Louisville names DeMarco as new head football coach

LOUISVILLE  Most new head coaches face a rebuilding process. For John DeMarco, it’s more about sustaining the success Louisville High School football fans have come to expect.

DeMarco was named the Leopards’ head coach Monday, taking over Stark County’s winningest program of the 2000s. He replaces Paul Farrah, who resigned April 1 after leading Louisville to a 94-26 record in his 10 years.

DeMarco said the feeling is “bittersweet” about getting the job. He’s happy for the chance after 28 years as an assistant coach but sad it came at the cost of Farrah stepping down.

“I’m very thankful to Coach Farrah for bringing me to Louisville,” DeMarco said. “I would like to sustain what we’ve done, and build on what we’ve accomplished the last 10 years. I’m proud of our record and proud of what we’ve put on the field.”

The 1978 Hoover High School graduate also was an assistant at Green and Lake before coming to Louisville in 2000. He is credited as the architect of the Leopard offense that has averaged at least 30 points a game in four of the last five seasons.

“We feel real lucky to have him,” Louisville Athletic Director Rich Venuto said. “We felt all along we were going to lose him to someone else at some point, but he’s stayed so loyal to Louisville.”

Louisville received just six applications for the position, a number Venuto believes reflected the feeling the school had the right coach in place all along.

“John knows where this program needs to be,” Venuto said. “He’s been a part of the nine playoff teams in 10 years, the three regional final teams, the state championship runner-up.

“He’s very cognizant of the history at Louisville. We could tell the guy is really, really appreciative for the opportunity.”

DeMarco doesn’t anticipate any dramatic changes for the Leopards. He will remain in charge of the offense along with being head coach.

“A lot of people have asked me why it took me so long to become a head coach,” DeMarco said. “Being an assistant for Coach Farrah was so easy. We have great kids here, a great support system, the Touchdown Club, the booster club, the administration. It’s where I wanted to be.”