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St. Pius X is hoping a move to the north will help them move a little farther in the playoffs.

After 13 years in the West Central Conference, the Warriors shift leagues in 2018 to the Midland Empire Conference. The league foes are north of SPX, with the likes of St. Joseph schools (Benton, Le Blond, Lafayette, Savannah), cameron, Chillicothe and perennial power, Maryville, which concluded the Warriors postseason last year.

"We look forward to the move in leagues, and think with a little tougher schedule, it can help us down the road in the season," said St. Pius X head coach Rick Byers.

Leading the way for St. Pius will be senior quarterback John Liberto. The 5-10, 180-pound playcaller started at junior varsity with 106 passing yards in limited varsity action in 2017.

"He will get his opportunity this year," Byers said. "He has a great arm and knowledge of our offense."

Ben Wade returns in the backfield as the top returning rusher (299 yards, 1 TD).The 6-foot-1, 195 pound senior will be looked at as the primary ball carrier for the Warriors, while fellow senior running back Lou Biscari (5-foot-8, 165) gained over 350 all-purpose yards in 2017.

The duo will run behind an offensive line, led by senior guards AJ Calcara (5-foot-11, 190) and Joey Ragusa (5-foot-11, 190), and senior offensive tackle Dominic Ross (6-foot-4, 240).

"A big key for us will be developing our offensive line, as well as some quality backups to give our two-way starters a break," commented Byers.

Nick Bonadonna, a 6-foot, 170-pound senior, will pose a threat on the outside at wide receiver. Wade also gained 337 receiving yards out of the backfield in 2017.

Defensively, St. Pius returns Calcara at linebacker (64 tackles, five for loss), along with Liberto and Ragusa. Wade will see time at linebacker and defensive back, as he is the leading returner in tackles after notching 79 in 2017. Ross will help anchor the line at end.

Biscari and Bonadonna - a state track medalist in the 4x400 relay last spring - also help comprise the secondary.

"We have a great group returning and will have some good speed and toughness," Byers said.