Elementary Assistant Principal Ron DeJulio starts his first year as the new Head Football Coach for the Lakeview Bulldogs and sparks hope for a new era within the program. With 16 years of coaching experience, 8 of which were spent as the Bulldogs defensive coordinator, DeJulio brings many seasons of coaching experience to the team. DeJulio also has experience playing on the field as well, winning the Division III National Championship 3 times during his tenure on the Mount Union College Football Team. Playing at linebacker for the team, DeJulio would eventually become an assistant coach for the Purple Raiders before delving into a career of education and coaching at the high school level.
As of September 17th, 2025 the Bulldogs currently sit at a 2-2 record, yet as they head into a Week 5 matchup against the Niles Dragons, victory doesn’t seem far from their reach. Thus far, the Bulldogs defense has managed to hold the opposing offense down, despite deep shots taken by South Range in Week 4, with half-time adjustments allowing the offense to get a chance to get into a rhythm. DeJulios decision to bring in offensive coordinator Kevin Haynie has opened up new doors for the team’s offense, despite the loss of last year’s seniors. Haynie prioritizes a ball-control offense, which has the offense slowly gain small chunk yardage in an effort to keep control over the ball and game clock. The duality of DeJulio and Haynie’s offensive capabilities is not to be underestimated, and the potential will only continue to grow as the players get a better handle on this play style.
Looking past the 2025 season, the program rebuild conjured by DeJulio’s arrival as the head coach seems to be ever expanding. Not only has DeJulio brought in a fresh set of coaches, but he has also given younger members of the team a chance to shine as well. Under new leadership, sophomores Anthony Placanica and Paxton Schuller both have been given a chance to make big plays for the varsity team. Allowing young prospects to gain experience while allowing varsity starters a chance to catch a breather not only properly rests the players, but cements building blocks for the teams future early on. This new coaching staff seems to not be afraid to shy away from acknowledging those who will make up the teams future, rather they seem to be embracing it.
Head Coach Ron DeJulio brings with him seemingly endless promises for the teams program, much of which is already seeping through with the teams current progress. As the Bulldogs head into battle against the Dragons, many remain hopeful not just for the teams season, but for the future of the football program as a whole.
