebacker and tight end while Josh is a wide receiver and cornerback.  Josh Pazel and AJ Boehlke are two sophomores who are replacing last year’s seniors on the field. I asked what they thought of the  season so far. AJ said,  “ This season is going great so far but we are not going to have easier games like last year.”  AJ is  filling a big role on the offense because Anthony Lucente was an asset to the team last year and has now graduated. AJ said, “I feel like I have a very big role to fill and I hope to make a successful impact like he did.” 

      Josh is the new starting wide receiver. Two starters from last year are coming back but Josh is filling in the third wide receiver spot, replacing Brady Bunofsky. I asked him how it felt replacing such a big role he said, “I feel that it’s a big role to fill and I hope to make an impact like he did.” 

      This year we hope to see the Rockets go further into the playoffs.  The Rockets play Stubenville Catholic Central Friday, October 27th for their first playoff game. Thanks for reading and good luck Rockets!