In just their second year of existence, the Jefferson Cavaliers hoisted the Class 11AAA state championship trophy. Never before had a team reached the pinnacle that fast.
Now after a group of talented seniors, including 11 All-State players, graduate, Head Coach Vincent Benedetto and a new crop of talent look to continue to set the tradition.
“I think it validates everything we do,” said Benedetto of winning the state title. “It validates the lifting they do, the work they put in during the summer and this group wants to do it this year.
“What we lack in quantity we have quality. We have guys who have played varsity football for 3 years. The game is moving slowly for them. They have been doing a good job of leading by example.”
Version 3 of the Cavaliers will now be led by Wisconsin commit Thomas Heiberger, who finished his junior campaign with 44 tackles and 6 sacks.
“I’m excited for Tommy. He’s bigger, faster, stronger than he was last year. When you get that many offers, you can buy into the hype, but he’s a humble guy.”
He’ll be joined defensively by classmates Dawson Sechser (LB, 64 tackles, 2 INT), Kaiden Johnson (DL, 5 TFL) and Evan Haug (DB, 3 INT).
And while the Cavs will have to replace 5 All-State starters on the defensive side, Bendetto believes that the new players have taken heed to Defensive Coordinator Ed Whiting’s philosophies.
“I think Coach Whiting does a phenomenal job. They understand the scheme that we are trying to do.”
Jefferson will also see some new faces offensively including quarterback, Ethan Swenson, who received some experience (14-24, 249 yards, 2 TD) last season behind graduating QB Taylen Ashley.
“Ethan did a great job on JV last year. He really understands our offense. He’s got a really good arm and he has a quiet confidence to him. “
The signal caller will be joined in the backfield by running backs Amanuel Schmaus and Daevion Simonson. Those two look to headline a different look offensively that the Cavs will bring to the field this season.
“We took Manny Schmaus to RB and it’s been a good move. He’s shifty. Daevion Simonson has created a cool relationship with Manny.
“We are going to be more of a 2-back team than a 2-TE team. You have to be able to run the football to win and pass when you want to not when you have to.”
This new squad will now look to be tested right away with a road trip to Harrisburg. And with no easy games in 11AAA, Coach Benedetto and company look to take the weekly battles one game at a time.
“The biggest thing is going to be growth. We are going to have a handful of guys playing varsity that played freshman football last year.
“Even when your quote unquote ‘on top’, you still have to get better every day. Play in the present.”
You can check out the Cavaliers complete schedule below.
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