As senior Joey Scrivani prepares to become the latest in a recent string of stud running backs at Jacobs, he knows his work in another sport has helped him get to this level.
“I think if I never wrestled, I wouldn’t be in the position I am right now in football,” Scrivani said. “It plays a big role in my ability and what I’m able to do on a football field.”
The 6-foot, 190-pound Scrivani backed up Antonio Brown last season, a year after watching Nasir Canty and Ben Ludlum dominate for the Golden Eagles during the best two-year stretch in program history.
Jacobs, which is No. 5 in the Beacon-News/Courier-News preseason rankings, has won eight games in consecutive years for the first time, going 16-6. That includes a trip in 2022 to the Class 7A quarterfinals.
Now, it’s Scrivani’s time to shine, and he’s ready for the opportunity.
“I’m pumped,” Scrivani said. “I’ve been waiting for this since freshman year. Being able to watch these kids like Ben Ludlum, Nasir Canty, Antonio Brown, and now to be in the position to fill those shoes, I’m super excited.”
Jacobs coach Brian Zimmerman is proud of the running game the Golden Eagles have built, and he’s ready to see what Scrivani can do in a feature role.
“We’re really excited for Joey,” Zimmerman said. “Football is a love for him. I know he cares a lot. He’s a real tough back.
“Having that wrestling background really helps him. He doesn’t like to go down.”
The next hurdle for Scrivani to pass, however, is not always relying on his wrestling toughness and knowing when to avoid contact.
Being willing to take on punishment is admirable, but knowing when to spin out and make a big play was a major part of his work this offseason.
“All summer, that’s what I’ve been doing, making little jump cuts and making adjustments,” Scrivani said. “Watching film of myself running and seeing where the holes are and what I could have hit has helped.”
Senior fullback/middle linebacker Paulie Rudolph, his best friend on the team, has seen that improvement and knows Scrivani is in for a special season.
“He runs hard every single time,” Rudolph said. “He just has a unique style. Antonio was an awesome runner, but I think Joey brings the same skill set with his spins.
“He runs hard. He likes to run over people, but he can also turn on the jets and score.”
The duo of Rudolph and Scrivani in the backfield offers dynamic options for the offense in the red zone. When you add into the mix Wisconsin recruit Grant Stec, a 6-6, 247-pound tight end, it should make Jacobs extra tough in those situations.
“We have so many weapons,” Rudolph said. “That’s why we’re so dangerous. Defenses don’t know what we’re going to do. It’s a great offense. I feel like we’ve mastered it and we do a good job with it.”
Rudolph, Scrivani, lineman Matthew Shannon and Stec are in a unique position as a group. They’re all four-year varsity regulars who also play both ways.
“This is a real special class for us,” Zimmerman said. “We knew that when these kids came in. Ultimately, though, they have to put it together.
“You have to understand you’ll have ups and downs in this league. There’s no team that’s going to be a pushover.”
Scrivani and his veteran teammates know what’s at stake, however, and they’re up for the challenge.
“Ever since we were little kids, we’ve been playing football together,” Scrivani said. “Finally, senior year, we’re ready.”
Quick Facts
Team: Jacobs.
2022 record: 8-2.
Offensive leaders: Anthony Fetting, senior, offensive lineman; Rocco Sauer, senior, offensive lineman; Joey Scrivani, senior, running back; Grant Stec, senior, tight end.
Defensive leaders: Tyvon Boddie, junior, cornerback; Nick Gallo, senior, safety; Luke Gormsen, junior, outside linebacker; Matthew Shannon, senior, defensive lineman.
X-factor: Paulie Rudolph, senior, fullback/middle linebacker.
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.