Shenango looks to build in positive direction after challenging season

By: Brennan Valladares
Thursday, August 21, 2025 | 6:01 AM

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Aug. 27 will mark one year since the tragic passing of DJ Graham, son of Shenango football coach Jimmy Graham. Understandably, the 2024 season brought emotional challenges that impacted the team’s on-field performance.

“It was difficult to get into a rhythm last season,” Graham said.

“The team and community had to face some adversity with the passing of my son early in the season. A game was canceled, then the next one was cut short by lightning and canceled, so we only ended up playing eight games. We were in most games by halftime and just weren’t able to finish the second halves strong enough to pull out some wins.”

The Wildcats finished the season 2-6 (2-4), but they enter this year looking to improve each week.

“Our goal has always been to be better than the week before,” Graham said.

That might prove to be challenging, though, when considering that Shenango will only have 23 players on its roster. Health and larger contributions from returning players will be key if the Wildcats want to have their first winning season in five years.

Starting with the skill positions, players such as Landyn Albertini, AJ Ferilla, Trey Ross, Michael Kessler and Niko DeSalvo are expected to be the playmakers this year.

Albertini returns to the backfield after missing last season with a knee injury. He will be joined by his senior counterpart, Ferilla, who ran for 454 yards and four touchdowns in 2024.

The senior wide receiving core of Ross and Kessler is coming off a season in which they combined for 27 catches and 279 yards. Both nearing 6-foot, they are expected to make some big plays when they split out.

The player responsible for getting the ball to those players will be DeSalvo. The junior quarterback is taking over for Sam Patton, who was the team’s leading passer and rusher a year ago.

“He has a very good handle of the offense,” Graham said of DeSalvo. “(We) expect big plays on offense with his legs and arm.”

Up front, all-conference selection Jakob Kamerer will be joined by three-year starter Connor Klik. Klik will also anchor Shenango’s defense at the middle linebacker position.

“These are guys that will be on the field most of the game,” Graham said. “(We’re) looking for leadership from these guys.”

Other players who will be taking on bigger roles include sophomores Chad Christopher and Max Ferrell on the offensive line, while junior Jasyn Williams should contribute at wideout and cornerback.

Shenango

Coach: Jimmy Graham

2024 record: 2-6, 2-4 in Class A Big 7 Conference

All-time record: 433-389-38

SCHEDULE

Date, Opponent, Time

8.22 at New Brighton, 7

8.29 Ellwood City, 7

9.5 at Mohawk, 7

9.12 Northgate*, 7

9.19 at South Side*, 7

9.26 Neshannock*, 7

10.3 at Rochester*, 7

10.10 Laurel*, 7

10.17 Fort Cherry, 7

10.25 at Summit Academy*, 12:30

* Conference game

STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing: Sam Patton*

63-129, 870 yards, 7 TDs

Rushing: Patton*

102-528 yards, 7 TDs

Receiving: Brayden George*

17-296 yards, 3 TDs

*Graduated

FAST FACTS

• The Wildcats will face back-to-back champion Fort Cherry on Oct. 17.

• Shenango will have to replace the production of Patton, Brayden George and Michael Egetoe.

• Shenango’s last winning season was in 2020, when it advanced to the Class A quarterfinals.

Tags: Shenango