Tough schedule greets solid cast of experienced starters for Oxford

OXFORD >> Coming out of the pandemic, Oxford coach Mike Means is simply getting back at it. Aside from a few technological changes as a result of the COVID protocols, Means’ approach to the team and the upcoming season goes back to the way it was in 2019.

“We are utilizing technology in some new ways as a result of COVID,” said Means. “But overall, it is back to basics.”

Means has tried to beef up the Hornets schedule as long as he’s been at Oxford, but this season might be the toughest yet. In the American Division, Rustin and Unionville have dominated the top of the standings ever since the SCCL and Ches-Mont merger and can be counted on to contend again this year. But the past few years have seen Kennett and Oxford making big strides, making the league slate highly competitive.

When the Hornets venture outside the American, they will be facing the likes of Radnor, Chester, and Coatesville.

“This is probably the toughest schedule we have had since I have been here,” said Means. “We are going to have to answer the bell every week because there are no weeks off on the schedule.”

The Hornets return a solid cast of experienced starters, including six on offense, and six on defense, and add some newcomers that could play a big part in their success.

Quarterback play has been a big bright spot the past half-dozen years at Oxford, with a succession of QBs lighting up the Friday night skies with some eye-popping passing stats. This season, it will be junior Dustin Long, a wideout last year, taking snaps.

“Dustin’s an explosive athlete, good command of the offense,” said Means. “He’s made lots of strides from last year.”

It’s a whole new Dom Pantalone coming out of the backfield this season. The senior running back has worked hard to put on size over the course of the past year, and it has paid off.

“Dom has always had a great motor,” said Means. “This has been a huge offseason, where he put on 20 pounds of muscle. He is a very different back than he was last year.”

The Hornets are deep up front, in size and experience, and will be led by senior center Seth Pearson.

“Seth is our most consistent offensive lineman,” said Means. “He will be a leader of the guys up front.”

Defensively, there is a trio of players to keep an eye on – seniors Nick Richardson and Zach Miller, along with junior Luke Piskun.

The main cog along the defensive front is the 6-foot-3, 330-pound Richardson at defensive end.

“Nick’s had a great offseason, got bigger and stronger and made huge strides as a force on the DL.

Piskum, a returning member of the All-Ches-Mont team, will key the linebacking corps.

“Luke is one of the most instinctive players I have ever coached at that position, and a great tackler,” said Means.

The secondary has been a point of pride the past season and will be headed this season by ball-hawking free safety Miller.

“Overall, this is an experienced group with a lot of guys who have played varsity football,” said Means. “The leadership and chemistry of the group are great, just a really hard-working group of kids. We’re led by a deep senior class who has taken their leadership roles and run with them. We are deeper up front than we have ever been. We’ll be trying to compete each and every time out, and we’re excited at the opportunity.”

NOTES: The six returning starters on offense are – Long, junior halfback Maven Brannon, senior guard Drew Galante, senior center Seth Pearson, senior tackle Ronan Perloff, and Pantalone.
The six returning starters on defense are Richardson, senior linebacker Eric Marshall, junior linebacker Maven Brannon, Miller, senior cornerback Dak Jones and Piskun. … Newcomers to the varsity squad who will see playing time include seniors Dean Hunsicker (TE/SS), Ryan Dannunzio (CB), Mike Miller (LB), JJ Yaletchko (NT) and Philip Martin (OLB). Juniors Ryan Evans (WR), Dillon Williams (NT) Jake Wahl (G), Danny Rodriguez (T), and Nate Jobe (DE), and sophomore Zack Richardson (G).