Alter is looking for a few things to develop each season. They want a quality offensive line, securing key spots on defense and making sure special teams are shored up.
Head coach Ed Domsitz has a winning formula over his 50-plus years leading teams. He said he sees several parts of it from his current group of Knights.
“I think we’ve got a good number of young players who are pushing to get a little bit of playing time,” he said. “I like that because whether they get out there or not, they’re pushing the older kids.”
Among those older players returning is reigning GCL Co-Ed player of the year Drew Cripps. He should be the focal point of an offense hoping to have a few additional tricks up its sleeve.
“What excites me most about this team is our offensive ability,” senior Brody Heyne said. “I think compared to last year, our passing game is a lot better than what it has been.”
Alter’s offense performed well in 2025, but it was the defense that produced four shutouts and helped secure a memorable opening win against Fairmont in the final seconds. That group has the most players to replace and senior Isaac Manfre said he’s liked what he has seen in the competition for those spots.
“We did lose some key players and starters, but you know, a lot of our guys have stepped up, even if they didn’t play much last year,” Manfre said.
The Knights aren’t afraid to challenge themselves and have set up a brutal non-league schedule. The final record may not always be impressive, but Alter’s postseason history shows the program’s yearly formula continues to work.
“It’s always our goal to go after a league championship,” Domsitz said. “We always want to make the playoffs. … We expect to be a solid football team, an intense football team, and hopefully that will occur, especially if we’re able to avoid injuries and see some growth in our first-year people.”
Alter Knights
2025 Record: 8-4 (4-1, t1st), Division III regional quarterfinalist
Coach: Ed Domsitz (At Alter: 35th year, 320-100-1; Overall: 51st year, 395-184-1)
League: GCL Co-Ed
Need to know: Alter has qualified for the playoffs in 25 consecutive seasons and won at least one game in all but three of those years.
Players to watch (2025 statistics)
Jake Botti, LB, 5-9, 188, sr. (95TKL, 10TFL, 1FR, 1TD)
Drew Cripps, RB, 6-0, 175, sr. (122ATT, 999YDS, 14TD)
Tanner Edmonds, OL, 5-9, 242, sr.
Chimdi Eze, WR/DE, 6-2, 198, sr. (5REC, 29YDS)
Dash Koelker, DL, 6-3. 211. Jr. (55TKL, 9TFL)
Israel Jamaica, DL, 6-3, 264, jr (37TKL, 3TFL)
Isaac Manfre, DE, 6-3, 227, sr. (40TKL, 6TFL)
Schedule
Aug. 20 - at Fairmont
Aug. 28 - Cardinal Ritter (Ind.)
Sept. 4 - at Taft
Sept. 11 - at Trotwood
Sept. 18 - at Bellbrook
Sept. 25 - Fenwick
Oct. 2 - at Carroll
Oct. 9 - at McNicholas
Oct. 16 - Badin
Oct. 23 - Chaminade Julienne