Slippery Rock High School offensive lineman Jacob Reich readies for a play during a Monday practice at Troy-Alan Stadium. Brendan Howe/Butler Eagle

Any high school football team that is set to have many new faces in starting roles would benefit from an experienced player who can serve as a calming influence.

Jacob Reich appears willing and able to be just that on the gridiron this season for Slippery Rock High School.

An incoming junior who started on the offensive and defensive line in 2023, Reich has already had a positive impact as the Rockets strive to improve on a 1-8 campaign a year ago.

“At the end of the day, things are going to go south,” said Slippery Rock coach Larry Wendereusz. “During a season, during a game ... there will be adversity. You need to have someone who is level-headed. Jacob says something when he needs to, but for the most part, he’s an even-keel kid who leads by example.

“He may not be a senior, but (he) has moved into a leadership role. He has taken the younger players under his wing and hasn’t missed one workout this summer. Hopefully, we’ll see that hard work pay off once the season starts.”

Reich, who also wrestles for Slippery Rock, started at right tackle and left guard on offense as a sophomore while lining up at nose guard on defense. He is one of just three starters returning on offense for the Rockets and the only one on the line.

Slippery Rock High School offensive lineman Jacob Reich practices his blocking form during a drill in Monday's practice at Troy-Alan Stadium. Brendan Howe/Butler Eagle

Of the offense as a whole, Reich said: “There are things we need to improve on, but we have potential. Practices and our scrimmage (against Freeport) will be very important to get us all on the same page.”

The Rockets open the season Aug. 23 at Fairview.

Reich, who is built more like a guard (6-feet, 250 pounds) will probably open the season at tackle. He possesses an acute knowledge of the game.

“Even last year, he knew what everyone on the line was supposed to do,” Wendereusz said. “We’re very young and will have a lot of moving parts up front, but no matter where we put Jacob, we know we’re going to get his best effort in every game, on every play.”

Reich has prepared for the upcoming season not only physically, but also mentally.

“I realized I would be one of (a) few returning starters and my actions were going to represent the team,” Reich said. “I knew I had to step up and be an example for the rest of the team.

“If I hadn’t started last year, I wouldn’t be as comfortable in this role, but I know what it’s like to start and what it takes. I feel I’m ready for it.”

Slippery Rock High School offensive lineman Jacob Reich (52) strikes a pad held by a teammate during a Monday practice at Troy-Alan Stadium. Brendan Howe/Butler Eagle