The Shaler football program desires a steadier level of production from its offense. The Titans scored 10 or fewer points in all seven of their losses last season.
Shaler coach Jim Ryan believes the work put in over the past few seasons should benefit the program.
"With the consistency of the offense now, the kids are picking it up quickly," Ryan said. "They've been running it seamlessly."
The Titans finished 3-7 last season, including a 1-4 mark in the Northeast Conference. Shaler will have several players returning on offense who are capable of helping put points on the board.
Senior quarterback Aaron Aversa will be the team's signal caller. Aversa is a dual-threat option. He led the team in both passing (475) and rushing yards (415) last season.
"We have a lot of guys coming back on the line," senior offensive lineman Ben Yeckel said. "There could be big improvements for moving the ball downfield and being strong in the run game. Aaron has been good in practice."
Junior wide receiver Logan Messina, senior tight end Zach London and senior receiver Jon Saban will provide targets for Aversa in the passing game.
Shaler will also have a lot of experience returning up front. Senior offensive lineman Cix O'Domes will join a group with Zac Ehrenberger and Yeckel.
Jayden Conrad will be a significant contributor on defense for the Titans at linebacker. Trevor Cignetti is another linebacker who will contribute. Troy Cignetti will be at safety, while Braedyn Witkowski, Muhammad Perez and Nyzere McBride will play cornerback.
Shaler will open the season Aug. 22 at home against Butler. The Titans will have to navigate a difficult conference again this season, battling for a playoff spot with Fox Chapel, North Hills, Penn Hills, Pine-Richland and Plum.
"Obviously, playoffs are the goal," Ryan said. "We want to get as far above .500 as far as wins are concerned. We'd like to finish in the top three (in conference)."
Yeckel said the Titans have been focused on bringing the young guys along.
"If it's in the weight room or on the field, we want to lead by example and help guys out with lifts or steps for linemen," Yeckel said. "We want the younger guys to feel included."
* Shaler will open the season with a game against an independent school, Butler.
* Shaler last made the WPIAL Class 5A playoffs in 2019.
* The Titans will play five of their first six games at home.