The 2024 season tested Pleasant Valley in ways few could have imagined.

A year removed from winning the Eastern Conference 5A/6A championship, the Bears graduated 20 seniors and were left with holes at nearly every position. What followed was a winless campaign — but also one filled with lessons that head coach Blaec Saeger believes will pay dividends this fall.

“Last year, a lot of our guys were thrown into roles they weren’t ready for, and they had to learn on the fly,” Saeger said. “But they competed, they got better, and those experiences are only going to help us now. It was tough, but the kids grew through it.”

This fall, Pleasant Valley will lean on a large senior class — 24 in total — to reestablish the identity of the program. Saeger sees the experience of last year as a foundation for growth.

Instead of scrambling to plug holes, the Bears enter 2025 with veteran leadership and confidence that was forged through adversity.

“This is the most seniors we’ve had in a while, and they understand what it means to be part of Pleasant Valley football,” Saeger said.

“They’ve been through hard times. They’ve seen what it takes. Now they want to be the group that turns it around.”

That leadership begins under center with senior quarterback Jaxson Haines, who started every game last season.

Haines threw for 418 yards and two touchdowns, but more importantly gained the type of experience that can’t be replicated in practice.

“Having a second-year kid in the system always makes life easier,” Saeger said. “I expect huge things out of him. He’s really taken ownership of the offense, and he’s grown as a leader.”

The Bears also have depth in the backfield. Seniors Isaac Westerman and Jacob George will share time at fullback, with George rushing for 238 yards and three scores last year.

At wingback, junior Chris Ward returns after leading the team in rushing with 696 yards and five total touchdowns, while Marcelus Solt is back after missing much of 2024 with an injury.

The addition of Niko Payan, returning to the program after a year away, adds another playmaker, while sophomore Sean Cobb brings speed and athleticism.

Pleasant Valley’s passing game will benefit from a tall, athletic receiving corps. Senior William Breuer, who caught 13 passes for 251 yards (19.31 yds/catch) last year, is poised for a breakout season.

He’s joined by classmate Ajani Wheeler, a returning starter who provides reliable hands and blocking.

Additional depth comes from seniors Andrew Schmids and other upperclassmen pushing for rotation snaps.

The offensive line is anchored by seniors McGregor Edward, Brad Serfass, and Ricky Merklin, with junior Colin O’Neil — a 6-foot-4, 275-pound tackle — emerging as a force on the edge.

Senior John DePaul has stepped into a bigger role, while several others provide depth.

“Colin has all kinds of potential,” Saeger said. “He’s tough, athletic, and can do great things for us. The rest of the group has worked hard, and we’re counting on them to set the tone.”

Defensively, the Bears will rely on a rotation up front. Merklin anchors the middle at nose guard, while Wheeler and Edward play at end. Serfass, O’Neil, and junior Logan Czura will also rotate in to keep the unit fresh.

At linebacker, Pleasant Valley is experienced and physical. Westerman and George will man the middle, while junior Ward returns on the outside after earning all-league recognition last season.

Junior Tyler F. Brown is also in the mix for the other spot on the outside.

“We’re very excited to have Westerman back healthy, and George has grown a lot since last year,” Saeger said.

“Ward is one of our leaders, and he sets the tone defensively.”

The secondary is a blend of experience and athleticism. Breuer returns at corner, with Cobb on the opposite side.

Solt will line up at safety alongside Payan, while Haines can also step in when needed.

Sophomore Gavin Dorshimer adds depth at safety.

“This is an athletic group with more speed than we’ve had in a while,” Saeger said. “They’ve looked sharp and they’re hungry to prove themselves.”

Special teams should also be a strength.

Junior Ward returns as punter after earning all-league honors last season, while Westerman handles kicking duties.

Saeger also noted the addition of a young soccer player who could develop into a future specialist.

More than anything, Saeger believes his team has regained its identity. The struggles of 2024 forced players to grow, and now, with depth, experience, and leadership, the Bears are determined to write a different story.

“Last year was tough, no question, but these kids didn’t quit,” Saeger said. “They showed up every day, they worked, and they learned.

“That’s why I’m so confident in them this year. They’re not the same group they were last fall. They’re ready to show what Pleasant Valley football is all about.”

POSITION BREAKDOWN

QUARTERBACKS

Senior Jaxson Haines returns after starting a year ago. Haines threw for 418 yards and two TDs as a junior, gaining valuable experience. Coach Blaec Saeger said Haines has taken major strides in leadership and maturity.

RUNNING BACKS

PV has depth at fullback, with senior Isaac Westerman and junior Jacob George splitting time. George rushed for 238 yards and three scores last year as a sophomore. At wingback, Marcelus Solt returns after missing much of 2024 with an injury. He’s joined by Chris Ward, who led PV with 696 rushing yards and five total TDs. Niko Payan, who returns to the program, brings two-way ability, while sophomore Sean Cobb adds athleticism and playmaking potential.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TE

Junior William Breuer caught 13 passes for 251 yards a season ago and is poised for a breakout year. Senior Ajani Wheeler, also a returning starter, provides steady hands and strong blocking on the edge. Depth will come from senior Andrew Schmids and other upperclassmen pushing for snaps.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Three seniors lead the unit: McGregor Edward (guard), Brad Serfass (guard/tackle) and Ricky Merklin (center). Senior John DePaul has emerged as a first-time varsity addition, while junior Colin O’Neil anchors the left tackle spot. Others competing for time include Nick Colella and Logan Czura.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Pleasant Valley will rely on rotation and depth up front. Merklin anchors the nose guard spot, while Wheeler and Edward line up at end. Serfass, O’Neil, and Czura will also see time in the rotation.

LINEBACKERS

Westerman and George will play inside, giving the Bears two physical presences in the middle. On the outside, Chris Ward returns after earning all-league recognition. Junior Tyler F. Brown is also in the mix for the other outside spot.

SECONDARY

Breuer returns at corner, while Cobb will start opposite him. Marcelus Solt, a returning starter, will play safety alongside Niko Payan. Haines will also see snaps as a DB when possible, and sophomore Gavin Dorshimer provides depth at safety. Tyler C. Brown is also in the mix in the secondary.