WASHINGTON, Pa. - The 2024 Washington & Jefferson College football team finished with a 9-2 overall record, making its 27th appearance in the NCAA Playoffs and winning its 27th Presidents' Athletic Conference Championship.
 
The Presidents won six straight games to close out conference play and earn the PAC's Pool-A automatic bid. A key victory over the Grove City Wolverines aided in W&J's NCAA Playoff berth.
 
The winning season was the 41st consecutive for W&J, which remains the third longest active streak among NCAA Division III schools. The Presidents will open the 2025 schedule with a home tilt versus the Utica Pioneers on Sept. 6. The 10-game regular season includes two nonconference games followed by eight PAC matchups. This marks the first season since 2022 where the Presidents will play a nonconference foe in the regular season.
 
"We obviously had a great season, but we're a little bit disappointed that we weren't able to win a very winnable playoff game," stated Head Coach Mike Sirianni. "We thought we had a good draw. We didn't take advantage of it, but that's over, we don't start the season back in the playoffs. You have to earn your way back up. We want to win a PAC title, but we're just thinking about week one right now and getting our team ready during camp."
 
2024 Season Review - W&J pieced together their first NCAA playoff berth since the 2018 season by recording a 9-2 overall record and a 9-1 mark in Presidents' Athletic Conference play.
 
W&J opened the 2024 season with a three-game win streak against Saint Vincent, Thiel and Waynesburg. The Presidents outscored its opponents 172-29, powered by senior quarterback Jacob Pugh and company.
 
Pugh guided W&J to a 59-6 victory over Saint Vincent in the season opener. Pugh totaled 362 yards through the air in the first half and amassed six total touchdowns. The dynamic trio of Jacob Macosko (Venetia, Pa./Peters Township), John Peduzzi (Hilton Head, S.C./Hilton Head Christian Academy) and Kobe Derosa (New Castle, Pa./Laurel) shined offensively. Macosko totaled 158 receiving yards on 10 receptions with two touchdowns while Peduzzi racked up 127 yards on five receptions with one touchdown. Derosa totaled 95 yards including a 63-yard reception for the first touchdown of the game.
Pugh and junior kicker Deven Wyandt (Altoona, Pa./Bishop Guilfoyle) earned PAC Player of the Week honors following their week one performances.
 
W&J's pass heavy offense pushed the Presidents to a dominant victory over the Tomcats, 58-7. Pugh went 24-for-32 for 280 yards and four passing touchdowns. Derosa paced the run game with 51 yards and two rushing touchdowns.
 
The defensive units managed to come up with their first turnovers of the season while holding another opponent to one score. Brandon Brown (Monessen, Pa./Greensburg Central Catholic) and Carson Laconi (Butler, Pa./North Catholic) picked off passes in the second and third quarters. Senior captain Zachai Simmons (Hawthorne, N.J./Linsly (W. Va.)) also recovered a muffed kickoff return in the second quarter.
 
Capping the three-game win streak to open the season, the Pugh and Peduzzi connection guided W&J past Waynesburg in the battle of I-79, 55-16. Pugh tossed six passing touchdowns for 355 yards (20-for-29). The Presidents quarterback connected with the junior wideout for seven receptions, 207 yards and three touchdowns. The third game of the season also saw the emergence of senior running back Owen Petrisek as a viable option out of the backfield. Petrisek rushed for 89 yards on nine attempts for one touchdown.
 
The stout W&J defense disrupted the Yellow Jackets at the line of scrimmage, causing two fumbles throughout the contest. One of which was triggered by a blocked punt by Peduzzi. The Presidents defensive anchor, Dawson Dietz (Allison Park, Pa./Hampton), mustered his best performance of the season up to this point. Dietz logged 4.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and eight total tackles to stun the Waynesburg offense. Senior edge rusher Avery Keith (Hartville, Ohio/Lake) joined in and contributed 1.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and seven tackles. 
 
The following week, the Presidents dropped their first contest of the season in an overtime thriller with No. 15 ranked Carnegie Mellon, 30-27. Despite holding a 24-5 lead at the half, the Presidents faltered down the stretch in the second half. Pugh and the offensive put up an impressive first half showing against the Tartans, tossing his two touchdown passes. Owen Petrisek put up his best game of the season, rushing for 107 yards on 17 attempts for one touchdown. 
 
The W&J defense forced three turnovers, two forced fumbles and one interception. Linebacker Justin Johns (Murrysville, Pa./Franklin Regional) totaled 15 tackles, one tackle for loss and one sack with a forced fumble.
 
Following their overtime loss to Carnegie Mellon, the Presidents got back on track with victories over Westminster and Geneva.
 
A fourth quarter rushing touchdown by Derosa pushed the Presidents past the Titans, 21-14. A low-scoring affair, the W&J defense shined as Johns totaled 16 tackles and snagged PAC Defensive Player of the Week.
 
The Presidents posted their highest scoring output since the 2007 football season in a 73-21 victory over Geneva. With Pugh's third six-touchdown performance, he surpassed 6,000 passing yards for his career. The defense caused a season-high three forced fumbles against the Golden Tornadoes. One of which was stripped and returned for a late touchdown by defensive lineman Chris Hood (New Castle, Pa./New Castle).
 
The Presidents carried that momentum into an important Saturday night matchup with No. 7 ranked Grove City. The Presidents managed to snap the Wolverines 16-game regular season win streak in a 27-19 battle. It also marked the first time since 2008 that a W&J football team managed to defeat a top 10 ranked foe.
 
W&J's highway to victory over Grove City was Macosko in the receiving game. With help from Pugh, Macosko racked up 13 receptions for 160 yards and two touchdowns. A known threat against the Wolverines, this marked the second-straight season he posted 160 or more receiving yards against Grove City.
 
Following the crucial victory, the Presidents continued their win streak, defeating Bethany (48-7), Case Western Reserve (34-21) and Allegheny (45-0) in consecutive games. During the Presidents' victory over the Gators, Justin Johns (Murrysville, Pa./Franklin Regional) became the all-time leader in tackles, a mark previously held by Eric Fields '04.
 
In securing victories in the final weeks, the Presidents claimed the 2024 Presidents' Athletic Conference Champions. W&J also earned the conference's Pool-A automatic bid to the NCAA Playoffs.
 
After receiving a first-round bye in the NCAA Playoffs, the Presidents were set to square off with Randolph-Macon for the first time since 2000.
 
The Presidents leaped out to an early two touchdown lead in the first quarter off rushing touchdowns from Pugh. As the second quarter settled in, so did the Yellow Jackets as they managed to score 24 consecutive points to take a 24-14 lead into the half.
 
Despite a late touchdown reception by Peduzzi in the fourth, Randolph-Macon managed to push past W&J, 38-22.
 
A total of 16 student-athletes were honored on the 2024 All-Presidents' Athletic Conference Teams. The Presidents placed seven student-athletes on the All-PAC First Team, with four offensive players and three defensive honorees. Following an outstanding season, the Presidents took home three individual awards. Jacob Pugh was voted PAC Offensive Player of the Year for the second-consecutive season. Dawson Dietz (Allison Park, Pa./Hampton) earned his first PAC Defensive Player of the Year honor. Head Coach Mike Sirianni took home his eighth PAC Coach of the Year award.
 
Also earning spots on the All-PAC First Team were offensive lineman Adam Kozera (Sharpsburg, Pa./Pittsburgh Central Catholic), tight end Zach Cernuto (Scottdale, Pa./Southmoreland), wide receiver Jacob Macosko (Venetia, Pa./Peters Township), defensive lineman Avery Keith (Hartville, Ohio/Lake) and linebacker Justin Johns (Murrysville, Pa./Franklin Regional). Collecting spots on the All-PAC Second Team were offensive lineman Elijah Staub (Hanover, Pa./Delone Catholic), wide receiver John Peduzzi (Hilton Head, S.C./Hilton Head Christian Academy) and defensive back Zachai Simmons (Hawthorne, N.J./Linsly (W. Va.)). Defensive back Angelo Volomino (Jefferson Hills, Pa./Thomas Jefferson), defensive back Brandon Brown (Monessen, Pa./Greensburg Central Catholic), kicker Deven Wyandt (Altoona, Pa./Bishop Guilfoyle), offensive lineman Grant Cullen (Pittsburgh, Pa./Pittsburgh Central Catholic), running back Kobe Derosa (New Castle, Pa./Laurel) and tight end Raymond Holmes (Verona, Pa./Serra Catholic) rounded out the honorees as Honorable Mention selections.
 
 
Dietz headlined W&J's representation on the D3football.com All-Region 2 Team, earning Region Defensive Player of the Year. Five other Presidents earned an All-Region nod. W&J's sole second-team honoree was Keith. Pugh, Cernuto, Macosko and Kozera all made All-Region Third Team.
 
Dietz went on to be selected as a D3football.com All-American for a third-straight season. He also was named a First Team All-American by the Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association and the College Sports Communicators. He is the first W&J football player in school history to be named a First Team All-America from D3football in three consecutive seasons.
 
Dietz and Pugh were also named finalists for various postseason awards. Dietz was named one of the 'Spectacular Six' finalists for the 2024 NCAA Division III Cliff Harris Award and a semifinalist for the Campbell Trophy. Pugh was named a semifinalist for the 2024 Gagliardi Trophy.
 
Coach Sirianni spoke on the consistent success the program has shown throughout the past 41 years: "We have shown to be consistently successful but we've never been the best. That being said, there's still a goal in mind that this school has not achieved, but we're striving to accomplish that. The way we maintain success is by passing down our traditions and expectations from class to class. Our older guys do a great job of teaching the younger newcomers these pillars to our program. The old saying of 'Old traditions never graduate' is really true here at W&J."
 
Position-by-position breakdown
 
"There's a lot of returners that I'm really looking forward to seeing contribute for us this season. Joey DeSabato (Glenshaw, Pa./Shaler Area) is someone who would be a top guy on a lot of the other teams around the conference. Andrew Sharp (Pittsburgh, Pa./Baldwin) will probably be our second back, especially in our two-back formations," stated Sirianni. "Drew Mahle (Parma Heights, Ohio/St. Edward) is a guy who is coming back from injury but is a type of player we've never really had before. He's 6-foot-4 and can be an instant contributor after losing a couple tight ends last season."
 
Offense
Formerly fueled by Pugh at quarterback, W&J finished as the top statistical offense in the conference in 2024.
 
W&J averaged 42.6 points per contest and went 7-0 when they scored 30 or more points last fall. The Presidents scored 27 and 22, respectively, in their losses.
 
Offensively, the Presidents return six of their 11 starters including their top skills position players and most of their offensive line. With the departure of Pugh, the next W&J quarterback could not enter a better situation with the weapons and foundation the Presidents bring back this coming fall.
 
Quarterback - Kellan Stahl (Johnstown, Pa./Richland), Trey Holsman (Yardley, Pa./Archbishop Wood) and Campbell Pivnick (Livingston, N.J./Bridgeton Academy) are among the returners at the quarterback position. Stahl appeared in six games last season and 12 in his career. He completed 17 of 29 passes for 115 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Pivnick appeared in five games last season, completing 1 of 2 passes for 35 yards.
 
"We'll base what we do on offense to who the quarterback is. Kellan is someone who waited all four years for his opportunity to play in a world where transferring is all too common," stated Sirianni. "That being said, he knows he has to earn it on the field because there is a group of them that can lead our offense. With our top contributing skills positions players back, we are confident whoever is leading the offense will be more than equipped to excel on the field."
 
Running Back - W&J returns one of its three-headed rushing attack this past season. The head of the room will look to be Kobe Derosa (New Castle, Pa./Laurel). The dual threat back finished with 634 yards from scrimmage last season with 12 total touchdowns. His 427 rushing yards helped him maintain a 4.9 yards per carry average through his 88 attempts.
 
A potential breakout candidate for the Presidents in 2025 is sophomore running back Andrew Sharp (Pittsburgh, Pa./Baldwin). Last season in eight games, Sharp rushed 24 times for 196 yards and one touchdown. His strong frame helped the first year back average 8.2 yards per carry in his limited time.
 
Wide Receiver - W&J returns its dynamic duo from a season ago in Jacob Macosko (Venetia, Pa./Peters Township) and John Peduzzi (Hilton Head, S.C./Hilton Head Christian Academy). In 2024, both wideouts amassed over 1,000 yards receiving, becoming the first pair of W&J receivers to reach the milestone in the same season.
 
Macosko led the receiving room this past season with 83 receptions for 1,230 yards and 14 touchdowns. Macosko collected his first All-PAC First Team honor following his career year. Macosko ranked among the top receivers in NCAA Division III in receiving yards (12th), receiving yards per game (12th), receiving touchdowns (12th) and receptions (8th).
 
Peduzzi complemented the route technician of Macosko as the red zone and deep threat option in the passing game. Peduzzi finished this past season with 1,059 receiving yards on 57 receptions with 13 touchdowns. He claimed his third-career All-PAC honor and moved into the W&J record books. Peduzzi joined an elite group of historic W&J receivers as one of five wideouts to tally 3,000+ career receiving yards. Peduzzi passed Todd Fry '02 (3,024) with a career of 3,100 receiving yards, now fourth all-time. Peduzzi also tied former offensive coordinator and wide receiver Aaron Krepps '05 with 39 career receiving touchdowns.
 
W&J will look for some more depth after its top two targets. Zack Seaman (Louisville, Ohio/Louisville) and TJ Lynn (Indiana, Pa./Marion Center) are among the others returning at the position. Seaman hauled in eight receptions for 102 yards and one touchdown this past season.
 
"JP, Jacob and Kobe have proven that they are the best skills players in the conference. I'm going to use my brother's quote who he stole from someone, 'You can't be great without the greatness of others', so they'll need that quarterback to produce so they can be successful," replied Sirianni. "They're stronger and faster than a year ago, so we are expecting them to continuously improve but their success will be dependent upon the production of the quarterback."
 
Offensive Line - W&J returns three of its five starting offensive linemen from a season ago. Both All-PAC guard Adam Kozera (Sharpsburg, Pa./Pittsburgh Central Catholic) and All-PAC center Grant Cullen (Pittsburgh, Pa./Pittsburgh Central Catholic) were lost to graduation.
 
W&J returns both of its tackles from a season ago, Elijah Staub (Hanover, Pa./Delone Catholic) and Michael Roginsky (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Hills). Staub, an All-PAC Second Team selection, took all of his 11 starts at left tackle and will look to maintain the protection of the next W&J quarterback's blind side.
 
The versatile Roginsky rotated from right guard to right tackle this past season through his 11 starts. The versatility of the junior could open the door for the Presidents to mix and match their line throughout camp.
 
Brayden Penwell (New Castle, Pa./Wilmington) looks to resume his role as one of the starting guards. Penwell started four games at right guard this past season but was hindered early in the season due to injury.
 
Nick Hogan (Altoona, Pa./Altoona), Riley McCaw (Claridge, Pa./Penn Trafford) and AJ Clemens (Irwin, Pa./Norwin) are in the mix for playing time as well after returning along the line.
 
"We're not only excited about our three starters returning on the offensive line, but we're also excited about our incoming lineman. We believe they are the best part of our incoming class," said Sirianni. "Todd Pivnick, a W&J alumni, will be returning to W&J as an assistant coach, someone we are very excited to have on the staff. I think we're going to be a better unit overall, not just because of the returning players but because of what we believe Coach Pivnick can bring to the group."
 
Defense
In recent years, the Presidents' defensive unit has been among the best in not only the PAC but all of Division III. However, W&J will have a new look on the defensive side of the ball as the unit has lost six of its 2024 starters including Dawson Dietz (Allison Park, Pa./Hampton), Avery Keith (Hartville, Ohio/Lake), Justin Johns (Murrysville, Pa./Franklin Regional), Zachai Simmons (Hawthorne, N.J./Linsly (W. Va.)) and Brandon Brown (Monessen, Pa./Greensburg Central Catholic).
 
W&J allowed 16.2 points per game last year. The unit intercepted 11 passes and recovered seven fumbles in total. The Presidents defense lived in opponent's backfield last season, totaling 94.0 tackles for loss for 357 yards lost and 35.0 sacks for 224 yards lost.
 
Defensive Line - W&J does not return a starter from their defensive line unit but will look for increased impact from Aidan Thomas (Johnstown, Pa./Richland), Tyler Primrose (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Catholic) and Nathaniel Kadosh-Harris (Irwin, Pa./Norwin).
 
Thomas returns as one of the Presidents top interior defensive line threats. He appeared in all 11 games last season, compiling 20 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, three pass breakups and two quarterback hurries. Thomas was a crucial piece to the Presidents victories over Grove City and Case Western Reserve, logging 2.0 tackles for loss and a sack in each victory.
 
Primrose emerged onto the scene this past season as a top four interior defensive line option. He appeared in all 11 games and collected 17 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks. Primrose logged his breakout game in the season opener against Saint Vincent last season, leading the team in tackles (seven) and tackles for loss (two).
 
Kadosh-Harris will also look to factor into the mix among the Presidents' defensive pass rushers on the edge. Kadosh-Harris got a couple starts last season mixing around the outside linebacker role. He totaled 20 tackles and 1.0 tackles for loss. He also led the team in forced and recovered fumbles with two each.
 
Antoine Smith (Pittsburgh, Pa./Serra Catholic), Nick Korbe (Glenshaw, Pa./Fox Chapel), Austin Jacobs (Bealeton, Va./Liberty), Tyler Bender (Tarentum, Pa./Highlands) and Donovan Hunte (Gaithersburg, Md./Quince Orchard) will all look to build upon their contributions from a season ago.
 
"We have plenty of guys on our defensive line that played last year. With Dawson Dietz (Allison Park, Pa./Hampton) and Avery Keith (Hartville, Ohio/Lake) being on the roster, this year's returners didn't have to do it all last season," stated Sirianni. "Aidan Thomas (Johnstown, Pa./Richland) had a big sack against Grove City last year and Tyler Primrose (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Catholic) had a huge sack in the Case Western Reserve game. Nathaniel Kadosh-Harris (Irwin, Pa./Norwin) also played a bunch last season, so they've made big plays in big games and are able to do that. They believed in our program despite being behind guys like Dawson and Avery. Those are the kids you want to have great senior years."
 
Linebacker - W&J will look to fill the void of its key defensive loss, as Justin Johns (Murrysville, Pa./Franklin Regional) and Keaton Hall (Dover, Ohio/Dover) were lost to graduation. Returning for the Presidents is freshman standout Brock Sherman (Copley, Ohio/Walsh Jesuit) and senior Joey Lacey (Bristow, Va./Avalon School).
 
Sherman competed for a starting role for the Presidents, rotationally starting three games this past season. The now sophomore is the top returning tackler, compiling 23 tackles for W&J this past season. Sherman also accumulated 4.0 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, six quarterback hurries and one interception.
 
Joey Lacey (Bristow, Va./Avalon School) came up big for the Presidents this past fall, filling in for the injured Hall in the closing weeks of the last season. Lacey appeared in 10 games with two starts and compiled 18 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss and three pass breakups. The senior linebacker will look for a more commanding role this season.
 
Roclen Bettura (Columbiana, Ohio/Crestview) is in the mix for playing time as well as a returning member of the linebacker room.
 
"Brock Sherman (Copley, Ohio/Walsh Jesuit) was a starter last year because we just had to get him on the field. He's one of the better freshmen we've ever recruited," replied Sirianni. "Joey Lacey (Bristow, Va./Avalon School) started the last two games of the season and was unbelievable. Losing our program's tackle leader in Justin Johns (Murrysville, Pa./Franklin Regional) is tough, but we feel that we might be faster at that position. They will still need to prove that this year."
 
Defensive Back - The defensive back room returns the most starters out of any group, including Angelo Volomino (Jefferson Hills, Pa./Thomas Jefferson) and Carson Laconi (Butler, Pa./North Catholic).
 
Volomino finished as an All-PAC Honorable Mention selection following the 2024 season. The now senior cornerback started and appeared in all 11 games. Volomino posted career highs in tackles (21) and passes defended (six) in 2024. Volomino was second on the team this past season with two interceptions.
 
Carson Laconi (Butler, Pa./North Catholic) started the first half of the season before going down with injury in 2024. During his time on the field, Laconi accumulated 13 tackles, nine passes defended and one interception. Even in his shortened season, Laconi lead the team in passes defended.
 
Da'Jahn Telfair (Cleveland, Ohio/Padua Franciscan), Jalen Broxie (Coraopolis, Pa./Moon), Sam Coleman (Steubenville, Ohio/Indian Creek) and Preston Schry (New Castle, Pa./Shenango) will also look to fill the gaps left by their graduated teammates this coming fall.
 
"Our secondary is a strong unit, not only do we have Angelo back but that was our top recruited position last season," said Sirianni. "We have a lot of young men like Preston Schry (New Castle, Pa./Shenango) who has waited his turn and other guys like Da'Jahn Telfair (Cleveland, Ohio/Padua Franciscan), Rudy Morris (Bridgeville, Pa./Chartiers Valley), Dante DeRubbo (Washington, Pa./Trinity). They've played, developed, are physical and are all long defensive backs. Just because you didn't see them play on Saturday doesn't mean they didn't play. So we're really excited about our secondary with their potential of this being the most athletic group we've ever had at this position."
 
Special Teams
W&J returns the bulk of its specialists for the 2025 season.
 
The Presidents' starting kicker/punter last season, Deven Wyandt (Altoona, Pa./Bishop Guilfoyle), returns for his senior season. Last season, Wyandt was named an All-PAC Honorable Mention selection. In 2024, he went 44-for-56 on extra-point attempts. Wyandt also went 4-for-8 on field-goal attempts, with a season-long kick of 38 yards. In the punting game, he averaged 36.5 yards per punt with nine punts being downed inside the 20-yard line and one punt of 50 or more yards.
 
Liam Campbell (Sharpsville, Pa./Sharpsville) returns as the primary kickoff specialist after taking the role in 2024. The Presidents also return Al Magnelli (McKees Rocks, Pa./Our Lady of the Sacred Heart) as he starting long snapper and Jake Mele (Houston, Pa./Chartiers-Houston) as the starting holder.
 
Derosa handled most of the kick returns and will look to resume those duties along with Volpatti. With Anthony Rosati being lost to graduation, the Presidents will look to find a punt returner for this season.
 
A Look at the Schedule - The 10-game regular season features matchups with eight of the members of the Presidents' Athletic Conference and two nonconference games. This marks the first season since 2022 where the Presidents will play a nonconference foe in the regular season. The 2025 season will be the 133rd season of football for the Red and Black.
 
The Presidents will open the 2025 schedule with a home tilt versus the Utica Pioneers on Sept. 6. The season opener will double as the Presidents' annual Hall of Fame Weekend.
 
Final Words from Sirianni: "We're excited for the season, and our players have worked very hard. The biggest word we have used in the offseason is 'Toughness'. One of the reasons we lost those two games last season was because we weren't as mentally tough as we could've been. That is a topic that has been a focus for us this offseason and will look to take that into this fall."