St. Francis Football: Building Brotherhood and Pushing Boundaries This Offseason
As the fall season approaches, the St. Francis Red Raiders, led by veteran Head Coach Jerry Smith, have been hard at work during the offseason. The team, based in New York, is laying the groundwork for what promises to be a competitive and exciting campaign.
Offseason Focus: Athleticism & Skill Development
Coach Smith and his staff have emphasized overall skill development with a strong focus on athleticism. “We’re building better athletes first—stronger, faster, and more versatile,” Smith said. The goal is to elevate the entire roster’s capabilities and ensure players can adapt to any situation on the field.
Special Offseason Events: Gaining Experience & Bonding
To sharpen their competitive edge and strengthen team chemistry, the Red Raiders are participating in a number of offseason tournaments and leagues, including:
NYSFCA 7-on-7 & Big Man Tourney at Cortland University (July 12)
Cross Training Athletics 7-on-7 League throughout June
Williamsville North 7-on-7 Tournament (July 8)
“These events are not just about reps—they’re about building trust, communication, and team identity,” said Smith.
Notable Additions & Departures
This offseason brought significant roster changes and coaching additions:
Coaching: Lee Behnke joins as Varsity WR Coach. Behnke, owner of Wide Receiver University Training, brings elite-level expertise to the position group.
Key Additions:
Dominic Cook Jr. (RB/DB, 5 BCS offers)
Trent Buttles (QB/DB, BCS offer)
Luke Fleischman (LB/Slot)
Aiden Hopwood (WR/DB)
Mason Anderson (ATH/LB, 5 BCS offers – Sophomore)
Departures include top contributors heading to collegiate athletics:
Damone Allen (ECC Football)
Landon Welka (Mercyhurst Lacrosse)
Tucker Jobe (John Carroll Lacrosse)
William Hansen (John Carroll Football)
Michael Harris (Marian University)
Eddie Gauthier (Brockport University Football)
Players to Watch
This fall could be a breakout year for several Red Raiders:
Tim McCann (Senior OL/DL) – a third-year varsity starter anchoring the line
Matt Zielinski (Senior WR) – attracting BCS attention
Evan Noecker, Kaiden Wright, Kenny Litzinger, Sam Skalski, Noah Violanti, Larry Hardy, and Nico Penilli – all expected to make major impacts on both sides of the ball
Training, Fitness, and Multi-Sport Excellence
The team follows the Oneighty Athletics training system, lifting and conditioning four days per week. Over 80% of players participate in other sports, which the program strongly encourages.
Standouts William Wortkoetter and Tavio Hoose have received offers from West Point (Army) for wrestling and are also pursuing football—highlighting the physical and mental toughness developed in this program.
Nutrition & Education
While there's no formal meal plan, Coach Smith ensures players receive ongoing nutritional guidance year-round to support performance and recovery.
Coaching Growth & New Strategies
The coaching staff remains committed to improvement and innovation. After a productive visit to James Madison University—where Coach Smith’s son Christopher is the OL/Run Game Coordinator—the team restructured practice plans and will return again this offseason to deepen insights into culture-building and positional techniques.
Community Connection
St. Francis prides itself on community service and engagement. Players earn service hours by volunteering locally and participating in youth football camps and clinics for local leagues, strengthening bonds both on and off the field.
Challenges Ahead
The schedule is as tough as it gets:
Two Canadian teams
The Massachusetts State Champion
Three strong Pennsylvania programs
A demanding local league slate
Coach Smith is focused on unity: “Getting new and returning players to trust each other is key. Our success depends on how much we care about one another. Together, we can rise higher than any individual.”
Cross Training Athletics 7-on-7 League throughout June
Williamsville North 7-on-7 Tournament (July 8)
“These events are not just about reps—they’re about building trust, communication, and team identity,” said Smith.
Notable Additions & Departures
This offseason brought significant roster changes and coaching additions:
Coaching: Lee Behnke joins as Varsity WR Coach. Behnke, owner of Wide Receiver University Training, brings elite-level expertise to the position group.
Key Additions:
Dominic Cook Jr. (RB/DB, 5 BCS offers)
Trent Buttles (QB/DB, BCS offer)
Luke Fleischman (LB/Slot)
Aiden Hopwood (WR/DB)
Mason Anderson (ATH/LB, 5 BCS offers – Sophomore)
Departures include top contributors heading to collegiate athletics:
Damone Allen (ECC Football)
Landon Welka (Mercyhurst Lacrosse)
Tucker Jobe (John Carroll Lacrosse)
William Hansen (John Carroll Football)
Michael Harris (Marian University)
Eddie Gauthier (Brockport University Football)
Players to Watch
This fall could be a breakout year for several Red Raiders:
Tim McCann (Senior OL/DL) – a third-year varsity starter anchoring the line
Matt Zielinski (Senior WR) – attracting BCS attention
Evan Noecker, Kaiden Wright, Kenny Litzinger, Sam Skalski, Noah Violanti, Larry Hardy, and Nico Penilli – all expected to make major impacts on both sides of the ball
Training, Fitness, and Multi-Sport Excellence
The team follows the Oneighty Athletics training system, lifting and conditioning four days per week. Over 80% of players participate in other sports, which the program strongly encourages.
Standouts William Wortkoetter and Tavio Hoose have received offers from West Point (Army) for wrestling and are also pursuing football—highlighting the physical and mental toughness developed in this program.
Nutrition & Education
While there's no formal meal plan, Coach Smith ensures players receive ongoing nutritional guidance year-round to support performance and recovery.
Coaching Growth & New Strategies
The coaching staff remains committed to improvement and innovation. After a productive visit to James Madison University—where Coach Smith’s son Christopher is the OL/Run Game Coordinator—the team restructured practice plans and will return again this offseason to deepen insights into culture-building and positional techniques.
Community Connection
St. Francis prides itself on community service and engagement. Players earn service hours by volunteering locally and participating in youth football camps and clinics for local leagues, strengthening bonds both on and off the field.
Challenges Ahead
The schedule is as tough as it gets:
Two Canadian teams
The Massachusetts State Champion
Three strong Pennsylvania programs
A demanding local league slate
Coach Smith is focused on unity: “Getting new and returning players to trust each other is key. Our success depends on how much we care about one another. Together, we can rise higher than any individual.”)
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