Caiden Berardi has seen some tough times, but through his hard work and determination to turn things around, he knows West Scranton can achieve success.
He joined the team as a freshman and endured challenges, went through a coaching change with Jake Manetti taking over, stayed positive and remained optimistic.
As a senior, he wants to finish leading a winner.
“Going into my freshman year, it was tough,” Berardi said. “We got some structure. We have worked hard. Coach Manetti is always telling us to text our friends and get guys to come out for the team. We had 30 kids playing my freshman year, and I think now we have 61 kids on the roster.
“So that is really exciting.”
Thrust into action in 2021, Berardi learned firsthand how difficult it is to match up against more mature athletes.
He had four catches for 47 yards at tight end, attempted only two passes and started at linebacker. The Invaders offense managed only 33 points and finished 0-10.
Manetti became head coach the following season. Berardi took over at quarterback and the Invaders snapped a long losing streak with a win over Riverside in Week 1. He had three completions for 31 yards in the victory.
While rebuilding, West Scranton competed. By Week 9, the invaders earned their second win. Berardi threw for 124 yards and ran for 32 yards and two touchdowns in the triumph over Mid Valley.
In the season finale of his sophomore year, Berardi had his best game against Dunmore, a team that reached the District 2 Class 2A championship game. He threw for 227 yards and three touchdowns on 12 of 19 attempts.
Last season, Berardi ran for a pair of touchdowns in a wild 47-39 loss to Riverside in the opener.
Overall, he contributed 90 yards rushing with five touchdowns. While sharing time with Dan VanDusky at quarterback, he completed 23 of 39 passes for 334 yards and three touchdowns.
“It’s always good to get a couple wins,” Berardi said. “We work hard like everybody else, and we all strive to get better every day. Getting those wins is important to us and to the community. Throughout the summer, I went to camps. I worked out with my teammates, and I always texted my receivers to meet me, and we threw the ball around. It has paid off and we built a connection over time.”
The Invaders have three linemen back to protect Berardi. Joe Perri, Rocco Leonard, and Mathias Ngongo give West Scranton size up front.
Shamier Lyons, who had 171 yards rushing and four touchdowns, and Dayron Groves, who contributed 86 yards, will carry the ball. Cayden Farr and Quincy Mosley are the wide receivers.
Perri, an honorable mention LFC Coaches’ Division II all-star, and Ngongo anchor the defensive line. Cameron Cole is a returning starter at linebacker, and Lyons returns in the secondary.
“We have a family presence with this team,” Berardi said. “We have a lot of young guys who are getting a lot of reps this summer. My expectations are always high for myself. I am working toward the playoffs.”
