MACEDONIA — Olmsted Falls’ triple option is its trademark.
With the talent and experience, the Bulldogs have what it takes to run it at full force.
Following a second-round playoff exit in 2024, Olmsted Falls returns almost its entire offensive line and an All-Ohio running back.
With complementary talent to fit the system, the Bulldogs showcased their potential in the Nordonia quad scrimmage on Aug. 9.
“(The returning experience) is important to get to the level that you want to be able to compete at,” Olmsted Falls coach Tom DeLuca said. “Our schedule is what it is. We have to play some outstanding football teams. We are taking it one day at a time. We are not getting too high (or) too low. I feel very strongly about that this season.”
Olmsted Falls (8-4, 4-3 in SWC) is excited for 2025, as it returns four of its five starting offensive linemen, along with All-Ohio running back Owen Singleton.
“Since I’ve been here, this is the best (team) that we’ve ever had in a long time. I can’t wait for the season to start,” Olmsted Falls offensive lineman Nathan Scheffler said.
Scheffler was a third-team Division II All-Ohioan and was the top blocker for an offense that rushed for 3,175 yards.
“With the triple option, it is difficult, but I think we’ve ran it for a long time and we’ve been pretty successful with it throughout the years. This (scrimmage) is a test on how well we can run it,” Scheffler said.
All five of the Bulldogs’ offensive linemen are technically returning starters, including Scheffler, Matthew Iannicca, Charlie Martineau and Scott Draves. Ayden Rivera will take the open offensive tackle position, as he was Olmsted Falls’ starting tight end. He has an offer from Lawrence Tech (NAIA).
Singleton was the best ball carrier with 1,370 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns.
“It’s great running behind those guys. I grew up with all of those guys. One more year with them is going to be fun,” Singleton said.
Before Olmsted Falls took on Nordonia (10-3 in 2024), Walsh Jesuit (13-1) and Medina (2-9), DeLuca reminded his team about the importance of first impressions.
“What do you want your first impression to be to people for 2025? …” DeLuca told his players. “Let them know what you want them to know about Olmsted Falls this season.”
Their offense came out swinging and the Knights were the Bulldogs’ first victim.
“We have guys that know what we are going, they are experienced,” Singleton said. “We have guys that can see other formations (well), because they remembered them from last year. I thought that really helped us (in the scrimmage) today.”
It began with running back Owen Radigan, who scored the team’s first touchdown in the red zone.
First-year quarterback Cameron Pesch followed up with a touchdown pass. It was his first of four on the day.
DeLuca was impressed with Pesch’s ability to lead the offense.
“Cam (Pesch) did a great job with his composure, running the offense and operating the things that we need him to do. He pitched the ball well,” DeLuca said.
Pesch has more weapons than just Singleton.
Logan Connelly rushed for 567 yards and led Olmsted Falls with 330 receiving yards.
With nine touchdowns in 2024, he was a threat to score through the air, on the ground and on special teams.
Olmsted Falls’ next scrimmage will be against Maple Heights at home on Aug. 14.