Missing Pieces: Green Bulldogs Adjust Game Plan for Week One
Green will travel to Dover this Friday to open their 2024 season. Here's everything you need to know.
To open their 2023 season, Dover traveled to Green and lost 14-6. The Crimson Tornadoes ended the regular season on a four game winning streak, finishing 6-4; they secured the 13th seed in Division III Region 9 and lost in the first round to Kenston.
To open their 2024 season, Green will travel to Dover down two key players.
Here’s everything you need to know before this Friday’s game.
Dover is gearing up for the season with a strong lineup and tactical approach.
Returning for the Crimson Tornadoes this year is junior dual-threat quarterback Jack Judkins, who will anchor a run-pass option heavy offense for Dover. Judkins will be protected by a line with returning faces, his mobility will allow for improvisation, and his backup in the backfield will enable his team’s RPO playbook.
On the defensive side, Dover’s secondary is anchored by senior Isaac Blickensderfer. The safety received numerous honors for his efforts in 2023, earning a spot on the All-Ohio Division III defensive third team and 1st Team Defense Eastern District Division III.
Dover football’s head coach of almost 30 years, Dan Ifft (238-89 record with Dover), has 9 returning starters to work with. All but Judkins will play both sides of the ball.
T.J. Arnold, OL/DL
Isaac Blickensderfer, TE/FS
Daylen Clark, TB/DB
Justice Hughes, TB/DB
Jack Judkins, QB
Jack McKinnon, OL/DL
Caden Schie, WR/DB
Colin Bruno, SE/DB
Ryan Lengler, OL/DL
Going into week one, the Bulldogs are down two key players.
Senior Antonio Martin will miss a couple of weeks to begin his season, with a potential return coming week three or four. His explosive athleticism and versatility plays a crucial role in the team's offense, contributing as both a runner and a receiver. His big plays add an element to the Bulldogs' game plan, an element his team will be without against Dover. Martin had seven interceptions as a cornerback last year.
Senior two-way lineman Mike Schaal will be out until further notice, leaving a significant gap on the line. Schaal's performance last year earned him All-Ohio 1st Team, 1st Team All-District, and 1st Team Federal League honors.
Junior tackle, Dario Lombardi, will most likely fill in the gap left by Mike Schaal. Training extensively this offseason, he’s gotten faster and stronger. Not playing football for a year, Green’s scrimmage against Wadsworth (Aug. 9) was his first time playing in organized competition since his injury sustained in week one of the 2023 season. Expect Lombardi to have a significant impact.
Green will likely utilize a spread offense like they did last year. New and familiar faces lining up at receiver include seniors Kaden Gregory, Rhon Bruce, Anthony Fortunato, Brock Kuznik, and junior Evan Georgiou. Senior AJ Fortunato will transition into an additional blocker on offense on top of playing linebacker; AJ earned an All-Ohio honorable mention.
Junior Anthony McMichael III, who started at safety as a sophomore, is stepping into an even larger role this season. In addition to his defensive duties, he’ll be utilized as a power back and has taken on kickoff responsibilities.
Junior Evan Reed, another returning starter from Green’s defense, is set to make significant contributions on both sides of the ball. In addition to playing outside linebacker, he’ll have reps as a running back.
With two key players out, Green will need to rely on their depth and grit as they take on a tough Dover team in the season opener.
