Second-year coach Mike Commesso is starting to see changes in his program at Shenango.

“We talk about our program all the time as far as trying to change the culture,” Commesso said. “We talk about being uncommon. It seems like we've been common for a long time.”

The Wildcats, 2-7 in 2013, haven't qualified for the WPIAL playoffs since 2006.

“We're trying to change that and get over the hump,” Commesso said. “Change the way we practice, change the way we think, and change our attitude and work ethic. Those are things we talk about daily.”

Shenango won't alter much strategy-wise from Commesso's first season.

The Wildcats will be run-oriented on offense and operate from a 3-4 base set on defense.

The big change for Shenango is personnel.

There are only four starters back on each side of the ball, and the Wildcats graduated their leading passer, rusher and receiver.

“We're going to be pretty young. They did have some success in junior high and JVs last year,” Commesso said.

“It's an opportunity for them to take it to the varsity level. We're excited about the future, but there's still a learning curve involved.”

Junior quarterback Evan Kendall steps in under center after getting a few starts there last year.

He completed 16 for 45 passes for 198 yards with three interceptions in 2013.

Junior running backs Tyler Root and Hunter Waskin will split time at tailback, with junior Jason Wallace getting some carries from the fullback position.

Commesso expects a group of four seniors to anchor his offensive and defensive lines — guard Dom Westbay and tackle Steve Murcko on offense, and linemen David Petrucci and Michael Black on defense.

“We only have about seven seniors on the team,” Commesso said. “Our skill players are younger. Our linemen are more experienced, so maybe we can lean on them a little bit.”

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