Muscle Connection H.S. Football Preview: Salem Quakers

The Salem football team is looking to build off of last seasons playoff appearance. The Quakers will try to take another step forward but with a different approach.

"We're going to change our offensive personality quite a bit. A school this size, you have to play to what you have not what you've done.  We've had some guys that have done a great job in the weight room, big, strong, physical guys, and we're going to rely on them offensively this year.  Defensively, we're still going to rely on speed, fly around, run, and hit to the football and you just try and continue to get better." said coach Ron Johnson

With a new identity on offense, the Quakers will count on its offensive line to pave the way. 

"We have a senior-laden offensive line. Matt Castles is going to be a three-year starter.  Jordan Lyons will be a three-year starter.  Jake Narvet and Robbie Sarginger have both started for a couple years up there as well,"  Johnson said.

After losing a senior class that led Salem to its first postseason berth since 2015, re-establishing depth is the team's top priority. 

"We have to develop depth. We have a lot of key guys coming back with a lot of experience, but you know, losing a great senior class last year that affects your depth on the back end so we have to coach hard.  We have to have a great example out of our senior leadership and develop depth," Johnson said.

Salem begins the season with a road game at East Palestine and United before their home opener against East Liverpool on September 7.