Devils look to ‘start off on the right foot’ in 2025 football season
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - Shenandoah Valley Head Coach Dave Bench, center, with four of his players -- Jr. running back Mikey Elchisak, Jr. guard Caden Meyers, Jr. wideout Todd Seiger, and Jr. tight end David Burrous.
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN – The Blue Devils haven’t had a winning season since 2012, and second-year head coach Dave Bench is looking to take lessons learned from last year’s campaign in a quest to change that.
At the annual Schuylkill County Football Coaches Association Media Day in Schuylkill Haven, the Sentinel asked the Shenandoah Valley coach which games he considered key.
At A Glance
Head Coach: Dave Bench (2nd Season)
2024 Record: 0-10
2025 graduates lost (7): Tristian Karosas (QB/LB); Gordon Slater (WR/LB); Jeremy Thomas (RB/LB); Brayden Lutz (C/LB/LS); Chance Pippen (OL/DE); Ivan Ramirez (G/C/DE); Christopher Castro (OL/DE)
Key Returners: QB Ethan Bench (Soph.); WR/CB Todd Seiger (Jr.); RB/MLB Mikey Elchisak (Jr.); T/DT Aiden Longo (Soph.); DT/G Caden Meyers (Jr.)
“Obviously CMVT,” he said. “Week one, we want to start off on the right foot, come up with the right game plan and be a lot more aggressive than we were last year.”
The Devils host the Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech Rams on August 22 at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Last year, the Rams rolled to a 48-17 victory, led by senior rusher Braxtyn Brown.
“Fortunately for us, he’s graduated,” Bench told the Sentinel. “We want to turn the tables this year. We do have a lot of speed on our team this year. We have some size, but I think speed is going to be our advantage this year.”
Regarding the season outlook, Bench said he thinks the team “will have a stronger season.”
“They’re going in confident this year,” Bench said of his players. “Even as coaches, we learn a little bit more.”
The Devils are returning numerous players on the defensive side of the ball, including Mikey Elchisak, David Burrous, Todd Seiger, Jonnuel Reyes, and more. Ethan Bench returns as quarterback after splitting starting duties with outgoing senior Tristian Karosas last season.
Elchisak told the Sentinel he believes the team will be “better than last year.”
“We’ve been in the weight room since April,” Elchisak said. “We’re ready for the season.”
A key loss this season, Bench said kicker Sam Mentusky is out with an ACL injury. He booted a 40-year field goal in last year’s season opener against CMVT.
“We’re going to struggle with kicking,” Bench said. “We’re going to have to find a few kids to try out that spot. I don’t think we’re going to replace Sam, but to at least get us through the season.”
The Blue Devils are returning to a more traditional Columbia blue helmet this year. Bench said the design will incorporate the pitchfork introduced for last year’s white helmets.
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