Green’s 2023 football season has had its fair share of ups and downs. Despite a season of injuries so far, the team remains one of the top teams in the Stark County area. The players show their true grit and determination by putting up some of their best performances on the field, with many doubling up in various positions. Currently standing at six wins and three losses, a win against Lake tonight (as of publishing) will match their 2021 regular season and solidify a top seed in DII’s Region 7.
The 2023 football season brought a renewed sense of optimism for Green. The team showed promise the previous year with many underclassmen stepping up to the challenge. Along with the return of previously injured players, the team spent significant time in the weight room, were more disciplined, and were motivated to perform at their best.
Starting 3-0 with dominant wins, some over former state champions, they lost back-to-back games the following two weeks. Though only falling by a score or less, these two losses slowed down the tempo Green had to begin their season. The starting lineup had holes due to injury, but it was just a temporary setback for the Bulldogs. They went 3-1 through the next four weeks, and showed no signs of slowing down. The team improves day by day and they look forward to their first playoff game, which will be played at home thanks to their win over Hoover.
Key offensive pieces by Zach Baglia ‘24 and Antonio Martin ‘25, have racked up 21 combined total touchdowns. Martin, playing a modified halfback role, has also split his reps with RB Jorden Beyl ‘24. Tyson Hunka ‘26 has been promising after filling in the QB1 spot.
Baglia has frequently made headlines as an explosive playmaker whom you can always count on to be downfield, and ready to bring it in. Martin, like Baglia, is explosive. A dynamic playmaker on the ground and down the field, Antonio’s elusiveness and ability to keep otherwise short runs alive work wonders for the Green offense. Green head coach Mark Geis put it this way,
“He doesn’t necessarily have to make all the big plays, but he has an ability to make bad plays look average… Get to that three-four yard gain… He’s just one of those guys that can do a lot of things.” Martin’s role in the offense is tricky to say at best, you just don’t know what he’ll pull off play after play.
Green’s defensive efforts this season have been primarily led by Josh Just ‘24, Michael Schaal ‘25, and AJ Fortunato ‘25. Just, who currently leads the Federal League in interceptions (six), has led Green’s strong secondary to success. Lineman Michael Schaal playing on both sides of the ball is a perk for Green, his dominance of opposing blockers and his four sacks prove it. Nick Schaal ‘24 has ten tackles for loss, matching his younger brother’s intensity on the field. Although facing several critical injuries, the team has continued to push forward and maintain a positive momentum. Like last year, various underclassmen have been stepping up and bringing the heat in an overall successful season for the Bulldogs. As of printing, Green takes on Lake this Friday to hopefully take away their possible share of the Federal League title.
