FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE 2018 Central Ohio High School Football Preview Guide August 23, 2018
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FEATURES Cover story.....................5 Staff predictions .............6 Players to watch.............7 Weekly schedules ...40-41 OCC-CARDINAL Hilliard Bradley ...............8 Dublin Jerome................8 Hilliard Darby..................9 Dublin Scioto................10 Delaware Hayes ...........11 Olentangy Berlin ...........12 Thomas Worthington.....13 Worth. Kilbourne...........14 OCC-OHIO Pickerington Central .....15 Lancaster.....................16 Pickerington North........18 Grove City ....................20 Gahanna Lincoln...........21 Reynoldsburg ...............22 OCC-CENTRAL Hilliard Davidson...........24 Dublin Coffman ............26 Westland......................27 Upper Arlington ............28 Marysville ....................28 Central Crossing ...........29 OCC-BUCKEYE Olentangy.....................30 Olentangy Liberty .........31 Olentangy Orange.........32 Westerville North ..........33 Westerville South..........34 Westerville Central........35
OCC-CAPITAL New Albany ..................36 Franklin Heights ...........38 Groveport Madison .......38 Canal Winchester .........39 Newark ........................39 Big Walnut ...................42 CCL DeSales .......................43 Hartley .........................44 Watterson ....................45 St. Charles....................46 Ready ..........................47 CITY LEAGUE-NORTH Northland .....................48 Centennial....................49 Beechcroft ...................50 Whetstone....................50 Linden-McKinley ..........51 Mifflin ..........................52 Columbus East .............53 CITY LEAGUE-SOUTH Marion-Franklin............54 Eastmoor Academy.......55 Africentric ....................55 Briggs ..........................56 Independence ..............56 Walnut Ridge................57 Columbus West ............57 Columbus South ...........58
MSL-OHIO Bexley..........................60 Columbus Academy......61 Grandview Heights........62 Whitehall-Yearling.........63 Liberty Union ................64 London.........................64 MSL-CARDINAL Harvest Prep ................65 Grove City Christian ......66 Worthington Christian ...67 LCL-BUCKEYE Granville.......................68 Watkins Memorial.........68 Lakewood ....................69 Licking Heights.............69 Licking Valley ...............70 LCL-CARDINAL Johnstown-Monroe ......71 Newark Catholic ...........71 Heath...........................72 Utica ............................72 Northridge....................73 OTHER AREA TEAMS Hamilton Township .......74 Columbus Crusaders ....75 Buckeye Valley .............76 Jonathan Alder .............77
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AUGUST 24
St. Charles Prep @ Upper Arlington
AUGUST 31
Bishop Watterson at Olentangy Orange
SEPTEMBER 7
Bishop Ready at Bishop Hartley
SEPTEMBER 14
Chillicothe at Bishop Hartley
SEPTEMBER 21
Newark Catholic at Licking Heights
SEPTEMBER 28
St Charles at St. Francis DeSales
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Academy v Bishop Ready
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Bishop Hartley at St. Francis DeSales
October 19
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St. Francis DeSales at Bishop Watterson
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C OVER S TORY
Stability, loyalty lift Tigers to new heights
By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM
Not much has changed about how the Pickerington High School Central football team has approached what will be its 16th season under coach Jay Sharrett. After Central held its Little Tiger Camp for members of its youth program during the third week of July, Sharrett could be heard during the high school camp a week later yelling out phrases like, “It’s a long day of football and you’ve got to get your body ready,” by doing what he calls “old-school calisthenics.” Sharrett’s description of that activity – more commonly called conditioning by the younger generation – gets to the heart of one trait that sets his program apart. Sure, the Tigers aren’t afraid to snap off a 60-yard pass like the one 2018 graduate Alex Morgan caught from quarterback Demeatric Crenshaw to set up one of their five second-half touchdowns in last season’s state championship game. But overpowering opponents via the running game, forcing mistakes with physical defense and the intimidating ability to disregard an occasional personal-foul call because of aggressiveness have long been staples of the Tigers’ success throughout Sharrett’s tenure. Some might consider those characteristics a throw-back during an era in which speed and short passing often dominate the discussion. “A lot of times the coaches tell us they don’t coach us soft,” senior defensive lineman DeWayne Carter said. “They say if you want to play soft football, go somewhere else.” While Carter acknowledges that the demands of being a part of the Tigers’ program aren’t easy, going somewhere else would be an unlikely choice for Carter or his teammates considering what has transpired the past few months. Last December, the Tigers gave the Central District just its fourth state championship at the big-school level when it beat Mentor 56-28 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton. After 28 years of central Ohio coming up short during the playoff era, Upper Arlington gave the area its first Division I title in 2000, and Hilliard Davidson won titles in 2006 and 2009. In addition to their on-field style, other factors that helped the Tigers join the exclusive big-school title club were coaching stability that begins with Sharrett, a fruitful feeder program and a culture that keeps a successful tradition at its forefront. Sharrett already has noticed a more focused mentality in his returning players as they begin the daunting task of trying to duplicate what was accomplished a season ago. “We’ve stayed in our routine,” Sharrett said. “It doesn’t matter if you win the state championship or get knocked out in the first round, you tweak it to keep it sharp. We haven’t changed our approach, but it has changed our players’ approach.”
Consistency at the top One of the first people that Sharrett typically credits following a victory is Jeff Lomonico, who serves as assistant head coach and defensive
into deep November and maybe even until the first week of December.”
Riding the shoulders of those before them
Members of the Pickerington Central football team celebrate affter winning the Division I state title last season. The championship was the program’s first after the Tigers earned runner-up finishes in 2006 and 2011. SHANE FLANIGAN/THISWEEK
coordinator. Sharrett became an assistant at Pickerington in 1990 after playing for Circleville and Capital University and served as an assistant under former coach Jack Johnson for 14 seasons before being named the first coach at Central after the district split into two high schools for the 200304 school year. Lomonico’s roots with the program go back even further. A 1987 Pickerington graduate, Lomonico played for Ohio University and returned to his prep alma mater as an assistant in 1993. In addition to beginning their 26th year coaching together, the 52-yearold Sharrett and 48-year-old Lomonico even share the same birthday. “That’s how weird we are,” Sharrett said. “We’re beyond weird.” Consistent might be a more apt description of Sharrett, Lomonico and numerous others on the Central coaching staff. Ryan Daugherty is a 2000 Pickerington graduate who serves as special teams coordinator and runs the offense along with Sharrett. Dave Bristle, Brian Ellis, Jason Walter, Andy Takos, Bobby Middendorf and Jason Roach are other varsity assistants who have been with the program for a decade or longer, while freshman coach Robb Hammond and even Ridgeview eighthgrade coach Bill Hinterschied and Ridgeview seventh-grade coach Matt Smith have long been connected with the program. “Jay runs the best program because he’s going to keep track of everything, but he’s going to hire somebody who’s going to be more loyal and wants to learn,” said Lomonico, who teaches American history and the history of American sports at Central. “It’s about having fun. These are my best friends, and there is a culture here that makes it easier on us and makes expectations higher.” Many of Central’s players grew up
playing with the Pickerington Youth Athletic Association (PYAA), which offers football instruction for children in grades one through six and includes a mix of students who eventually will compete for Central and Pickerington North. Ridgeview is the feeder school for Central and Lakeview feeds into North. Carter, who recently committed to Duke, is among the many who now play for the Tigers after competing in PYAA. “Those kids know how to get into a three-point stance and know the whole system. It doesn’t matter if they’re going to North or Central,” Sharrett said. “They’ve already got their feet on the ground on how to play football, and our youth system does a tremendous job at not burning them out either and not shoving football down their throats. “When they come into seventh grade, I always say, ‘How many of you played PYAA?’ and 99 percent of the kids raise their hands. They’re all on one knee locked and loaded on the coach. It’s tremendous.”
The Central culture Never being complacent is among the many attributes of being a Central player that Sharrett stresses at length with his current players. The Tigers know there’s more than just being a state champion at stake. “There’s very little prompting,” Sharrett said. “You can tell with their resolve. You put the state championship on it and that’s even better, but that’s not the be-all, end-all. Our guys are in the mindset when teams are starting to get a little complacent in week seven, eight, nine, that’s when our guys are starting to get a little hop in their step.” Jaquwon Crawford, a returning cornerback who moved into the Pickerington school district in eighth grade, likes the driven nature that is nurtured
With current college freshmen such as Trenton Gillison (Michigan State), Xavier Henderson (Michigan State), Jeremiah Wood (Ohio University) and Morgan (Toledo) leading the way, the Tigers made it to their third state final last fall. That was one round further than in 2016, when they lost in a state semifinal. The nine combined postseason games Central has played the last two years have the program’s current members feeling hungry and prepared to build on last season. “We were senior heavy last year, so I think it gives us a little chip on our shoulders because a lot people don’t believe in our class,” Carter said. “Plus we want to keep the high level of play and keep the expectations up.” Having that attitude year after year is something Sharrett believes is another reason the Tigers have been so consistently good the last 16 seasons. In 2016, the Tigers settled for a 122 finish that included a 35-29 overtime loss to Upper Arlington during the regular season and a 29-27 setback in a Division I state semifinal against Cincinnati St. Xavier. Their only loss last season came in week three of the regular season when they fell to eventual Division III state champion Trotwood-Madison 28-19. “That extra (nine weeks of practice during the playoffs over) the last two seasons pays dividends,” Sharrett said. “You don’t have to babysit guys in the weight room. Our numbers are always good, but they’re good plus one this year. “We’ve lost some heart-breakers over the years, and if you don’t win the state championship, you end the season on a loss and you beat yourself up all offseason. “We ended the season on a win (last fall) and it was kind of an odd feeling, but a great feeling, and it pushes you even more. The complacency is even less than before.” The Tigers immediately return to a big stage considering their opener is 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26, against Chicago Wendell Phillips Academy in a game that will be televised on ESPN. Regularly having more than 100 participants in Central’s offseason weight-room program might be all the proof necessary to back up Lomonico’s assertion that the current Tigers have learned from the experiences of the successful classes ahead of them and are ready for the newest challenge. “Everybody knows they have to be in the weight room and has to put in their time,” Lomonico said. “They create their own culture by following what everybody else has done and in trying to do something a little bit better each year. The culture has been created over time and everybody knows from watching the seniors before them. You have one senior year and they make the best of it.”
throughout the program. “We won state last year, but we want to win it again,” said Crawford, who has been offered by Buffalo of the MAC. “You’ve just got to want to win and want to be competitive. … Being physical is the only way you can really play here.” According to Carter, playing for the Tigers is about giving “100 percent all the time.” “Our culture is very hard-working,” Carter said. “Play gritty and with heart and effort. That’s how we’re coached from the point we get here all the way through. Expectations are very high, even at the junior high level.” Words like “loyalty” and “integrity” are more than just buzz words to Sharrett, who acknowledges that sacrifice is involved for the players and coaches to achieve the kind of success the Tigers have enjoyed since he became coach. Central has gone 154-31 in Sharrett’s first 15 seasons and made the playoffs in all but one of those years, a 6-4 finish in 2005. The Tigers have won at least a share of their league championship in each of the 12 seasons since then, including last year when they went a program-record 14-1 overall with a 5-0 record in the OCC-Ohio Division. Central earned state runner-up finishes in 2006 and 2011 and reached a state semifinal in 2016. “You check your ego at the door, sacrifice yourself to the team, play outside your body – that’s when you have great performances,” Sharrett said. “It’s no secret we’ve had great athletes here. When you’ve got highlevel guys you’ve got to be ready to coach them, and our guys are used to that and our players respond to it. “With our coaches, it’s a lifestyle here. They plan their vacations around it. They know the last two weeks of July that it’s on. Their wives are very understanding because with some of julrey@thisweeknews.com our teams they know it’s going to go @UlreyThisWeek
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S EASON P REDICTIONS
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Olentangy Liberty Olentangy Liberty Olentangy Orange Olentangy Orange Olentangy Liberty Olentangy Liberty New Albany New Albany New Albany New Albany New Albany New Albany Hilliard Bradley Hilliard Bradley Hilliard Darby Hilliard Bradley Hilliard Bradley Hilliard Bradley Dublin Coffman Dublin Coffman Hilliard Davidson Dublin Coffman Dublin Coffman Dublin Coffman Pickerington Central Central Central Central Central Central Hartley Hartley DeSales Hartley Hartley Hartley Beechcroft Northland Northland Beechcroft Beechcroft Beechcroft Marion-Franklin Walnut Ridge Eastmoor Academy Marion-Franklin Independence Independence Licking Valley Licking Valley Licking Heights Licking Heights Licking Valley Licking Valley Johnstown Johnstown Johnstown Johnstown Johnstown Johnstown Teays Valley Teays Valley Hamilton Township Hamilton Township Teays Valley Teays Valley Harvest Prep Harvest Prep Harvest Prep Harvest Prep Harvest Prep Harvest Prep Whitehall Whitehall Columbus Academy Grandview Columbus Academy Whitehall
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Olentangy Liberty New Albany Hilliard Bradley Hilliard Davidson Central Hartley Northland Walnut Ridge Granville Johnstown Teays Valley Harvest Prep Whitehall
ON THE COVER
Pickerington Central coach Jay Sharrett is joined by Terry Simuel (front left), Keaton Middendorf (front right), Lorenzo Styles Jr. (back left), Demeatric Crenshaw (back center) and Isaiah O’Connor (back right) as they display the 2017 Division I state championship trophy. The Tigers beat Mentor 56-28 in the state final. PHOTO BY LORRIE CECIL/THISWEEK
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By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM Zach Harrison and Rodas Johnson have taken the good with the bad the past several months. Two of the top recruits from Ohio from the 2019 class according to every major recruiting website, Harrison is an Olentangy Orange High School senior projected to be a defensive end in college, while Johnson is a DeSales senior likely to play defensive tackle at the next level. Both players also have taken more time than many players in their position to make one of the most difficult decisions of their lives to this point. “At times (it’s stressful),” Harrison said. “I’ve just tried to keep (the recruiting process) in the back of my head because it’ll overwhelm you.” Harrison said in late July that he hadn’t decided when he would commit, but that he had weeded a list of 16 offers down to Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State. What stands out about Harrison is the speed he possesses to go along with his 6-foot-5, 245-pound frame. His track and field season ended prematurely because of slight hamstring issues, but he was among the area’s best runners at 200 meters. Johnson, meanwhile, has racked up nearly 30 offers despite not playing the first half of last season because of the OHSAA transfer rule. Wisconsin and Texas are among the schools interested in the 6-3, 285-pounder, who said he plans to commit early this fall. “My thoughts on the recruiting process are that it’s very stressful but a blessing at the same time,” Johnson said. “The process has been very fun for me at times. Just being able to be recognized all over the country meant a lot for me.” Other top recruits from the 2019 class who have not committed include Northland running back John Branham Jr., Hartley tight end Jordan Kirkbride and Walnut Ridge safety Julius Wood. There are more than a dozen area seniors who have made their decisions, as well as Branham’s brother, junior wide receiver Kalil Branham, who has committed to Michigan. John Branham Jr. has 14 offers from schools that include Pittsburgh, Georgia Tech and Kentucky. Kirkbride and Wood have been offered by many of the same programs, with Cincinnati and Kentucky as well as several from the Mid-American Conference among their schools of interest. Below is a look at some of the area’s top players, by position: QUARTERBACK – Two •Q of central Ohio’s top quarterbacks figure to play their home
The 10 spot Below are 10 players to watch heading into the 2018 central Ohio high school football season:
CANNON BLAUSER
Hilliard Bradley Sr. LB This Ohio University-recruit at outside linebacker finished with 105 tackles and 16 tackles for loss as the Jaguars posted their first perfect regular season and finished 11-1 overall.
JOHN BRANHAM JR.
Northland Sr. RB Branham holds 14 scholarship offers after rushing for 1,129 yards and scoring 18 touchdowns last season as the Vikings went 7-3 and shared the City League-North Division title.
RAYMELL BYRD
Whitehall Sr. QB Set to begin his third season as a starter, Byrd rushed for 1,628 yards and 24 touchdowns on 227 carries and passed for 1,131 yards and 14 touchdowns while leading Whitehall to the Division II playoffs.
DeWAYNE CARTER
Pickerington Central Sr. DL/TE A Duke University recruit, Carter figures to be the lynchpin on defense for defending Division I state champion Pickerington Central. He had eight tackles for loss last season.
MIKE DRENNEN II
Dublin Coffman Jr. WR/RB This 5-11, 190-pounder is one of Ohio’s top recruits from the 2020 class with a list of offers that includes Ohio State. He had 40 receptions last season and could project as either a running back or wide receiver in college.
ZACH HARRISON
Olentangy Orange Sr. DL With great speed for a 6-6, 245-pounder, Harrison is considered one of the nation’s top recruits from the 2018 class. He missed three games with injury last season but still had 16 tackles for loss.
RODAS JOHNSON
Olentangy Orange’s Zach Harrison, shown making a tackle last season, is considered one of the nation’s top recruits. The 6-6, 245-pound defensive lineman has narrowed his choices to Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State. JOHN HULKENBERG/THISWEEK
Whitehall’s Raymell Byrd enters the season as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the area. He enters his third year as the Rams’ starter. JOHN HULKENBERG/THISWEEK
games about three miles apart in Pickerington. Central junior Demeatric Crenshaw rushed for 24 touchdowns and passed for 13 scores as his team went 14-1 and won the Division I state championship. Senior Mike Lowery played for North as a freshman and is back at the school after spending the last two seasons at Gahanna, where he passed for more than 4,500 combined yards. Senior Mitchell Okuley returns for his third season as a starter after helping Olentangy Liberty reach Division
I state semifinals each of the past two seasons. Whitehall senior Raymell Byrd and Franklin Heights senior Cody Little are multi-threat quarterbacks. Little threw for 16 touchdowns and rushed for 10 scores last season. Seniors Ke’Zion Brown (Marion-Franklin) Cameron Crouch (Granville), Isaiah Murphy (Walnut Ridge), Charlie Rhoades (Thomas Worthington), Kyron Rogers (Dublin Scioto) and Sammy Sass (Upper Arlington) are other returning starters. RUNNING BACK – With •R Lowery no longer at Gahanna,
senior Justus Harris could help fill the gap offensively for the Lions after rushing for 1,016 yards and 19 touchdowns. Eastmoor Academy’s Savon Edwards, Marion-Franklin’s Maleek McIntosh, Walnut Ridge’s Sincere Staples and Centennial’s Luchene Davis give the City League a group of senior running backs to go along with John Branham Jr. Johnstown senior Bryce Barasch and Licking Valley senior Connor McLaughlin are the top returning running backs in the LCL. London senior K.J. Price returns after rushing for more than 2,000 yards and lifting his team to the playoffs. WIDE RECEIVER/TIGHT •W END – Reynoldsburg senior Mershawn Rice and Dublin Coffman junior Mike Drennen II figure to be two of central Ohio’s best after making a name for themselves in recruiting circles the last couple of years. Rice has committed to Purdue and Drennen II has more than a dozen scholarship offers. Bradley’s Trey Warner, Columbus Academy’s Dorrian Moultrie and Ready’s Jaishon Norris are senior wide receivers from 2017 playoff teams. Senior tight ends who have committed to play collegiately include Olentangy’s Ian Drummond (Elon) and Pickerington North’s Tyler Foster (Ohio University), while Hartley senior tight end Jordan Kirkbride has 15 offers.
DeSales Sr. DL With 26 scholarship offers, Johnson is one of the highest-profile recruits yet to make his college choice. He sat out the first five games last season because of the OHSAA transfer rule following his move from Olentangy.
MIKE LOWERY
Pickerington North Sr. QB After starting for the Panthers as a freshman and for the last two seasons at Gahanna, Lowery is back at North for a team that went 10-3 last season. He threw for 2,379 yards and 22 touchdowns last fall with the Lions.
MITCHELL OKULEY
Olentangy Liberty Sr. QB Although he is committed to play baseball for Ohio State after helping the Patriots win a state title last spring, he helped Liberty go 13-1 for the second consecutive season by passing for 2,077 yards and 31 touchdowns.
MERSHAWN RICE
Reynoldsburg Sr. WR/DB A Purdue commit, Rice figures to be one of central Ohio’s top receiving targets after finishing with 36 catches for 701 yards and eight touchdowns. He also added three interceptions on defense.
Mifflin senior tight end Aman Thornton scored 11 touchdowns last season. Grandview junior tight end Luke Lachey and Walnut Ridge junior Qian Magwood, who could see time at several positions including wide receiver, are others who are receiving college interest. OFFENSIVE/DEFENSIVE •O LINE – Harrison and Johnson are not the only standouts on the defensive line from central Ohio. Others who have committed include Pickerington Central’s DeWayne Carter (Duke) and Karter Johnson (Texas Christian), Westerville Central’s Dontay Hunter II (Purdue), Upper Arlington’s Jackson Ness (Boston College) and Reynoldsburg’s Jeremiah Burton (Ohio University). Other top returning defensive linemen include Pickerington North sophomore Jack Sawyer, who already is receiving interest from major programs, New Albany senior Will
King and Scioto junior Deron Pulliam. On the offensive line from the senior class, players who have committed collegiately include Reynoldsburg’s Jay Amburgey (Ohio University), Marysville’s Tyler Connolly (Akron), Dublin Jerome’s Cam Craig (Purdue) and Licking Valley’s Jarrod Hufford (Iowa State), while Olentangy Liberty’s Alex Azusenis also has received interest from MAC programs. Other top returning offensive linemen include Lancaster senior Vince Albertini, Pickerington North senior Sam Glover, Hartley senior Payton Collins, Whitehall senior Ryan Redifer and Harvest Prep senior Tre Turnbo. LINEBACKER – One of •L the area’s top impact linebackers last season was Bradley’s Cannon Blauser, who heads into his senior season committed to Ohio University.
TOP PLAYERS >> 12
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Harrison, Johnson making waves in recruiting
OCC-CARDINAL DIVISION
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Hilliard Bradley
Jaguars up to challenge of having to reload By SCOTT HENNEN THISWEEKSPORTS.COM The Hilliard Bradley High School football team produced its first two league championships and playoff berths the past two seasons. However, the Jaguars lost much of their firepower from a year ago when they finished 111 overall after losing to eventual state champion Pickerington Central 42-31 in a Division I, Region 3 semifinal and went 6-0 in the OCC-Cardinal Division. A pair of all-state performers were among the players lost to graduation. Wide receiver Daevon Anderson, now at Grand Valley State, was firstteam all-state and all-district and league Offensive Player of the Year after having 65 receptions for 1,242 yards and 13 touchdowns. Josh Stewart, now at West Virginia Wesleyan, was second-team all-state and first-team all-district and all-league after completing 166 of 249 passes for 2,515 yards with 27 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also rushed for 512 yards and nine touchdowns on 110 carries. Another top performer, wide receiver Kory Taylor, is playing for Purdue after having 55 catches for 911 yards and nine scores and making second-team all-district and first-team allleague last year. Senior Griffin Veil is taking over at quarterback for the Jaguars, who open Aug. 24 at home against Findlay. “There’s always going to be a little bit of pressure because those are big shoes to fill, but I look at it as a challenge,” he said. “It’s something that I like to do, and I like to carry on the greatness of those guys.” Veil played the final two pos-
Good Luck This Season!
Jerome Kickoff Club To get involved, visit us at: JeromeFootball.com
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24.........................vs. Findlay Aug. 31 ........Stow-Munroe Falls at Ashland University Sept. 7.............at Hilliard Davidson *Sept. 14 .............vs. Hilliard Darby *Sept. 21....at Thomas Worthington *Sept. 28...............at Dublin Scioto *Oct. 5 ............vs. Olentangy Berlin *Oct. 12 ..............at Dublin Jerome *Oct. 19 ...at Worthington Kilbourne *Oct. 26.....................vs. Delaware 2017 RESULTS (11-1 overall, 6-0 OCC-Cardinal) Findlay............................W, 55-20 New Albany.......................W, 42-6 Hilliard Davidson .............W, 28-10 *Hilliard Darby...................W, 21-7 *Thomas Worthington ......W, 31-17 *Dublin Scioto ...................W, 42-7 Watterson .........................W, 42-0
Senior wide receiver Trey Warner is one of five returning starters on offense for the Jaguars. Warner had 35 receptions for 338 yards and three touchdowns. SHANE FLANIGAN/THISWEEK
sessions of the playoff loss to the Tigers, going 2-for-3 passing for 70 yards and two touchdowns. He completed a 56-yard touchdown pass to Taylor and a 14-yarder to senior wide receiver Trey Warner. For the season, Veil completed 13 of 22 passes for 199 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. “Griffin is a winner,” eighthyear coach Mike LoParo said. “He never lost in middle school and only lost one game as a freshman. He also was a part of teams for the past two seasons that had a total of three losses. “I think he has a better knowledge of the offense than our last two quarterbacks and he runs the ball better. He’s got all of
the knowledge. He knows where everyone is supposed to be.” Senior Danny Vazquez will start for the third season on the offensive line. He said Veil can hurt opponents with his legs as well as his arm. “Josh was a little more mobile than (2017 graduate) Will Phillis and Griff is going to be able to move even more,” said Vazquez, who was special mention all-district and first-team all-league last season. “It’s nice to have someone who can move in the pocket so I don’t have to worry about being completely clean with everyone when the blitz is on.” LoParo believes the team is talent-laden and could continue the program’s run of success.
“I think this is a very capable team,” LoParo said. “Our younger kids are going to have to grow up quickly. We have to continue to be better and try to go 1-0 every week.”
OFFENSE
still had good receivers.” Warner (honorable mention all-district, special mention allleague) had 35 receptions for 338 yards and three touchdowns a year ago, while Richards rushed for 582 yards and 10 scores on 111 carries. “Offensively, we don’t have Kory or Daevon, but we have talent,” LoParo said. “Some are unproven, but they have been biding their time to get their chance and they want to make the most of it.” The Jaguars’ leading rusher from last season, Grant Buehl, did not return for his senior season. He rushed for 647 yards and 10 touchdowns on 120 carries a year ago.
The Jaguars’ spread offense returns five starters in Vazquez, Warner, senior tight end/H-back Zach Hummel (8 catches, 68 yards, 2 touchdowns), senior running back Jack Richards and junior center Jacob Curl. “During the summer, a lot of guys like Daevon and Kory did a really good job helping us out,” said Hummel, who also DEFENSE starts at linebacker and has verBradley used a multiple forbally committed to Cincinnati. “They wanted to make sure we mation scheme last season but
*Dublin Jerome .................W, 28-7 *Worthington Kilbourne....W, 63-21 *Delaware.........................W, 35-7 PLAYOFFS Kettering Fairmont...........W, 49-14 Pickerington Central .........L, 42-31 *League contest INSIDE THE JAGUARS •Coach: Mike LoParo, eighth season •Top players: Cannon Blauser (LB), Josh Cooper (DL), Jacob Curl (OL), Patrick Day (WR/DB), Zach Hummel (TE/LB), Chris Mayfield (DL), Jacob Noble (DL), Jack Richards (RB), Danny Vazquez (OL), Griffin Veil (QB), Trey Warner (WR) and Evan Yee (RB) •Key losses: Daevon Anderson, Grant Buehl, Jacob Castro, Jacob Gore, Obi Igwe, Cole Komlosi, Adam McCardle, Jared Rolan, Jack Rondy, Josh Stewart and Kory Taylor
is switching to a 4-3 alignment with six starters returning to lead the way. The line has three starters back in senior end Josh Cooper, junior tackle Jacob Noble and junior end Chris Mayfield (honorable mention all-league; 42 tackles, 9.5 for loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles). Two starters are back at linebacker in Hummel and senior Cannon Blauser (121 tackles, 15.5 for loss, 3 sacks, 1 interception), who was named second-team all-state, first-team all-district and league Defensive Player of the Year last season. “When I started my sophomore year, I just learned my position, but now I know all of
JAGUARS >> 9
Dublin Jerome
‘Edge’ mentality is driving Celtics By FRANK DiRENNA THISWEEKSPORTS.COM For senior lineman Cam Craig of the Dublin Jerome High School football team, playing with “an edge” is a key to reaching his team’s goals this season. The Celtics are looking for their fourth consecutive winning season under fourth-year coach Bob Gecewich, who also promotes that mentality. “We play with an edge,” Craig said. “We’re going to be the aggressor. It hasn’t been like that in the past, but this year we have an identity with that.” Jerome finished 7-4 overall last season, losing 35-0 to Olentangy Liberty in the first round of the Division I, Region 2 playoffs. The Patriots went on to reach a state semifinal, los-
ing to Mentor 27-21. The Celtics were second in the OCC-Cardinal Division at 5-1 behind champion Hilliard Bradley (6-0), and Gecewich points to the Jaguars as the team to beat again. He thinks Bradley will face challenges from Dublin Scioto and Hilliard Darby, however, and hopes his team also is in the mix. “Everyone has potential,” Gecewich said. “They have potential to win a lot of games, and they have potential to lose a lot of games. We’re in the same boat as a lot of other people, that if we don’t do everything the right way, we’re staring at being in a lot of bad situations. They do work really hard. “We’ll never promise wins and losses. We will promise that the team we put out on the
field is going to fight and going to play as hard as they can.” In its first two seasons under Gecewich, Jerome was 16-6 overall and reached a Division I, Region 2 semifinal in 2016. The Celtics shared the league title with Bradley in 2016 and Westerville Central in 2015. Gecewich takes pride in the program’s progress, and especially the accomplishments of the senior class. “These are kids that have stuck it out and the numbers have grown,” Gecewich said. “They understand the way that we want to do things. It doesn’t mean that you still don’t have bumps in the road, because they’re teenagers.” After a 1-2 start last season, Jerome won six of its final seven regular-season games, including a 21-7 win over Dublin Scioto to begin a four-
game winning streak. Scioto travels to Jerome for the league opener Sept. 14, and the Celtics also play host to Dublin Coffman in a nonleague contest Sept. 7. The teams last met in 2013, with Coffman winning 16-14. “We want to make the playoffs,” Craig said. “We want to win the big games like Coffman, Bradley (Oct. 12), Pickerington North (Aug. 31) and just play good football.” Jerome lost 17 players to graduation, including Robert Cope, who is a preferred walkon at Ohio State. He led the team in rushing with 982 yards and nine touchdowns on 151 carries and was named firstteam all-league and secondteam all-district.
CELTICS >> 78
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OCC-C ARDINAL D IVISION
Offensive line to pave way for Panthers
By BRAD EMERINE THISWEEKSPORTS.COM Following back-to-back seasons in which injuries halted any rhythm and prevented his team from reaching its full potential and aspirations, Hilliard Darby High School football coach John Santagata must be wondering what he did to upset the football gods. “We were stung by injuries in 2016, but last year was just so unreal,” said Santagata, who begins his 11th season when the Panthers open Aug. 24 at Olentangy. “I’ve never witnessed anything like it. By the time we reached the playoffs, we were down 15 starters.” The Panthers finished 7-4 overall after losing to host Centerville 35-0 in the first round of the Division I, Region 3 playoffs. “The good news is that we got a lot of players on the field last year and maybe that will help us this year,” Santagata said. “We’ve got seven guys back who started on offense at some point last year and six back on defense.” The Panthers entered the preseason looking to shore up the offensive and defensive lines. We’ll go as far as our offensive line will take us this year,” Santagata said. “We like to run the football, but if we’re capable, we’d like to put it in the air some more in order to attack and keep defenses from stacking the box. “That’s something we really want to address this year. That’s been a lot of our focus in the offseason, to be able to have an effective passing game and not be as predictable. But a lot of that depends on how we do up front.”
OFFENSE Junior Jack Stultz is back at quarterback after being pressed into the starting role last year due to injuries. Senior Jaeln Benjamin will occupy one of
the slotback spots, and senior Grant Hollinger is expected to start at fullback and get help from senior Jaden Jones. “Stultz got some good experience in the second half of last season,” Santagata said. “He’s coming in a year older and with experience. I like the fact (senior) Kris Day is healthy and he could start at one slotback Jaeln Benjamin missed half of the season last year after moving in from Indiana, but we’re expecting big things from him. He’s ready to go. (Junior) Evan Grose is doing a nice job and also will see time in the slot. “Our offense is predicated on having four backs carrying the ball and we’ve got guys that can also catch it on the perimeter in (senior) Nick Ferko and (junior) Griffin Hart. Jaeln Benjamin is part of a veteran secondary and also will start at one of the slotback spots on offense for the Panthers. The more weapons we have, LORRIE CECIL/THISWEEK the better. But it all comes back to the offensive line.” making the calls back there. 6-2, 205) But the key will be the offenLinemen: Billy Cantwell (sr., Both have experience. Vroom At a glance sive line, according to Santagot better all season last year 5-11, 270), *Michael Cor2018 SCHEDULE *Delaware.........................W, 35-0 gata. nathan (sr., 5-11, 260), Jake and really developed well.” Aug. 24......................at Olentangy *Dublin Scioto ...................W, 22-3 “We really need to solidify Hollinger has moved from Davidson (jr., 6-0, 315), Jacob Aug. 31............at Hilliard Davidson PLAYOFFS the line, but we’ve got a few linebacker to end to help shore Foster (jr., 6-1, 205), *Scott Sept. 7......................vs. Lancaster Centerville .........................L, 35-0 proven guys back and looking up the line and Schmidt also Hartline (jr., 5-10, 250), Ethan *Sept. 14............at Hilliard Bradley *League contest good right now in junior cenwill be good addition up front.” Kolb (so., 6-0, 200), *Seth *Sept. 21 ...........vs. Dublin Jerome INSIDE THE PANTHERS Schmidt (sr., 6-1, 220), ter Scott Hartline and senior *Sept. 28..........at Olentangy Berlin •Coach: John Santagata, 11th seaDefense tackle Seth Schmidt,” Santa*Oct. 5 ......vs. Thomas Worthington son SPECIAL TEAMS Linemen: Blayne Barnes *Oct. 12..vs. Worthington Kilbourne •Top players: Jaeln Benjamin gata said. “The key is we want Hollinger is taking over the *Oct. 19......................at Delaware (RB/DB), Kris Day (RB/DB), Nick Ferko (so., 6-1, 205), Davidson, Charto be able to keep defenses honpunting, and senior Jacob *Oct. 26 ...............vs. Dublin Scioto lie Freewalt (sr., 5-9, 190), est with an efficient passing (WR),Scott Hartline (OL), Grant Mowell will be the new placeGalko, *Hollinger, Carter Holt 2017 RESULTS Hollinger (RB/LB), Jaden Jones game. We need to establish kicker. Schmidt is long snap(7-4 overall, 4-2 OCC-Cardinal) (RB/DB), Seth Schmidt (OL/DL), Jack (sr., 5-6, 170), Matthew Mason efficiency in passing. So many per, and Benjamin, Day and Olentangy ........................L, 45-24 Stultz (QB), Hayden Vroom (DB) and (jr., 6-2, 170),*Schmidt teams like to throw the ball, Vroom are among the likely Hilliard Davidson ..........W, 9-6 (OT) Nick Wile (LB) Linebackers: Alex Briggs but you can’t consistently put candidates to return punts and Westerville South ............W, 23-18 •Key losses: Donta Ashcraft, Clint (jr., 5-10, 205), Connor Jones yourselves behind the chains kickoffs. *Hilliard Bradley .................L, 21-7 Barnett, Tommy Clark, Jack Conley, (so., 6-2, 205), *Geno Sekura and expect to convert. *Dublin Jerome..................L, 21-0 Jacob Cover, Ian Coverstone, Paul (jr., 6-0, 175), *Nick Wile (sr., “We want to control the Mount Vernon....................W, 31-6 Dillion,Aaron Hampshire, Matt Leder, THE LINEUP 5-11, 195), *Thomas Worthington ......W, 45-14 Bobbie Lewis, Taj Long, Tony Sanclock with the run and the pass. Offense Secondary: *Benjamin, *Worthington Kilbourne......W, 17-3 tos, Blake Sawicki and Henry Sopko We’d be happy with 5 yards Quarterback: *Jack Stultz *Day, *Jones, *Hayden Vroom per reception, as long as we (jr., 6-5, 185) (sr., 5-11, 185) complete a high percentage of Running backs: *Jaeln BenSpecial teams them.” jamin (sr., 5-8, 150), Kris Day Kicker: *Jacob Mowell (sr., (sr., 6-0, 190), Evan Grose (jr., 6-0, 185) DEFENSE 5-9, 150), *Grant Hollinger (sr, Punter: *Hollinger Senior Nick Wile returns at 6-0, 210), Jaden Jones (sr., 5Returners: Benjamin, Day, strong-side linebacker and the 10, 180), Eric Williams (so., Vroom secondary is expected to be an 5-11, 160) Long snapper: *Schmidt area of strength with all-senReceivers: *Nick Ferko (sr., (*Denotes projected starter) ior group of Benjamin, Day, around and is a great leader of guys back in the secondary 5-11, 170), Griffin Hart (jr., 6with lots of experience,” San- and that should be a strength 2, 175) Jones and Hayden Vroom. bemerine@thisweeknews.com Tight end: *Creed Galko (jr., @Brad_ThisWeek “Wile has a motor, runs tagata said. “We’ve got a lot for us. Day and Vroom will be
JAGUARS FROM >> 8
ing the team with four interceptions. “Our defensive backfield is pretty green, so they will have to grow up quickly,” LoParo said. “But I think our defense is hard to deal with and our offense is hard to deal with, so they make each other better.”
the positions and how I can play off of them and how they can play off of me,” said Blauser, an Ohio University recruit. “It helps me to know where to be, which is one of the most important things.” THE LINEUP The only returning starter in the secondary is senior safety Patrick Day Offense (special mention all-league), who had Quarterbacks: *Griffin Veil (sr., 693 tackles and three interceptions. 1, 180), Aidan Healy (jr., 5-10, 170) Defensive back Jacob Gore did not Running backs: *Jack Richards (sr., return for his senior season after lead- 6-0, 190), *Evan Yee (jr., 5-10, 190)
Receivers: *Patrick Day (sr., 5-11, 170), *Trey Warner (sr., 6-3, 190), *A.J. Mirgon (so., 5-11, 170), Jack Duffer (sr., 6-2, 180), Nathan Ludaway (jr., 6-3, 220), Ethan Poff (jr., 61, 160), Tight ends: *Zach Hummel (sr., 64, 245), Ludaway Linemen: *Will Kinser (sr., 5-9, 200), *Noah Lance (sr., 6-2, 285), *Jacob Curl (jr., 5-11, 230), *Danny Vazquez (sr., 6-2, 290), *David Metzler (jr., 6-4, 285), Colin McClurg (sr., 6-6, 250), Abe Ayers (jr., 6-1, 290)
Defense Linemen: *Josh Cooper (sr., 6-2, 190), *Dalton Planck (sr., 6-1, 220), *Chris Mayfield (jr., 6-3, 230), *Jacob Noble (jr., 6-0, 255), Ayers, Dillon Ysseldyke (jr., 6-2, 230) Linebackers: *Cannon Blauser (sr., 6-2, 215), *Hummel, *Chase Smith (sr., 6-1, 190), Christian Hart (sr., 59, 185), Ryan Barkhimer (so., 6-0, 175) Secondary: *Day, Colin Foreman (sr., 6-1, 175), Aaron Malarkey (sr., 60, 170), Winston Stone (sr., 5-10, 170),
Luke Erwin (jr., 6-1, 185), Zach Komlosi (jr., 6-1, 185), Caleb Walker (jr., 6-0, 175), Justice Ross (so., 5-9, 155) Special teams Kicker: Donovan Banda (jr., 6-0, 150) Punter: Day Returners: Day, Warner Long snapper: *Ben Duncan (so., 5-10, 160) (*Denotes projected starter) shennen@thisweeknews.com @ThisWeekHennen
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10
OCC-C ARDINAL D IVISION
Dublin Scioto
Productive offseason has Irish ‘hungry to win’ By FRANK DiRENNA THISWEEKSPORTS.COM As Karl Johnson prepared for his 19th season as coach of the Dublin Scioto High School football team, he pointed to a preseason that has featured a strong work ethic and team unity. Johnson hopes that carries over to the regular season and then potentially into the Division II, Region 8 playoffs. “We have a lot of guys back with experience, we have good size up front, our kids have worked hard in the weight room, our strength is good and our team unity is good,” said Johnson, whose team opens Aug. 24 at St. Charles. “They’re hungry to win. It’s easy to want to win right now. You haven’t been squeezed.” The Irish, who finished 5-5 last season, begin OCC-Cardinal Division play Sept. 14 at Dublin Jerome, looking to avenge a last-minute 21-17 setback to the Celtics. The league schedule also includes the traditional “Battle for Hard Road” against Worthington Kilbourne on Oct. 5 at Kilbourne. Scioto went 3-3 in the league to finish fourth behind champion Hilliard Bradley (6-0), and first-year school Olentangy Berlin has joined the division. “It’s a tough division, but it’s a fun division,” Johnson said. “Every week is a fun game. I think we can be in the mix. We have to stay healthy. We have to stay together.” Scioto won three of its final four games a year ago, but still missed qualifying for the playoffs as it finished 12th in Division II, Region 7. The top eight teams in each region advance to the postseason. The 2016 team reached the Region 7 semifinals, losing 317 to New Albany to finish 8-4
Eric Holsinger will start at wide receiver and also will be part of a rotation at safety for the Irish, who open Aug. 24 at St. Charles. JOHNNY POLANSKY/THIS WEEK
overall. “The main things are a winning season, making it to the playoffs and keeping the Rock, winning Hard Road,” senior tight end and defensive lineman Cayson Pfeiffer said. The Rock is an award presented to the winner of the Battle for Hard Road. Johnson said the effort and leadership of his 16-member senior class during the preseason has set the tone for the rest of the team. “The upperclassmen are working. I feel like they have a passion for wanting to win,” Johnson said. “They enjoy their teammates, so right now I feel real good.”
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OFFENSE Senior Kyron Rogers returns at quarterback to direct the team’s spread offense. Last season, he passed for 1,564 yards with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions and was special mention all-league despite missing the first two games with a thumb injury. “He’s very competitive and very intelligent,” Johnson said. “He has a strong arm. He’s bigger, he’s faster, he’s stronger. He’s always been competitive.” Johnson said the starting running back assignment could be decided “by committee” in early in the season. Juniors Gage Hannan, Pete Hrelec and Jordon Penn and sophomore Cameron Nickleson have been competing for playing time in the backfield. Receivers include seniors Zach Burmane, Eric Holsinger, Kenyon Pannell and Jalyn Ware and juniors Marty Neuhardt and Tobias Thomas. Tight ends are Pfeiffer and juniors Chad Ray and Sam Roper. “Our skill group is very talented and has decent depth,” Johnson said. “If you want to be the guy, you have to be earning it every day. We’re starting to get that, where guys understand that every day they have to earn a position. Because there’s other guys working, and if they’re better, they’re going to be playing in front of them.” Johnson said depth and size on the offensive line are strengths heading into the season. Leading the way should be seniors Jeremy Chapman, Bernie Duran and Jarrett Marshall and junior Donovan Hardin. Other key linemen are jun-
Kyron Rogers returns at quarterback; however, he will miss the first two games with a thumb injury. JOHN HULKENBERG/THISWEEK
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24.....................at St. Charles Aug. 30..................vs. New Albany Sept. 7......................at Big Walnut *Sept. 14.............at Dublin Jerome *Sept. 21...................vs. Delaware *Sept. 28...........vs. Hilliard Bradley *Oct. 5.....at Worthington Kilbourne *Oct. 12 ...........at Olentangy Berlin *Oct. 19 ....vs. Thomas Worthington *Oct. 26 ................at Hilliard Darby 2017 RESULTS (5-5 overall, 3-3 OCC-Cardinal) Westerville South .............L, 50-14 Dublin Coffman ..................L, 38-0 Big Walnut ......................W, 51-21 *Dublin Jerome ................L, 21-17 *Delaware.........................W, 10-0
ior Yousef Alchahal and sophomore Kody Maughmer. “They’re a close-knit group and they’re competing,” Johnson said.
DEFENSE
*Hilliard Bradley .................L, 42-7 *Worthington Kilbourne....W, 34-21 Logan ...............................W, 42-7 *Thomas Worthington........W, 20-7 *Hilliard Darby....................L, 22-3 *League contest INSIDE THE IRISH •Coach: Karl Johnson, 19th season •Top players: Jeremy Chapman (OL/DL), Bernie Duran (OL/DL), Donovan Hardin (OL/DL), Eric Holsinger (WR/DB), Jarrett Marshall (OL/DL), Cayson Pfeiffer (TE/DL), Kyron Rogers (QB), Tobias Thomas (WR/DB) and Logan Williams (LB) •Key losses: Jeremy Erickson, Nick Hopper, Jacob Jones and Jaden Penn
ing to come back even stronger this year,” Williams said. Other linebackers are Hannan, Nickleson, Roper and junior Miguel Ramirez. The secondary will include Holsinger, Penn and Thomas at cornerback, and Hrelec, Neuhardt, Pannell and Ware at safety. “All those guys are playing offense, so they’re probably going to get 70 percent of the snaps on one side of the ball and 30 percent of the snaps on the other, so they should be playing most of the game,” Johnson said.
tion players competed for returner duties, with Hrelec, Neuhardt and Thomas the leading candidates.
THE LINEUP Offense Quarterback: *Kyron Rogers (sr., 6-2, 185) Running backs: Gage Hannan (jr., 5-7, 145), Pete Hrelec (jr., 5-9, 150), Jordon Penn (jr., 5-6, 140), Cameron Nickleson (so., 5-10, 170) Receivers: Zach Burmane (sr., 5-11, 150), *Eric Holsinger (sr., 5-11, 155), *Kenyon Pannell (sr., 6-0, 185), Jalyn Ware (sr., 5-11, 150), Marty Neuhardt (jr., 6-0, 145), *Tobias Thomas (jr., 5-11, 170) Tight end: *Cayson Pfeiffer (sr., 6-0, 210) Linemen: *Jeremy Chapman (sr., 6-3, 180), *Bernie Duran (sr., 6-0, 245), *Jarrett Marshall (sr., 5-11, 215), *Donovan Hardin (5-11, 260), Yousef Alchahal (jr., 6-3, 260), Kody Maughmer (so., 6-2, 270) Defense Linemen: Chapman, Jett Gibson (sr., 5-11, 220), *Pfeiffer, Hardin, *Nick Wolfe (jr., 5-11, 240) Linebackers: *Logan Williams (sr., 5-10, 195), Hannan, Nickleson, Miguel Ramirez (jr., 5-7, 184), Sam Roper (jr., 5-9, 160) Secondary: Pannell, Ware, Holsinger, Penn, Thomas, Hrelec, Neuhardt Special teams Kicker: *Griffin Crosa (sr., 6-2, 160) Punter: *Crosa Returners: Hrelec, Neuhardt, Tobias Long snapper: *Pfeiffer (*Denotes projected starter)
Johnson called the members of his team’s 4-3 base defense athletic, but added depth could be an issue. “Right now every kid is a two-way guy, and the skill kids especially,” Johnson said. Pfeiffer is the lone returning starter on the defensive line at end. Other linemen are Chapman, Hardin, senior Jett Gibson and SPECIAL TEAMS junior Nick Wolfe. Senior Logan Williams is a Senior Griffin Crosa will returning starter at linebacker. again handle the kicking and “Last year missing the play- punting, and he has committed offs after losing to (Hilliard) to kick at North Dakota State. Darby and Jerome, we’re lookJohnson said the skill posi- fdirenna@thisweeknews.com
OCC-C ARDINAL D IVISION
Pacers want to take toughness onto field By BRAD EMERINE THISWEEKSPORTS.COM Members of the Delaware Hayes High School football team made an immediate impression on first-year coach Scott Wetzel after he was hired to replace Mike Golden. “One of the first things I noticed here was how willing to work hard in the weight room our guys were,” Wetzel said. “They go crazy in there and just love it. We’ve got some really strong kids. The deal now will be using that strength and adding some meanness on the field. We’ve got tough city kids, and we need to carry that toughness onto the field every Friday night.” Wetzel, who was named coach on April 25, was 5-15 the past two seasons at Westerville North. But he has career record of 136-61 in 18 seasons as a head coach, with 10 league titles and a Division III state championship in 2007 at Big Walnut. Golden was 14-20 in threeplus seasons with the Pacers and had a career record of 21798 in 29 seasons. “Obviously, we’re putting in a new offense and a new defense and we changed the way we’ve structured practices,” Wetzel said. “The kids have done well adapting to it. You’re always concerned with how much they’re picking up, but I can honestly say that we’re where we should be right now going into scrimmages. I’ve been really happy with the attention to details and the process we’ve given to them.” Delaware returns just four starters on each side of the ball after finishing 3-7 overall and 1-5 in the OCC-Cardinal Division last season. Hilliard Bradley went 6-0 to win the league. ‘We’re close to being twoplatoon,” Wetzel said. “We’ve got a couple skill guys that may play both sides, but not many that will play full time both ways. That will help us when we get into our league. We play teams bigger than us and most have good depth. We want to stay as fresh as possible. “The OCC is brutal football, a real grind. Plus, with 7 o’clock kickoffs, the first handful of games will likely be hot and muggy, so it’s important to stay fresh and be able to finish games rather than get worn down.” Wetzel added that one of the biggest challenges has been changing the program’s culture. ‘We want to go out and have success as soon as possible,” he said. “I think our kids have bought in and I think we can go out and compete with people right off the bat. But winning is the key. We need to change the mentality. We need to know we are a football town. We can
Sam Lagando will start at wide receiver while also being in the rotation in the secondary. SHANE FLANIGAN/THISWEEK
play with anybody, and that’s the mindset they have to have from the start. “You can give the kids all the confidence they need, but they want proof. They want to see it for themselves. Winning solves a lot. It gets more kids involved and keeps them coming back. That’s the way you truly change the mentality.”
Banks-Christian is another guy who can make plays. I think we’ve got very capable weapons.” While young up front, the Pacers believe they have a good group of linemen that also includes junior center Dylan Seiler. “We return two good linemen in Max and Jordan, plus Sophomore Blake Eiland returns at quarterback for first-year coach Scott Wetzel. Dylan is doing a good job at SHANE FLANIGAN/THISWEEK center,” Wetzel said. “We’re OFFENSE starting to develop some depth (jr., 6-0, 235), *Carter Covert Sophomore Blake Eiland across the line as well.” (sr., 5-8, 230), Gavin Kenney At a glance returns at quarterback to run the (so., 6-3, 265), Marshall Klinmultiple-formation scheme the 2018 SCHEDULE *Dublin Jerome ................L, 34-13 DEFENSE gel (so., 6-2, 205), Aaron Pacers will use. Also back as Aug. 24 .............vs. Buckeye Valley *Thomas Worthington ......W, 21-17 Koehler (jr., 6-0, 190), Matt The new three-stack defense starters are seniors Sam at Ohio Wesleyan *Hilliard Darby....................L, 35-0 McGeath (so., 6-3, 230), *Zach Lagando (receiver) and Jordan is expected to start up front with Aug. 31 ....................vs. Marysville *Hilliard Bradley .................L, 35-7 Pokorny (jr., 6-2, 255), *Dylan senior Gary Harris (end) and Sept. 7 ........................at Westland *League contest Wolfel (lineman) and junior Seiler (jr., 5-11, 230), *Jordan juniors Keyshawn Mack (end) *Sept. 14 ........vs. Olentangy Berlin INSIDE THE PACERS Max Bruney (lineman). Wolfel (sr., 6-0, 245) *Sept. 21...............at Dublin Scioto •Coach: Scott Wetzel, first season Junior Jahi Broussard-Nash and Logan McKenzie (nose guard). Mack is a returning *Sept. 28.........vs. Worth. Kilbourne Defense •Top players: Maxwell Bruney saw plenty of action last season *Oct. 5 ...............vs. Dublin Jerome (OL/DL), Colby Cooper (WR/DB), Jahi Linemen: Everett Beach (jr., and will start at tailback, with starter, but there was still strong *Oct. 12 .....at Thomas Worthington Broussard-Nash (RB/DB), Mason 6-2, 240), *Gary Harris (sr., 6senior Hayden McManus at full- competition there. *Oct. 19...............vs. Hilliard Darby Davis (TE/OLB), Josh Dotson (WR/DB), Junior Sebastian Meehan 4, 205), Koehler, *Keyshawn back. *Oct. 26..............at Hilliard Bradley Blake Eiland (QB), Jacob Hunsaker Mack (jr., 6-0, 180), *Logan “We’ve got a nice returning returns at weak-side linebacker, 2017 RESULTS (OL/LB), Sam Lagando (WR/DB), HayMcKenzie (jr., 6-1, 270), Mehki quarterback in Blake Eiland and with McManus in the middle (3-7 overall, 1-5 OCC-Cardinal) den McManus (RB/LB), Dylan Seiler Smith (sr., 6-2, 220) a couple good receivers out and junior Jacob Hunsaker on Buckeye Valley ................W, 21-17 (OL/DL) and Jordan Wolfel (OL/DL) Linebackers: Absussalaam, there,” Wetzel said. “We’re the strong side. Senior Warren Marysville ..........................L, 35-0 •Key losses: Ryan Daughenbaugh, Warren Clason (sr., 5-10, 170), going to be able to do some Clason and junior Corbin May Westland .........................L, 19-14 Braden Donges, Blaine McCormick, *Davis, *Jacob Hunsaker (jr., Washington Court House ...W, 38-8 Isaiah Moore, Josiah Naegele, Glenn things offensively that involve could see action as well. Seniors Mason Davis and *Dublin Scioto ....................L, 10-0 Pauley, Virgil Rhodes, Zach Ruen, 6-4, 200), Jackson, *Chris Johnour quarterback in the running Chris Johnson are returning *Worthington Kilbourne.......L, 31-0 Kole Shaw and Todd Toney son (sr., 6-1, 180), Corbin May game, I believe. (jr., 6-1, 180), *McManus, “Jahi has settled in and taken starters at outside linebacker. *Sebastian Meehan (jr., 6-1, ownership in the run game. The secondary was still unset185), Grant Singleton (jr., 5-4, Anybody who knows anything tled early in the preseason, but 150) about me as a coach knows I sophomore Orien Ward and junSecondary: Dotson, *Addilike to run the ball. Jahi is a kid ior Addison Harvey were getson Harvey (jr., 6-0, 160), that can carry the ball 15-20 ting first looks at corners, with Harvey, Lagando and Dotson Hazelton, Lagando, *Orien times a game for us.” Ward (so., 5-8, 150), Lagando has turned into a possibly lining up at safety. “We’ve got some good guys Special teams strong leader, according to Wetin the secondary, but we need (jr., 5-10, 180) Cooper (jr., 6-4, 180), *Josh zel. Kicker: *Kyle Klumpp (jr., Running backs: *Jahi Brous- Dotson (sr., 5-10, 170), *Sam 5-10, 140) “Sam is doing a good job to develop more depth,” Wetsard-Nash (jr., 5-8, 160), Ethan Lagando (sr., 6-1, 180) with his assignments and is zel said. Punter: *Davis Tight ends: Nabil AbsusHazelton (jr., 5-6, 145), Jackdoing a good job being that Returners: TBD THE LINEUP son, *Hayden McManus (sr., salaam (jr., 6-3, 195), Mason leader we need,” he said. Long snapper: *Seiler Offense 5-10, 195), Davis (sr., 6-3, 190) “(Senior) Josh Dotson also has Quarterbacks: *Blake Eiland Receivers: Laquans BanksLinemen: Ruben Beltran bemerine@thisweeknews.com stepped up into his spot (at receiver) and (junior) Laquans (so., 5-10, 175), Luke Jackson Christian (jr., 5-10, 160), Colby (so., 5-9, 205), *Max Bruney @Brad_ThisWeek
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Delaware Hayes
11
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12
OCC-C ARDINAL D IVISION
Olentangy Berlin
Bears gearing up for inaugural campaign By SCOTT HENNEN THISWEEKSPORTS.COM Mark Nori has coached football at the professional, college and prep levels, but he has found a new experience at Olentangy Berlin High School. It’s the first time Nori has led a first-year program. “(It’s) all of the little things that you never expect,” he said. “As much as you sit down in the offseason and think you have fine-tooth-combed it, there are always those little things tucked away or extras of, it’s not there. You realize that you need things, like 50 more mouthpieces. “At other established programs, you take for granted that you can walk into the equipment room for a chin strap and there are 1,000 of them lying over there. Or if you say, ‘Coach, my helmet broke,’ you can have things to fix that. There’s not a day in the last 10 days that I haven’t placed an order for something that I just figured out we were missing.” One of the first things Nori noticed was missing was a senior class. Berlin doesn’t have 12th-graders, which limits the pool of possible athletes. On the positive side, Bears coaches have at least two years to work with all their players. “There are so many backgrounds from three different programs that we have to kind of jell together for what we are doing here,” said Nori, whose players came from the other three high schools in the district – Liberty, Olentangy and Orange. “The players are trying to figure out what the Berlin program expects of them and what they expect from the Berlin program. That’s something that comes with time. I think we have the right ingredients, but we have to keep after it each and every day.” Nori previously coached Stow-Munroe Falls. The Philadelphia native was 60-29 in eight seasons, reaching the playoffs the past three and four of the past five. “Despite being hired in January and being two hours away, I thought we had as productive of an offseason as we could have,” Nori said. “The assistant coaches did a great job of putting things together, so we didn’t miss much. We were still able to get the players ready for
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24.......................vs. Briggs Aug. 31........at Canal Winchester Sept. 7 ........vs. Toledo St. John’s *Sept. 14 .................at Delaware *Sept. 21.......at Worth. Kilbourne *Sept. 28..........vs. Hilliard Darby *Oct. 5 ............at Hilliard Bradley *Oct. 12 ............vs. Dublin Scioto *Oct. 19..........vs. Dublin Jerome *Oct. 26...........at Thomas Worth. *League contest INSIDE THE BEARS •Coach: Mark Nori, first season •Top players: Gabe Chrysler (OL/DL), Noah Dursik (OL/DL), Corey Hill (WR/LB), Jake Hill (OL/DL), Jake Moeller (QB/DB), Johnny Spinner (RB/LB) and Cole Troyer (OL/DL)
Johnny Spinner finds room during a scrimmage against Springfield on Aug. 10. The junior will start at running back. JOHN HULKENBERG/THISWEEK
offensive lineman by trade. I still coach them. Our offensive line is fairly big, somewhere in the 6-foot-2, 250-pound range. That’s good for not having seniors.” Dursik will be joined on the line by juniors Gabe Chrysler and Matt Roberts and sophomores Antonio Alonso and Cole Troyer. They will be blocking for a backfield that includes junior running back Johnny Spinner and sophomore quarterback Jake Moeller. “I feel like learning the new Coach Mark Nori and the Bears open the season Aug. 24 at playbook has been a challenge, home against Briggs. JOHN HULKENBERG/THISWEEK but everyone is buying into what we can create something to be we can do,” Dursik said. “We the season.” The Bears open Aug. 24 at proud of. … That’s not some- have been getting push up front home against Briggs and play thing a lot of people get to do.” and Jake Moeller can throw the ball well. I think we have a their first OCC-Cardinal Divigood, well-rounded offense.” OFFENSE sion game Sept. 14 at Delaware. Nori believes the most expeThe Bears will feature mulDEFENSE rienced player on his roster tiple schemes on offense to best might be Noah Dursik. The jun- utilize the skills of their young Berlin will have a 3-5-3 startior lineman previously played athletes. ing defensive alignment. at Olentangy, but missed much On the line, junior Jake Hill “We will have a multiple of last season with a knee injury. offense, meaning that we could and Troyer will line up at end “I feel like we have created be in a two-back look or in the with Chrysler at nose guard. a new culture, and it’s some- spread or everything else in Dursik also expects to see time thing special,” Dursik said. “I between,” Nori said. “I’m an on the line. like coming here, and I feel like offensive-minded guy and an “Defensively, the philoso-
phy is totally new, but everyone is up for the challenge,” Dursik said. “The philosophy is assignment-based instead of just going to the ball. It’s different, but personally, I like that.” Juniors Benant Bukari, Aadin Cain, Corey Hill, Trevor Scott and Spinner are the five linebackers. Junior Marcus Elliott and sophomores Ryan Horstman and Liam McGreevey will be in the secondary. “They are extremely coachable, without question,” Nori said. “They want to do things the right way and it’s a new opportunity for most of them. They want to prove what they can do on and off the field. They are doing everything at 100 percent.”
THE LINEUP
Receivers: Benant Bukari (jr.), *Marcus Elliott (jr.), Corey Hill (jr.), *Aidan Pettograsso (jr.), Ryan Horstman (so.), Liam McGreevey (so.), *Bennett Lawrence (fr.), Colin Pethel (fr.), Tight ends: None Linemen: *Gabe Chrysler (jr.), Braden Cook (jr.), *Noah Dursik (jr.), Jake Hill (jr.), *Matt Roberts (jr.), Xavier Walker (jr.), *Antonio Alonso (so.), Andrew Cline (so.), *Cole Troyer (so.) Defense Linemen: Alonso, *Chrysler, Ethan Collins (jr.), Dursik, *Jake Hill, Nick Pettograsso (so.), *Troyer, Walker Linebackers: *Bukari, *Cain, *Corey Hill, Jackson, Lee, Reyes, *Trevor Scott (jr.), *Spinner, Aiden Mowery (fr.) Secondary: *Elliott, *Horstman, Lawrence, *McGreevey, Aidan Pettograsso, Conner Gavin (fr.) Special teams Kickers: Delaney Siniff (jr.), Garrett Smith (so.) Punter: Moeller Returners: Corey Hill, Spinner Long snapper: TBA (*Denotes projected starter)
Offense Quarterbacks: *Jake Moeller (so.), Dylan Reyes (fr.), Matt Kirsop (fr.) Running backs: *Aadin Cain (jr.), Xavier Jackson (jr.), *Johnny Spinner (jr.), Brendan shennen@thisweeknews.com @ThisWeekHennen Wiehe (jr.), Ethan Lee (fr.)
TOP PLAYERS
FROM >> 7
One of Blauser’s teammates, senior Zach Hummel, projects to be an outside linebacker in college and has committed to Cincinnati. Senior Chris Mayfield, who also should see time at linebacker for the Jaguars, has five scholarship offers. Seniors Dezman Cooper from Reynoldsburg and Ben Johnson from Pickerington North have committed to Miami. Seniors Darren Davis (Canal Win-
chester), Keon Freeman (Whitehall), Elijah Hairston (Beechcroft), Ben Krimm (Upper Arlington), Manny Powell (Westerville South) and Ethan Royer (Hilliard Davidson) are others coming off strong seasons. SECONDARY – Wood is among •S a group of strong senior returning City League defensive backs along with Northland’s Mark Lee (seven interceptions), Briggs’ Jalin Lake (six interceptions), Eastmoor’s Micah Coleman (11 tackles for loss), Marion-Franklin’s Deonte Wade (five
interceptions) and Magwood. Lee has committed to Eastern Michigan. DeSales senior Joey Velazquez is a Michigan commit who projects at safety collegiately. Other seniors who have received college interest include Pickerington Central’s Jaquwon Crawford, Reynoldsburg’s Camby Goff and Grove City’s Kingston McKinstry, while Coffman’s A.J. Kirk is also getting looks despite being a sophomore. Others coming off strong junior
seasons are Lancaster’s A.J. Cook, Pickerington Central’s Terry Simuel, Olentangy’s DeAnte Ables, DeSales’ Anthony Sciarroni, Grove City Christian’s Brett Baker and Moultrie. SPECIAL TEAMS – Branham •S Jr., Harris and Worthington Kilbourne senior Elijah Young all excelled as kick and punt returners last season. Davidson traditionally has had a strong kicking game and should again this season with the return of junior Sean Carrier.
Hartley’s Matteo Agriesti, Westerville Central’s Jacob Borcila, Scioto’s Griffin Crosa and Granville’s Craig Zies are among the top returning senior kickers and Academy’s Sam Massick leads the junior class at that position. Krimm, who averaged 41.3 yards per punt, Eastmoor senior Kenny Lawrence and Johnstown senior Alex Jenney are the area’s top punters. julrey@thisweeknews.com @UlreyThisWeek
13
OCC-C ARDINAL D IVISION
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Thomas Worthington
Cardinals hope to turn narrow losses into wins
By BRAD EMERINE THISWEEKSPORTS.COM
Coach Matt Zingery thinks his Thomas Worthington High School football team is better prepared this year to snap a string of 18 consecutive losing seasons. The Cardinals finished 4-6 last season, but were in position to win several more games down the stretch. They lost one game in overtime, two games by one point and another by four points. They went 0-6 in the OCC-Cardinal Division. “Last year, we seemed to play well in the first half, but teams adjusted in the second half and we weren’t able to counter their changes because we didn’t have all of the playbook available to us,” Zingery said. “We hadn’t installed everything. Moving forward, we’ll have more second-half options than last year. “We’re also much stronger across the board this year because we put in the work in the weight room. I feel we’re stronger at every position. We played with heart and hustle last year, but we didn’t have the muscle to sustain it. What we did in the first four months of the year should pay off this season.” While the Cardinals might be better prepared, they also will be much younger. Thomas returns just four starters on offense and three on defense, and there are only nine seniors on the roster. To counter his team’s youthfulness, Zingery conducted a leadership program over the summer. “We did a lot of leadership training,” said Zingery, whose team opens Aug. 24 at home against Canal Winchester. “We read a book about leadership and they wrote papers on it. We brought the Navy and the Marines in to show us techniques and talk to our guys. We also hammered culture and accountability as well as leadership. We feel really good about what we’ve done.” Zingery said the sophomore class has a lot of potential after finishing 8-1 as freshmen.
OFFENSE Senior running back DiJahn Davis and senior quarterback Charlie Rhoades return to lead the offense. Davis rushed for 908 yards and six touchdowns and was special mention all-league and
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24 ......vs. Canal Winchester Aug. 31 .......vs. Westerville North Sept. 7.........at Westerville South *Sept. 14.......at Worth. Kilbourne *Sept. 21 .......vs. Hilliard Bradley *Sept. 28 .........at Dublin Jerome *Oct. 5...............at Hilliard Darby *Oct. 12..................vs. Delaware *Oct. 19 .............at Dublin Scioto *Oct. 26 .......vs. Olentangy Berlin 2017 RESULTS (4-6 overall, 0-6 OCC-Cardinal) Canal Winch........W, 27-20 (2OT) Westerville North..........W, 45-21 Groveport.....................W, 47-13 *Worth. Kilbourne...L, 26-25 (OT) *Hilliard Bradley ............L, 31-17 *Dublin Jerome.............L, 33-32 *Hilliard Darby...............L, 45-14 *Delaware ....................L, 21-17 *Dublin Scioto.................L, 20-7 Lexington.......................W, 35-7 *League contest INSIDE THE CARDINALS •Coach: Matt Zingery, second season •Top players: Habib Bundu (WR/LB), DiJahn Davis (RB), James Gaiters (DB), Bassil Hasan (LB), Ethan Hughes (OL), Jaylin Lane (WR/DB), Austin Parsons (TE/DE), Alex Ritchie (OL/DL), Charlie Rhoades (QB), Brandon Ross (TE) and Jacob Suncire (OL) •Key losses: Layne Burns, Fletch Curran, Lou Dykstra, Vincent Eguakun, Khalil Jones, John Kallas, Josh Keese, Nick Kendig, Charlie Kneessi, Cameron Ryan and Dakarey Williams
Senior DiJahn Davis rushed for 908 yards and six touchdowns a year ago and was named special mention all-league. MATTHEW HATCHER/THISWEEK
linebacker, opposite of Habib.” Sophomore Reese Dykstra is expected to start at middle linebacker. “We’ve got no experience in the back, but I think (junior) James Gaitors could have a big season at free safety,” Zingery said. “He has accepted the challenge.”
SPECIAL TEAMS
*Ritchie Linebackers: Ameer Aquel (jr.), *Bundu, *Reese Dykstra (so.), *Bassil Hassan (jr.), Ethan Jorgenson (sr.), Naumen, Secondary: *Kwaku Amoh (jr.), Kobe Faire (jr.), *Faison, *James Gaiters (jr.), *Jaylin Lane, Jayvaun Lane, Keymani Peyton (sr.), Phipps Special teams Kickers: Aquel, *Owen Graham (jr.) Punter: *Settles Returners: TBD Long snapper: *Jackson (*Denotes projected starter)
Junior Owen Graham returns as kicker and Settles will do the punting. Junior Caden Jackson is the long snapper. Zingery said he and his coaches still had not chosen which players would return bemerine@thisweeknews.com kicks as preseason practices @Brad_ThisWeek got under way.
honorable mention all-district in Division I. “Dijhan is pretty strong and we’re going to have to rely on him in our running game because we’re pretty young everywhere else on offense,” Zingery said. “We’re anticipating our opponents will know how good he is and will be looking to stop our run game and force us to pass. So we’ve got to be able to get production from the pass game to give us balance and keep defenses honest.” Rhoades passed for 1,467 yards with 16 touchdowns and eight interceptions. “Charlie did a really nice job running our offense and completed 60 percent of his passes, but he is being pushed by (sophomore) Isaac Settles, who
Senior Habib Bundu returns to lead the Cardinals’ defense from his linebacker position. LORRIE CECIL/THISWEEK
has really been doing a good job so far. We know that whoever wins that battle, we’re going to have a great quarterback situation.” The Cardinals lost first-team all-district and all-league receiver Khalil Jones to graduation, as well as Cameron Ryan, who was honorable mention all-district at receiver. “We lost some really good receivers in Jones and Ryan,” Zingery said. “They gave us great production last year. It’s going to be difficult to replace them but we’ve got some young guys we feel good about. You never know until they step onto the field on a Friday night, though.” The receivers include sen-
ior Bailey Moore, junior Jaylin Lane and sophomores Jayvaughn Lane, Sheron Phipps and Brandon Ross. Also back on offense are junior linemen Ethan Hughes and Jacob Suncire.
DEFENSE Senior linebacker Habib Bundu is back to lead the Cardinals’ 4-3 base set. Also returning are junior end Austin Parsons and junior nose guard Alex Ritchie. “Bundu had a very good season last year and we’ll be asking more of him this year,” Zingery said. “It’s also nice to have two returnees up front. I think (junior) Bassil Hassan is ready to take the next step at
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THE LINEUP Offense Quarterbacks: Charlie Rhodes (sr.), Isaac Settles (so.) Running backs: *Dijahn Davis (sr.), Marcus Faison, Trent Naumen Receivers: Habib Bundu (sr.), Jacob Jarrett (sr.), *Sony Kipre (sr.), Jaylin Lane (jr.), Jayvaun Lane (so.), *Bailey Moore (sr.), Austin Parsons (jr.), *Sheron Phipps (so.), *Brandon Ross (so.) Linemen: *Aleksander Aleksic (jr.), *Amilcar Diaz (so.), *Ethan Hughes (jr.), *Harry Landwher (jr.), Connor Pack (jr.), Alex Ritchie (jr.), *Jacob Suncire (jr.) Defense Linemen: Aleksic,*Luke Coe (jr.), *Emile Gamamou (sr.), Caden Jackson (jr.), Kipre, Greg Laws (jr.), *Parsons,
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14
OCC-C ARDINAL D IVISION
Worthington Kilbourne
Wolves met coach’s offseason challenge By BRAD EMERINE THISWEEKSPORTS.COM Coach Vince Trombetti laid the law down after his Worthington Kilbourne High School football team finished 3-7 for the second consecutive season a year ago. The Wolves obeyed his directives of getting into the weight room and busting their tails during the offseason. “We monitored them closely and they earned points for the offseason work and reaching the goals,” Trombetti said. “I’ve been very, very pleased with the attitude and effort of this team. I’m excited to see what we can do. We held them accountable and we kept track of how often they worked out, how much they progressed. They did a great job and we’re a much stronger team this year. “They’re very attentive and coachable. This is the ultimate team game. All 11 guys have a major impact on every play. In other team sports, you might be able to get away with a weakness here or there, but that’s difficult to do in football. They understand that they’re playing for each other and what they do affects everybody.” The Wolves, who open Aug. 24 at Olentangy Orange, return six starters on offense but only two on defense. “We have average speed and average athletes,” said Trombetti, whose team finished 24 in the OCC-Cardinal Division behind champion Hilliard Bradley (6-0). “But I feel an average player can become a very good player and play fast if he knows what’s going on. We have some pretty smart kids and they’re picking it up well. “I learned this from listening to Brian Kelly when he was
At a glance
Senior quarterback Grayson Timms and the Wolves are looking to improve on last season when they went 3-7 overall and 2-4 in the OCC-Cardinal. JOHNNY POLANSKY/THISWEEK
coaching at (the University of) Cincinnati. He said there are four levels of understanding that deal with competence and consciousness. “Level 1 is unconscious and incompetent, which is when the players … don’t know that they don’t know. Level 2 is conscious and incompetent, when they know what they need to do, but they just can’t do it. Level 3 is conscious and competent, where they know what they’re doing, but they have to think about it to do it. Level 4 is unconscious and competent, where they know what they’re doing and can do it without thinking. They just react. That’s where you want them to be.”
don Miles. “We’ve changed a few things on offense,” Trombetti said. “We’re a better team right now at this point than we were last year. We have experience on the line and we’re much stronger because of the work we put in in the weight room. We want to take advantage of the strength gains we’ve made.” Also back is senior Grayson Timms at quarterback. “When you have four linemen back, a top running back and a quarterback, that’s a real blessing,” Trombetti said. “That’s a lot to work with. At receiver, we’ve got (junior) Sam English on one side and (junior) Tyler Turner on the other and both got a lot of playing experience last year. We’re OFFENSE Four linemen return along feeling pretty good about what with senior running back Eli- we should be able to do offenjah Young, who will share car- sively this year.” ries with junior Caleb Andrick. DEFENSE Young also will see action in the defensive backfield. The defense will be young, The line features senior tack- as senior linebacker Nick les Kyle Bartok and R.J. Streets and senior end Kaleb Mehan, senior guard Sam Dave are the only returning Schick and junior center Hay- starters. den Shaffer. They will be “We’ll build around those joined by senior guard Bren- guys,” Trombetti said. “We’ve
got a lot of new faces, but we’ve changed our defensive schemes and the kids are doing a great job picking it up. “We don’t have a big-name kid on this team defensively like a Thomas Wilson or like a stud that many other teams have. What we have is a lot of good kids who work really hard.” Wilson was the Division II District Player of the Year on defense, and he and Dave were first-team all-league. Wilson set program records for single-game tackles (25), single-season tackles (146), career tackles (448), solo tackles in a season (72), solo tackles in a career (165) and career sacks (15). Senior Demetrius Barlow and junior Josh Carter will join Dave up front, and senior Cole Dyer will play alongside Streets at linebacker. English and junior Carter Haase are expected to get the call at outside linebacker, with Andrick and senior Joey McQuade in the defensive backfield.
2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24.......at Olentangy Orange Aug. 31.......vs. Westerville South Sept. 7 ....................at Groveport *Sept. 14........vs. Thomas Worth. *Sept. 21 .....vs. Olentangy Berlin *Sept. 28 .................at Delaware *Oct. 5..............vs. Dublin Scioto *Oct. 12.............at Hilliard Darby *Oct. 19 .........vs. Hilliard Bradley *Oct. 26 ...........at Dublin Jerome 2017 RESULTS (3-7 overall, 2-4 OCC-Cardinal) Olentangy Orange ...........L, 32-7 Big Walnut ............W, 21-14 (OT) Holland Springfield........L, 24-14 *Thomas Worth. ....W, 26-25 (OT) Hartley..........................L, 45-17 *Delaware......................W, 31-0 *Dublin Scioto...............L, 34-21 *Hilliard Darby.................L, 17-3 *Hilliard Bradley ............L, 63-27 *Dublin Jerome...............L, 24-7 *League contest INSIDE THE WOLVES •Coach: Vince Trombetti, 13th season •Top players: Caleb Andrick (RB/DB), Kyle Bartok (OL), Kaleb Dave (OL/DL), Cole Dyer (LB), Sam English (WR/OLB), Joey McQuade (DB), R.J. Mehan (OL/DL), Sam Schick (OL/DL), Nick Streets (LB), Grayson Timms (QB) and Elijah Young (RB) •Key losses: Nick Clay, Ryan Hester, Roen McCullough, Michael McQuade, Ben Morgan, Isaac Morgan, Thomas Nowlin, Noah Reed, D’Angelo Rosales, Mitchell Rosenfeld, Tyler Ward, Parker Wereb, Ryan Wesolowski and Thomas Wilson
sophomore Mitchell Tomasek takes over the punting duties from Wilson, who averaged 40.4 yards on 54 punts, including 29 inside the 20-yard line. Expected to return kicks are Andrick, McQuade, Young and junior Kuric Buell.
THE LINEUP
Offense Quarterbacks: Kuric Buell (jr., 5-8, 145), *Grayson Timms (sr., 6-4, 200) Running backs: Caleb Andrick (jr., 5-8, 155), *Elijah Young (sr., 5-10, 155) Receivers: *Sam English (jr., 5-9, 170), *Tyler Turner (jr., 5-11, 140) Slotbacks: *Terrique Gray (so, 5-8, 175), *Marcus Hodge (jr., 5-9, 155) Linemen: *Kyle Bartok (sr., 6-4, 220), Kaleb Dave (sr., 511, 215), *R.J. Mehan (sr., 65, 260), *Brendon Miles (sr., 6-3, 225), Chinny Ndife (jr., 5-9, 200), *Sam Schick (sr., 61, 240), *Hayden Shaffer (jr., 6-2, 225) Defense Linemen: *Demetrius BarSPECIAL TEAMS low (sr., 6-0, 275), *Josh Carter Junior Joey Laudermilch (jr., 5-11, 245), *Dave, Jack returns as the place-kicker and Ellis (sr., 6-4, 200), Jacob
Keslar (jr., 6-0, 200), Mehan, Schick Inside linebackers: *Cole Dyer (sr., 5-11, 180), Carter Haase (jr., 5-9, 165), *Nick Streets (sr., 5-9, 185) Outside linebackers: *English, *Haase, Paul Jarvis (jr., 6-0, 160), Brian Wilson (so., 5-10, 160) Secondary: *Andrick (so, 58, 145), Manny Herraiz (jr., 59, 140), *Joey McQuade (sr., 6-0, 160), Eddie Rhode (sr., 511, 135), Young Special teams Kicker: *Joey Laudermilch (jr., 5-11, 165) Punter: *Mitchell Tomasek (so., 6-3, 170) Long snapper: TBD Returners: Andrick, Buell, McQuade, Young (*Denotes projected starter) bemerine@thisweeknews.com @Brad_ThisWeek
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15
OCC-O HIO D IVISION
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Pickerington Central
Tigers remain deep after run to state title
By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM The Pickerington High School Central football team followed up a state semifinal finish in 2016 by marching to its first Division I state championship last fall, producing more than just memories. From an experience standpoint, there’s no big-school program in Ohio that has had more practice time than the Tigers the past two seasons because of their nine extra playoff weeks. That might be just as much of a factor in how they should remain central Ohio’s biggest breeding ground of collegelevel talent despite graduating four players who signed with Football Bowl Subdivision programs and another two who signed with Division II schools. The Tigers went 12-2 in 2016 and 14-1 overall last season, including 5-0 in the OCCOhio Division to earn at least a share of their 12th consecutive title. “We’ve almost squeezed three seasons into two seasons,” coach Jay Sharrett said. “Now you’ve got sophomores and juniors who know where to line up and know what to do. Now it’s just tweaking it, getting them stronger, getting them in the right positions and executing the plays, but it’s really nice how much of a grasp of the offense and defense these guys truly have.” Offensively, by the end of last season, the Tigers were rotating 10 “packages,” which are variations of how many running backs, wide receivers or tight ends could be used based on the situation. Some players see time in several of the packages, while others get their feet wet in specific packages. The Tigers use the same philosophy on defense. “We do a package offense and a package defense, so a starter might play 35 plays, or you might be a rotator and play 15 plays,” Sharrett said. “Very seldom is there someone who’s brand new who hasn’t done something.” The extra work the Tigers have gotten in over the past two seasons should come in handy as they navigate through a schedule that includes a pair of defending state champions in their first three games. Central opens Aug. 26 against Chicago Phillips in a game that will be televised on ESPN and played at Otterbein and then travels Sept. 7 for
another crack at TrotwoodMadison. Phillips won Illinois’ Class 4A state title in 2015 and its Class 5A championship last fall. Last season, the Tigers’ only loss was a 28-19 decision to a Trotwood-Madison team that lost in the 2016 Division III state final but went 15-0 and won last year’s title in that division. “We’re just taking it day by day,” junior quarterback Demeatric Crenshaw said. “When you win the state championship, there’s a lot of responsibility. This year’s team didn’t miss a beat. Everybody is locked in and ready to go.”
OFFENSE Crenshaw returns to lead the offense after rushing for 1,379 yards and 24 touchdowns on 216 carries and completing 89 of 172 passes for 1,604 yards with 13 touchdowns. Senior running back Jamir Jackson is another key skill player after rushing for 782 yards and 15 touchdowns on 148 carries and adding two receiving touchdowns. Seniors Keaton Middendorf and Joseph Williams are the projected starters at wide receiver, but several others should see time, including senior Terry Simuel, who had 11 receptions last season, and sophomore Lorenzo Styles Jr., who had 10 catches. With the Tigers having lost two tight ends to graduation who are now competing collegiately in Alex Morgan (Toledo) and Trenton Gillison (Michigan State), sophomore Tyler Turnbull is expected to begin the season in an H-back role but also should see time at tight end along with Division I defensive recruits DeWayne Carter and Karter Johnson. The Tigers lost their entire starting offensive line, including Trey Madison who is now playing for Ashland, to graduation. Sharrett is planning to have an eight-player rotation that includes one senior starter in Casey Bekemeier at left tackle. Junior Anthony Lampron is expected to be at center, with junior Alec Hammer at left guard, junior Connor Burgess at right tackle and sophomore Garrett Meek at right guard.
DEFENSE After losing a pair of Division I recruits in their secondary to graduation in Xavier Henderson (Michigan State)
Demeatric Crenshaw threw for 1,604 yards and 13 touchdowns and rushed for 1,379 and 24 scores last season as the Tigers went 14-1 and captured their first state championship. JOHN HULKENBERG/THISWEEK
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 26........... vs. Chicago Phillips at Otterbein Aug. 31 ................vs. West Toronto (Ontario) Prep Sept. 7..........at Trotwood-Madison Sept. 14....................vs. Groveport Sept. 21 ..........at Hilliard Davidson *Sept. 27....................vs. Gahanna *Oct. 5 .......................at Lancaster *Oct. 12.......vs. Pickerington North *Oct. 19 ...............at Reynoldsburg *Oct. 26 ...................vs. Grove City 2017 RESULTS (14-1 overall, 5-0 OCC-Ohio) Detroit Cass Tech ............W, 24-21 Indianapolis Cathedral.....W, 25-20 Trotwood-Madison ...........L, 28-19 Groveport .........................W, 33-7 Upper Arlington .................W, 41-7 *Gahanna .........................W, 45-8 *Lancaster......................W, 14-13 *Pickerington North.........W, 24-21 *Reynoldsburg ..................W, 41-7
*Grove City .....................W, 48-14 PLAYOFFS Clayton Northmont ..........W, 41-21 Hilliard Bradley................W, 42-31 Pickerington North ..........W, 31-14 Cincinnati Colerain ..........W, 41-28 Mentor ...........................W, 56-28 *League contest INSIDE THE TIGERS •Coach: Jay Sharrett, 16th season •Top players: Jason Betts (DB), DeWayne Carter (DL/TE), Jaquwon Crawford (DB), Demeatric Crenshaw (QB), Jamir Jackson (RB), Karter Johnson (DL), Isaiah O’Connor (LB), Terry Simuel (DB/KR/PR/WR) and Lorenzo Styles Jr. (DB/KR/PR) •Key losses: Emmanuel Adams, Grey Brancifort, Brody Egan, Trenton Gillison, Xavier Henderson, Trey Madison, Jalen Mitchell, Alex Morgan, Tristan Peppers, Tyler Poe, Ravon White, Brandon Wilson and Jeremiah Wood
sive Player of the Year DaVon Hamilton, also is at linebacker. Senior Jaquwon Crawford and Styles Jr. are expected to be at cornerback, with Simuel at free safety and seniors C.C. Gordon and Jason Betts also at safety. That unit must fill the void left by Henderson, who was district Defensive Player of the Year last fall. Crawford had two pass breakups in the state final and finished with four interceptions, while Betts had 54 tackles.
SPECIAL TEAMS Sophomore Max Lomonico is the son of Tigers defensive coordinator and long-snapping coach Jeff Lomonico and is expected to fill that role on special teams. Senior Justin Maynard was among the team’s punters last fall and will do that full time this fall. Simuel returned 12 punts for 235 yards last season.
THE LINEUP and Jeremiah Wood (Ohio University), the Tigers’ have two players committed to colleges on this year’s defensive line. Johnson, a move-in from Gahanna who had 14.5 tackles for loss last year, has committed to Texas Christian, while Carter had 60 tackles and has committed to Duke. Senior Mike Dunlap also should be a key lineman, while junior Abraham Alabi and
sophomore Brandon McDougal are others up front who Sharrett is high on. Senior Isaiah O’Connor is a returning starter at linebacker after totaling 88 tackles last season and junior Dom Marasco was a contributor at that position a year ago. Junior Ty Hamilton, who made 57 tackles last season and is the brother of 2015 Central graduate and 2014 district Defen-
Crawford (sr., 6-1, 185), Karter Johnson (sr., 6-3, 315), Isaiah O’Connor (sr., 6-0, 225), Terry Simuel (sr., 5-9, 170), Lorenzo Styles Jr., (so., 6-1, 175), Wallace H-back: *Tyler Turnbull (so., 6-0, 205) Tight ends: DeWayne Carter (sr., 6-4, 285), Johnson, Ty Hamilton (jr., 6-3, 235) Linemen: *Casey Bekemeier (sr., 6-3, 250), *Connor Burgess (jr., 6-1, 285), *Alec Hammer (jr., 6-1, 260), *Anthony Lampron (jr., 5-10, 250), *Garrett Meek (so., 511, 260), Zach Mohr (sr., 6-0, 275), Collin Brice (jr., 6-1, 250), Keaton Snyder (so., 6-0, 240) Defense Linemen: *Carter, *Mike Dunlap (sr., 5-9, 235), *Johnson, Abraham Alabi (jr., 6-4, 315), Brandon McDougal (so., 5-9, 290) Linebackers inebackers: *Hamilton, *O’Connor, *Marasco Secondary: *Betts, *C.C. Gordon (sr., 5-9, 180), *Simuel, *Styles Jr., Special teams Kicker: *Drew Bookman (jr., 5-9, 165) Punter: *Justin Maynard (sr., 6-4, 200) Returners: *Crawford, *Jackson, *Matthews, *Simuel, *Styles Long snapper: *Max Lomonico (so., 6-4, 185) (*Denotes projected starter)
Offense Quarterbacks: *Demeatric Crenshaw (jr., 6-2, 205), Garner Wallace (so., 6-4, 180) Running backs: *Jamir Jackson (sr., 5-11, 205), *Lance Matthews (sr., 5-10, 175), Mike Dunlap (sr., 5-9, 235), Dom Marasco (jr., 5-9, 200), Nick Mosley (so., 6-0, 190), Sirron Smith (so., 5-8, 165) Receivers: *Keaton Middendorf (sr., 5-9, 170), *Joseph Williams (sr., 6-0, 165), Jason julrey@thisweeknews.com Betts (sr., 6-1, 210), Jaquwon @UlreyThisWeek
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OCC-O HIO D IVISION
Lancaster
Golden Gales stick with old-school approach By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM Even a surprise visit from a former teammate didn’t change Rob Carpenter’s mind about what his plans would be during the first weekend of August. On Aug. 3, the day before former Houston Oilers outside linebacker Robert Brazile – also known as “Dr. Doom” – was to be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Gregg Bingham dropped by to attempt to convince the Lancaster High School football coach to make the two-hour trip to Canton for the festivities. Now in his 21st season with the Golden Gales, which makes him the coach with the longest current continuous tenure at any OCC program, Carpenter wasn’t about to change his routine. Carpenter played the first four-plus seasons of his 10year NFL career with the Oilers from 1977-81 and with Brazile, who spent his entire career from 1975-84 with the same team. “(Bingham) was here on (Aug. 3) and says, ‘You’re going with me for Robert,’ but I did not go,” Carpenter said. “I said, ‘Look, we’ve got our first day in pads on Saturday (Aug. 4). I don’t have a cell phone. I’m with the coaches here and I love all these kids from Lancaster. We love our kids and that’s all about why I’m still doing this.” Carpenter’s approach has helped his program make eight playoff appearances, and the Golden Gales have beaten perennial area power Pickerington Central six times since the Pickerington school district split into two programs in 2003. Carpenter also has his pro-
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gram’s limitations in mind as he continues to use the runbased wing-T offense. “We do (the wing-T) because that’s what our ability is,” Carpenter said. “It’s a grind-it-out, meat-grinder offense. We want to shorten the game. A lot of times we’re not the most athletic team on the field. We’re definitely not the fastest, but we have a reputation of being strong.” Last season, Lancaster took the eventual Division I state champion Tigers to the brink before losing 14-13 en route to a 4-6 overall finish that included a 1-4 record in the OCC-Ohio Division. The Golden Gales had made back-to-back playoff appearances in 2015 and 2016 during the first two seasons of the current OCC alignment, despite playing in a division where their overall participation numbers in grades 10-12 are lower than many of their opponents. The feeling of respect the players in the program have for Carpenter is mutual. “It’s awesome (playing for Lancaster) because you just want to make (Carpenter) proud because of all the accomplishments he’s had,” senior running back and linebacker Jake Richards said. “It makes us try better and play better.”
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24..................at Springfield Aug. 31 ....................vs. DeSales Sept. 7...............at Hilliard Darby Sept. 14....................vs. Newark Sept. 21..........at Upper Arlington *Sept. 28 ................at Grove City *Oct. 5 ...vs. Pickerington Central *Oct. 12 ..................vs. Gahanna *Oct. 19 .....at Pickerington North *Oct. 25 ...........vs. Reynoldsburg 2017 RESULTS (4-6 overall, 1-4 OCC-Ohio) Springfield ....................L, 55-21 DeSales........................L, 34-14 Hamilton (Ontario) Cathedral ...................................W, 70-13 Newark..........................W, 42-7 Hilliard Davidson ..........W, 14-10 *Grove City...................W, 28-14 *Pickerington Central ....L, 14-13 *Gahanna .....................L, 49-36 *Pickerington North.......L, 56-28 *Reynoldsburg ...............L 42-34 *League contest INSIDE THE GOLDEN GALES •Coach: Rob Carpenter, 21st season •Top players: Vince Albertini (OL/DL), Quinton Burke (OL), Reese Burwell (DL/TE), A.J. Cook (DB), Tony Curry (LB), Casey Finck (WR/DB/KR/PR), Mason Hamilton (RB/DB), Tyler Monk (QB), Jake Richards (RBLB) and Alex Widener (LB/RB) •Key losses: Brandon Barnette, Bryce Brumfield, Shea Goss, Brenden Harris, Jake Parker, D.J. Pearson, Nick Scott, Spencer Smith and Jon Spears
OFFENSE Senior quarterback Tyler Monk is among a group of returnees on offense for a team that averaged 30 points despite a schedule featuring seven opponents that finished .500 or better. Monk completed 35 of 69 passes for 597 yards with six touchdowns and seven interceptions and rushed for 262 yards and two touchdowns. Richards gained 262 yards on 37 carries with two scores and also had two touchdown receptions, while senior Alex Widener gained 342 yards on 52 attempts with six touchdowns. That trio – along with senior running backs Lucas Gauerke, Mason Hamilton and Payton Harris – will see the most action as the Golden Gales look to replace 2018 graduate Shea Goss (1,172 yards, 17 touchdowns) in the backfield. “We’ve got four running backs on the field because the quarterback is a running back in our offense,” Carpenter said. “We’re guaranteed to throw the ball twice, which is when we throw it in the bag and throw it on the bus. When you run the wing-T, if you execute you should be able to get 3 yards a crack, but if you throw you might have to get 5 yards. If we throw it a lot, we’re not winning.”
Mason Hamilton, shown against DeSales last season, will start at running back and in the secondary as the Golden Gales seek a return to the playoffs after going 4-6 last season. LORRIE CECIL/THISWEEK
The top receivers are juniors Max Hamilton and Casey Finck. Hamilton had five catches for 91 yards and one touchdown in last year’s regular-season finale, a 42-34 loss to Reynoldsburg. Senior Vince Albertini was a first-team all-district selection who returns to lead an offensive line that also includes junior Quinton Burke (6-foot4, 275 pounds), who Carpenter believes is a college prospect.
DEFENSE Many of the key players on offense also will start on defense, including Albertini on the line and Richards and Widener at linebacker. Senior Reese Burwell provides depth on the defensive line.
Senior A.J. Cook returns in the secondary after finishing with 58 tackles and two interceptions. Senior Isaac Oatney and sophomore Titan Johnson are others who should see time in the secondary, along with Finck, Gauerke, Mason Hamilton and Max Hamilton.
SPECIAL TEAMS Two of the top special teams contributors last season were Richards and Max Hamilton. Richards averaged 24.9 yards on 17 kickoff returns with one touchdown, while Hamilton averaged 20.5 yards on 18 kickoff returns. Senior Payton Stewart is the returning kicker after making 35 extra points and one field goal. Junior Curtis Young aver-
aged 33.1 yards per punt, including five inside the 20.
THE LINEUP
(jr., 6-4, 275), *Dalton Golden (jr., 6-1, 340), *Devon Pearson (jr., 6-0, 255), A.J. Black (jr., 6-2, 220), Simon Voight (jr., 6-3, 270) Defense Linemen: *Albertini, *Burwell, Weber, Black, Burke, Golden, Pearson, Voight Lineba nebackers: *Tony Curry (sr., 5-10, 180), *Richards, *Widener, Rothenberger Secondary: *A.J. Cook (sr., 6-1, 185), *Mason Hamilton, *Isaac Oatney (sr., 5-11, 170), *Poe, Gauerke, Finck, Max Hamilton, Titan Johnson (so., 5-11, 175) Special teams Kickers: *Payton Stewart (sr., 5-7, 120), Jonathan Slater (so.) Punter: *Young Returners: *Poe, *Richards, *Finck, *Max Hamilton, Mason Hamilton Long snapper: *Jackson Rienschield (sr., 5-9, 190) (*Denotes projected starter)
Offense Quarterbacks: *Tyler Monk (sr., 5-11, 180), Curtis Young (jr., 6-2, 190) Running backs: *Mason Hamilton (sr., 6-0, 180), *Ethan Poe (sr., 6-2, 200), *Jake Richards (sr., 6-0, 190), Lucas Gauerke (sr., 6-0, 185), Payton Harris (sr., 5-11, 180), Alex Widener (sr., 6-0, 195) Receivers: *Casey Finck (jr., 6-1, 165), Max Hamilton (jr., 5-10, 165) Tight ends: *Dominic Carpenter (jr., 6-0, 200), Reese Burwell (sr., 6-2, 215), Tristen Rothenberger (jr., 6-2, 240) Linemen: *Vince Albertini (sr., 5-11, 265), *Nate Weber julrey@thisweeknews.com (sr., 6-2, 225), *Quinton Burke @UlreyThisWeek
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OCC-O HIO D IVISION
Pickerington North
Panthers loaded with experience, depth By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM Being one of the final eight Division I teams last season has done wonders for the psyche of the Pickerington High School North football program. The Panthers aren’t dwelling on the fact that they are replacing the best quarterback (Jimmy Weirick) and the best wide receiver (Ty Wiley) statistically to come through the program, or that they also graduated one of the greatest linebackers (Nick Giardina) to put on their uniform or an Ohio State recruit (Alex Williams) from their defensive line. Even a schedule featuring six teams that made the Division I playoffs isn’t dampening North’s upbeat outlook. The Panthers – who have played five postseason games the last two seasons – enter their 16th season coming off a 10-3 overall finish that included a 4-1 record and runner-up finish in the OCC-Ohio Division. “We can definitely reach that stage again and hopefully go a little farther,” senior Tyler Foster said. “I think we have a really good chance to make a really good run this year. We have the talent and ability to beat all of (the teams on our schedule) and it comes down to if we show up.” Although North reached a state semifinal in 2012, the Panthers view last season’s 41-20 opening-round victory over Huber Heights Wayne as a benchmark win for the program, according to coach Nate Hillerich. The Warriors have made 20 postseason appearances, with four state runner-up finishes, and were seeded fourth when they faced North at home a year ago. The Panthers then avenged a regular-season loss to Centerville with a 42-12 victory in a regional semifinal before falling to eventual state champion Pickerington Central 3114 in the Region 3 title game. This year’s schedule figures to be just as challenging for North, which opens Aug. 24 at home against Olentangy Liberty. North also has home nonleague games against three other playoff qualifiers from last season in Dublin Jerome (Aug. 31), Olentangy Orange (Sept. 7) and Dubline Coffman (Sept. 21). In addition to Pickerington Central, which plays host to North on Oct. 12, travels to face another playoff qualifier in Gahanna on Oct. 26. “Our schedule is tough but we know the potential is there to beat anyone,” said Hillerich, who is entering his second season. “We’ve got guys who are experienced and know what it takes to win and have been in big games.”
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24......vs. Olentangy Liberty Aug. 31 ..........vs. Dublin Jerome Sept. 7 ......vs. Olentangy Orange Sept. 14.....at Westerville Central Sept. 21 ........vs. Dublin Coffman *Sept. 28 ..........at Reynoldsburg *Oct. 5 ..................vs. Grove City *Oct. 12 ..at Pickerington Central *Oct. 19.................vs. Lancaster *Oct. 26 ...................at Gahanna 2017 RESULTS (10-3 overall, 4-1 OCC-Ohio) Mississauga (Ontario) Clarkson North.............................W, 40-7 Dublin Jerome ...............W, 35-0 Centerville ....................L, 27-26 Westerville Central .........W, 42-3 Olentangy Liberty...........W, 42-0 *Reynoldsburg ...............W, 35-7 *Grove City ....................W, 49-7 *Pickerington Central ....L, 24-21 *Lancaster...................W, 56-28 *Gahanna ....................W, 35-16 PLAYOFFS Huber Heights Wayne...W, 41-20 Centerville ...................W, 42-12 Pickerington Central......L, 31-14 *League contest INSIDE THE PANTHERS •Coach: Nate Hillerich, second season •Top players: Jaylon Baylor (WR/DB/KR/PR), Tim Cheatwood (DB/WR),Tyler Foster (TE), Samuel Glover (OL/DL), Ben Johnson (LB), Michael Lowery (QB/P), Larry Martin (RB), Jack Sawyer (DL/RB/ WR/QB) and Chris Scott (WR/PR/P) •Key losses: Eli Davis, Que Davis, Nick Giardina,Tyler Potts, Kevaughn Robinson, Devin Snyder, Jimmy Weirick,Ty Wiley and Alex Williams
Larry Martin is back for his senior season after rushing for 605 yards and six touchowns last season. JOHN HULKENBERG/THISWEEK
OFFENSE Replacing Weirick at quarterback is senior Mike Lowery, who started for the Panthers as a freshman and then at Gahanna the last two seasons before moving back into the district for his final prep season. While Weirick completed 161 of 320 passes for 2,680 yards with 34 touchdowns and 12 interceptions and rushed for 1,083 yards and 12 scores, Lowery threw for 2,379 yards with 22 touchdowns and four interceptions last fall. Senior slot receiver Jaylon Baylor finished with 24 catches for 339 yards and six touchdown and junior wide receiver Chris Scott finished with 24 receptions for 485 yards and four scores. Senior tight end Tyler Foster, who has committed to Ohio University, had 27 catches for 330 yards and six scores. “It’s been going really well,” Baylor said. “The team has been clicking together as a unit and we should be really good this year and be able to do what we did last year and even more.” Sophomore Jack Sawyer, who already has received a scholarship offer from Ohio State, could see time at running back and wide receiver and also serves as the backup quarterback. Senior running back Larry Martin rushed for 605 yards and six touchdowns. Sophomore Jordan Lowery,
Senior Jimmy McBride is a returning starter at outside linebacker. Several players, including Baylor and senior Tim Cheatwood, were competing for playing time in the secondary throughout the preseason.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Chris Scott will be one of the top threats for quarterback Mike Lowery. Scott, a junior, had 24 catches for 485 yards and four touchdowns last season. LORRIE CECIL/THISWEEK
who is Michael Lowery’s brother, also is in the mix at wide receiver. Senior left tackle Sam Glover has committed to Navy. He is joined as a returning starter by senior Charlie Steioff, who likely will be at center.
DEFENSE The defense will be led by Sawyer (defensive end), who had 59 tackles as a freshman, and senior Ben Johnson (inside linebacker), who has committed to Ohio University after
finishing with 29.5 tackles for loss last season. Junior defensive end Trent Robinson is a move-in from Mifflin who should see time on a defensive line that also includes a returning starter in senior Dante Reed. Glover is expected to also start at tackle on defense. Senior Maricus Martin is a transfer from Reynoldsburg who likely will be eligible for only the first five games because of the OHSAA transfer rule.
Scott likely will lead the return team again after being the No. 1 punt returner last fall, and he also is a candidate to punt again along with Mike Lowery. Both Scott and Baylor could return kickoffs. Sophomore Tanner Pope, who was the kicker at the freshman and junior varsity levels last season, takes over at that spot for William Shalawylo, who made 56 of 59 extra points and two field goals as a senior.
THE LINEUP
(sr., 5-9, 205), Cliff Effah (jr., 5-11, 230), Josh Sanders (jr., 6-3, 245), Wyatt Stoddard (jr., 6-1, 218), Zach Addie (so., 61, 235), D.J. Davenport (so., 6-0, 270) Defense Linemen: *Glover, *Dante Reed (sr., 6-1, 205), *Sawyer, *Andrew Pinkins (jr., 5-9, 195), Trent Robinson (jr., 6-1, 295), Lawson Vaughn (jr., 6-1, 210) Linebac nebacke kerrs: *Ben Johnson (sr., 6-2, 194), *Jimmy McBride (sr., 5-10, 186), Maricus Martin (sr., 5-10, 215), Brandon Winbush (sr., 5-10, 186) Secondary: *Baylor, *Cheatwood, Deon’te McCutchen (jr., 5-11, 165), Dom Myers (jr., 510, 142), Josiah Williams (jr., 6-0, 171), Devin McShan (so., 5-9, 141) Special teams Kicker: *Tanner Pope (so., 6-0, 164) Punters: Mike Lowery, Chris Scott Returners: *Baylor, *Scott Long snapper: *Sanders (*Denotes projected starter)
Offense Quarterbacks: *Mike Lowery (sr., 6-1, 187), Jack Sawyer (so., 6-4, 217) Running backs: *Larry Martin (sr., 5-9, 205), Brandon Black (sr., 6-1, 215), Colby Baker (jr., 5-9, 182) Receivers: *Jaylon Baylor (sr., 5-9, 157), *Chris Scott (jr., 6-3, 186), Tim Cheatwood (sr., 6-5, 204), Sawyer Tight end: *Tyler Foster (sr., 6-5, 234) Linemen: *Samuel Glover (sr., 6-3, 275), *Charlie Steioff julrey@thisweeknews.com (sr., 6-0, 255), Zach Kenyon @UlreyThisWeek
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OCC-O HIO D IVISION
Grove City
Dawgs trying to gain winning mentality By FRANK DiRENNA THISWEEKSPORTS.COM
Tennyson Varney enters his second season as coach of the Grove City High School football team looking to turn around the program. The Dawgs finished 1-9 a season ago, but Varney is confident his team will continue to progress. “I feel like we’re starting to put our stamp on (the program),” he said. “We’re moving in the right direction. My coaches are doing a phenomenal job. We’re all moving in the same direction, understanding what we want and what we want to get done. I’m really happy with that.” Grove City lost a key player to graduation in running back Devin Dukes, who ran for 1,287 yards and 13 touchdowns on 199 carries after transferring from Ready. He was first-team all-OCC-Ohio Division. A leading candidate to replace Dukes in the backfield is senior D.J. Gatewood, who missed most of his sophomore season after suffering a broken leg in the opener against Hilliard Davidson and played mainly at linebacker last year. The team’s depth took a hit in the preseason as senior running back and defensive back
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24 ..........vs. Hilliard Davidson Aug. 31.........at Westerville Central Sept. 6............vs. Central Crossing Sept. 14.....................at Marysville Sept. 21.........vs. Canal Winchester *Sept. 28 ..................vs. Lancaster *Oct. 5 ..........at Pickerington North *Oct. 12 ..............vs. Reynoldsburg *Oct. 19......................vs. Gahanna *Oct. 26......at Pickerington Central 2017 RESULTS (1-9 overall, 0-5 OCC-Ohio) Hilliard Davidson ................L, 24-0 Olentangy ........................L, 21-10 Central Crossing...............L, 49-48 Marysville.........................L 23-14 Franklin Heights ..............W, 55-23
Kingston McKinstry injured his knee on the first play of a scrimmage against Chillicothe and is expected to miss at least five to six weeks. He was secondteam all-league a year ago. Grove City opens against Hilliard Davidson for the ninth consecutive season when it plays host to the Wildcats on Aug. 24. Davidson has won
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*Lancaster .......................L, 28-14 *Pickerington North ............L, 49-7 *Reynoldsburg ...................L, 27-7 *Gahanna.........................L, 62-35 *Pickerington Central........L, 48-14 *League contest INSIDE THE DAWGS •Coach: Tennyson Varney, second season •Top players: Luke Capehart (WR/DB), Broderick Cook (WR/DB), D.J. Gatewood (RB), Colton Hunt (WR/DB), Ben McGue (OL/DL), Kingston McKinstry (RB/DB) and Jevin Yors (WR/DB) •Key losses: Austin Butcher, Devin Dukes, Patrick Eanes, Cameron Lowther and Austin Sigler
seven of those eight games in which the teams have met in week one, with Grove City’s lone victory coming in 2014 (60). In the OCC-Ohio, the Dawgs went 0-5 last season to finish behind champion Pickerington Central (5-0) – which went on to win the Division I state title. “You find a better league in the state of Ohio and I want to look at it,” said Varney, whose team starts league play Sept. 28 against visiting Lancaster. “There’s not one game on our schedule where you can look and say ‘easy win.’ There’s no week off on our schedule. If a lot of teams played our schedule, it would be rough.” Varney said a three-day camp held in Xenia helped with team bonding as Grove City prepared for the season. “The camp was important for us to get away with no distractions to be able to coach some of these younger guys up,” Varney said. “We have a huge learning curve. We have a lot of guys who have never played varsity football before. Some of them are going to step up and do it and some of them are going to fall back. We have a lot to find out.”
OFFENSE Varney said a competition developed during the preseason to see who will replace 2018 graduate Austin Sigler at quarterback in the Dawgs’ spread offense. Sigler passed for 1,426 yards with nine touchdowns and six interceptions. Competing for the spot were juniors Jake Burris and Cole Crager and sophomore Jared Knight. “We have a three-headed monster at quarterback. We have a lot of competition,” Varney said. “We’re going to have to tailor the offense to whatever they can do.” With McKinstry expected to be sideline for at least half the season, Gatewood is expected
Kingston McKinstry (right) is expected to miss at least half the season after suffering a knee injury in a scrimmage against Chillicothe. BRENT CLARK/THISWEEK
to be the featured tailback and Crager also should see time at running back. Varney has been impressed with the leadership from seniors Luke Capehart, Broderick Cook and Colton Hunt at receiver, where junior Jevin Yors also will see action. “I feel like we’re closer as a team,” Capehart said. “We don’t have as many cliques as we had last year. We just went on a three-day camp to Xenia and we became close. We roomed with a bunch of different people. … We have to play as a team. That’s the biggest thing.” Senior guard Ben McGue is the lone returning starter on the offensive line, but he is confident the Dawgs will rebound. “We’re going to turn it around this year,” McGue said. “We installed a winning mentality the whole offseason and it’s going to be different this year. “Last year some people were still a little worried to buy into the program. They thought it was a little different, but this year everybody has totally bought in. We’ve been trusting the process and we’re ready to see where it takes us.” Joining McGue up front will be seniors Kevin McIntire (tackle) and Jeremy Dunlap (guard) and juniors Ryan
Bowen (tackle) and Brian Fisher 1, 180) Running backs: *D.J. Gate(center). wood (sr., 6-0, 215), Kingston McKinstry (sr., 6-0, 170), DEFENSE The defense also suffered a Crager Receivers ceivers:: *Luke Capehart setback with the injury to McK(sr., 6-1, 175), Broderick Cook instry, who started at safety last (sr., 5-5, 155), Colton Hunt (sr., season. 6-2, 170), Jevin Yors (jr., 5-11, Senior Cameron Spring and 160) sophomore Caden Gordon at Linemen: *Jeremy Dunlap cornerback and junior Blake (sr., 5-10, 290), *Kevin McInStevens at safety will look to tire (sr., 6-1, 205), *Ryan step up while McKinstry is out. Bowens (jr., 6-3, 275), *Brian Juniors Anthony Black (nose Fisher (jr., 6-0, 290) guard), Cory Jennings (end), Defense Will Moore (end), Aidan WalLinemen: *Anthony Black lace (end) and Joey Woolard (jr., 6-0, 290), *Corey Jennings (tackle) are key linemen. (jr., 5-10, 230), Will Moore (jr., Senior D.J. Neff will play 5-11, 210), Aidan Wallace (jr., middle linebacker, with senior 5-11, 225), *Joey Woolard (jr., Chase Allmon and junior Lucas 6-0, 265) Grandon on the outside. Linebackers: *D.J. Neff (sr., 5-8, 175), *Chase Allmon (sr., SPECIAL TEAMS 6-0, 170), *Lucas Grandon (jr., Senior Justin Swavely and 6-1, 185) Secondary: Cameron Spring sophomore Tyler Lantzy will split the kicking duties, and (sr., 6-2, 165), *Blake Stevens (jr., 5-8, 150), *Caden Gordon Lantzy is the punter. Cook will return punts and (so., 5-5, 140) Special teams kickoffs, but Varney added that Kickers: Justin Swavely (sr., other receivers also could return kicks. Allmon is the long snap- 6-0, 150), Tyler Lantzy (so., 60, 180) per. Punter: *Lantzy Returner: Cook THE LINEUP Long snapper: *Allmon Offense (*Denotes projected starter) Quarterbacks: Jake Burris (jr., 5-11, 160), Cole Crager (jr., fdirenna@thisweeknews.com 6-1, 190), Jared Knight (so., 6- @ThisWeekFrank
21
OCC-O HIO D IVISION
Lions move forward after unexpected losses By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM The Gahanna Lincoln High School football team is doing its best not to dwell on “what might have been” as it looks to make another run to the postseason under fifth-year coach Bruce Ward. In late December, the Lions had one of their top expected returnees, senior defensive lineman and TCU-commit Karter Johnson, enroll at defending Division I state champion Pickerington Central. Then on June 11, quarterback Mike Lowery announced that he was returning for his senior year to Pickerington North, where he played as a freshman before starting at Gahanna the last two seasons. Also during the offseason, offensive coordinator Jarrod Pruiett left to become an assistant at Pickerington North and three other players projected to be key contributors for the Lions moved into other districts. The flip side of the movement – chances for others to receive playing time – is what Ward and the program’s 70 players in grades 10-12 are banking on to keep their spirits high. Gahanna went 7-5 overall and placed fourth at 2-3 in the OCC-Ohio Division last fall. “It was tough there for a while, but you just move on,” Ward said. “You lose kids every year, whether it be to graduation, injuries, grades. Our kids look at it as an opportunity. There was no doubt (Lowery) was the starter but most kids want to come in with an opportunity of competing for a spot. “For those guys in the quarterback room, they were like, ‘Let’s go. Now we’ve got a shot.’ We’ll try to get better day by day.” The unexpected departures aside, the Lions have one of central Ohio’s top returning running backs in senior Justus Harris and the makings of a top-notch linebacking corps with the return of seniors Zajdi Hoxha, C.J. Kiss and David Williams. There’s also a foundation of success under Ward that includes three playoff appearances in four seasons, including last fall when the Lions pulled a first-round playoff upset over Olentangy Orange (38-37 in overtime) before losing 17-14 to eventual state semifinalist Olentangy Liberty in a Division I, Region 2 semifinal. Kiss is excited about the “close brotherhood” he’s been seeing, and Harris believes players like he and Kiss are ready for the challenge. “We’re going to have to show up for us because we’re the returning veterans,” Har-
sko and Williams were battling during the preseason for the long-snapper spot.
THE LINEUP
LaCarr Trent, a senior cornerback, had 34 pass deflections last season as the Lions went 7-5, losing to Olentangy Liberty 17-14 in the second round of the Division I playoffs. SHANE FLANIGAN/THISWEEK
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24.............at Cincinnati Elder Aug. 31............vs. Dublin Coffman Sept. 7....................vs. Springboro Sept. 14..................at New Albany Sept. 21 ......vs. Westerville Central *Sept. 27....at Pickerington Central *Oct. 5................vs. Reynoldsburg *Oct. 12.....................at Lancaster *Oct. 19 ....................at Grove City *Oct. 26.......vs. Pickerington North 2017 RESULTS (7-5 overall, 2-3 OCC-Ohio) Westerville Central............W, 24-3 Westerville South..............W, 34-0 Cincinnati Elder ...............L, 27-23 New Albany ....................W, 40-20 Dublin Coffman...............W, 34-32 *Pickerington Central .........L, 45-8 *Reynoldsburg..................L 21-14 *Lancaster......................W, 49-36
ris said. “We have some returning starters and our defense is pretty much the same. (The returnees) are going to have to hold it down.”
OFFENSE Harris gives the Lions an experienced go-to option after rushing for 1,019 yards and scoring 19 touchdowns last season. Junior Travis Whittaker, who is the son of Gahanna girls track and field coach Roger Whittaker, figures to play a
*Grove City .....................W, 62-35 *Pickerington North..........L, 35-16 PLAYOFFS Olentangy Orange ....W, 38-37 (OT) Olentangy Liberty.............L, 17-14 *League contest INSIDE THE LIONS •Coach: Bruce Ward, fifth season •Top players: Justus Harris (RB/KR/PR), Zajdi Hoxha (LB), C.J. Kiss (WR/TE/LB), Riley Lutsko (OL), A’che Sanchez-Baccus (OL/DL), LaCarr Trent (DB), Travis Whittaker (RB/DB), David Williams (LB/RB/LS) and Sam Young (WR/LB) •Key losses: Joel Andujar, Jerome Buckner, Cameren Carlisle, Jonathan Harrington, Mason Helsel, David Huguely, Karter Johnson, Mike Lowery and David Miller
bigger role in the backfield after missing four games last season with an injury. Kiss has offers from a group of schools that includes Akron as a tight end and likely will spend time at that position as well as wide receiver. Senior Riley Lutsko and junior A’che Sanchez-Baccus are returning starters on the offensive line. Lowery was the biggest loss on offense after passing for 2,379 yards with 22 touchdowns and four interceptions
last season. Senior Devin Jenkins, junior Will Thomas and sophomore Trey Burger competed during the preseason to take over for Lowery. “Trey was the quarterback on the freshman team last year and Devin and Will split time at (junior varsity),” Ward said. “They all bring different things. Will Thomas has a strong arm and throws a great deep ball. Trey is a more cerebral guy. Devin is more of a jack of all trades who can kind of do a little bit of everything.”
DEFENSE Williams finished with 73 tackles and expects to lead the defense along with senior cornerback LaCarr Trent, who had 34 pass deflections. Trent has been offered by Robert Morris and Tiffin. Hoxha started the first four games before going down with a season-ending injury. Whittaker should start in the secondary after playing a key role at linebacker during the second half of last season. Senior Josh Orkis is expected to be at nose tackle, with junior Qwyn Williams, Sanchez-Baccus, senior Lamine Kaba and junior Grant Terry all seeing time at end. Williams is the brother of 2015 Gahanna graduate Marq Williams, who is playing for Saginaw Valley State. Senior Sam Young, who is a wide receiver and linebacker, has been receiving interest from
Division II colleges.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Offense Quarterbacks: Devin Jenkins (sr., 6-0, 186), Will Thomas (jr., 6-1, 195), Trey Burger (so., 5-9, 177) Running backs: *Justus Harris (sr., 5-9, 193), *Travis Whittaker (jr., 5-8, 175), Dylan Kankiewicz (sr., 5-7, 157), David Williams (sr., 5-10, 185) Receivers: *C.J. Kiss (sr., 6-5, 217), *Kobie Stillwell (jr., 6-2, 168), Lee Bennett (sr., 60, 165), Sam Young (sr., 6-1, 171), Khalil Johnson (jr., 5-6, 139) Tight end: Kiss Linemen: *Riley Lutsko (sr., 6-0, 251), *Josh Orkis (sr., 59, 196), *A’che Sanchez-Baccus (jr., 6-2, 292), *Luke Baker (jr., 5-10, 201), Tommy Bailey (so., 6-4, 240), Mykohl Martin (so., 6-1, 276) Defense Linemen: *Orkis, *SanchezBaccus, *Qwyn Williams (jr., 6-2, 250), Lamine Kaba (sr., 6-3, 280), Dylan Brooking (jr., 5-7, 301), Grant Terry (jr., 62, 300) Linebackers: *Zajdi Hoxha (sr., 6-0, 213), *Kiss, *Williams, *Young, Baker Secondary: *LaCarr Trent (sr., 5-10, 160), *Whittaker, *Mason Weber (jr., 5-11, 188), Bennett, Jayden Hill (sr., 6-0, 165), Percy King (sr., 6-1, 17) Special teams Kicker: *Stillwell Punter: *Stillwell Returners: *Harris, *Reggie Pace (jr., 5-8, 160) Long snappers: Major Brown (sr., 6-2, 180), Lutsko, Williams (*Denotes projected starter)
Junior Kobie Stillwell is the returning kicker and punter. He averaged 35.9 yards per punt, with seven inside the 20, and made 30 extra points and six field goals. Harris, who returned one kickoff for a touchdown, figures to lead the return team. julrey@thisweeknews.com Senior Major Brown, Lut- @UlreyThisWeek
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OCC-O HIO D IVISION
Reynoldsburg
Raiders set on getting over hump By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM Coming agonizingly close to making the playoffs the last two seasons after reaching the postseason for the second time in program history in 2015 has raised the irritation level of the Reynoldsburg High School football team to a new high under coach Buddy White. After finishing 10th in the Division I, Region 3 computer ratings in 2016, the Raiders settled for ninth in the same region last fall despite finishing 7-3 overall and third at 3-2 in the OCC-Ohio Division. All their losses were to eventual playoff qualifiers, and had they been in Region 2 – the region they were placed this fall – the Raiders would have finished sixth in computer points. With the largest pool of players with a future at the Football Bowl Subdivision level that has been at his disposal, Reynoldsburg’s eighth-year coach sees a program ready to emerge as one of central Ohio’s best. The Raiders have gone 4130 under White with just one losing record but have yet to surpass seven victories in a season. “This is the most talent we’ve had since I’ve been here,” White said. “Especially with us now being in Region 2, that’s changed our goals around a little bit. Now we’re talking about winning a regional championships. Somebody’s got to win it. Why can’t it be us?” Including the offseason addition of senior defensive tackle Jeremiah Burton, who transferred from Westerville North and has committed to Ohio University, the Raiders have four seniors who have pledged to FBS programs. The others are two-way lineman Jay Amburgey (Ohio), defensive lineman Dezman Cooper (Miami) and wide receiver Mershawn Rice (Purdue). Senior Camby Goff (WR/DB) has offers from FBS programs as well. That group aside, White loves his junior class and also has a 6-foot-1, 300-pound freshman defensive lineman in Keyshawn Slaughter, who could start immediately, according to White. “We really want to show how good we really are,” Rice said. “There were times last year in certain games we’d give up and turn into a totally different team. We want to win the games we’re supposed to win.”
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24...........at Upper Arlington Aug. 31...........at Licking Heights Sept. 7..........vs. Marion-Franklin Sept. 14 ........at Central Crossing Sept. 21......vs. Westerville South *Sept. 28 ..vs. Pickerington North *Oct. 5......................at Gahanna *Oct. 12..................at Grove City *Oct. 19 .............vs. PIck. Central *Oct. 25 ..................at Lancaster 2017 RESULTS (7-3 overall, 3-2 OCC-Ohio) New Albany ..................L, 15-13 St. Charles .....................W, 34-0 Olentangy ......................W, 31-7 Central Crossing.............W, 21-7 Westerville Central .......W, 41-31 *Pickerington North.........L, 35-7 *Gahanna.....................W, 21-14 *Grove City.....................W, 27-7 *Pickerington Central ......L, 41-7 *Lancaster ...................W, 42-34 *League contest INSIDE THE RAIDERS •Coach: Buddy White, eighth season •Top players: Jay Amburgey (DL/OL), Jeremiah Burton (DL/OL), Dezman Cooper (LB/RB), Guy Cowans-Wright (RB), J’vonte Edwards (RB), Camby Goff (DB/WR), Princeton Hoskins (WR/KR), Ke’Shun Moorer (LB) and Mershawn Rice (WR/DB) •Key losses: D’Lacy Bass, Joe Boggs, Kyle Hawthorne, Justin Henry, Zach Kulik, Geniro McDowell, Marion Organ, Gabe Philhower and Elijah Ratliff
36 receptions for 701 yards and eight touchdowns. Seniors J’Vonte Edwards (256 yards, three touchdowns) and Guy Cowans-Wright (668 yards, six touchdowns) should lead the running game. Edwards missed the final six games with an injury. Seniors Princeton Hoskins (28 catches) and Shon Strickland and Camby Goff should be joined at wide receiver by a group that includes senior Lance Gauthney, who is one of the fastest athletes in the program. Junior Micah Coleman is a 6-foot-6, 210-pound transfer from Huber Heights Wayne who will play wingback Amburgey, senior Savion Turner and junior Jalen Bowens are returning starters on the offensive line. Junior Michael Whatley, who completed 20 of 36 passes for OFFENSE 328 yards and three touchdowns Rice leads a large group of mostly in a backup role, is the returnees after finishing with new quarterback.
Mershawn Rice, a senior wide receiver, is one of four Raiders to commit to Division I colleges. Rice, who had 36 receptions for 701 yards and eight touchdowns, has committed to Purdue. JOHN HULKENBERG/THISWEEK
Senior Ke’Shun Moorer (left) returns at linebacker afer recording 66 tackles last season. JOHN HULKENBERG/THISWEEK
“Our seniors have been our hardest workers, and it makes it a lot easier to coach,” White said. “I don’t know if I could be happier with these guys right now. It’s going to be an exciting year, I really believe that.”
DEFENSE With Amburgey, Burton and Cooper leading the way, the Raiders should have one of central Ohio’s top defensive lines despite losing Elijah Ratliff – who is now at Kent State – to graduation. Amburgey finished with 39.5 tackles and 11 tackles for loss, Cooper had 50.5 tackles and 10.5 tackles for loss and Burton was second-team all-OCCBuckeye Division. Senior Ke’Shun Moorer is a returning starter at linebacker
after finishing with 66 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss. Camby Goff returns at safety after making 38.5 tackles. Seniors Donovan Hines (DB), Noah Mwaitenda (DL), Trenton Scherger (DL), Khyrek Woods (LB) and Rice and junior Courtland Bullard (DB) are other experienced returnees, and Gauthney also should contribute in the secondary. “We’re going to be a good defense this year because everything starts up front, and if we cause pressure they can’t (move the ball),” Cooper said.
SPECIAL TEAMS The Raiders will have a new kicker for the first time since 2016 after losing Gabe Philhower to graduation. He will be replaced by junior Cocy
Goff, last year’s junior varsity kicker. Senior Emmanuel Crawford takes over at punter for Philhower, who averaged 36.9 yards. Hoskins is expected to be the main kickoff and punt returner.
THE LINEUP
(sr., 5-10, 180), *Mershawn Rice (sr., 6-2, 198), *Shon Strickland (jr., 6-3, 200), Lance Gauthney (sr., 6-2, 190), Kentwon Brown (jr., 5-11, 170), Micah Coleman (jr., 6-6, 210), James Dean (jr., 5-10, 180), Doniven Jackson (jr., 6-0, 170), Andree Mock (jr., 6-2, 180) Linemen: *Jay Amburgey (sr., 6-5, 280), *Ben Fitzgerald (sr., 6-7, 275), *Savion Turner (sr., 5-10, 250), *Jalen Bowens (jr., 5-11, 255), *Dalton Hall (so., 6-4, 240), Jeremiah Burton (sr., 6-2, 285), Matt Compton (sr., 6-1, 245), Terrell Lewis (sr., 5-10, 235) Defense Linemen: *Amburgey, *Burton, *Cooper, Trenton Scherger (sr., 5-10, 185), Noah Mwaitenda (sr., 6-0, 285), Kahlil Smith (sr., 6-1, 260), Everett Jones (jr., 5-11, 210), Rob McClain (jr., 6-1, 245), Keyshawn Slaughter (fr., 6-1, 310) Linebackers: *Ke’Shun Moorer (sr., 6-2, 235), *Khyrek Woods (sr., 6-0, 220), Cooper, Bryden Scherger (sr., 5-9, 190), Marshawn Massey (jr., 5-10, 195), Ethan Sherrick (jr.., 5-10, 220), Myles Carter (so., 6-0, 220) Secondary: *Camby Goff, Darien Abrams (sr., 6-1, 215), Gauthney, Donovan Hines (sr., 5-11, 180), Evan Jenkins (sr., 5-8, 180), Rice, Bullard, Geoffrey Daniels (jr., 6-0, 200), Bryon Eddings (jr., 5-10, 170), Cocy Goff, Deshawn Mattox (jr., 5-11, 185), Isaiah Thomas (jr., 5-10, 170), Omari Jones (so., 5-11, 180) Special teams Kicker: *Cocy Goff Kicker Punter: *Emmanuel Crawford (sr., 6-2, 240) Returners: *Gauthney, *Hoskins Long snapper: *Trenton Scherger (*Denotes projected starter)
Offense Quarterbacks: *Michael Whatley (jr., 5-11, 180), Dijonne Jennings (fr., 5-10, 170) Running backs: *Guy Cowans-Wright (sr., 6-0, 230), *J’Vonte Edwards (sr. 5-10, 185), Dezman Cooper (sr., 62, 215), Marc Anthony-Brown (jr., 5-10, 180), Courtland Bullard III (jr., 5-11, 185), Cocy Goff (jr., 5-10, 185) Receivers: *Camby Goff (sr., julrey@thisweeknews.com 6-1, 185), *Princeton Hoskins @UlreyThisWeek
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OCC-C ENTRAL D IVISION
Hilliard Davidson
’Cats face rugged schedule in bid to reach playoffs By FRANK DiRENNA THISWEEKSPORTS.COM After failing to make the playoffs for the first time in 10 years, the Hilliard Davidson High School football team enters the season with renewed motivation. Davidson – which has become accustomed to contending for league, regional and even state titles – fell short of both goals last season, went 5-5 overall to miss the postseason for the first time since 2007 and only the second time in the last 15 years. The Wildcats finished 12th in Division I, Region 3 as the top eight teams qualified for the playoffs. “It’s certainly not something we’re accustomed to and, hopefully, we can get some things figured out and not have to suffer through that kind of a season again this year,” said coach Brian White, whose team will face one of the area’s most challenging schedules. Davidson opens Aug. 24 at Grove City, and the Wildcats will be looking for their eighth victory in nine meetings since the teams started their annual week one matchup. Grove City’s lone win came in 2014 (6-0). The schedule also includes a non-league contest Sept. 21 at home against Pickerington Central, pitting a pair of past state champions. Central won the Division I state title last season, with Davidson capturing titles in 2006 and 2009. Other non-conference matchups are with Hilliard Darby (Aug. 31), Hillliard Bradley (Sept. 7) and Olentangy Liberty (Sept. 14). Bradley defeated Davidson 28-10 last season and has won two consecutive OCC-Cardinal titles while reaching the
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At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24 ..................at Grove City Aug. 31 ............vs. Hilliard Darby Sept. 7...........vs. Hilliard Bradley Sept. 14 ......at Olentangy Liberty Sept. 21.............vs. Pick. Central *Sept. 28.......at Central Crossing *Oct. 5...........vs. Upper Arlington *Oct. 12..........at Dublin Coffman *Oct. 19..................at Marysville *Oct. 26 ..................vs. Westland 2017 RESULTS (5-5 overall, 4-1 OCC-Central) Grove City ......................W, 24-0 Hilliard Darby.............L, 9-6 (OT) Hilliard Bradley..............L, 28-10 Olentangy Liberty..........L, 17-10 Lancaster .....................L, 14-10 *Central Crossing ...........W, 40-0 *Upper Arlington...............W, 9-6 *Dublin Coffman ...........L, 17-14 *Marysville.....................W, 28-7 *Westland ......................W, 70-0 *League contest INSIDE THE WILDCATS •Coach: Brian White, 20th season •Top players: Evan Annis (RB/LB), Josiah Ezirim (OL/DL), Carson Felicetty (QB), Mitch Moore (TE/LB), Kalib O’Connor (RB), Myles Paazig (OL/DL), Ethan Royer (RB/LB), Cal Ryan (OL/DL) and Christian Sweet (RB/WR) •Key losses: Sam Backenstoe, Jah’von Lynch, Davis Sell, Jon Stull and Ben Wright
Christian Sweet is one of several players expected to see time in the Wildcats’ backfield. Despite winning four of its last five games, Davidson missed the playoffs for the first time since 2007. BRENT CLARK/THISWEEK
Division I postseason both years. Olentangy Liberty edged the Wildcats 17-10 last year and went on to reach a Division I state semifinal before losing 2721 to Mentor. Liberty also won the OCC-Buckeye at 5-0 and is expected to contend for another league title. The Wildcats travel to Central Crossing on Sept. 28 to begin OCC-Central Division play. Last season, Davidson went
4-1 in the league to finish second behind Dublin Coffman (50). The teams meet Oct. 12 at Coffman in what should again be a key matchup to determine the league champion. Senior linebacker Ethan Royer is looking forward to help leading a turnaround season. “We’re definitely disappointed with how we finished last year,” he said. “A lot of close games, a lot of tough opponents, but we have an even tougher schedule this year. A lot of great teams we have to play and we’re definitely looking to get back on track.” White is the longest-tenured coach in the OCC-Central as he enters his 20th season, ahead of Coffman’s Mark Crabtree, who is in his 18th season. White likes the progress of the team, but said there’s still room for improvement in a crucial area. “We have a long ways to go with what I discovered is one of the more important factors in determining the success of your team, and that’s chemistry. We still have a long way to go there, but if we ever get our chemistry where it needs to be, we’ll definitely be better than we were last year. “If we don’t get our chemistry where it needs to be, I don’t know if, regardless of our experience, we’ll be any better than we were last year.” Davidson lost several key players to graduation, including Sam Backenstoe, who anchored the offensive line at center and is playing football for Army.
OFFENSE
DEFENSE
Davidson will again utilize its traditional ground attack, with senior Carson Felicetty at quarterback. Senior Kalib O’Connor, who rushed for a team-high 639 yards with two touchdowns last season, returns as the starting fullback. Senior Jordan Hicks (331 yards rushing, one touchdown) should be featured at slotback, and seniors Christian Sweet, Timmy Sanford and Christian Wilson also will see time in the backfield. Key receivers are Sweet, seniors C.W. Hess and Matt Ryan and juniors Alex Painter and Evan Tekancic. Seniors Evan Annis and Brennan Connolly will see time at tight end, a crucial blocking position in the team’s run-oriented offense. The offensive line took a hit with the graduation of Backenstoe, but returning starters include seniors Chase Miles (center), Cal Ryan (left guard) and Myles Paazig (right tackle) and junior Cameron Curry (right guard). Junior Nick Sands also looks to contribute. “We do what we do,” White said. “While it might not be as exciting for some people, it’s a formula that has proven to be successful for us. It proves to be successful for the Naval Academy, Georgia Tech, Army and that’s who we see ourselves as. We’re not going to win a lot of games based on our talent. We have to win games based on our discipline and our scheme and our technique and controlling the controls.”
The Wildcats’ 50 shade defense should be led at linebacker by Royer and Annis, who both are entering their third years as starters and are considered two of the area’s top defensive players. “I like where our linebackers are,” White said. “Evan Annis and Ethan Royer are exceptional. They’re legit. They’re the real deal.” “We’re just trying to come together right now,” Annis said. “We focused a lot in the offseason on chemistry, just trying to become tighter with our units and really trying to make the team as a whole better.” Senior Mitch Moore is another returning starter at linebacker. The line should feature seniors Josiah Ezirim (end) and A.J. Hudkins (tackle) and juniors Dylan Bunyak (tackle), Gage Keys (end), Dylan Kokoska (tackle) and Bobby Smith (tackle). The secondary has experience led by senior David May, a returning starter at cornerback. Other defensive backs are senior Timmy Sanford (cornerback) and juniors Nick Dymek (strong safety) and Alex Van Voorhis (free safety).
Timmy Sanford (sr., 6-0, 180), Christian Sweet (sr., 5-8, 170), Christian Wilson (sr., 5-9, 164) Receivers: *C.W. Hess (sr., 5-11, 167), *Matt Ryan (sr., 63, 206), Sweet, Tekancic, Alex Painter (jr., 5-5, 145) Tight ends: Evan Annis (sr., 6-0, 205), *Brennan Connolly (sr., 5-10, 201) Linemen: *Chase Miles (sr., 6-0, 229), *Myles Paazig (sr., 62, 246), *Cal Ryan (sr., 6-2, 249), *Cameron Curry (jr., 5-9, 239), *Nick Sands (jr., 6-0, 213) Defense Linemen: *Josiah Ezirim (sr., 6-6, 267), A.J. Hudkins (sr., 510, 202), Dylan Bunyak (jr., 510, 189), *Gage Keys (jr., 6-5, 231), Dylan Kokoska (jr., 6-0, 211), Bobby Smith (jr., 5-7, 179) Linebackers: *Annis, *Mitch Moore (sr., 6-2, 183), *Ethan Royer (sr., 6-2, 216), Bunyak Secondary: *David May (sr., 6-2, 173), *Sanford, *Nick Dymek (jr., 5-11, 181), *Alex Van Voorhis (jr., 6-0, 172) Special teams Kicker: *Sean Carrier (jr., 511, 185) Puntter: *Jackson Lightfoot Pun THE LINEUP (jr., 6-0, 170) Offense Returners: Sanford, Sweet Quarterbacks: *Carson Long snapper: *Jake Blevins Felicetty (sr., 6-3, 179), Evan (jr., 5-11, 198) Tekancic (jr., 6-1, 178) (*Denotes projected starter) Running backs: *Jordan Hicks (sr., 5-10, 191), *Kalib fdirenna@thisweeknews.com O’Connor (sr., 5-10, 183), @ThisWeekFrank
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Dublin Coffman
’Rocks expect winning tradition to continue By SCOTT HENNEN THISWEEKSPORTS.COM
At a glance
It seems to be the same story every season for coach Mark Crabtree as he begins preseason practices with the Dublin Coffman High School football team. The Shamrocks always seem to lose several top-flight college recruits while returning a handful of starters and having some eager players waiting to make the most of their first varsity chance. That’s the case again this year. Coffman lost linebackers Jeslord Boateng (Michigan State), Griffin Hoak (Youngstown State) and Luke Crabtree (Ashland), the coach’s son. Tight end Kaleb Holcomb went to the Air Force Academy and quarterback Marcus Ernst signed to play baseball at Ohio State. The Shamrocks finished 83 overall, losing to visiting Olentangy 28-24 in the opening round of the Division I, Region 2 playoffs. They won the OCC-Central Division at 5-0, ahead of runner-up Hilliard Davidson (4-1). However, coach Crabtree said the team’s success comes not from the upper-rung play-
2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24 ...................vs. Perrysburg Aug. 31 .......................at Gahanna Sept. 7................at Dublin Jerome Sept. 14 ...................vs. Olentangy Sept. 21 ........at Pickerington North *Sept. 28 ...................at Marysville *Oct. 5 ............vs. Central Crossing *Oct. 12..........vs. Hilliard Davidson *Oct. 19 ......................at Westland *Oct. 26............vs. Upper Arlington 2017 RESULTS (8-3 overall, 5-0 OCC-Central) Perrysburg ........................W, 45-0 Dublin Scioto.....................W, 38-0 Brantford (Ontario) St. John’s College .............................W, 49-0 Olentangy ........................L, 31-14 Gahanna..........................L, 34-32 *Marysville........................W, 28-7 *Central Crossing ..............W, 35-0 *Hilliard Davidson............W, 17-14
Ryan Hamilton is the lone returning starter at linebacker for the Shamrocks. The senior was second-team all-league after recording 60 tackles last season. SHANE FLANIGAN/THISWEEK
ers but from the workman-like efforts of the rest of the team. “Sometimes your record is a little better than your talent,” said Crabtree, who is in his
18th season. “Some people think when you go 8-2 and have a kid that is going to a big-time school, that’s it. What they don’t realize is the peo-
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ple surrounding them are just your average, everyday high school football players. That’s what we win with. The more guys you have like that, the better you will be.” Senior Ethan Brown will line up at quarterback after biding his time behind Ernst and 2017 graduate Drew Hodgson. “I’m ready from learning from those seniors in the past two seasons,” said Brown, who moved to Coffman from Marysville during his freshman year. “I came in from Marysville, and it has been a learning process. Coach Crabtree has done a good job of getting me ready to play.” Crabtree has no doubts that Brown has the ability to lead
his team. “He’s ready,” Crabtree said. “Ethan has paid his dues and he feels very comfortable and confident with what we do. He knows the offense and now it comes down to refining and working on his technique and working on his footwork. You always have to work on footwork as a quarterback. “He’s really intelligent and really hard-working. I think he feels more comfortable and is becoming more confident. He feels like he’s a part of the program and can do everything that comes with playing that position at this school.” The Shamrocks open Aug. 24 at home against Perrysburg. When they do, they will have a couple of high-impact athletes taking the field in junior
*Westland .........................W, 49-0 *Upper Arlington................W, 14-7 PLAYOFFS Olentangy ........................L, 28-24 *League contest INSIDE THE SHAMROCKS •Coach: Mark Crabtree, 18th season •Top players: Ethan Brown (QB), Alex Dluzynski (WR), Matt Dorenkott (WR), Mike Drennan (WR/RB), Eric Feng (OL), A.J. Kirk (WR/DB), Cam Kirk (RB), Ryan Hamilton (LB), Josh Pittro (OL), Colton Wolfe (OL), Devin Zinser (OL) and Zack Zinser (OL) •Key losses: Cole Bagozzi, Jeslord Boateng, Luke Crabtree, Darius Cummings, Jordan Drye, Marcus Ernst, Sam Hackett, Griffin Hoak, Kaleb Holcomb, Danny Kinzeler, Max Koehler, Cam Scott and Gavin Sturdivant
slotback Mike Drennen and sophomore defensive back A.J. Kirk, both of whom have drawn interest from Division I college programs. Drennen missed all but four games last fall with a foot injury and finished with 12 receptions for 179 yards and one touchdown. Kirk, the stepbrother of former Ohio State and NFL player Mike Doss, had 40 tackles and two interceptions. “We have some guys who can run and do some good things. But until you see them on the field in a competitive environment, you don’t know,” Crabtree said. “It’s a fun group and it’s a competitive group that wants to win. They have been competing against each other for positions and competition is good. They have to step up when it’s their opportunity.”
OFFENSE
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Brown will be the fourth quarterback to run the Shamrocks’ spread attack in as many seasons following Ernst, Hodgson and 2016 graduate Gunnar Hoak, who is playing at Kentucky. Helping his cause is the return of Drennen (honorable mention all-district), who lines up either in the backfield or as a receiver. Two senior starters are back on the line in center Josh Pittro and tackle Zach Zinser, while senior Eric Feng was a part-time starter at guard. “I definitely think my ability to run between the tackles allows me to be more mobile,” Brown said. “It’s also good to have Mike back there. I just need to get the ball to him in open space and he can make a lot of things happen.” Senior Bryce Hostetler returns at H-back, a tight
SHAMROCKS >> 47
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Westland
First-year coach looking to build Cougars’ roster By FRANK DiRENNA THISWEEKSPORTS.COM First-year Westland High School football coach Rick Rios is looking forward to his latest challenge, attempting to turn around a Cougars program that has won 13 games in the past 10 seasons. Rios replaces Kyle Goebbel, who stepped down after going 8-32 in four seasons. The Cougars won seven games during Goebbel’s first two years, but posted only one victory during the past two seasons. Westland also had just five wins during the six seasons before Goebbel’s arrival. “We have a long ways to go, but we’re getting to the point where we’re starting to see the foundation that we’re trying to implement and changing the culture a little bit and competing a little bit more,” Rios said. “The attitude and effort have been relatively good. You’re always going to have teachable moments and little speed bumps along the way.” The new era in Westland football opens Aug. 24, when the Cougars play host to Licking Heights. An early goal for Rios is building up the size of the roster, which had around 45 players in grades 10 through 12 but only 16 freshmen during the preseason. Rios said the program is in jeopardy of not fielding a freshman team this season. “I wish the numbers were better,” Rios said. “We may have to take the bullet with such a late start. I didn’t get a chance to get into the middle schools at the end of the year, not being here. We may have to go one year and then build behind it. It’s going to be a process. We knew that coming in.” Westland opens the OCCCentral Division schedule Sept. 28 at Upper Arlington. Last season, the Cougars finished 1-9 overall and 0-5 in the OCC-Central, placing sixth behind champion Dublin Coffman (5-0). A 1987 graduate of Toledo Rogers, Rios played two seasons at John Carroll University before returning to his alma mater as freshman coach. He then served as the varsity coach at Rogers from 2000-10, compiling a 59-54 record for the most wins in program history. The Rams qualified for the Division II playoffs in 2000, 2005 and 2009. Rios was the coach at Warren Harding in 2011, going 28, and then served as offensive coordinator at Canton McKinley from 2012-14 before tak-
ing over as coach at Loudonville. Rios went 6-24 in three seasons at Loudonville, including 0-10 last season. “For us, the picture is bigger than just winning football games,” Rios said. “It’s going to be about growing up young men, teaching them how to be responsible and accountable for their actions. We believe if we do what we’re supposed to do, we’ll get the results we’re expecting.”
OFFENSE Westland will utilize a fasttempo, no-huddle spread offense, led by the return of senior quarterback DeShawn Evans. Westland’s hopes for success last season took a major hit in week 4 when Evans suffered a broken right ankle against Franklin Heights. He suffered three broken bones and a torn ligament and underwent surgery in September. “We’re really excited about what we have, a lot of talent coming back and some young guys stepping up,” Evans said. “It should be a good year.” Evans passed for 292 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions before being injured. Junior Buddy Workman, who replaced Evans at quarterback, will move back to receiver. Senior Daunte Campbell, who led Westland in receiving with 26 catches for 377 yards and four touchdowns, is another key receiver. Senior Anthony Widen will split time at tight end and receiver. He had 21 receptions for 346 yards and two touchdowns and was second-team all-league. “With our new coaching staff, they have us well prepared for the new season,” Widen said. Other receivers are seniors Jonathan Curry and Isaiah Dukes and juniors Kyle Bowles and Robert Clark. Junior Peterson Iresne should be the featured tailback, and senior Manuel Mickens also will see time in the backfield. “We’ll push the accelerator a little bit and go faster than I think most people have seen before,” Rios said. “We want to control the tempo.” The offensive line, which must replace 2018 graduate Trent Bott, will feature seniors Tyler Perry (center), Abraham Ornelas (guard) and Dominick Hughes (tackle). “I’m really excited for the season,” Ornelas said. “It’s exciting getting a new coach and seeing all the work we’ve
Daunte Campbell returns for his senior season after catching 26 passes for 377 yards and four touchdowns last fall. JOHN HULKENBERG/THISWEEK
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24.............vs. Licking Heights Aug. 31............vs. Marion-Franklin Sept. 7 ......................vs. Delaware Sept. 14............at Franklin Heights Sept. 21........vs. Olentangy Orange *Sept. 28 ...........at Upper Arlington *Oct. 5......................vs. Marysville *Oct. 12 ...........at Central Crossing *Oct. 19............vs. Dublin Coffman *Oct. 26 ...........at Hilliard Davidson 2017 RESULTS (1-9 overall, 0-5 OCC-Central) Licking Heights ................L, 52-21 Mifflin..............................L, 27-21 Delaware ........................W, 19-14 Franklin Heights ...............L, 41-28
been putting in in the weight room. The whole team has bought into (Rios’) program and it was just amazing seeing everybody working so hard. …The hard work has really stood out.” Seniors Kyle Newman and Jorge Rodriguez, junior Aboubakare Dabo and sophomore Payton Hayes should also be in the mix up front.
DEFENSE
Canal Winchester .............L, 24-14 *Upper Arlington.................L, 39-7 *Marysville.........................L, 27-6 *Central Crossing .............L, 48-21 *Dublin Coffman.................L, 49-0 *Hilliard Davidson...............L, 70-0 *League contest INSIDE THE COUGARS •Coach: Rick Rios, first season •Top players: Daunte Campbell (WR/DB), DeShawn Evans (QB/P), Peterson Iresne (RB/DB), Abraham Ornelas (OL/DL), Tyler Perry (OL/DL), Anthony Widen (WR/TE) and Buddy Workman (WR/DB) •Key losses: Matt Bailey,Trent Bott, Ousmane Dabo and Soriba Kaba
Dukes and senior Davir Fields will also play linebacker. The secondary will include Curry, Mickens, Iresne and Workman at safety and Bowles and seniors Malique Douglas and Nate Douglas at cornerback. “That’s where I’ve seen the most improvement,” Rios said of the defense. “I thought coming in we had a chance to be good offensively and I think we will be. Defensively is where I’ve seen the most progress. I’ve seen our guys flying to the football and doing some good things.”
The team’s 3-4 base defense will feature Dabo and Rodriguez at tackle and senior Mike Moore at nose guard, with Newman also seeing SPECIAL TEAMS action up front. Senior Andrew Sherman Dabo is the kicker, with should start at outside line- Evans handling punting duties. Rios said a competition backer with junior Nick Spires and Martin at inside linebacker. developed during the presea-
son among Campbell, Curry, Dukes, Iresne, Mickens and Workman to return kicks. “That’s a little bit of a concern right now,” Rios said. “You have to catch it first. It’s wide open.” Sherman is the long snapper.
THE LINEUP
220)
Defense Linemen: *Mike Moore (sr., 6-0, 295), Newman, *Rodriguez, *Dabo Linebackers: *Dukes, Davir Fields (sr., 5-9, 180), Nick Martin (sr., 5-10, 185), Mickens, *Andrew Sherman (sr., 6-2, 205), *Nick Spires (jr., 5-10, 195) Secondary: *Curry, Malique Douglas (sr., 5-8, 145), *Nate Douglas (sr., 5-7, 150), Bowles, Iresne, *Workman Special teams Kicker: *Dabo Punter: *Evans Returners: Campbell, Curry, Dukes, Mickens, Iresne, Workman Long snapper: *Sherman (*Denotes projected starter)
Offense Quarterback: *DeShawn Evans (sr., 6-3, 205) Running backs: Manuel Mickens (sr., 5-7, 165), *Peterson Iresne (jr., 5-10, 185) Receivers: *Daunte Campbell (sr., 5-11, 165), Jonathan Curry (sr., 6-0, 172), *Isaiah Dukes (sr., 6-0, 180), Anthony Widen (sr., 6-3, 195), Kyle Bowles (jr., 6-0, 160), Robert Clark (jr., 6-2, 210), *Buddy fdirenna@thisweeknews.com Workman (jr., 6-0, 180) @ThisWeekFrank Tight ends: *Widen, Clark Linemen: *Dominick Hughes (sr., 6-1, 250), *Kyle Newman (sr., 6-0, 215), *Abraham Ornelas (sr., 5-11, 240), *Tyler Perry (sr., 5-11, 190), Jorge Rodriquez (sr., 6-2, 272), ThisWeek covers the *Aboubakare Dabo (jr., 5-10, news as it happens. 268), Payton Hayes (so., 5-11,
Good Luck Teams!
Westland, Franklin Heights and Central Crossing
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Upper Arlington
Bears motivated by last season’s struggles By DAVE PURPURA THISWEEKSPORTS.COM Nick Fisanick still shakes his head in disgust when he looks back at last year for the Upper Arlington High School football team. A rash of injuries that ended the seasons of two offensive linemen and the projected starting tailback, three losses by 10 points or fewer and a win that later had to be forfeited because of an ineligible player added up to a 4-6 record, marking UA’s first losing season since 2004. “There were a lot of games I felt like we should have won and, because of that, I just think this season will be special for us,” said Fisanick, a senior middle linebacker and one of seven returning starters on defense. “We will be very motivated to win those games, and we have all this experience. We learned a lot from (2017).” Coupled with eight returning starters on offense, including senior quarterback Sammy Sass and a senior-laden offensive line, fifth-year coach Joel Cutler hopes his team has what it takes to return to the Division I playoffs for the first time since 2015. “All those young men have Friday night experience. That means something,” Cutler said. “They won’t lose their minds. They can handle things and still be excited but composed. They’ve been groomed and prepped for quite some time.” Like last year, UA will be in Region 2 with, among others, Dublin Coffman, Dublin Jerome, Olentangy, Olentangy Liberty and Olentangy Orange. The Bears open Aug. 24 at home against another Region 2 school in Reynoldsburg, the first part of a largely revamped
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug.24................vs. Reynoldsburg Aug. 31 ..........................at Findlay Sept. 7.......vs. Cinn. Winton Woods Sept. 14..........at Westerville South Sept. 21....................vs. Lancaster *Sept. 28 ...................vs. Westland *Oct. 5.............at Hilliard Davidson *Oct. 12.....................at Marysville *Oct. 19 ..........vs. Central Crossing *Oct. 26.............at Dublin Coffman 2017 SCHEDULE (4-6 overall, 2-3 OCC-Central) St. Charles ........................W, 53-0 Westerville Central ...........L, 31-21 Westerville North.............W, 24-14 Westerville South ...............L, 26-0 Pickerington Central...........L, 41-7
Sammy Sass returns at quarterback after completing 95 of 202 passes for 1,342 yards and 13 touchdowns. “I see a more mature Sammy Sass,” coach Joel Cutler said. SHANE FLANIGAN/THISWEEK
non-league schedule. UA played all three Westerville high schools each of the past two seasons but replaced Central and North with Cincinnati Winton Woods and Findlay, and will play Lancaster instead of defending Division I state champion Pickerington Central. UA begins OCC-Central Division play Sept. 28 at home against Westland. The Bears went 2-3 in the league last year, tying Central Crossing and Marysville for third place behind Coffman (5-0). “One of the big things we’re trying to do is instill that ‘next man’ mentality in case somebody goes down. We saw too much of that last year,” said senior lineman Jackson Ness, a Boston College commit. “We want to bring them along with
our experience and develop the stands what his responsibiliyoung guys a little bit.” ties are, both pre- and postsnap, and he is a leader in the huddle,” Cutler said. “He is OFFENSE really staying even-keeled, not Four seniors, including cen- too much high or too much ter Tyler Imhoff, Ness at left low. He is managing, being a guard, Brown commit Jud good field general if you will, Utgard at left tackle and and handling himself extremely guard/tackle Sam Schadek, will well. I am excited to see what anchor the offensive line along kind of year he is going to have. with junior right tackle Sean He can hit every throw on the McRae. field.” Sass returns after completJunior running back Eli ing 95 of 202 passes for 1,342 D’Herete, who rushed for 479 yards with 13 touchdowns and yards and four touchdowns on 10 interceptions last season. A 96 carries last season, leads a Wright State commit in base- backfield that also includes junball, Sass is largely recovered ior Chris Schweisthal. UA’s from a broken left thumb – on top two receivers are back in his non-throwing hand – suf- seniors Josh Rushin (27 catches, 420 yards, 4 touchfered in April. “I see a more mature Sammy downs) and Steven Bair (26 Sass. He has an extreme knowl- catches, 389 yards, 3 touchedge of the offense. He under- downs).
DEFENSE Fisanick is one of three returning linebackers, along with seniors Tommy Dilz and Ben Krimm. A second-year starter, Fisanick is moving from weak-side linebacker to the middle to replace Dante Landolfi, who made a team-high 101 tackles and now plays at Columbia. Ness had a team-high seven sacks. Junior Zayne Ritchey, a transfer from St. Charles, also might start. Senior lineman Ryan Hurst, who started as a sophomore but was injured last year, joins Ness and Schadek on the line. McRae also might rotate in. “Our defensive line should be really good. The front seven is always tremendously important,” Ness said. “We have a front seven that can light it up. That will be a strength of ours.”
*Westland .........................W, 39-7 *Hilliard Davidson.................L, 9-6 *Marysville........................W, 34-7 *Central Crossing..............L, forfeit *Dublin Coffman.................L, 14-7 *League contest INSIDE THE GOLDEN BEARS •Coach: Joel Cutler, fifth season •Top players: Steven Bair (WR), Eli D’Herete (RB), Nick Fisanick (LB), Ben Krimm (LB/P), Sean McRae (OL/DL), Jackson Ness (OL/DL), Josh Rushin (WR), Sammy Sass (QB), Sam Schadek (OL/DL) and Jud Utgard (OL) •Key losses: Nick Cipriano, Avery Heath, Matt Hoke, Dante Landolfi and Dylan Lewis
Senior cornerback Nathan Junk is the only returning starter in the backfield. According to Cutler, several other players will see time into the secondary, including seniors Jason Bai, Michael Billman, Rushin and Mohammad Shaban and juniors Liam Keethler and Marco Landolfi. “(The secondary) is where we had our most transition,” Cutler said. “Our line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball should be a strength. We have a lot of experience, a lot of guys who are strong in the weight room and have a lot of recognition for the next level. But they have to get out there and execute.”
SPECIAL TEAMS Krimm will try to build on a junior season in which he
GOLDEN BEARS >> 53
Marysville
Monarchs aiming to find finishing touch By FRANK DiRENNA THISWEEKSPORTS.COM Marysville High School football coach Brent Johnson and his staff have developed a slogan that they believe fits the team’s goals for 2018. “Finish the unfinished” is in reference, in part, to the team’s inability to close out contests last season. The Monarchs dropped three tight games against playoff teams, including a 32-21 loss to Olentangy Liberty, which went on to reach a Division I state semifinal. Marysville opened the season with a 35-32 overtime loss to Division IV Jonathan Alder and also fell 21-14 to Olentangy, which made the playoffs in Division I. “I felt like we needed to learn how to finish plays, finish
games, finish practices and we’re working on it,” said Johnson, who is in his second season. “It’s been our motto during winter lifting, spring lifting: it’s finish.” Marysville opens Aug. 24 at home against Jonathan Alder in what is expected to be the last game in the series. The Monarchs have dropped back-to-back decisions in the Union County rivalry, with their last win coming in 2015 (1814). Quarterback Walker Heard is hoping for a successful senior season as his team continues to develop under Johnson. “(Johnson) came in with this big idea, the process, and he’s trying to get everybody to buy in,” Heard said said. “Everybody is really buying into it. We’re practicing hard and we’re going at it. It’s hot out, but we’re
grinding.” Marysville begins OCC-Central Division play Sept. 28 against visiting Dublin Coffman. “We have our goals and obviously we want to contend in our league and find a spot in the playoffs. That’s going to be our goal year in and year out,” Johnson said. “We feel like if we’re good with our process, we’ll have a chance to do that.” Last season, Marysville went 2-3 in the league to tie Central Crossing and Upper Arlington for third behind champion Coffman (5-0). Johnson said the leadership of the senior class has helped the Monarchs make strides after last year’s 4-6 finish. “We have a good senior class. (The seniors) are win-
MONARCHS >> 66
Senior quarterback Walker Heard and the Monarchs are looking to open the season with their first win over Jonathan Alder since 2015. FRANK DIRENNA/THISWEEK
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FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE 2018 Football Preview | ThisWeekSPORTS.com
Central Crossing
Senior-laden defense to lead Comets
By DAVE PURPURA THISWEEKSPORTS.COM Exactly how much the Central Crossing High School football team’s defense has improved from a year ago might won’t be known until a few games into the season, but second-year coach Trevor White already is confident in the veteran unit. “Our linebacking corps is probably our strongest unit on the team,” said White, whose squad opens Aug. 24 at Marion-Franklin. “We have a lot of returning talent, returning seniors, guys who have not played the last couple years but played very well. And they’re all seniors, so we expect big things out of them.” Seniors Daniel Ewald, Aaron Reasoner and Jon Tiegler return at linebacker and are joined by classmate Jaden Woodrick, while seniors Brent Barber, Chris Olson and Bayly Vathananoh are back on the defensive line. Reasoner finished with a team-high 110 tackles for the Comets, who went 4-6 overall and 2-3 in the OCC-Central Division a year ago. The only loss to graduation at linebacker was Andrew Reynolds. Woodrick replaced him at inside linebacker, and Ewald moved outside with Tiegler. “We’ve been playing with each other for four years so we kind of understand our strengths and weaknesses as a group,” Tiegler said. “If there’s a certain play one of us is not as strong at covering or playing against, we know the other three will be there to make sure we make a stop. “Our (defensive) line sticks out a lot because a lot of them have experience. They know what they’re doing. The defensive backs are learning what we do and adapting well, too.” To improve on last season’s record, Central Crossing likely will have to decrease its average of 29.2 points allowed per game. The Comets gave up 35 or more points four times. “I feel like we’re working a lot harder this year. We feel like we have way more potential,” Reasoner said. “We used to yell at each other a lot last year. We used to fight a lot on the field. We’ve been better at that. (It was when) we missed our assignments and blamed each other, but we’re past that. I haven’t seen much of that this year.” Central Crossing’s home
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24..........at Marion-Franklin Aug. 31 ................vs. Beechcroft Sept. 6 ...................at Grove City Sept. 14...........vs. Reynoldsburg Sept. 21 .....................at Newark *Sept. 28.....vs. Hilliard Davidson *Oct. 5............at Dublin Coffman *Oct. 12 ..................vs. Westland *Oct. 19..........at Upper Arlington *Oct. 26.................vs. Marysville 2017 SCHEDULE (4-6 overall, 2-3 OCC-Central) Marion-Franklin ............L, 36-25 Hartley............................L, 31-6 Grove City ....................W, 49-48 Reynoldsburg..................L, 21-7 Groveport.......................W, 27-7 *Hilliard Davidson............L, 40-0 *Dublin Coffman .............L, 35-0 *Westland ....................W, 48-21 *Upper Arlington ...........W, forfeit *Marysville .....................L, 29-7 *League contest INSIDE THE COMETS •Coach: Trevor White, second season •Top players: Brent Barber (DL), Tye Bradley (WR/DB), Daniel Ewald (LB/TE), Pierre France (RB), Kameron Inks (WR/DB/P), Bobby Logan (OL),Anthony Lowe (WR/DB), Kameron Peck (QB) and Jon Tiegler (LB/TE) •Key losses: Ben Bohne, Tirese Kelso, Owen Lakso, Keason Lowe and Jaden Mattox
opener is Aug. 31 against Beechcroft. The Comets begin OCC-Central play Sept. 28 at home against Hilliard Davidson after tying Marysville and UA for third place behind Dublin Coffman (5-0) and Davidson (4-1) a year ago. Last year’s schedule included a 24-19 loss to Upper Arlington in Week 9 that later turned into a victory by forfeit because UA had used an ineligible player.
OFFENSE Senior Kameron Peck and junior Drew Deyarmon competed for the starting job at quarterback throughout the preseason. Peck played the second half of the season a year ago after starter Ben Bohne was injured, completing 19 of 44 passes for 301 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. Senior Pierre France hopes to build on a junior season in which he rushed for a teamhigh 384 yards and seven
Daniel Ewald (88) will start at linebacker and also will see time at tight end for the Comets, who went 4-6 a year ago in coach Trevor White’s first season. BRENT CLARK/THISWEEK
touchdowns on 91 carries. France said he might also drop into the slot and catch passes on occasion. “I worked on my speed and strength, trying to get better at everything I can,” France said. “I want to be the playmaker, make plays when we’re down and facing adversity. I want to be the one to make that play.” The Comets lost their top receiver with the graduation of Owen Lakso, who finished with 29 catches for 474 yards and five touchdowns, but they have a senior-dominated receiving unit led by Tye Bradley, Kameron Inks and Anthony Lowe. Senior Darius Flowers also should see action, and junior Jaylen Coles was expected to start, “We (receivers) need to work on releasing harder and running our routes faster,” Inks said. “Everything else is good. We have to be more balanced (between run and pass) this year.” As on defense, White considers the line to be one of Central Crossing’s strengths. Two starters return in guards Luis Bolanos-Cruz and Bobby Logan, and sophomore Freddy Burchett will play center. “They’re a group that’s not afraid to be physical,” White said.
Lowe, Peck and junior Javion Ross at safety and cornerbacks Bradley, Coles and classmate Jahann Upchurch. “We have some veterans (in the secondary) but everyone is still competing for reps and seeing who’s best there,” White said. “With our front seven and that experience, defensively, we’re ahead of the game. We can do a lot with these guys. They know expectations. Their game experience has been invaluable.” Inks said the team has worked faster on both sides of the ball compared to last season because players are more familiar with what White expects. “There’s a huge difference. From last year to now, there’s a huge improvement with everything,” Inks said. “We had so many juniors last year. We’re more familiar with what he wants to do. Everything is running more smoothly. We’re learning quicker and faster and getting these young guys moving with us. We have more bodies now, too.”
SPECIAL TEAMS
Sophomore soccer player Tyler Terrell is expected to be the starting kicker, backed up by junior Dylan Frazier. Inks returns as punter. “We have five or six good specialists,” White said. “We just have to figure out how to DEFENSE Vathananoh will anchor the get the best out of them.” defensive line at nose guard, THE LINEUP flanked by Barber at defensive end and Olson at defensive Offense tackle. Senior JaSaad MonQuarterbacks: *Kameron tague also might see time up Peck (sr.), Drew Deyarmon front. (jr.) Running backs: *Pierre A deep defensive backfield includes Inks, senior Anthony France (sr.), *Jahann Upchurch
(jr.), Erik Woodfork (sr.), Jaden Woodrick (sr.), Javion Ross (jr.) Receivers: *Kameron Inks (sr.), *Tye Bradley (sr.), *Jaylen Coles (jr.), Darius Flowers (sr.), Anthony Lowe (sr.) Tight ends: *JaSaad Montague (sr.), Daniel Ewald (sr.), Jon Tiegler (sr., 6-1, 210) Linemen: *Luis BolanosCruz (sr.), *Bobby Logan (sr.), *Luis Olivio (sr.), *Lance Blackwell (jr.), *Freddy Burchett (so.), Chris Olson (sr.), Aaron Reasoner (sr., 6-0, 260) Defense Linemen: *Brent Barber (sr.), *Olson, *Bayly
Vathananoh (sr.), Montague Linebackers: *Ewald, *Reasoner, *Tiegler, *Woodrick, Joe Rojo (jr.), Joseph Tamburrino (jr.), Nate Vanhouten (jr.) Secondary: *Lowe, *Peck, *Bradley, *Cameron Inks (jr.), Coles, Ross, Upchurch Special teams Kickers: *Tyler Terrell (so.), Dylan Frazier (jr.) Punter: *Inks Returners: Emmanuel Codjoe (sr.), Inks, Lowe Long snappers: Vathananoh, Drew Deyarmon (jr.) (*Denotes projected starter) dpurpura@thisweeknews.com @ThisWeekDave
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Olentangy
Braves still skilled despite smaller roster By DAVE PURPURA THISWEEKSPORTS.COM
The Olentangy High School football team does not have the numbers – and, in some areas, the depth – that it has enjoyed the past several years, but coach Mark Solis nonetheless lavished some high praise on at least one position. “It’s probably the best collective group of skill (position players) we’ve had here and that includes the 13-1 team (in 2014),” Solis said, referring to the team that made a Division II state semifinal in his second season with the Braves. “I think that says a lot.” That team averaged 40.1 points per game with an almost perfectly balanced attack, rushing for 3,040 yards and passing for 2,810. Solis is pinning at least some of his hopes for this year on a group of receivers led by seniors Caden Kaiser and Luke Riedel, junior Jake Coleman and sophomore Jace Middleton as well as senior tight end Ian Drummond. All but Coleman played last year, and the other four combined to catch 145 passes for 1,921 yards and 18 touchdowns. “We all have good hands,” said Kaiser, who led Olentangy in catches (51), receiving yards (915) and receiving touchdowns (8) a year ago as the Braves went 8-4 overall, losing to Toledo Whitmer 32-29 in a Division I, Region 2 semifinal. “We all can catch the ball and we can all run after the catch. We just go out, do what the coaches ask us to do and execute the game plan and play the best we can.” Drummond caught 37 passes for 474 yards and six scores. Riedel had 36 catches for 316 yards and two touchdowns and
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24 ...............vs. Hilliard Darby Aug. 31...................at Miamisburg Sept. 7 ........vs. Holland Springfield Sept. 14.............at Dublin Coffman Sept. 21.................vs. New Albany *Sept. 28 .......vs. Westerville South *Oct. 5 ...........at Olentangy Orange *Oct. 12..........at Olentangy Liberty *Oct. 19 .........vs. Westerville North *Oct. 26 ........at Westerville Central 2017 SCHEDULE (8-4 overall, 3-2 OCC-Buckeye) Hilliard Darby ..................W, 45-24 Grove City .......................W, 21-10 Reynoldsburg.....................L, 31-7 Dublin Coffman ...............W, 31-14 Marysville .......................W, 21-14 *Westerville South ...........W, 42-23
Luke Riedel is part of a talented group of receivers for the Braves, who averaged 40.1 points a game last season. He had 36 catches for 316 yards last fall. SHANE FLANIGAN/THISWEEK
Middleton, whom Solis said was the first freshman he had ever started in two decades as a coach, added 21 receptions for 216 yards and two touchdowns. “We can help lead the team with our talent but I won’t single us out,” Riedel said. “We play as a team, I guess.” Solis called Coleman “the surprise” of the preseason leading up to Olentangy’s opener Aug. 24 at home against Hilliard Darby. “Then you have Luke Riedel (who) is the silent assassin, as I like to call him. He doesn’t say anything,” Solis said. “Defenses can forget about him and then you lose him. He’s a weapon and an asset. (He has) big-play capabilities.” Olentangy went 3-2 in the OCC-Buckeye Division last year, finishing third behind champion Olentangy Liberty (5-0). The Braves begin league play Sept. 28 at home against Westerville South. The opening of Olentangy Berlin took 35 to 40 players out of Olentangy’s program. The Braves had 72 athletes on their roster as of mid-August – 22 seniors, 12 juniors, 20 sophomores and 18 freshmen. “We’ve completely had to change how we practice just because of the numbers,” Solis said. “We don’t even have a freshman team. Hopefully that will change. That said, I like where we’re at. So far, so good. I think we will do a lot of great things on offense.”
Ian Drummond caught 37 passes for 474 yards and six touchdowns last season. JOHN HULKENBERG/THISWEEK
OFFENSE Senior Connor Haag and junior Trent Maddox were locked in a tight race to start at quarterback for most of the preseason. Haag started as a sophomore, completing 148 of 246 passes for 1,990 yards with 20 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, but was unseated last year by 2018 graduate Riley Bruening. Maddox also competed for the starting job last year. “(Haag and Maddox) are very similar,” Solis said. “They’re more throwers first than runners, but they’ve improved on their ability to run the football. The big attribute for quarterbacks is their ability to extend plays with their feet. It has to happen. With today’s defenses, you have to
be able to threaten defenses with the quarterback’s feet. I told them that will separate one from the other.” Seniors Zach Shiblaq and Trevor Solis will split duties at running back. Solis, the coach’s son, played his first three seasons at Twinsburg. Senior center Zack Martin is the only returning starter on the offensive line. He will be flanked by classmates Jacob Dunbar, Rylee Geyer and Mike Hawkins and sophomore Toby Wilson, whose father is Ohio State offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson. Positions were still being decided throughout the preseason. Martin embraced bringing the other linemen up to speed. “You have to make sure they
*Olentangy Orange...........L, 30-28 *Olentangy Liberty............L, 28-17 *Westerville North ...........W, 48-14 *Westerville Central .........W, 35-31 PLAYOFFS Dublin Coffman ...............W, 28-24 Toledo Whitmer ................L, 32-29 *League contest INSIDE THE BRAVES •Coach: Mark Solis, sixth season •Top players: Ian Drummond (TE/DL), Connor Haag (QB), Caden Kaiser (WR), Zack Martin (OL), Nick McCafferty (LB), Jace Middleton (WR), Brady Pethtel (K), Luke Riedel (WR/KR) and Zach Shiblaq (RB/LB) •Key losses: Riley Bruening, Xavier Harrison, Ali Iverson, Jacob Slade and Zach Slade
know what they’re doing all the time. If they don’t know, that can come back on me,” he said. “It’s teaching me how to be a leader. They have to know what a combo block is. They have to know who to get to on each play right off the ball.”
hard in the offseason,” coach Solis said. “But we have a lot of work to do with tackling and physicality. We’ve given up a few home runs. That can’t happen.”
DEFENSE
Offense Quarterbacks: *Connor Haag (sr., 6-0, 195), Trent Maddox (jr., 6-3, 175) Running backs: *Zach Shiblaq (sr., 6-1, 195), *Trevor Solis (sr., 5-10, 205), Nick Boyarko (jr., 5-10, 190) Receivers: *Caden Kaiser (sr., 6-2, 190), *Luke Riedel (sr., 6-2, 175), *Jace Middleton (so., 6-4, 185), Jake Coleman (jr., 6-5, 175), Josiah Seymour (jr., 6-2, 175) Tight end: *Ian Drummond (sr., 6-4, 250) Linemen: *Jacob Dunbar (sr., 6-0, 230), *Rylee Geyer (sr., 5-10, 265), *Mike Hawkins (sr., 6-5, 270), *Zack Martin (sr., 6-1, 220), *Toby Wilson (so., 6-2, 260) Defense Linemen: *Drummond, *Jake Takach (sr., 5-7, 220), *Sami Azzam (jr., 5-11, 240), *Ethan Hand (so., 6-0, 210), Owen Billman (sr., 6-0, 225), Mitch Grubb (jr., 6-2, 200) Linebackers: *Colton Doup (sr., 6-1, 205), *Nick McCafferty (sr., 5-11, 180), *Boyarko, *Shiblaq, Solis Secondary: *DeAnte Ables (sr., 5-11, 170), *Alex Adams (sr., 6-2, 180), *Max Walden (sr., 5-10, 180), *Sam Konadu (jr., 6-2, 180), Junior Jah (sr., 6-2, 175) Special teams Kickers: *Brady Pethtel (sr., 5-9, 165), Keegan Gupta (sr., 5-10, 160) Punters: *Gupta, Pethtel Returners: Kaiser, Riedel, Caleb Gossett (so., 6-2, 175) Long snapper: Martin (*Denotes projected starter)
THE LINEUP
Seniors DeAnte Ables (CB) and Nick McCafferty (LB) will be among the leaders of Olentangy’s 3-4 defense, which coach Solis expects to feature several players rotating at most spots. McCafferty had 78 tackles a year ago, fourth on the team and first among returning players. Ables had five of the Braves’ nine interceptions. Middleton added one in limited time as a defensive back. Drummond, senior Jake Takach, junior Sami Azzam and sophomore Ethan Hand will anchor the line, with senior Colton Doup, junior Nick Boyarko and Trevor Solis seeing time at linebacker. “We want to get in the situation where we’re rotating a lot of guys because a lot of those guys will also be on offense,” coach Solis said. “In the past, we’ve been afforded the luxury of having so many players in our program who only had to go one way. We can’t do that anymore.” Olentangy switched to a 34 look from a 4-3 in the offseason, partly because new assistant coaches Jeremy Chirpas, Dave Dunkelberger and John Magistro joined the staff. Chirpas is coaching the defensive line, Dunkelberger is working with defensive backs and Magistro, who went 61-37 the past nine seasons as the coach at Westerville Central, is overseeing linebackers. “We found that odd fronts are difficult for us to execute dpurpura@thisweeknews.com against, so we studied it pretty @ThisWeekDave
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Mitchell Kershner returns for his senior season after catching 33 passes for 433 yards and three touchdowns last year. ERIC ALBRECHT/THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Olentangy Liberty
Patriots set for another playoff run By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM When he thinks about where his program stands coming off of back-to-back appearances in Division I state semifinals, Olentangy Liberty High School football coach Steve Hale remembers how he noticed some of his players tighten up during the Region 2 championship game in 2016. Although the Patriots rallied in that game from a 10-point deficit to beat Lorain 24-20 before losing the next week, Hale believes they showed more poise last fall when they nearly overcame another deficit before losing 27-21 to Mentor in a state semifinal. “(We’ve had) a lot of extra football the last two years, so you’re maybe more prepared when you get to those playoff games,” Hale said. “There were a couple teams that we might have played that hadn’t been in situations like that where we may have gained some kind of advantage. “I certainly don’t think (beating Toledo Whitmer) 34-7 (for last year’s Region 2 title) represents the talent of the two teams, but things got away from them early. … Those games are hard, and you tend to tighten up a little bit when there’s this much on the line.” The Patriots have gone a combined 24-4 the last two seasons, including an 11-3 mark last fall when they won their second consecutive OCC-Buckeye Division title at 5-0. Although Liberty lost a 2018 graduating class that produced future college athletes like Skylar Wahlund and Johnny Wiseman, who both will play men’s lacrosse for Ohio State, and
Edward Warinner, who signed with Michigan State for football, Hale has no concerns about what he’s seen from his current group in terms of focus or confidence. That’s true even though the Patriots likely won’t have another of their best athletes, senior wide receiver Ben Roderick, this fall as he recovers from a knee injury. Despite the opening of the fourth Olentangy high school, more than 100 athletes remain in the program. “We just want to go out and be as successful as we can and get the most out of this group that we can,” Hale said. “They’re a really coachable group. We’re having a lot of fun with them. They’ve been bought in for a long time, and it makes our work easy. They’ve had their heads on straight for a long time. When you’re playing a really challenging schedule, you’ve got to focus on the long haul and the journey and just hope at the end of the run, things pay off for you. “Our numbers are up. We’ve had a chance to work with our younger kids longer than most groups, so hopefully that pays off in some capacity.”
OFFENSE Senior Mitchell Okuley returns at quarterback after he threw for 2,077 yards with 31 touchdowns and rushed for more than 400 yards. The Patriots could use a committee of running backs, including sophomore Aidan Kenley, senior Nick Paolo and junior Dylan Stevens, as they look to replace 2018 graduate Matthew Webb (1,055 yards, 13 touch-
Grant Wilson will start at wide receiver and in the secondary for the Patriots, who are 24-4 over the last two seasons. ERIC ALBRECHT/THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24.........at Pickerington North Aug. 31 .......vs. Cleveland Glenville Sept. 7 .....................vs. Marysville Sept. 14 .........vs. Hilliard Davidson Sept. 21 .....................at Groveport *Sept. 28 .....vs. Westerville Central *Oct. 5 ............at Westerville South *Oct. 12....................vs. Olentangy *Oct. 19 ........................vs. Orange *Oct. 26...........at Westerville North 2017 RESULTS (11-3 overall, 5-0 OCC-Buckeye) Ottawa St. Joseph ...........W, 49-14 Huber Heights Wayne .........L, 17-0 Marysville .......................W, 32-21 Hilliard Davidson .............W, 17-10 Pickerington North .............L, 42-0 *Westerville Central .........W, 31-28 *Westerville South ...........W, 34-14 *Olentangy......................W, 28-17
*Orange ..........................W, 28-17 *Westerville North .............W, 35-8 PLAYOFFS Dublin Jerome...................W, 35-0 Gahanna .........................W, 17-14 Toledo Whitmer .................W, 34-7 Mentor.............................L, 27-21 *League contest INSIDE THE PATRIOTS •Coach: Steve Hale, 16th season •Top players: Alex Azusenis (OL/DL), Jamie Hessing (DL/TE), Aidan Kenley (RB/DB/KR/PR), Mitchell Kershner (WR/K), Mitchell Okuley (QB/P), Nick Paolo (LB/RB/LS), Jake Sincek (WR), Dylan Stevens (RB/LB/KR/PR) and Grant Wilson (WR/DB) •Key losses: Matt Keane,Dante Leary, Troy Oehler, John Paolo, Nick Rosi, Skylar Wahlund, Edward Warinner, Matthew Webb and Johnny Wiseman
sons. “We’ve got a new defensive system, but we’ve just got to learn it,” Paolo said. “There’s a lot more blitzing. It’s a very aggressive defense. Coach Miley emphasizes playing with a free mind, not trying to not make mistakes and just trying to make plays.” Paolo should lead a linebacker unit that also features senior Matthew Rohl, while Stevens figures to play a hybrid of linebacker and strong safety. Senior Jamie Hessing leads a large group that could rotate on the defensive line. Junior Corbin Parrish is expected to be at free safety, with Wilson at one of the cornerback slots. Miley’s son, senior Chase Miley, also should get playing time in the secondary.
SPECIAL TEAMS
downs). Roderick, who had 47 receptions for 644 yards and 15 touchdowns, is hoping to be cleared over the coming months. A college prospect in men’s basketball, there is no current timetable for his return to either sport. Senior Mitchell Kershner finished with 33 receptions for 433 yards and three touchdowns and senior Jacob Sincek had 23 catches for 232 yards and four scores a year ago. Grant Wilson is another returning receiver. “We have to trust each other,” Okuley said. “That’s one really big thing we’ve had
in the past, everyone trusting each other and no one got worried during games. We’re switching up the offense a little bit, but so far it’s been a pretty smooth transition.” Seniors Alex Azusenis, Nick Brown, Nick Hall and Brady Kuhn and junior Tyus Thompson all have experience on the offensive line.
DEFENSE The Patriots have a new defensive coordinator in Ed Miley, who guided Alliance Marlington to four playoff berths in seven seasons from 2007-13 and has been an assistant at Liberty the past four sea-
Kershner and junior Ryan Bird give the Patriots two kicking options. Kershner made 16 extra points and two field goals last season while splitting duties with 2018 graduate Dante Leary (18 extra points, one field goal). Okuley averaged 35.5 yards per punt and likely will perform that role again. Kenley, who had a 70-yard kickoff return in the state semifinal, figures to lead a return team that also should include Chase Miley and Stevens. The Patriots have four options at long snapper according to Hale, including his son, sophomore Matthew Hale.
THE LINEUP Offense Quarterbacks: *Mitchell
Okuley (sr., 6-2, 185), Corbin Parrish (jr., 6-0, 185), Jackson Roberts (jr., 6-0, 185), Mitchell Fields (so., 5-10, 160) Running backs: Nick Paolo (sr., 5-10, 195), Dylan Stevens (jr., 5-9, 185), Aidan Kenley (so., 5-11, 175) Receivers: *Jake Sincek (sr., 6-2, 185), *Mitchell Kershner (sr., 6-3, 185), *Grant Wilson (sr., 6-2, 185), Chase Miley (sr., 5-7, 155) Tight ends: *Jamie Hessing (sr., 5-11, 240), Jacob Bonacci (so., 6-2, 195), Landon Smith (so., 6-2, 220)
PATRIOTS >> 66
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Olentangy Orange
Pioneers look to ‘raise the bar even further’ By SCOTT HENNEN THISWEEKSPORTS.COM
Winning comes down to the numbers for Zebb Schroeder in his fifth season leading the Olentangy Orange High School football program. The Pioneers have 76 players on their roster, but only 11 take the field on each play. Schroeder breaks that down even further to one. He believes each of the 76 and 11 players needs to focus on his particular role if Orange hopes to make its third consecutive playoff appearance. “We have 76 kids, and we’re looking for ways to get better each and every day,” Schroeder said. “That comes down to doing your part as an individual to make us better. “We’ve been successful for the past couple of seasons and we want to keep that going. We not only want to follow that up but also to build off that momentum. That will give us the opportunity to raise the bar even further.” Last fall, Orange started 80 for the first time since the program began in 2008. But the PIoneers then were edged 25-24 by OCC-Buckeye champion Olentangy Liberty, and two weeks later fell 38-37 in overtime to visiting Gahanna in the opening round of the Division I, Region 2 playoffs to finish 9-2. In 2016, Orange lost to Liberty 24-17 in the first round of the Region 2 postseason. “Last season, we lost to both Liberty and Gahanna after having leads in the fourth quarter,” said senior Brant Kightlinger, a 6-foot-3, 225pound returning starter on the defensive line. “We have to play to the final whistle. We have to be able to finish out
games.” Senior Zach Harrison said it was up to the experienced players to make their mark. The 6-6, 245-pounder will start for the third season at defensive end, and has done just that as a dual threat. Harrison led Orange with 18.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks on 34.5 total tackles last season. At tight end, he had nine receptions for 173 yards and four touchdowns. “I’m a leader on both sides of the ball, and it’s important to let the younger players know what to expect on game day,” said Harrison, who was allstate, all-district and all-league and is rated by several recruiting service as the state’s top college recruit in the senior class at any position. “We need to show them what it’s like on Friday nights and make sure there won’t be any surprises. We have to be great by choice, like coach (Schroeder) said.” The Pioneers open Aug. 24 at home against Worthington Kilbourne, and senior tackle Ryan Duffy – one of three returning starters on the offensive line – is ready for the real hitting to begin. “We have a lot of positive energy and are working hard in weight room, and I think we can do well this season,” Duffy said. “It’s time to empty the tank, especially for the seniors, and give it all we have for the school and the program.” Schroeder believes the time is now for this group, which returns four starters on offense and six on defense. “I think they have a bit of a chip on their shoulders,” he said. “They want to prove they’re a group capable of building on the momentum we started and raising the bar. The expectations haven’t changed. These kids have bought into being great by choice, and success in high school football rarely comes from talent alone. We want to be even better when it comes to the fundamentals and the daily details of being successful.”
OFFENSE The Pioneers return four starters in their spread wing-T offense, but much of the backfield is new. They must replace quarterback Luke Schmeling (special mention all-district and firstteam all-league), a 2018 graduate who completed 86 of 158 passes for 1,200 yards with 12 touchdowns and three interceptions. He also rushed for 498 yards and five touchdowns on 85 carries. Competing for that spot are senior Robbie Dayhuff and junior Spencer Hawkins. “Robbie is probably out in front right now because he’s an X-factor with the ball in his hands,” Schroeder said. “He’s a dynamic runner. He’s so shifty and so smart. Spencer is so consistent and throws the
Mark Roberts is expected to start at running back when the Pioneers face Worthington Kilbourne on Aug. 24. Roberts rushed for 360 yards and two touchdowns on 47 carries last season in a backup role. SHANE FLANIGAN/THISWEEK
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24 ..vs. Worthington Kilbourne Aug. 31 ....................vs. Watterson Sept. 7.........vs. Pickerington North Sept. 14...................vs. Big Walnut Sept. 21 ......................at Westland *Sept. 28 .........at Westerville North *Oct. 5......................vs. Olentangy *Oct. 12 ........at Westerville Central *Oct. 19..........at Olentangy Liberty *Oct. 26 .........vs. Westerville South 2017 RESULTS (9-2 overall, 4-1 OCC-Buckeye) Worthington Kilbourne .......W, 32-7 Watterson .........................W, 22-0 Dublin Jerome...................W, 31-7 Big Walnut ......................W, 35-10 Newark...........................W, 50-14 *Westerville North .............W, 26-0 *Olentangy......................W, 30-28 *Westerville Central .........W, 35-10 *Olentangy Liberty............L, 25-24 *Westerville South ..............W, 35-7
PLAYOFFS Gahanna...................L, 38-37 (OT) *League contest INSIDE THE PIONEERS •Coach: Zebb Schroeder, fifth season •Top players: Dom Davis (LB), Robbie Dayhuff (QB/DB), Ryan Duffy (OL), Zach Harrison (WR/TE/RB/DL), Zach Hill (DL/LB), Brant Kightlinger (DL), Mark Roberts (RB), Kyle Sessamen (DL), Zach Stevenson (OL) and Jeff Sullivan (OL) •Key losses: Manny Anderson, Jack Applegate, Zane Fisher, Ryan Forbes, Nate Gadrim, Trent Grotelueschen, Bryce Houston, Jack Houston, Jack Neer, Nathan Parker, Brandon Ransom, Jayden Rodgers, Garrett Runyon, Thomas Sargent, Joel Sarpong, Luke Schmeling, Jimmy Sensibaugh, Jordan Shelton, Grant Simon, Graham Starn and Jake Zinn
Senior Mark Roberts is expected to step into the starting role after gaining 360 yards on 47 carries with two touchdowns as a backup. Seeing action on the offensive line will be seniors Duffy, Dale Sickman and Zach Stevenson and juniors Connor Mathena, Jeff Sullivan and Najib Talukder. Harrison also started at tight end and wide receiver last season. “Our front is really good and has a chance to be better than last year’s front line, but they have to earn it on the field,” Schroeder said. “Last year, Zach played offense, but he will be even more of a twoway player for us this year. When you have his size and speed, you have to use that as much as you can. You can expect to even see him carry the ball some for us.”
DEFENSE
ball well. We’re blessed to have two good quarterbacks.” Orange also graduated its two top running threats, both of whom were honorable mention all-district and second-
team all-league. Jack Applegate rushed for 748 yards and 16 touchdowns on 130 carries, and Graham Starn finished with 719 yards and eight touchdowns on 138 carries.
Hill also will play linebacker in some schemes, and senior Dom Davis is back after starting at outside linebacker. “We have three seniors back on an experienced defensive line, which helps out on Friday nights,” Kightlinger said. “That experience in the trenches can help you win up front and relieve a lot of stress on the linebackers.” Dayhuff brings experience to a secondary hit hard by graduation. Cornerbacks will come from a group that includes senior Brad Snyder, juniors Griffin Runyon and Reece Dunham and sophomore Joey Guagenti. Dayhuff, senior Ethan Adkins and Hawkins rotate at safety. “Robbie started for us at corner and safety last year and was integral to what we did in the backfield,” Schroeder said. “We are desperately thin at some positions. We have some good sophomores who will be good, but we’re not sure if they’re ready for OCC football at this point. We’ll have to see.”
Four of the six defensive starters are on the line, allowing the Pioneers to use multiple fronts. They will feature a four-man line at times and other SPECIAL TEAMS times there will be three down Orange must find a replacelinemen. Harrison and Kightlinger are ment at kicker for graduate back along with senior Kyle PIONEERS >> 49 Sessamen and junior Zach Hill
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Westerville North
Warriors shift to spread to spark offense By DAVE PURPURA THISWEEKSPORTS.COM Smiling the entire time, firstyear Westerville North High School football coach Bryan Johnson reminded some of his players after a recent practice not to spill any secrets about plays and sets the Warriors are installing to family, friends or anyone else as they prepare for the season opener Aug. 24 at home against Groveport. Players mentioned a few differences, ones about which they are excited as Johnson takes over as North’s third coach in four seasons. “We’re definitely throwing a lot more than we have been. That’s a big emphasis,” said senior Cyrus Neville, who plays wide receiver and strong safety. “Catching the ball, protecting the ball. That’s a huge emphasis this year. So is ball control.” Senior two-way lineman Micah Thomas hopes he has mastered any new wrinkles after having the summer to study the new playbook. “We’re not as traditional as we used to be,” Thomas said. “There used to be a lot of just run left, run right, but (Johnson) has a lot of different names for plays and stuff we have to get used to, new terminology.” Johnson replaces Scott Wetzel, who resigned in April to become coach at Delaware. A Westerville resident, Johnson comes to North from Liberty Union, where he went 19-23 in four seasons and guided the Lions to the playoffs in 2014 and 2016. The Warriors have not been to the postseason since 1999 and their last winning record was in 2004, when they went 6-4. North went 5-5 the next year, but has finished with a losing record every season since then. “They just want somebody to be around for a while,” Johnson said. “We want to build that stability. I’m not going anywhere. I want to build this with them. I live a couple of miles down the road. I’m always here.” Six starters are back from a team that went 2-8 overall and 0-5 in the OCC-Buckeye Division, finishing sixth behind Olentangy Liberty (5-0). One major loss was two-way senior lineman Jeremiah Burton, an Ohio University commit who is playing at Reynoldsburg. The Warriors begin league play Sept. 28 at home against Olentangy Orange. Johnson said he focuses more on individual goals than
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24..................vs. Groveport Aug. 31...at Thomas Worthington Sept. 7 ......at Mansfield Madison Sept. 14.......at Canal Winchester Sept. 21 .......vs. Franklin Heights *Sept. 28 ...vs. Olentangy Orange *Oct. 5 .......at Westerville Central *Oct. 12......vs. Westerville South *Oct. 19..................at Olentangy *Oct. 26 .....vs. Olentangy Liberty 2017 SCHEDULE (2-8 overall, 0-5 OCC-Buckeye) Groveport.......................W, 27-0 Thomas Worthington .....L, 45-21 Upper Arlington .............L, 24-14 Canal Winchester .........W, 47-21 New Albany ...........L, 27-26 (OT) *OIentangy Orange..........L, 26-0 *Westerville Central.......L, 21-12 *Westerville South.........L, 33-30 *Olentangy....................L, 48-14 *Olentangy Liberty ..........L, 35-8 *League contest INSIDE THE WARRIORS •Coach: Bryan Johnson, first season •Top players: Sam Anzur (RB/LB), Auri Dover (QB), Andrew Kalista (OL/DL), K.J. King (DE), Cyrus Neville (WR/DB), Jordan Rhodes (WR), Rondale Smith (RB/LB), Micah Thomas (OL/DL) and Micah Tillman (WR/DB) •Key losses: Bodi Bien, Jeremiah Burton, Alek Downs, Greg Shehee, Rodney Van Cleaf and Jacob Woods
Rondale Smith enters his third season as a starter and should have an expanded role after rushing for 407 yards and six touchdowns on 113 carries. KYLE ROBERTSON/THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
third year as a starter in the backfield, embraces his role in the new spread offense. “We have a lot of formations to get people moving around and get a lot of people the ball to keep our opponents off guard,” Smith said. “There are a lot of things to get used to.” North is also reloading at receiver, where Neville and classmate Micah Tillman are expected to be the top targets for either senior Jermaine White or junior Auri Dover at quarterback. Dover played late last season and did not throw much, completing five of 14 passes for 58 yards, one touchdown and one interception. “We have a lot of running backs, that linebacker-type kid that weighs 180-185 and will run through a wall, and we’re working in a lot of guys at receiver,” Johnson said. “Whatever the defense gives us, we’ll take.” The only other returning starter on offense is Thomas at tackle. He is one of three seniors on the line, along with Ayub Geyere and Andrew Kalista. Sophomores Mitchell Gillam and Reuben Simiyu also are expected to start.
team goals, at least at this point. “We’ve been talking about what goals they want. We’re always going to cater to our seniors because they’ve put in the time,” Johnson said. “They’ve had three different coaches. We talked to them about what they want. They want to win. Of course some of them will say they want to go 15-0, but I hear more about having a winning record and getting into the playoffs. “They want to turn it around. They want to be known as the original group, when they come back in 15 or 20 years, to have helped build this. They want DEFENSE to be the pioneers, the forefaThe defense returns four thers, of having helped turn starters in seniors K.J. King Westerville North football back (end), Neville (safety) and Tillaround.” man (cornerback) and junior linebacker Sam Anzur.// OFFENSE “It’s simpler this year, at Senior running back Ron- least for me,” said Neville, who dale Smith becomes North’s is entering his second year as featured back after rushing for a starter. “It doesn’t feel as 407 yards and six touchdowns complex as last year. It’s easier to grasp the packages (Johnon 113 carries last season. Smith, who is entering his son) is giving us. We’re doing
a lot of the same things we did last year.” White also will play linebacker, a position where the Warriors lost their top two tacklers to graduation in Alek Downs (52 tackles) and Greg Shehee (43 tackles). Downs is playing at the Air Force Academy. Johnson considers the number of returning starters a positive in some respects. “Everybody sees spots open. They’re competing their tails off,” he said. “They’re getting into the playbook and learning it and figuring out how we do things. When I got here, I wasn’t shocked but pleasantly surprised at how hard the kids work in the weight room, how hard they run in practice. It was good to see the effort and attitude.”
Rhodes (jr., 5-11, 155), James Fernandez (jr., 5-7, 140), Quincy Talmadge (jr., 5-8, 150), Ty O’Hearn (so., 6-1, 172) Linemen: *Ayub Guyere (sr., 6-3, 290), *Andrew Kalista (sr., 5-6, 205), *Micah Thomas (sr., 6-1, 240), *Mitchell Gillam (so., 6-0, 175), *Reuben Simiyu (so., 6-1, 200) Defense Linemen: *Kalista, *K.J. King (sr., 6-4, 240), *Simiyu, *Thomas, Gillam, Guyere Linebackers: *Burigana, *White, *Anzur, Coleton Morr
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Sophomore J.J. Dixon likely will be the starting kicker, and freshman Maggie Moc from the girls soccer team is the backup to start the year. Senior Drew Thomas will be the punter.
THE LINEUP Offense Quarterback: *Auri Dover (jr., 5-8, 155), Jermaine White (sr., 6-0, 165) Running backs: *Rondale White (sr., 5-11, 205), *Maximus Plaxico (jr., 5-6, 160), Dev Burigana (sr., 5-11, 200), Sam Anzur (jr., 5-10, 175), Brennan Albertini (so., 5-10, 182) Receivers: *Cyrus Neville (sr., 5-10, 160), *Micah Tillman (sr., 5-10, 158), *Jordan
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(jr., 5-9, 170), Plaxico Secondary: *Neville, *Tillman, *Geoffrey Stewart (jr., 5-9. 170), *T.J. Lomax (so., 60, 167) Special teams Kickers: *J.J. Dixon (so., 511, 160), Maggie Moc (fr.) Punter: *Drew Thomas (sr., 5-11, 163) Returners: Neville, Tillman Long snappers: Thomas, Morr, O’Hearn (*Denotes projected starter) dpurpura@thisweeknews.com @ThisWeekDave
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34
OCC-B UCKEYE D IVISION
Westerville South
Balance key for Wildcats to offset loss of Gill By FRANK DiRENNA THISWEEKSPORTS.COM Westerville South High School football coach Matthew Christ enters his second season knowing the graduation of Jaelen Gill presents his team with a big challenge on offense, but Christ believes the Wildcats have the potential to build on last year’s progress. After going 1-9 in 2016, South improved to 4-6 and went 1-4 in the OCC-Buckeye Division to finish fifth behind champion Olentangy Liberty (5-0). “Jaelen was an explosive dude, there’s no doubt about it,” Christ said. “But football is the ultimate team game and it takes 11 guys being really selfish in their responsibilities to have a shot.” Christ was the Wildcats’ fourth coach in four years, and one of his goals is to bring stability to the program. “As a group, we got significantly stronger in the weight room,” Christ said. “We did a lot in terms of leadership development and (determining) what our expectations are as a group. We let the guys have a voice in that and that’s paid off big time.” Gill, a freshman H-back at Ohio State, rushed for a teamhigh 735 yards and 10 touchdowns on 114 carries and had 20 receptions for 357 yards and three more scores despite playing with a hamstring injury sustained in week 5 against Big Walnut. Gill, who was an all-purpose player for South, shared Offensive Player of the Year honors in the OCC-Buckeye with Liberty’s Johnny Wiseman. “We use it as motivation,” senior quarterback Jason Penn said of losing Gill. “Not making the playoffs drives us because that’s our goal. Hav-
At a glance
Michael Mansaray, who rushed for 224 yards and caught 10 passes for 204 yards last season, is one of several players who will be expected to step up after the graduation of Jaelen Gill. SHANE FLANIGAN/THISWEEK
ing someone like Jaelen here last year, he gives you someone to look up to.” Christ expects senior running back Ta’Veon Falls and junior slotback Michael Mansaray to pick up the slack left by Gill’s departure. “We’ve created a bond over the past year because the past couple of years we haven’t had a team bond,” Falls said. “This year everybody is out here playing for each other.” South opens Aug. 24 against visiting New Albany and begins league play Sept. 28 at Olentangy. Last season, the Wildcats finished 14th in Division II, Region 7, as the top eight teams qualified for the playoffs.
Christ hopes his team can earn its first postseason berth since 2012 when it finished 83, losing to Hilliard Darby 3110 in the first round of the Division I, Region 3 playoffs. The Wildcats also are seeking their first winning season since 2014 when they finished 6-4. “We’re not shy about our goals, to win enough games to make it into the postseason,” Christ said. South split its games with its Westerville rivals a year ago, defeating North 33-30 and losing to Central 42-35. The Wildcats visit North on Oct. 12 and play host to Central on Oct. 18 in a Thursday night contest. Liberty went on to reach a
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Division I state semifinal, losing to Mentor 27-21. South plays host to Liberty on Oct. 5. “We’re really focusing on doing the right things and developing a team mentality,” Christ said. “Guys seem to be buying into that, so we’ll see when it gets tough.”
OFFENSE South’s spread offense should have a more balanced look with the departure of Gill. The Wildcats also took a hit at quarterback with the loss of 2018 graduate Max Barber who passed for 1,307 yards with 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Penn is expected to take over behind center. Falls, who rushed for 300 yards and one touchdown last season, will be a featured tailback. Providing additional speed in the slot will be Mansaray, who ran for 224 yards and three touchdowns and added 10 catches for 204 yards and five scores, Junior Justin Roberts will be the starting H-back, and senior Manny Sunnyway, juniors Xavier Cannaday and Jaylen Norwood and sophomore Jesse DeVore are key receivers. Senior Michael Dailey will start at tight end. “We have a lot of weapons, kids who are hungry for an opportunity and they’re going to do a good job,” Christ said. Senior Jude Pedrozo will anchor the offensive line at center, flanked by senior Kendall Browne (left tackle) and junior Pat Peterson (right tackle). Other linemen are senior Jonathan Kirk, junior Brendan Cleaver and sophomore Elvis Gyabeng. South must replace 2018 graduate Anthony Parham, a
lineman who was special mention all-league.
DEFENSE South’s even-front base defense should feature Falls and senior Justin Boyer at outside linebacker and senior Manny Powell at Mike linebacker. Other linebackers are Roberts and junior Jake Llaneza. Seniors Jheron Garrett Jr. and Brandon Herriott should contribute at defensive tackle, with Peterson and junior Kendry Santos at defensive end. Other linemen are Browne, Cleaver, Dailey and Gyabeng. Penn, who had three interceptions last season to share the team lead with Gill, should contribute at free safety. Mansaray will play strong safety, and Cannaday will be a cornerback. Other defensive backs are senior Jordan Penn, juniors Aaron Gore and Tom Ray and sophomore Matthew Bame.
SPECIAL TEAMS Pedrozo will again be the long snapper, a position he is being recruited to play in college. Bame and sophomore Brayden White have shared kicking duties, while Dailey and Llaneza are punting. Christ said a competition developed during the preseason to return kicks, with senior Josh Amponsah, Mansaray and Norwood emerging as the top candidates.
THE LINEUP
2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24...............vs. New Albany Aug. 31 .........at Worth. Kilbourne Sept. 7...vs. Thomas Worthington Sept. 14 ........vs. Upper Arlington Sept. 21 ............at Reynoldsburg *Sept. 28 ................at Olentangy *Oct. 5 .......vs. Olentangy Liberty *Oct. 12........at Westerville North *Oct. 18....vs. Westerville Central *Oct. 26 ......at Olentangy Orange 2017 RESULTS (4-6 overall, 1-4 OCC-Buckeye) Dublin Scioto................W, 50-14 Gahanna.........................L, 34-0 Hilliard Darby ................L, 23-18 Upper Arlington ..............W, 26-0 Big Walnut ...................W, 47-14 *Olentangy....................L, 42-23 *Olentangy Liberty ........L, 34-14 *Westerville North ........W, 33-30 *Westerville Central.......L, 42-35 *Olentangy Orange..........L, 35-7 *League contest INSIDE THE WILDCATS •Coach: Matthew Christ, second season •Top players: Kendall Browne (OL/DL), Ta’Veon Falls (RB/LB), Michael Mansaray (SB/DB), Jaylen Norwood (WR/DB), Jude Pedrozo (OL/DL), Jason Penn (QB/DB), Patrick Peterson (OL/DL) and Manny Powell (LB) •Key losses: Max Barber, Jaelen Gill, Tayon Howard, Michael McLemore and Anthony Parham
way (sr., 6-1, 190), Xavier Cannaday (jr., 6-0, 165), *Jaylen Norwood (jr., 5-8, 155), Jesse DeVore (so., 6-0, 175) Tight end: *Michael Dailey (sr., 6-1, 200) Linemen: *Kendall Browne (sr., 6-1, 215), *Jude Pedrozo (sr., 6-2, 220), Jonathan Kirk (sr., 5-10, 220), Brendan Cleaver (jr., 5-11, 235), *Pat Peterson (jr., 6-3, 250), Elvis Gyabeng (so., 5-11, 215) Defense Linemen: Browne, *Jheron Garrett Jr. (sr., 5-11, 390), *Brandon Herriott (sr., 6-3, 330), Cleaver, Peterson, *Kendry Santos (jr., 6-0, 200), Gyabeng Linebackers: *Falls, Justin Boyer (sr., 5-11, 180), Jake Llaneza (jr., 5-11, 180), *Powell, *Roberts Secondary: Jason Penn, Jordan Penn (sr., 5-8, 140), *Cannaday, Aaron Gore (jr., 5-9, 175), *Mansaray, Tom Ray (jr., 5-8, 140), Matthew Bame (so., 6-1, 180) Special teams Kickers: Bame, Brayden White (so., 6-0, 180) Punters: Dailey, Llaneza Returners: Josh Amponsah (sr., 5-9, 150), Mansaray, Norwood Long snapper: *Pedrozzo (*Denotes projected starter)
Offense Quarterback: *Jason Penn (sr., 5-10, 165) Running backs: *Ta’Veon Falls (sr., 5-9, 205), *Michael Mansaray (jr., 5-10, 185), Justin Roberts (jr., 6-1, 195) fdirenna@thisweeknews.com Receivers: Manny Sunny- @ThisWeekFrank
35
OCC-B UCKEYE D IVISION
New coach quickly puts stamp on Warhawks
By FRANK DiRENNA THISWEEKSPORTS.COM After posting back-to-back 4-6 records, the Westerville Central High School football team enters the season looking for a return trip to the playoffs under a new leader. Longtime assistant coach Brent Morrison – who also is a social studies teacher at Central – has replaced John Magistro, who stepped down after nine seasons. Morrison has been an assistant in the program since 2005, most recently serving as offensive coordinator. Before joining the staff, he was an assistant at Dublin Jerome and Reynoldsburg. “Coach Mo has put his fingerprint and his footprint on this team already,” senior lineman Devin Smith said. “He’s making a very positive impact and very positive changes.” During Magistro’s tenure with the Warhawks, he went 61-37, was named an OCC Coach of the Year three times and shared state Coach of the Year honors in 2011 with Findlay’s Mark Ritzler. He guided Central to postseason appearances in 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015. Magistro is now an assistant at Olentangy and will return to Central when the teams meet in the regular-season finale Oct. 26. “We’ve changed some things,” Morrison said. “As a staff, we evaluated some things that we want to do a little bit differently. We have a great foundation.” Morrison expects a test in his debut as a head coach when the Warhawks visit Whitehall on Aug. 24. Whitehall features senior quarterback Raymell Byrd, who rushed for 1,628 yards and 24 touchdowns and passed for 1,131 yards and 14 touchdowns in leading the Rams to the Division II playoffs. Central opens OCC-Buckeye Division play Sept. 28 at Olentangy Liberty. The Patriots went 5-0 to win the league last season and are one of the favorites again. The Warhawks were fourth at 2-3. Liberty went on to reach a Division I state semifinal, losing 27-21 to Mentor. Central will look to continue its domination of Westerville rivals North and South, as it has swept the season series five consecutive years. The Warhawks play host to North on Oct. 5 and visit South on Oct. 18 in a Thursday night contest. “We had a big meeting with our seniors and they set the expectations,” Morrison said. “They have some lofty goals for themselves and, hopefully, they do what it takes to make those goals happen.”
At a glance
Senior Devin Smith, a starting offensive tackle, said after back-to-back 4-6 seasons, the Warhawks are focused on making the playoffs for the first time since 2015. JOHN HULKENBERG/THISWEEK
time last season in place of injured starter Isaiah Healy (shoulder), returns to guide the team’s spread offense. Davis passed for 412 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions in the final two games. “I’m looking forward to the season,” Davis said. “We have all the pieces to be successful and we just need to go out and execute every day with that effort and be ready to play and we’ll be good.” Sophomore Judah Holtzclaw also could see time at quarterback. Seniors Justin Carter and Tariq Stewart should share time at tailback, and junior Darius Madison and sophomore Zeke Healy also are expected to see time in the backfield. Central must replace 2018 graduate Allen Smith, who led the Warhawks in rushing with 1,368 yards and 13 touchdowns on 210 carries and was named first-team all-district and allleague and honorable mention all-state Central appears to have a number of options at receiver to offset the loss of graduate Ashton Gilkey, who had 41 catches for 486 yards and three touchdowns after transferring from Newark for his senior season and was first-team all-league and second-team all-district. Top threats include senior Jacob Wallace, juniors Kylin Byrd, Steven Hartley Jr., Jace Jarvis and Myles Williamson and sophomore Luke Swaney. Senior Cam Phillips, who had 18 receptions for 271 yards and two touchdowns a year ago, transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Central features experience up front, led by returning starters Smith at left tackle and senior OFFENSE James Davis at center or guard. “This program has gone 4-6 Senior LaBronz Davis II, who received valuable playing the last two years, and we
haven’t made the playoffs since 2015,” Smith said. “It’s our goal to make sure we’re making it into week 11 and beyond.” Other key linemen are senior C.J. Recinella at guard and junior J.J. Johnson at tackle.
DEFENSE The defense will have a new look as Morrison has installed a 3-3 stack look after utilizing a 4-4 scheme in previous seasons. “That has come around a lot faster than I thought it would, so I’m pretty happy there,” Morrison said. Senior Dontay Hunter II will anchor the defense at end and outside linebacker. After a long recruiting process, the 6-foot5, 240-pound Hunter committed in June to play at Purdue.
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“It seems like it’s gone by really fast, but I’m ready to go out with a bang,” Hunter said of his prep career. “(The commitment) was major. I felt like I needed to get it out of the way so I could focus and help my team, so I can lead them and just focus on Central.” Carter is expected to start at the other end. Other key linemen include Johnson, Madison and senior Cameron Thomas, while seniors Nick Francescone, Nathan Lawrence and Alec O’Malley should start at linebacker. Hartley and Stewart will also see time at linebacker. The secondary should be led by junior Rickey Hyatt at safety. Other defensive backs include Wallace, Byrd and Williamson at cornerback, and
2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24....................at Whitehall Aug. 31 .................vs. Grove City Sept. 7......at Eastmoor Academy Sept. 14....vs. Pickerington North Sept. 21 ...................at Gahanna *Sept. 28 .....at Olentangy Liberty *Oct. 5 ........vs. Westerville North *Oct. 12.....vs. Olentangy Orange *Oct. 18 .......at Westerville South *Oct. 26.................vs. Olentangy 2017 RESULTS (4-6 overall, 2-3 OCC-Buckeye) Gahanna.........................L, 24-3 Upper Arlington ............W, 31-21 Eastmoor Academy ......W, 57-28 Pickerington North ..........L, 42-3 Reynoldsburg................L, 41-31 *Olentangy Liberty ........L, 31-28 *Westerville North ........W, 21-12 *Olentangy Orange........L, 35-10 *Westerville South........W, 42-35 *Olentangy....................L, 35-31 *League contest INSIDE THE WARHAWKS •Coach: Brent Morrison, first season •Top players: Justin Carter (RB/DL), James Davis (OL/DL), LaBronz Davis II (QB), Dontay Hunter II (DL/LB), Rickey Hyatt (WR/DB), Nathan Lawrence (RB/LB) and Devin Smith (OL/DL) •Key losses: Ashton Gilkey, Bryson Gilmore, Ryan Hallinan, Isaiah Healy, Cam Phillips and Allen Smith
team’s receivers have been competing to return punts and kickoffs. Recinella and sophomore Vince Francescone have shared long-snapper duties in the preseason.
THE LINEUP
Offense Quarterbacks: *LaBronz Davis II (sr., 6-3, 190), Judah Holtzclaw (so., 6-5, 205) Running backs: *Justin Carter (sr., 6-0, 190), Tariq Stewart (sr., 5-10, 230), Darius Madison (jr., 5-11, 215), Zeke Healy (so., 5-9, 190) Receivers: *Jacob Wallace (sr., 6-0, 160), *Kylin Byrd (jr., 6-0, 160), *Steven Hartley Jr. (jr., 5-6, 144), *Jace Jarvis (jr., 6-3, 182), *Myles Williamson (jr., 5-10, 180), Luke Swaney (so., 6-3, 183) Linemen: *James Davis (sr., 6-3, 275), C.J. Recinella (sr., 60, 195), *Devin Smith (sr., 60, 250), J.J. Johnson (jr., 6-1, 265) Defense Linemen: *Carter, *Dontay Hunter II (sr., 6-5, 240), *Cameron Thomas (sr., 5-8, 260), Johnson, Madison Linebackers: *Nick Francescone (sr., 5-8, 185), *Nathan Lawrence (sr., 5-9, 185), *Alec O’Malley (sr., 61, 230) Secondary: Colton Irwin (sr., 6-0, 169), Ben Lannom (sr., 57, 145), Wallace, Byrd, Hartley, *Rickey Hyatt (jr., 6-3, 182), Jarvis Special teams Kicker: *Jacob Borcila (sr., 6-0, 155) Punter: *Borcila seniors Colton Irwin and Ben Returner: Hyatt Lannom and Jarvis at safety. Long snappers: Recinella, Vince Francescone (so., 5-11, SPECIAL TEAMS 160) Senior Jacob Borcila returns (*Denotes projected starter) to handle the kicking and punting duties. fdirenna@thisweeknews.com Morrison said Hyatt and the @ThisWeekFrank
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Westerville Central
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OCC-C APITAL D IVISION
New Albany
New coach is keeping Eagles on same path By DAVE PURPURA THISWEEKSPORTS.COM
remain secondary for now. “Just take it one game at a time and focus on being better A change at the top has not than last year,” he said. “(Go) filtered through the New 1-0 (each week). That (motto) Albany High School football is not going anywhere.” team in the ways it might in OFFENSE other programs, and that’s exactly how first-year coach Muter caught 29 passes for Matthew Kidwell likes it. 444 yards and six touchdowns Sayings such as “finish” and last year, but wanted all along “1-0,” referring to the Eagles’ to return to quarterback, a posigoal of winning each week and tion he played growing up. not looking ahead, are still as Only when Kidwell was prevalent as they were the past named coach did it became a five seasons under Pat possibility that he might replace Samanich, who stepped down Jalin Jackson, who completed in April to become the school’s 43 of 75 passes for 727 yards dean of students. The rest of with eight touchdowns and two the coaching staff is largely the interceptions and also rushed same, even down to the fact for 280 yards and four touchthat Kidwell remains defen- downs on 61 carries a year ago. “Luke is so athletic. He can sive coordinator for the sixth play either (quarterback or consecutive year. The only addition to the staff receiver),” Kidwell said. “He’s is Dave Beckwith, previously always been the quarterback a freshman coach who now is of his class and he’s been very successful with them. He’s a overseeing quarterbacks. New Albany hopes other tra- quiet kid who leads by examditions continue, such as win- ple. He takes control of the ning another OCC-Capital offense and throws the ball very Division championship and well. He has a strong arm, but reaching at least a Division II I really like how athletic he is. regional final for the third year Once he gets out on the perimein a row. The Eagles went 8-5 ter, he can run and do some overall and 4-1 in the league a damage.” Burton and Alex Cox return year ago, tying Big Walnut for the championship before los- at running back in front of an ing to Massillon Washington offensive line anchored by seniors Jack Irvine, Billy Lee, 24-6 in the Region 7 final. “It’s been a seamless tran- Mason Mathias, Jack Wilson sition. Everything we’re doing and Greyson Yanok. Yanok is the same we’ve done in the will be the center, with Irvine past,” Kidwell said. “The assis- alternating between guard and tant coaches are still in their tackle. Lee, a starting nose position. I’m still calling the guard last year, will be a tackle defense and (offensive coor- in addition to returning on dinator) Brian Finn is still call- defense. King might rotate in at tight ing the offense. … We miss Pat a lot but Pat’s still around. end, which he played last year It’s nice to have Pat there. He mostly in a blocking capacity. Receivers include seniors knows how it is for our kids, when to tighten down on them Peter Ackley, Michael Bohman and talk about certain things.” and Conor Cook and junior Twenty-four seniors will Brody Kidwell. “I worked with the receivers lead the way, including Akron this summer and got to know commit Will King at defensive end and running back Michiah them better,” Muter said. “I Burton, who rushed for 1,249 can run the ball, too. I’ll throw yards and 14 touchdowns on but I like running.” 217 carries in 2017. King was DEFENSE named second-team all-state King finished last year with and Burton was honorable 76 tackles, 19 sacks, three mention all-state. “I feel the same as last year. forced fumbles, four fumble Everything is being run the recoveries and an interception. same,” King said. “This group Despite those numbers, he said of seniors pretty much led the Akron was the only school to team last year. I like our group. extend an offer. “I wanted to get (my recruitWe’re tightly knit.” New Albany starts the sea- ing process) done before the son with two road games, Aug. season so that I could focus on 24 at Westerville South and my team here instead of thinkAug. 30 at Dublin Scioto before ing about that during the seaits home opener Sept. 7 against son and being all stressed,” King said, adding he has gained Licking Heights. Senior quarterback Luke about 15 pounds of muscle Muter said any thoughts of since last year. “I’m a lot postseason achievements stronger now. It’s easier to push
Alex Cox will be at running back along with Michiah Burton when the Eagles open Friday, Aug. 24, at Westerville South. PAUL VERNON/THISWEEK
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24........at Westerville South Aug. 30..............at Dublin Scioto Sept. 7 ..........vs. Licking Heights Sept. 14 ..................vs. Gahanna Sept. 21..................at Olentangy *Sept. 28 ....vs. Canal Winchester *Oct. 5 .......................at Newark *Oct. 12................vs. Big Walnut *Oct. 19........vs. Franklin Heights *Oct. 26 ..................at Groveport 2017 SCHEDULE (8-5 overall, 4-1 OCC-Capital) Reynoldsburg...............W, 15-13 Hilliard Bradley................L, 42-6 Licking Heights .............L, 35-30 Gahanna.......................L, 40-20 Westerville North...W, 27-26 (OT) *Canal Winchester..........W, 23-3 *Newark ........................W, 40-6 *Big Walnut.....................L, 14-0 *Franklin Heights..........W, 55-36 *Groveport ...................W, 27-20 PLAYOFFS Whitehall .....................W, 42-35 Walnut Ridge .................W, 30-6 Massillon Washington......L, 24-6 *League contest INSIDE THE EAGLES •Coach: Matthew Kidwell, first season •Top players: Michiah Burton (RB), Alex Cox (RB/DB), Brody Kidwell (RB/DB), Will King (DL/TE), Luke Muter (QB/WR), Michael O’Shaughnessy (K/P), Gabe Owusu-Antwi (RB/DB), Brode White (FB/LB) and Jack Wilson (OL/LB) •Key losses: Logan Cook, Jalin Jackson, Alex Smithers, Ty Ward and Jametrius Yarbrough
recovery at linebacker, where senior Brode White also returns. Senior Zach Rutledge and junior Luke Dovell will be the other starters, although senior Jack Scharfe probably will see playing time after he returns from an injury. Rutledge had 73 tackles and four sacks a year ago, and White had 47 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Bohman had 51 tackles and four pass break-ups at safety as a junior. Senior Gabe Owusu-Antwi, a cornerback, added 49 tackles and an interception. “There’s a lot of experience coming back but most of us are in the weight room every day,” White said. “We all got bigger, faster and stronger, so I think we will be a little better than last year.”
After recording 29 receptions for 444 yards and six touchdowns, Luke Muter will be throwing passes instead of catching them as Senior punter Michael he moves to quarterback. ERIC ALBRECHT/THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH O’Shaughnessy made himself into an asset last year, averag- Hall (jr., 5-8, 155), Kingston *King, *Mo Minard (sr., 6-0, ing 33.6 yards in 61 attempts. Mabatah (jr., 5-9, 165), 260), Lee According to Kidwell, Notre Dominic Zappitelli (jr., 5-10, Linebackers: *Zach RutDame, Ohio State and Vander- 170) ledge (sr., 5-10, 225), *White, bilt all have expressed interReceivers: *Peter Ackley *Wilson, *Luke Dovell (jr., 6est. (sr., 6-1, 185), *Michael 0, 190), Jack Scharfe (sr., 6-0, “He has some great hang Bohman (sr., 6-0, 185), Conor 190) time,” Kidwell said. “He can Cook (sr., 6-0, 170), Brody Secondary: *Bohman, be a threat.” Kidwell (jr., 5-1, 190), Char- *Gabe Owusu-Antwi (sr., 5Senior Grant Rogers will lie Pine (jr., 6-1, 170), Colin 9, 160), *Kidwell, Dean Dantake over as place-kicker after Santilli (so., 6-0, 180) flous (sr., 5-9, 160), Mabatah being Zach Paragas’ backup a Tight ends: *Patrick Gurd Special teams year ago. Rogers saw limited (sr., 6-4, 195), Will King (sr., Kicker: Grant Rogers (sr., time on varsity, making his 6-6, 225) 6-1, 205) only extra-point attempt. Linemen: *Jack Irvine (sr., Punter: Michael O’Shaugh6-2, 240), *Billy Lee (sr., 6-0, nessy (sr., 6-4, 190) THE LINEUP 250), *Mason Mathias (sr., 5Returners: Bohman, Hall, Offense 9, 225), *Jack Wilson (sr., 5- Owusu-Antwi Quarterback: *Luke Muter 10, 220), *Grayson Yanok (sr., Long snapper: *Pine, Muter, (sr., 6-1, 175) 6-1, 245), Braeden Elwer (so., Spelman Running backs: *Michiah 6-3, 195), Kevin Spelman (so., (*Denotes projected starter) Burton (sr., 5-10, 185), *Alex 6-4, 225) people around.” Defense Wilson had 36 tackles, two Cox (sr., 5-9, 170), Brode dpurpura@thisweeknews.com Linemen: *Ackley, *Irvine, @ThisWeekDave forced fumbles and a fumble White (sr., 5-10, 195), Reed
SPECIAL TEAMS
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OCC-C APITAL D IVISION
ThisWeekSPORTS.com | FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE 2018 Football Preview
Franklin Heights
Little to lead Falcons on ground, through air By SCOTT HENNEN THISWEEKSPORTS.COM
Emmanuel Anthony is expected to start at slotback for the Cruisers, who have switched to the wing-T offense. JOHN HULKENBERG/THISWEEK
Groveport Madison
Cruisers retool offense after winless season By BRAD EMERINE THISWEEKSPORTS.COM Sometimes you have to reach rock bottom before you can start to climb back up again. The Groveport Madison High School football team hopes that is the case as it attempts to rebound from a winless season. The Cruisers had a young roster, then suffered more than their fair share of injuries. As the lineups changed, the losses continued to mount and they finished 0-10 overall and 0-5 in the OCC-Capital Division. “If that doesn’t motivate you, nothing does,” said sixth-year coach Bryan Schoonover, whose team opens Aug. 24 at Westerville North. “The best part about it all is that the kids never complained or made excuses. We played so many guys on Friday nights that should have been playing j.v. on Saturday mornings. They took their lumps and didn’t complain. We were in ball games and started playing a lot better in the second half of the season as our young guys got experience. “We sat down with everybody in early December and talked about not wanting to be in this situation again. Everyone involved recommitted. We had guys playing multiple sports who didn’t miss lifts. They came in early at 5:45 in the morning. Others came in after school. It was the best offseason I’ve been involved with being a coach. We’ve seen a huge difference in the kids’ body composition, speed and agility and that has them motivated and excited. They bought into everything we wanted to do.” One of the other major
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24 ...........at Westerville North Aug. 30 .......vs. Hamilton Township at Fortress Obetz Sept. 7 ...vs. Worthington Kilbourne Sept. 14......at Pickerington Central Sept. 21 ........vs. Olentangy Liberty *Sept. 28 ..........at Franklin Heights *Oct. 5...........vs. Canal Winchester *Oct. 12 .......................vs. Newark *Oct. 19 ....................at Big Walnut *Oct. 26 .................vs. New Albany 2017 RESULTS (0-10 overall, 0-5 OCC-Capital) Westerville North................L, 27-0 Hamilton Township...........L, 21-14 Thomas Worthington ........L, 47-13 Pickerington Central...........L, 33-7 Central Crossing.................L, 27-7
changes is that Schoonover decided to switch his team’s offensive scheme from a spread attack to the wing-T. “Going winless takes a lot out of you and you have to take a close look at everything you’re doing,” Schoonover said. “We feel the wing-T suits our personnel better. We had success with the spread in years past, but last year we obviously didn’t. I’m very familiar with this offense after being an assistant at Lancaster for all those years. I think our kids are a much better fit in the wing-T.”
*Franklin Heights..............L, 44-20 *Canal Winchester..............L, 24-7 *Newark ............................L, 14-0 *Big Walnut......................L, 14-13 *New Albany ....................L, 27-20 *League contest INSIDE THE CRUISERS •Coach: Bryan Schoonover, sixth season •Top players: Elijah Aekins (QB/WR), Jaylin Chaney (WR),Te-Rah Edwards (OL/DL), Deahmi Guinn (LB), Tykel Hancock (DL), Allan Joyce (RB/LB), Colin Kerns (QB), Skyler Mouser (LB), Colin Rice (QB), Jasiyah Robinson (DL), Darrell Smoot (DL) and Cody Wilson (WR/DB) •Key losses: Izayah Aekins and Ricco Collins-Hayes
starters got plenty of action last year. The change to the wing-T has meant that some of the returning starters are in new positions. Sophomore Elijah Aekins has moved from receiver to quarterback and was challenging senior Colin Kerns and junior Colin Rice to be the starter. Schoonover said it is possible that all three will play. “They all have special attributes that the others don’t,” Schoonover said. “Kerns has a bigger arm, Aekins can flat-out run, and Rice does a good job OFFENSE grasping concepts and reading The Cruisers return three full- defenses. All have done a good time starters on offense, but CRUISERS >> 67 most of the other expected
When senior Cody Little takes snaps during a Franklin Heights High School football practice, you can tell he is running the show. The 6-foot, 170-pound quarterback was an unknown entity entering his junior season, looking to step out of the shadow of 2017 graduate Dylan Akers, who earned second-team allstate honors as a senior. Now, however, Little displays poise and a swagger that had yet to surface a year ago. Last season, Little was the rushing and passing leader for the Falcons, who finished 5-5 overall and tied Canal Winchester for third (3-2) in the OCC-Capital Division behind co-champions Big Walnut and New Albany (both 4-1). He rushed for 1,183 yards and 10 touchdowns on 185 carries and completed 115 of 178 passes for 1,576 yards with 16 touchdowns and just one interception. Those numbers earned him third-team all-state honors as well as being first-team all-district and all-league. “I tell you, he has improved a lot from last year to this. He is a totally different player, and he is very confident,” said second-year coach Cory Fenner, whose team opens Aug. 24 at home against Eastmoor Academy. “For a guy who takes the snap and has the ball in his hands every play, you want that confidence and he definitely has it. “Cody has improved quite a bit, and the part of his game that (is) most improved is the passing game. Last year, he did a lot with his feet, which is good, but we really have tried to stress hitting big plays in the passing game, getting rid of the ball on time and making good reads. He has really worked hard at perfecting the passing game.” Little expects success this fall, thanks in part to a better understanding of the offense. Not that it was difficult to pick up last season, but he now has a year of running the offense under his belt. “It has been easier working the offense because we’re used to the plays and we’re more advanced from last year,” Little said. “It was coach (Fenner)’s first year and we were busy learning everything. Now, we just work hard in practice and keep getting better each day. I have to keep doing what I’m doing. I have to go out there and play.” Little has impressive credentials as well as leadership skills. Now is the time to put his complete game together. “Cody was a big part of what we did last year,” Fenner said.
Cody Little threw for 1,576 yards with 16 touchdowns and one interception while also leading the team with 1,183 yards and 10 touchdowns rushing. SCOTT HENNEN/THISWEEK
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24.......vs. Eastmoor Academy Aug. 31 ................vs. Harvest Prep Sept. 7 ............................at Briggs Sept. 14.....................vs. Westland Sept. 21 ..........at Westerville North *Sept. 28....................at Groveport *Oct. 5.....................vs. Big Walnut *Oct. 11 ..........at Canal Winchester *Oct. 19 ..................at New Albany *Oct. 26 .......................vs. Newark 2017 RESULTS (5-5 overall, 3-2 OCC-Capital) Eastmoor Academy ..........L, 46-19 Harvest Prep ....................L, 44-14 Briggs.............................W, 20-17 Westland.........................W, 41-28 Grove City ........................L, 55-23 *Groveport ......................W, 44-20 *Big Walnut......................L, 21-14
“I think he knows that he is a good athlete and he can do things with his feet, but we’re an even better football team if we can distribute the ball the way it should be distributed.” Fenner made sure to point out Little’s backup, Jeffery Beverly. Only a freshman, the 6-3, 200-pound Beverly has a strong arm and, according to Fenner, already has drawn attention from Division I college coaches.
OFFENSE Franklin Heights returns five starters from its spread attack, led by Little. Two of his top targets are back in senior wide receivers Ray McDonald and Jacob Slark. Slark (second-team allleague) caught 30 passes for 431 yards and three touchdowns a year ago, while
*Canal Winchester...........W, 20-19 *New Albany ....................L, 55-36 *Newark .........................W, 49-21 *League contest INSIDE THE FALCONS •Coach: Cory Fenner, second season •Top players: D.J. Harris (RB), Day’myrin Jones (DL), Michael Leitz (LB), Cody Little (QB/DB), Collin Maynard (OL), Ray McDonald (WR), Montell Qualls (LB), Jamacan Sizemore (DL), Jacob Slark (WR), Dequintis Sutton (DB), Aaron Thomas (OL) and Nazir Valentine (RB) •Key losses: Chris Hampton, Kenyatta Jackson, Jacob McGinnis, Parker McGlothlin, Mikahl Mosley, Jaden Proffitt and Kesean Reeves
McDonald had 233 yards and two scores on 12 receptions. Returning on the line are junior guard Aaron Thomas and sophomore tackle Collin Maynard. “We’re closer this year,” Little said. “Last year, we had some cliques, but so far this year, we’re really close. We all came together as a family and it’s easier to play when you are close to your teammates.” Expected to rotate in the backfield are junior D.J. Jones (43 carries, 158 yards) and sophomore Nazir Valentine, a transfer from St. Charles. “D.J. and Nazir are pretty much equal and could split carries,” Fenner said. “We usually play two running backs because I think it’s a lot of hits for one player to take. We like our running backs to be fresh.
FALCONS >> 42
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Canal Winchester
Indians looking to build on last season By DAVE PURPURA THISWEEKSPORTS.COM Last year at this time, Josh Stratton was putting his stamp on the Canal Winchester High School football team as he prepared to coach his first game with the Indians. He still was getting to know the players, who in turn were learning his expectations and trying to learn new plays and schemes on both sides of the ball. Coming off the team’s first playoff appearance since 2012, Stratton is continuing to implement his approach, albeit in a different way. Much of the offseason was devoted to renovating the locker room, something Stratton said had not been done since it was built in 1992. New oak lockers were scheduled to be installed two weeks ago, a new film room was built where lockers previously stood and the locker room and coaches’ office were repainted as new carpet and whiteboard walls were installed. “Most of my summer, I spent in this (coaches’) office working, but that’s all right,” Stratton said. “When this is done, we will have the nicest locker room in central Ohio. It will look like a college locker room. (We will have) custom wall graphics. Our core values, our plan to win, our mission, our vision will be right there on the walls. We have a new storage shed out back. The weight room is next, and then I can relax. That’s my next project. Things are happening. (Athletics director) Pat Durbin is making things happen and
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24......at Thomas Worthington Aug. 31...........vs. Olentangy Berlin Sept. 7....................at Teays Valley Sept. 14 .........vs. Westerville North Sept. 21.....................at Grove City *Sept. 28.................at New Albany *Oct. 5 ......................vs. Groveport *Oct. 11...........vs. Franklin Heights *Oct. 19.........................at Newark *Oct. 26...................vs. Big Walnut 2017 RESULTS (6-5 overall, 3-2 OCC-Capital) Thomas Worth.........L, 27-20 (2OT) Athens ............................W, 27-12 Teays Valley ......................W, 33-7 Westerville North..............L, 47-21 Westland.........................W, 24-14 *New Albany ......................L, 23-3
he hired me to make things happen.” On the field, Canal Winchester will try to make the playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time since advancing four years in a row from 200710. The Indians went 6-5 overall and 3-2 in the OCC-Capital Division last year, losing to top-seeded Walnut Ridge 2714 in a Division II, Region 7 first-round game. “We really changed the culture last year,” senior defensive back/wide receiver Chris Ryan said. “That’s kept building among our team. We have clicked.” Canal Winchester opens Aug. 24 at Thomas Worthington. The Indians’ home opener
*Groveport ........................W, 24-7 *Franklin Heights..............L, 20-19 *Newark ...........................W, 47-7 *Big Walnut .......................W, 38-6 PLAYOFFS Walnut Ridge ...................L, 27-14 *League contest INSIDE THE INDIANS •Coach: Josh Stratton, second season •Top players: Zack Akarri (WR/DB), Jack Beeler (QB), Jared Bulluck (DL), Darren Davis (RB/LB), Travis Harrison-Rawn (OL), Jake Howard (WR), Wally Kalinowski (OL), Tyler Toledo (RB/DB) and Dez Turkson (OL/DL) •Key losses: Tanner Conley, Haden Hiser, Angelo Hubbard, Matt Kamer, Connor Marshall and Stanton Smith
is Aug. 31 against first-year Olentangy Berlin, and they begin league play Sept. 28 at New Albany. Canal Winchester tied Franklin Heights for third in the OCC-Capital last year behind co-champions Big Walnut and New Albany (both 41). The Indians simultaneously clinched their playoff berth and handed the Golden Eagles their only league loss on the final night of the regular season. Canal Winchester earned the eighth and final playoff berth in Region 7. Even with increased expectations, senior linebacker Tim Moore – one of eight returning starters on defense – says some things remain the same
Jack Beeler completed 126 of 221 passes for 1,410 yards and nine touchdowns as the Indians went 6-5 and reached the playoffs for the first time since 2012. PAUL VERNON/THISWEEK
from a year ago. “We are bringing the same intensity. (Stratton) has a standard and we’re going to have to meet that every day,” Moore said. “We want to keep up with how we were last year. He’s been here a year. We know what he expects so we’re going to keep bringing it.”
OFFENSE Three-year starter Wally Kalinowski, a senior, will anchor an experienced offensive line in front of junior quarterback Jack Beeler, who completed 126 of 221 passes for 1,410 yards with nine touch-
downs and six interceptions last season as a first-time starter. The 6-foot-1 Beeler has grown an inch since last year and has bulked up to 165 pounds. “(He has) more arm strength, better understanding of the offense and he is making way better decisions with the ball,” Stratton said. “He wasn’t a bad passer last year, but he is dramatically better this year. A big part of it is he put on 20 pounds of muscle and grew another inch. He doesn’t have many bad days.” Senior Darren Davis, a firstteam all-state honoree last year
Newark
Wildcats hope offseason brings fresh start By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM
Newark sophomore quarterback Jake Sherman works on a passing drill during a preseason practice. JARROD ULREY/THISWEEK
The Newark High School football team participated in a number of events during the offseason away from the weight room and practice field, which included visiting the district’s elementary schools to read to students and partnering with local police to help with community clean-up efforts. Coach Mike Kopachy hopes that increasing the level of involvement in these types of activities can help turn around a program coming off a rough season. Despite having seniors in several key roles and coming off a 5-5 record in 2016 – its best mark since going 8-3 in 2005 – the Wildcats slipped to 1-9 overall and 1-4 in the OCC-
Capital Division. The morning after its opening 23-19 loss to Zanesville, the sister of one of the Wildcats’ best players, running back D’ante Woods, died in a car accident. A number of issues, according to Kopachy, then contributed to the struggles that he hopes his program is ready to overcome. “I just think we’re ahead (of last year) from a standpoint of culture,” the fifth-year coach said. “We’ve got some good kids who have bought into what we’re trying to teach as far as offseason accountability, community service and academics. When you have those three things, the football stuff falls in line afterwards. “We had a lot of experience coming back (last season) and a lot of those guys got hurt,
suspended or missed games for whatever reason. We’ve got 19 seniors (this season), so I think when you’ve got 19 seniors, that helps get you a little bit of a leg up compared with where you’ve been in the past.” The Wildcats have 47 athletes in grades 10 through 12, which is lower than a year ago, but Kopachy likes the quality he sees in his potential starters and the work ethic he sees throughout his program. The only change to Newark’s schedule is that Olentangy Orange has been replaced by Central Crossing. The Pioneers posted a 50-14 win in week five over the Wildcats, whose only victory was over Groveport (14-0). “It’s been going pretty smooth,” sophomore quarter-
WILDCATS >> 75
at linebacker, will be the Indians’ starting tailback, although Stratton said 6-1, 190-pound freshman Stephan Byrd should figure prominently into the running game. “(Byrd) has been as advertised,” Stratton said. “He is learning every day.” Junior Tyler Toledo rushed for 374 yards and five touchdowns on 76 carries last season and will see time on offense as well as at safety and potentially on special teams. Seniors Jack Howard and David Kajuna are the only
INDIANS >> 51
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WEEK 1 Thursday, Aug. 23 Area non-league Walnut Ridge at Mifflin; Newark Catholic at Zanesville Maysville Friday, Aug. 24 Area non-league Gahanna at Cincinnati Elder; Hilliard Davidson at Grove City; Lancaster at Springfield; Olentangy Liberty at Pickerington North; Reynoldsburg at Upper Arlington; Hilliard Darby at Olentangy; Worthington Kilbourne at Olentangy Orange; Westerville Central at Whitehall; Groveport at Westerville North; New Albany at Westerville South; Central Crossing at Marion-Franklin; Perrysburg at Dublin Coffman; Jonathan Alder at Marysville; Licking Heights at Westland; Delaware at Buckeye Valley; Dublin Jerome at Watterson; Dublin Scioto at St. Charles; Findlay at Hilliard Bradley; Canal Winchester at Thomas Worthington; Briggs at Olentangy Berlin; Johnstown at Big Walnut; Eastmoor Academy at Franklin Heights; Zanesville at Newark; Dayton Ponitz Tech at Beechcroft; Grandview at Centennial; Columbus South at Columbus East; Zeeland (Michigan) West at Northland; Whetstone at Watkins Memorial; Bainbridge Paint Valley at Africentric; Columbus West at Uniontown Lake; Reigning Sports Academy at Independence; Hartley at Toledo Central Catholic; Genoa Area vs. Ready at Fortress Obetz; Bexley at Harvest Prep; Columbus Academy at Cincinnati Wyoming; Liberty Union at Heath; Urbana at London; Lakewood at Amanda-Clearcreek; Marengo Highland at Bloom-Carroll; Circleville at Washington Court House Miami Trace; New Lexington at Fairfield Union; Hamilton Township at Granville; Logan Elm at Chillicothe Zane Trace; Teays Valley at Chillicothe; KIPP Columbus at Berne Union; Cincinnati Landmark at Fairfield Christian; Fisher Catholic at Crooksville; Springfield Catholic at Grove City Christian; Springfield Northeastern at Worthington Christian; Zanesville Rosecrans at Beallsville; Thornville Sheridan at Licking Valley; Warsaw River View at Northridge; Centerburg at Utica; Fredericktown at Bellville Clear Fork; Bucyrus at Galion; Fairbanks at North Union; Mount Vernon at Marion Harding; Lewistown Indian Lake at Marion Pleasant; Lexington at Ontario; Upper Sandusky at Caledonia River Valley Saturday, Aug. 25 Area non-league DeSales vs. Dayton Dunbar at Huber Heights Wayne Sunday, Aug. 26 Area non-league Chicago Phillips Academy vs. Pickerington Central at Otterbein
WEEK 2
COMPOSITE SCHEDULES: WEEKS 1-5 WEEK 3
Thursday, Sept. 6 Thursday, Aug. 30 Area non-league Area non-league Groveport at Hamilton Township; New Central Crossing at Grove City Albany at Dublin Scioto Friday, Sept. 7 Area non-league Friday, Aug. 31 Springboro at Gahanna; Lancaster at Area non-league Dublin Coffman at Gahanna; Grove Hilliard Darby; Pickerington Central at City at Westerville Central; DeSales Trotwood Madison; Olentangy Orange at Lancaster; West Toronto (Ontario) at Pickerington North; Marion-Franklin Prep at Pickerington Central; Dublin at Reynoldsburg; Holland Springfield Jerome at Pickerington North; at Olentangy; Marysville at Olentangy Reynoldsburg at Licking Heights; Olen- Liberty; Westerville Central at Easttangy at Miamisburg; Cleveland moor Academy; Westerville North at Glenville at Olentangy Liberty; Wat- Mansfield Madison; Thomas Worthingterson at Olentangy Orange; Wester- ton at Westerville South; Cincinnati ville North at Thomas Worthington; Winton Woods at Upper Arlington; Westerville South at Worthington Kil- Dublin Coffman at Dublin Jerome; bourne; Beechcroft at Central Cross- Hilliard Bradley at Hilliard Davidson; ing; Upper Arlington at Findlay; Hilliard Delaware at Westland; Dublin Scioto Darby at Hilliard Davidson; Marysville at Big Walnut; Toledo St. John’s at at Delaware; Marion-Franklin at West- Olentangy Berlin; Worthington Killand; Hilliard Bradley vs. Stow-Munroe bourne at Groveport; Canal WinchesFalls at Ashland University; Olentangy ter at Teays Valley; Franklin Heights Berlin at Canal Winchester; Buckeye at Briggs; Marion Harding at Newark; Valley at Big Walnut; Harvest Prep at Licking Heights at New Albany; WalFranklin Heights; Newark at Mount nut Ridge at Beechcroft; Africentric Vernon; Centennial at Columbus West; at Centennial; Columbus East at Columbus East at Amanda-Clearcreek; Columbus West; Linden-McKinley at Linden-McKinley at Columbus Acad- Columbus South; Harvest Prep at Mifemy; Chillicothe at Mifflin; Northland flin; Granville at Northland; Whitehall at Whitehall; Briggs at Whetstone; Afri- at Whetstone; St. Charles at Indepencentric at Grandview; Berne Union at dence; DeSales at Youngstown CarColumbus South; St. Charles at East- dinal Mooney; Cuyahoga Falls Walsh moor Academy; Independence at Jesuit at Watterson; Hamilton TownJohnstown; Walnut Ridge at Watkins ship at Bexley; Grandview at Zanesville Memorial; Wheelersburg at Hartley; Rosecrans; Amanda-Clearcreek at Ready at West Jefferson; Bexley at Liberty Union; Washington Court House Campbell Memorial; Bloom-Carroll at at London; Lakewood at Bloom-CarLiberty Union; Madison Plains at Lon- roll; Westfall at Circleville; McArthur don; Circleville at Washington Court Vinton County at Fairfield Union; WashHouse; Jackson at Fairfield Union; ington Court House Miami Trace at Westfall at Logan Elm; Logan at Teays Logan Elm; Newcomerstown at Berne Valley; Fisher Catholic at Crestline; Union; Fairfield Christian at North Worthington Christian at Galion North- Union; Reigning Sports Academy at mor; KIPP Columbus at Zanesville Fisher Catholic; Grove City Christian Rosecrans; Granville at Zanesville; at Jefferson Township; Worthington Cincinnati Landmark at Lakewood; Christian at Marion Pleasant; Licking Heath at Licking Valley; Newark Valley at Johnstown; Watkins MemoCatholic at Attica Seneca East; Bev- rial at Chillicothe; Heath at Wheelerserly Fort Frye at Northridge; East Knox burg; Northridge at Centerburg; Utica at Utica; Bellville Clear Fork at Belle- at Fredericktown; Buckeye Valley at vue; Galion at Carey; North Union at Mount Vernon; Bellville Clear Fork at North Robinson Colonel Crawford; Jonathan Alder; Galion at Upper SanJonathan Alder at Marion Harding; dusky; Sullivan Black River at Ontario; Fredericktown at Marion Pleasant; Caledonia River Valley at Marengo Marengo Highland at Ontario; Cale- Highland donia River Valley at Mansfield MadiCentral Catholic League son Ready at Hartley Saturday, Sept. 1 Saturday, Sept. 8 Area non-league Willow Wood Symmes Valley at Fair- Area non-league field Christian; Grove City Christian at Columbus Academy at Newark Catholic Tuscarawas Central Catholic
WEEK 4
WEEK 5
Thursday, Sept. 13 Mid-State League Bloom-Carroll at Teays Valley
Thursday, Sept. 20 Mid-State League Columbus Academy at Whitehall
Friday, Sept. 14 Ohio Capital Conference Olentangy Berlin at Delaware; Dublin Scioto at Dublin Jerome; Hilliard Darby at Hilliard Bradley; Thomas Worthington at Worthington Kilbourne
Friday, Sept. 21 Ohio Capital Conference Delaware at Dublin Scioto; Dublin Jerome at Hilliard Darby; Hilliard Bradley at Thomas Worthington; Olentangy Berlin at Worthington Kilbourne
City League Mifflin at Beechcroft; Northland at Centennial; Whetstone at Columbus East; Africentric at Marion-Franklin; Briggs at Independence; Columbus South at Eastmoor Academy; Walnut Ridge at Columbus West
City League Columbus East at Beechcroft; LindenMcKinley at Whetstone; Mifflin at Northland; Independence at Africentric; Columbus South at Briggs; Columbus West at Marion-Franklin; Eastmoor Academy at Walnut Ridge
Mid-State League Bexley at Columbus Academy; London at Liberty Union; Logan Elm at Amanda-Clearcreek; Fairfield Union at Circleville; Berne Union at Grove City Christian; Fairfield Christian at Zanesville Rosecrans; Harvest Prep at Worthington Christian
Mid-State League Grandview at Bexley; AmandaClearcreek at Fairfield Union; Hamilton Township at Bloom-Carroll; Teays Valley at Logan Elm; Fisher Catholic at Berne Union; Worthington Christian at Grove City Christian; Zanesville Rosecrans at Harvest Prep
Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference Buckeye Valley at Caledonia River Valley; North Union at Bellville Clear Fork; Marion Pleasant at Galion; Marion Harding at Ontario
Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference Bellville Clear Fork at Buckeye Valley; Galion at Caledonia River Valley; Ontario at North Union; Marion Pleasant at Marion Harding
Area non-league Gahanna at New Albany; Grove City at Marysville; Newark at Lancaster; Groveport at Pickerington Central; Pickerington North at Westerville Central; Reynoldsburg at Central Crossing; Olentangy at Dublin Coffman; Hilliard Davidson at Olentangy Liberty; Westland at Franklin Heights; Big Walnut at Olentangy Orange; Westerville North at Canal Winchester; Upper Arlington at Westerville South; Linden-McKinley at Washington Court House; Dayton Belmont at DeSales; Chillicothe at Hartley; New Philadelphia at St. Charles; Wheelersburg at Watterson; Ready at Grandview; Whitehall at Hamilton Township; Johnstown at Granville; Northridge at Lakewood; Licking Heights at Heath; Utica at Licking Valley; Watkins Memorial at Newark Catholic; Jonathan Alder at Bellefontaine Benjamin Logan
Area non-league Westerville Central at Gahanna; Canal Winchester at Grove City; Lancaster at Upper Arlington; Pickerington Central at Hilliard Davidson; Dublin Coffman at Pickerington North; Westerville South at Reynoldsburg; New Albany at Olentangy; Olentangy Liberty at Groveport; Olentangy Orange at Westland; Franklin Heights at Westerville North; Central Crossing at Newark; Marysville at Big Walnut; Centennial at Lucas; Covington (Kentucky) Catholic at DeSales; Hartley at Clarksville Clinton-Massie; Washington Court House at St. Charles; Cleveland Benedictine at Watterson; Liberty Union vs. Ready at Fortress Obetz; Circleville at London; Granville at Utica; Lakewood at Heath; Newark Catholic at Licking Heights; Licking Valley at Northridge; Watkins Memorial at Johnstown; Lewistown Indian Lake at Jonathan Alder
WEEK 7
WEEK 8
WEEK 9
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WEEK 10
Thursday, Sept. 27 Ohio Capital Conference Gahanna at Pickerington Central
Thursday, Oct. 25 Thursday, Oct. 18 Thursday, Oct. 11 Thursday, Oct. 4 Ohio Capital Conference Ohio Capital Conference Ohio Capital Conference Mid-State League Hamilton Township at Fairfield Union Franklin Heights at Canal Winchester Westerville Central at Westerville South Reynoldsburg at Lancaster
Friday, Sept. 28 Ohio Capital Conference Lancaster at Grove City; Pickerington North at Reynoldsburg; Westerville South at Olentangy; Westerville Central at Olentangy Liberty; Olentangy Orange at Westerville North; Hilliard Davidson at Central Crossing; Westland at Upper Arlington; Dublin Coffman at Marysville; Worthington Kilbourne at Delaware; Thomas Worthington at Dublin Jerome; Hilliard Bradley at Dublin Scioto; Hilliard Darby at Olentangy Berlin; Newark at Big Walnut; Canal Winchester at New Albany; Franklin Heights at Groveport
Friday, Oct. 5 Ohio Capital Conference Reynoldsburg at Gahanna; Grove City at Pickerington North; Pickerington Central at Lancaster; Olentangy at Olentangy Orange; Olentangy Liberty at Westerville South; Westerville North at Westerville Central; Upper Arlington at Hilliard Davidson; Central Crossing at Dublin Coffman; Marysville at Westland; Dublin Jerome at Delaware; Dublin Scioto at Worthington Kilbourne; Olentangy Berlin at Hilliard Bradley; Thomas Worthington at Hilliard Darby; Big Walnut at Franklin Heights; Groveport at Canal Winchester; New Albany at Newark
City League Centennial at Columbus East; LindenMcKinley at Mifflin; Northland at Whetstone; Africentric at Columbus South; Walnut Ridge at Briggs; Independence at Columbus West; Marion-Franklin at Eastmoor Academy
City League Beechcroft at Centennial; LindenMcKinley at Northland; Mifflin at Whetstone; Walnut Ridge at Africentric; Briggs at Marion-Franklin; Columbus West at Columbus South; Eastmoor Academy at Independence
Central Catholic League St. Charles at DeSales; Watterson at Mid-State League London at Grandview; Liberty Union Hartley at Whitehall; Amanda-Clearcreek at Bloom-Carroll; Logan Elm at Circleville; Mid-State League Bexley at Liberty Union; London at Berne Union at Harvest Prep; Fisher Columbus Academy; Whitehall at Catholic at Worthington Christian Grandview; Bloom-Carroll at Circleville; Fairfield Union at Teays Valley; Logan Licking County League Elm at Hamilton Township; Fairfield Lakewood at Licking Heights; Watkins Christian at Berne Union; Grove City Memorial at Licking Valley; Utica at Christian at Fisher Catholic; Zanesville Heath; Newark Catholic at Johnstown Rosecrans at Worthington Christian Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference Marion Pleasant at Buckeye Valley; Licking County League Licking Heights at Granville; Licking Galion at Bellville Clear Fork; Marion Valley at Lakewood; Johnstown at Harding at North Union; Ontario at Northridge; Utica at Newark Catholic Caledonia River Valley Area non-league Lima Central Catholic at Columbus East; DeSales vs. Terre Haute (Indiana) North Vigo at Earlham College (Richmond, Indiana); Mansfield Madison at St. Charles; Watterson at Youngstown Ursuline; Columbus AcadArea non-league Beechcroft at Dayton Meadowdale; emy vs. Ready at Fortress Obetz; Teays Ready at Amanda-Clearcreek; Heath Valley at Bexley; Northridge at Granville; at Watkins Memorial; St. Paris Gra- Springfield Kenton Ridge at Jonathan Alder ham at Jonathan Alder Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference Buckeye Valley at Ontario; Caledonia River Valley at Bellville Clear Fork; Marion Harding at Galion; Marion Pleasant at North Union
Saturday, Oct. 6 Mid-State League Grove City Christian at Fairfield Christian Area non-league Dayton Belmont at Hartley
Friday, Oct. 12 Ohio Capital Conference Gahanna at Lancaster; Reynoldsburg at Grove City; Pickerington North at Pickerington Central; Olentangy at Olentangy Liberty; Olentangy Orange at Westerville Central; Westerville South at Westerville North; Westland at Central Crossing; Upper Arlington at Marysville; Hilliard Davidson at Dublin Coffman; Delaware at Thomas Worthington; Hilliard Bradley at Dublin Jerome; Dublin Scioto at Olentangy Berlin; Worthington Kilbourne at Hilliard Darby; Big Walnut at New Albany; Newark at Groveport
Friday, Oct. 19 Ohio Capital Conference Gahanna at Grove City; Lancaster at Pickerington North; Pickerington Central at Reynoldsburg; Westerville North at Olentangy; Olentangy Orange at Olentangy Liberty; Central Crossing at Upper Arlington; Dublin Coffman at Westland; Hilliard Davidson at Marysville; Hilliard Darby at Delaware; Dublin Jerome at Olentangy Berlin; Thomas Worthington at Dublin Scioto; Hilliard Bradley at Worthington Kilbourne; Groveport at Big Walnut; Canal Winchester at Newark; Franklin Heights at New Albany
Friday, Oct. 26 Ohio Capital Conference Pickerington North at Gahanna; Grove City at Pickerington Central; Olentangy at Westerville Central; Olentangy Liberty at Westerville North; Westerville South at Olentangy Orange; Upper Arlington at Dublin Coffman; Marysville at Central Crossing; Westland at Hilliard Davidson; Delaware at Hilliard Bradley; Worthington Kilbourne at Dublin Jerome; Dublin Scioto at Hilliard Darby; Olentangy Berlin at Thomas Worthington; Big Walnut at Canal Winchester; Newark at Franklin Heights; New Albany at Groveport
City League Whetstone at Beechcroft; Centennial at Linden-McKinley; Columbus East at Mifflin; Africentric at Briggs; Columbus South at Walnut Ridge; Columbus West at Eastmoor Academy; Marion-Franklin at Independence
City League Beechcroft at Linden-McKinley; Centennial at Mifflin; Northland at Columbus East; Columbus West at Africentric; Eastmoor Academy at Briggs; Independence at Columbus South; Marion-Franklin at Walnut Ridge
City League Beechcroft at Northland; Whetstone at Centennial; Columbus East at Linden-McKinley; Eastmoor Academy at Africentric; Briggs at Columbus West; Columbus South at Marion-Franklin; Walnut Ridge at Independence
Mid-State League Central Catholic League Hartley at DeSales; St. Charles at Wat- Bexley at London; Liberty Union at Columbus Academy; Hamilton Townterson ship at Amanda-Clearcreek; BloomCarroll at Fairfield Union; Circleville at Mid-State League Whitehall at Bexley; Grandview at Lib- Teays Valley; Fairfield Christian at Worerty Union; Circleville at Amanda- thington Christian; Zanesville RoseClearcreek; Fairfield Union at Logan crans at Grove City Christian; Fisher Elm; Teays Valley at Hamilton Town- Catholic at Harvest Prep ship; Berne Union at Zanesville Rosecrans; Harvest Prep at Grove City Chris- Licking County League Granville at Licking Valley; Lakewood tian at Watkins Memorial; Newark Catholic at Heath; Northridge at Utica Licking County League Granville at Lakewood; Licking Heights at Watkins Memorial; Heath at North- Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference ridge; Johnstown at Utica; Licking Val- North Union at Buckeye Valley; Marion Pleasant at Bellville Clear Fork; ley at Newark Catholic Ontario at Galion; Marion Harding at Caledonia River Valley Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference Buckeye Valley at Marion Harding; Bellville Clear Fork at Ontario; North Area non-league Union at Galion; Caledonia River Val- Whetstone at Columbus Crusaders; DeSales at Cincinnati Winton Woods; ley at Marion Pleasant North Canton Hoover at Hartley; KIPP Columbus at St. Charles; Watterson Area non-league Northland at Dayton Ponitz Tech; Ready at Logan; Whitehall vs. Ready at at London; Bloom-Carroll at Colum- Fortress Obetz; Grandview at Logan bus Academy; Jonathan Alder at Belle- Elm; Johnstown at Licking Heights; New Carlisle Tecumseh at Jonathan fontaine Alder Saturday, Oct. 13 Mid-State League Fairfield Christian at Fisher Catholic
Central Catholic League DeSales at Watterson; Hartley at St. Charles Mid-State League Columbus Academy at Grandview; London at Whitehall; Teays Valley at Amanda-Clearcreek; Logan Elm at Bloom-Carroll; Hamilton Township at Circleville; Worthington Christian at Berne Union; Zanesville Rosecrans at Fisher Catholic Licking County League Watkins Memorial at Granville; Licking Valley at Licking Heights; Heath at Johnstown; Northridge at Newark Catholic Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference Galion at Buckeye Valley; Bellville Clear Fork at Marion Harding; Caledonia River Valley at North Union; Ontario at Marion Pleasant Area non-league Aurora at Mifflin; Ready at Bexley; Fairfield Union at Liberty Union; Utica at Lakewood; Jonathan Alder at Springfield Shawnee; Morral Ridgedale at Grove City Christian Saturday, Oct. 27 Mid-State League Harvest Prep at Fairfield Christian
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WEEK 6
COMPOSITE SCHEDULES: WEEKS 6-10
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42
OCC-C APITAL D IVISION
Big Walnut
Golden Eagles seeking better start to season By SCOTT GERFEN THISWEEKSPORTS.COM The Big Walnut High School football team headed into preseason camp aware of its 2017 successes. Not only did the Golden Eagles win their first league championship since 2011, but in finishing 4-6 overall, they also earned their most victories since finishing 7-3 in 2014. Big Walnut went 4-1 in the OCC-Capital Division last season to share the league title with New Albany. Canal Winchester and Franklin Heights tied for third at 3-2, followed by Newark (1-4) and Groveport (0-5). In winning the OCC-Capital, the Golden Eagles won four of their last five games following an 0-5 start. “We finished very strong last year,” said 10th-year coach Joe Weaver, whose team opens Aug. 24 at home against Johnstown. “We had some injuries early, and we had some kids grow up as the year went. The good news is a lot of those young guys gained a lot of experience.” Big Walnut returns five starters on offense but must replace last year’s starting quarterback in 2018 graduate Tyler Ronk, who was second-team all-league as a quarterback as well as first-team all-league as a punter. In addition, the Golden Eagles lost three key offensive linemen in 2018 graduates Caleb Pierce (honorable mention all-state, second-team alldistrict, first-team all-league), Luke Apple (honorable mention all-district, first-team allleague) and Tanner Daniels (special mention all-district, first-team all-league). The defense returns six starters, with its strength being at linebacker and the secondary. However, the Golden Eagles lost 2018 graduate Abe Myers (first-team all-league), who is a preferred walk-on at Ohio State, as well as his brother, Eli Myers (third-team all-state, first-team all-district and all-league), a Division recruit who transferred to IMG
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24 ...................vs. Johnstown Aug. 31 .............vs. Buckeye Valley Sept. 7.................vs. Dublin Scioto Sept. 14.........at Olentangy Orange Sept. 21 ...................vs. Marysville *Sept. 28......................vs. Newark *Oct. 5..............at Franklin Heights *Oct. 12 ..................at New Albany *Oct. 19 ....................vs. Groveport *Oct. 26 ..........at Canal Winchester 2017 RESULTS (4-6 overall, 4-1 OCC-Capital) Johnstown...........................L, 3-0 Worth. Kilbourne .......L, 21-14 (OT) Dublin Scioto ...................L, 51-21 Olentangy Orange ............L, 35-10
Nathan Lawyer returns at running back after being named first-team all-league and honorable mention all-district a year ago. JOHN HULKENBERG/THISWEEK
Academy in Florida for his senior season. Weaver hopes the experience gained last season and the four consecutive victories against OCC-Capital opponents, including a 14-0 win over Division II playoff qualifier New Albany translates into a better start. “There’s no substitution for wins,” said Weaver, whose team started 1-4 in 2016 and 2-3 in 2015 in addition to losing its first five games last season. “You build on wins, and the kids were resilient last year. That’s kind of a testament to our community. They’re going to stand in and go toe to toe.”
OFFENSE During the preseason, junior Lucas Ronk and sophomore Jagger Barnett were competing to be the starting quarterback. Both have strong arms, Weaver said. “It’s a good thing to have that competition,” Weaver said. “Each day they come out to try
and win the spot. They’re handling it really well, and they’re their own worst critic but each other’s biggest supporter.” Among the returning starters are senior running back Nathan Lawyer, an honorable mention all-district and first-team allleague selection who scored 10 touchdowns last season. Weaver hopes to develop plenty of depth at the position, where seniors Jimmy Gianessi, Andrew VanHouten and Mitchell Embaugh and junior Tyler Crotinger are competing for playing time. “We tried to get a bunch of different guys going back there to keep a downhill approach,” Weaver said. The coaching staff also wants to build cohesiveness up front where senior Wes Coey and junior Max Lenz (second-team all-league) are the only returning starters. Senior Sam Elliott (secondteam all-league) and junior Craig Norman return as starters
at receiver.
DEFENSE Big Walnut expects to be strongest in the middle of its defense where senior Josh Hageman, Lenz and Lawyer earned starts last season at linebacker. “I feel pretty good about this group,” Weaver said. “We’ve got guys back and some new faces who are stepping up into new roles. You’ve got to be strong on defense. These guys know that, and they’re working hard for it.” Three starters return in the secondary in Elliott, Norman and senior Dante Chhuom. Hageman is the only returning starter up front for a defense that allowed 23.6 points per game. However, during last season’s four-game winning streak, the Golden Eagles allowed an average of 10.3 points. “We’re trying to find out who fits the best up front (on both
Westerville South .............L, 47-14 *Newark .........................W, 47-14 *Franklin Heights.............W, 21-14 *New Albany .....................W, 14-0 *Groveport ......................W, 14-13 *Canal Winchester..............L, 38-6 *League contest INSIDE THE GOLDEN EAGLES •Coach: Joe Weaver, 10th season •Top players: Dante Chhuom (WR/DB), Wes Coey (OL), Sam Elliott (WR/DB), Josh Hageman (OL/LB), Nathan Lawyer (RB), Max Lenz (OL/LB) and Craig Norman (WR/DB) •Key losses: Luke Apple, Tanner Daniels, Abe Myers, Eli Myers, Caleb Pierce, Tyler Ronk and Colin White
sides of the ball),” Weaver said. (sr., 5-11, 195), *Wes Coey (sr., 6-3, 220), *Quentin Humphries (jr., 6-0, 220), *C.J. Rockwell SPECIAL TEAMS Senior Caleb Meade and (sr., 6-3, 235), Kelton Thompsophomore Jacob Lundberg are son (jr., 6-0, 200), Henry Sydcompeting for place-kicking nor (jr., 6-0, 195), Bryce Wardduties after the loss of 2018 low (so., 6-1, 240), Max Lenz (jr., 6-0, 220), Holden Williams graduate Tyler Shuster. Meade has earned the start- (sr., 5-11, 250) Defense ing role as punter, Weaver said. Linemen: *Rond, *Gianessi, Three players – Coey, junior Cabel Beadle and sopho- *Caden Williams (so., 5-11, more Bryce Wardlow – are 190), *Holden Williams, being considered for long snap- Humphries, Cabel Beadle (jr., 5-11, 200), Alex Ferguson (so., per. 5-10, 205) Linebackers: *Hageman, THE LINEUP *Lenz, *Lawyer, Rond, Offense Crotinger, Ryan Coletta (so., 5Quarterbaacks: Jagger BarQuarterb 11, 175) nett (so., 6-1, 180), Lucas Ronk Secondary: *Chhuom, (jr., 6-1, 205) *Elliott, *Norman, *Mitchell Running backs: *Nathan Truax (sr., 5-9, 155), Brice Lawyer (sr., 5-11, 200), Jimmy Crotinger (so., 5-11, 165), ClayGianessi (sr., 5-11, 170), ton Bell (sr., 5-9, 150) Andrew VanHouten (sr., 5-9, Special teams 175), Mitchell Embaugh (sr., Kickers: Caleb Meade (sr., 5-11, 180), Tyler Crotinger (jr., 6-0, 180), Jacob Lundberg (so., 5-11, 185) 6-0, 175) Receivers: *Sam Elliott (sr., Punter: Meade 6-2, 190), *Craig Norman (jr., Long snappers: Coey, Bea6-0, 170), Zach Barnecut (so., dle, Wardlow 5-11, 170), Nathan Montgomery Returners: Daniels, Chhuom, (sr., 6-0, 175), Dante Chhuom Montgomery, Brady Hersh(sr., 5-8, 160), Jacob Daniels berger (so., 5-11, 165) (sr., 5-8, 160), Cohen Andreini (*Denotes projected starter) (jr., 5-10, 180) Linemen: *Josh Hageman sports@thisweeknews.com (sr., 6-1, 190), *Aidan Rond @ThisWeekSports
FALCONS
FROM >> 38
It’s something I always have believed in. We want 100 percent every carry.”
DEFENSE The Falcons have seven starters back on defense, as they shift from a 3-3-5 base alignment to a 3-4. Returning at ends are senior Day’myrin Jones (6-1, 275) and junior Jamacan Sizemore (6-3, 225), both Award-winning prep sports coverage, updated daily at ThisWeekSPORTS.com
of whom were second-team all-league last year. Senior Michael Leitz (second-team all-league) returns at middle linebacker and junior Montell Qualls is on the outside. “We made the switch because we have more linebacker-types,” Fenner said. “Our front seven is pretty physical. Our ends are returning starters and all-league kids and they set the tone for us defensively. “We are pursuing to the football and forcing the ball to the right spots. We have a better understanding of our defensive schemes than we had last year and that was big for us.” Senior safeties Marcus Greer and
Dequintis Sutton return, as does junior cornerback Raheem Ross. “We have stressed turnovers and being physical,” Fenner said. “We’re much more assignment sound than we have been.”
THE LINEUP Offense Quarterbacks: *Cody Little (sr., 60, 170), Jeffery Beverly (fr., 6-3, 200) Running backs: *D.J. Harris (jr., 6-0, 205), Nazir Valentine (so., 5-11, 150) Receivers: *Dane Fenice (sr., 511, 170), *Jacob Slark (sr., 5-7, 165), *Ray McDonald (jr., 6-2, 165), Riley Finneran (sr., 5-9, 170), Keanan Horn
(sr., 5-8, 135), Tommy McGeehan (so., 6-0, 175) Tight end: None Linemen: *Alexis Osorio (jr., 510, 260), *Aaron Thomas (jr., 5-11, 240), *Collin Maynard (so., 5-11, 210), Izaiah Bell (sr., 6-3, 285), Ty’Yawn Luckett (sr., 6-2, 270), Jacob Prince (so., 6-2, 240), Evan Thomas (so., 6-0, 205) Defense Linemen: *Day’myrin Jones (sr., 6-1, 275), *Jimmy Ryan (sr., 5-11, 270), *Jamacan Sizemore (jr., 6-3, 225), Bell, Luckett, Jimmy Wright (sr., 5-7, 225), Sam Rush (jr., 6-0, 190) Linebackers: *Elijah Bridges (sr.,
5-7, 175), *Michael Leitz (sr., 5-6, 205), *Devin Buchanan (jr., 5-8, 165), *Montell Qualls (jr., 5-10, 190), Rush Secondary: *Marcus Greer (sr., 61, 170), *Dequintis Sutton (sr., 5-8, 145), *Raheem Ross (jr., 5-7, 165), *John Martin (so., 5-10, 155), Fenice, Amir Kassim (sr., 5-10, 170) Special teams Kicker: *Jeromey Romans (sr., 510, 160) Punter: *Romans Returners: Horn, Valentine Long snappers: Alex Kienzle (sr., 5-8, 160), Evan Thomas (*Denotes projected starter) shennen@thisweeknews.com @ThisWeekHennen
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C ENTRAL C ATHOLIC L EAGUE
Stallions to hit field with sense of urgency By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM The DeSales High School football team received a fresh reminder of the importance of playing with urgency when its three-year run of making the playoffs ended last fall. On its way to a 6-4 finish that included a 2-1 record in the CCL, the Stallions beat Watterson for the fifth consecutive season and defeated one team that made the playoffs and another that finished ninth in its region. With a schedule that includes seven teams that made the postseason a season ago, there should be more than enough computer points available in 2018 for DeSales to battle for a playoff berth after finishing 10th in Division III, Region 11 last fall. The Stallions open at 6 p.m. Aug. 25 against Dayton Dunbar at Huber Heights Wayne in the Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown. “It’s not as if we were a bad football team or things went terribly wrong, but we just didn’t have enough points (last season),” 12th-year coach Ryan Wiggins said. “We went 6-4 and every team we lost to was very, very good, but we play a tough schedule and it’s just the way it goes. One thing about last year is that it’s a little bit humbling. There have been years we got in with five wins. “The point is, you only get so many opportunities and you have to make good on them. It’s a long offseason and nobody is happy missing the playoffs. Maybe it creates a little bit of hunger, and that’s a good thing.” The Stallions are “starting over in some ways,” according to Wiggins, after losing 19 players to graduation as well as three others who were contributors a season ago. DeSales entered its second scrimmage not sure who would start at quarterback after losing two-year starter Cole Silvestri to graduation, and they’ve made changes to their offense that Wiggins hopes will open up opportunities for his best athletes. There is, however, high-level talent with the return of senior Joey Velazquez, a running back and linebacker who has committed to play football and baseball for Michigan, as well as senior defensive lineman Rodas Johnson, who has 26 scholarship offers. Johnson had to sit out the first five games of last season because of the OHSAA’s transfer rule. There are other seniors such as Carter Hilleary and Anthony Sciarroni whom the Stallions will lean on as leaders after being key contributors a year ago. “With this being my last year playing football, we want to be leaving it all out there and
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 25 .............vs. Dayton Dunbar at Huber Heights Wayne Aug. 31 ......................at Lancaster Sept. 7.......at Youngstown Mooney Sept. 14...........vs. Dayton Belmont Sept. 21 ............vs. Covington (Ky.) Catholic *Sept. 28 .................vs. St. Charles Oct. 5.............vs. Terre Haute (Ind.) North Vigo at Earlham College *Oct. 12 ........................vs. Hartley Oct. 19..........at Cin. Winton Woods *Oct. 26 .....................at Watterson 2017 RESULTS (6-4 overall, 2-1 CCL) St. Catharines (Ontario) Royal Imperial Collegiate.............W, 50-0 Lancaster........................W, 34-14 Youngstown Mooney .........W, 28-7 Indianapolis Chatard...........L, 42-7
having fun, but (not making the playoffs) definitely lit a fire for us to achieve our goals,” Hilleary said.
OFFENSE Although the Stallions still had battles going on at some positions with the season approaching, a bigger focus during the offseason regarded what Wiggins calls “tactical changes” offensively. “(In the past) we’ve been an option team, and for the last couple years, we’ve been a more downhill, (I-formation), power (offense), so we’re just sort of pulling that together and going out of the shotgun because you can still do all those things,” Wiggins said. “You can run that and get it out on the perimeter, get the ball out in space so it’s a little more fun. We’re not going to run the veer for three straight hours.” Senior Vince Thompson, who missed all of last season with an injury, and junior Reno Godfrey are the top options at quarterback. Velazquez, who rushed for 356 yards and seven touchdowns and had 17 receptions for 139 yards and one score last season, figures to be among the top ball-carriers, along with senior Robert Robinson, junior Jaylen Ball and sophomore Quintell Quinn. Ball is the brother of 2012 graduate Warren Ball, a former standout running back for the Stallions who went on to play for Ohio State and Akron. Hilleary had 18 receptions for 213 yards and two touchdowns last year. Seniors Collin Doyle, Bo Hobgood and Dylan McKinney figure to lead a rebuilt offensive line.
DEFENSE DeSales gave up a combined 10 points over its final three vic-
Covington (Ky.) Catholic ......L, 35-7 *St. Charles.......................W, 31-0 Trenton Edgewood.............W, 28-3 *Hartley ...........................L, 23-21 Cincinnati Winton Woods ....L, 42-7 *Watterson........................W, 41-7 *League contest INSIDE THE STALLIONS •Coach: Ryan Wiggins, 12th season •Top players: Jaylen Ball (LB/RB), Colin Doyle (OL/DL), Carter Hilleary (WR/DB/KR/PR), Rodas Johnson (DL), Chris Karras (TE/DL), Cole Potts (OL/DL), Quintell Quinn (LB/RB), Anthony Sciarroni (WR/DB/P/KR/PR) and Joey Velazquez (RB/LB/KR/PR) •Key losses: Brian Asamoah, Brandon Derrow, Jack DeSantis, Cullen Krombach,Will Mnich, Cole Silvestri, Tariq Stewart, Ty Van Fossen, Daniel Walsh and Bobby Zendarsky
tories last season after Johnson joined a defense that was led by 2018 graduates Jack DeSantis, Ty Van Fossen, Brandon Derrow and Brian Asamoah. Van Fossen is playing for Cincinnati, Asamoah is at Oklahoma and Derrow signed with Colorado State, with DeSantis playing lacrosse for Ohio State. Junior Cole Potts also is a returning starter on the defensive line. Velazquez projects as a linebacker in college and should lead that unit along with Ball, Quinn and junior Mason Rickens. Senior linebacker Tariq Stewart, who was a contributor last fall, transferred to Westerville Central. Hilleary started at cornerback, Sciarroni started at safety and Robinson was a contributor in the secondary last fall. Sciarroni had four interceptions.
SPECIAL TEAMS According to Wiggins, junior place-kicker Randy Tawiah showed significant improvement while working with former Stallions kicker and current assistant A.J. Principe during the offseason. Sciarroni is returning as punter after averaging 34.8 yards last season and provides the necessary athleticism, according to Wiggins, when the Stallions choose to fake. He also has experience as a punt returner. Thompson and sophomore Matthew Stewart, who is the son of former Stallions standout and NFL player Matt Stewart, are the long snappers.
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STALLIONS >> 51
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C ENTRAL C ATHOLIC L EAGUE
Hartley
Hawks eyeing more league, state success By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM Winning three state championships in eight seasons has produced an expectation inside the Hartley High School football program that it will be one of the candidates to contend for the biggest hardware possible annually for the foreseeable future. The Hawks understand that the occasional setback, such as last season when they lost to Dresden Tri-Valley 13-9 in the Division III, Region 11 final, might occur, but that’s just a part of the process that they’ve committed to embracing. “Every year is brand new and nothing is given to us,” 11th-year coach Brad Burchfield said. “Good or bad, it all starts new. Our tradition is so rich. We lost a tight one last year in the regional final and we’ve won a lot of those types of games in the past. We
always have high expectations. When you’ve done it, every year you don’t do it, there’s a mild sense of disappointment, which is unfortunate. … But those are the expectations, and that’s exciting.” Since the start of the 2010 season, Hartley has averaged more than 12 wins, going 9716 with six state appearances and two regional runner-up finishes. The Hawks finished 11-2 a season ago and officially captured the CCL championship at 3-0 in the first season after the league went from a twodivision format to one division that also included DeSales, St. Charles and Watterson. Hartley lost to DeSales in both 2015 and ’16 but avenged those losses with a 23-21 victory that helped it earn a Region 11 home game and ultimately kept the Stallions out of the playoffs in the same region. “The expectation is always to compete for the state cham-
Phillip Cole, a senior split end, is a dual threat for the Hawks, rushing for 288 yards and two touchdowns and catching 21 passes for 419 yards and three more scores last season. JOHN HULKENBERG/THISWEEK
pionship,” senior offensive lineman Payton Collins said. “I expect my team to try as hard as we can and give it their all.” The Hawks remain in Region 11 along with DeSales and Watterson and are playing six teams that made the 2017 playoffs, including Toledo Central Catholic, which they open with Aug. 24 on the road, and Wheelersburg, which they play host to on Aug. 31.
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Central Catholic handed Hartley a 35-16 loss last season on its way to a Division III state semifinal finish and is now in Division II, while Wheelersburg is the defending Division V state champion. “It’s always a little bit scary that we’ve got 50 kids in grades 10 through 12,” Burchfield said. “We’re the smallest Division III school by far and we got beat by the biggest Division III school last year by four points. … It is hard, but you’ve got to play.”
OFFENSE Junior Miles Fleming will be the full-time quarterback this season after splitting time with 2018 graduate Anthony Carfagna a season ago. Fleming went 12-for-19 passing for 206 yards and one touchdown and rushed for 185 yards and one score. Junior running back Jalan January and junior fullback
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Mason Sawyer will line up behind Fleming, with junior Angelo Evans at wingback and senior Phillip Cole at split end. Burchfield likely will utilize the speedy Cole as much as possible after he rushed for 288 yards and two touchdowns and had 21 receptions for 419 yards and three scores. January rushed for 337 yards and five touchdowns. Senior Jordan Kirkbride is a tight end with 23 scholarship offers and will fill a key blocking role alongside a line that includes Collins and sophomore Jake Skelly at tackle, seniors Cole Jackson and Griffin Rathburn at guard and senior Nate Jackson at center. “Miles Fleming will be our starter (at quarterback), and we’ve been excited about him since he was in fifth grade,” Burchfield said. “He’s a very dynamic player. We looked at him a year ago and said, ‘If you do this, this and this, you’re
going to be here,’ and he’s done everything we’ve asked. He’s gotten bigger and stronger and is a great kid.”
DEFENSE Kirkbride should be a key member of the Hawks’ defensive front along with senior Walter Carreker III at nose tackle and juniors Kenyon Davis and Dion Drake at end. January and senior Ryan Heuser had two and three interceptions, respectively, last season, and both figure to play key roles in the secondary. Heuser likely will be at free safety. Senior Braylon Mitchell and junior George Dunor are expected to be at cornerback, with Evans also seeing time in the secondary. Junior Antonio Tucker could see time at outside linebacker and in the backfield. “Our defense starts with our
HAWKS >> 46
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24...at Toledo Central Catholic Aug. 31...............vs. Wheelersburg Sept. 7 ...........................vs. Ready Sept. 14 ...................vs. Chillicothe Sept. 21 .............at Clinton-Massie *Sept. 28 ..................vs. Watterson Oct. 6 ..............vs. Dayton Belmont *Oct. 12........................at DeSales Oct. 19 .....vs. North Canton Hoover *Oct. 26....................at St. Charles 2017 RESULTS (11-2 overall, 3-0 CCL) Toledo Central Catholic.....L, 35-16 Central Crossing................W, 31-6 East Cleveland Shaw .........W, 56-0 Chillicothe.........................W, 44-7 Worthington Kilbourne .....W, 45-17 *Watterson........................W, 34-0 Ready .............................W, 42-10 *DeSales.........................W, 23-21 North Canton Hoover .......W, 24-19 *St. Charles.......................W, 46-7
PLAYOFFS New Philadelphia.............W, 62-21 Independence .................W, 44-14 Dresden Tri-Valley ..............L, 13-9 *League contest INSIDE THE HAWKS •Coach: Brad Burchfield, 11th season •Top players: Walter Carreker (DL/TE), Phillip Cole (WR/KR/PR/DB), Payton Collins (OL), Angelo Evans (RB/DB), Miles Fleming (QB), Jalan January (RB/DB), Jordan Kirkbride (TE/DL), Braylon Mitchell (DB/WR/PR) and Mason Sawyer (RB/LB/LS) •Key losses: Winston Amankwah, Ethan Amaya, Alexander Blackmon, Anthony Carfagna, Elijah Carter, Nick Cone, Ben Dankow, Patrick Gilliland, Anthony Maciejewski, James Reese III, Maximus Stienecker and Anthony Whitney
C ENTRAL C ATHOLIC L EAGUE
Eagles planning to build around sophomore class
By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM One number seen from two perspectives might provide the best snapshot regarding the state of the Watterson High School football program. The Eagles lost 37 players to graduation after last season. Unfortunately for Watterson, that’s the same number of players it currently has in grades 10 through 12. While members of the program acknowledge the difficulties that could be caused by the disparity between the experience lost and the returnees, there’s also a sense that there’s less uncertainty regarding the direction of the Eagles entering coach Brian Kennedy’s second season. Last year’s 2-8 overall finish, which included a 1-2 mark in the CCL, was tied for the second worst in program history in terms of winning percentage, but a 17-member sophomore class provides hope that there are better days ahead. “We graduated a pretty big senior class,” Kennedy said. “In my 15 years at Watterson, our numbers are as low as they’ve ever been. A lot of these guys have not played a ton of varsity football, but these seniors have done a tremendous job of being leaders and are helping the young guys along, being positive, kicking them in the butt when they need kicked in the butt and making sure they’re doing the right things. I’m very excited to watch these guys to see what they’re going to do this fall. “The first year is always a learning experience. Going 28 is humbling. “It really makes you look back on some things. We’ve narrowed our focus a little on offense and defense.” The Eagles will play five teams that made the playoffs in 2017, in addition to their annual matchup against DeSales after it went 6-4 but came up just short of the postseason. Their first two opponents, Dublin Jerome (Aug. 24) and Olentangy Orange (Aug. 31), are Division I programs that made the playoffs a season ago, and defending Division V state champion Wheelersburg (Sept. 14) also is on the schedule. “We’ve actually been coming together pretty well, especially with our numbers,” senior Grant Horvath said. “Our sophomores are going to have to step it up, and our coaches have done a good job getting them all together. They’re going to be a huge part of our team.”
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24...........vs. Dublin Jerome Aug. 31.......at Olentangy Orange Sept. 7...........vs. Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit Sept. 14...........vs. Wheelersburg Sept. 21....vs. Cleve. Benedictine *Sept. 28.....................at Hartley Oct. 5 .....at Youngstown Ursuline *Oct. 12................vs. St. Charles Oct. 19 .........................at Logan *Oct. 26....................vs. DeSales 2017 RESULTS (2-8 overall, 1-2 CCL) Whitehall .......................W, 41-6 Olentangy Orange ...........L, 22-0 Walsh Jesuit ........L, 37-34 (2OT) Wheelersburg ...............L, 47-17 Cleve. Benedictine.........L, 35-16 *Hartley ..........................L, 34-0 Hilliard Bradley................L, 42-0 *St. Charles....................W, 31-7 Dublin Jerome ..............L, 28-27 *DeSales ........................L, 41-7 *League contest INSIDE THE EAGLES •Coach: Brian Kennedy, second season •Top players: Antonio Auddino (RB/DB), Tommy Bair (RB/LB/P), Chris Crane (TE/LB), Drew Davis (OL/DL), Mason Graney (OL/DL), Grant Horvath (LB/QB), Jacob Hoying (QB), Nick Jannot (WR/DB) and Isaiah Manuel (jr., 6-0, 235) •Key losses: Cole Andrews, Casey Calhoun, Nick DePalma, Cameron Headlee, Kevin Laming, Nathan Meyer, Kyle Naderhoff, Kyle Simmonds and Charlie Spencer
ing senior wide receivers Antonio Auddino, Nick Jannot and Nate Best and senior lineman Grant Holsinger. Horvath passed for 90 yards in limited duty behind 2018 graduate Cole Andrews, but sophomore Jacob Hoying is the expected starter because Horvath also starts at linebacker and could see time at running back and tight end. “They certainly have their own strengths and weaknesses,” Kennedy said. “When I look at what we’re trying to do and having a three-year starter at quarterback (when Hoying becomes) a senior, in my 15 years at Watterson we’ve never had that. We’d like to not have a bunch of twoway starters.” Jannot had 14 receptions for 116 yards and one touchdown last season. Holsinger started at times on the line last year and is the expected starter at center. Junior Mason Graney, also a returnee, OFFENSE should start at right tackle with There are just six returning senior Drew Davis at left tackle players who were at least part- and junior Isaiah Manuel and time starters last season, includ- sophomore Patrick Jesse at
guard. Andrews completed 162 of 278 passes for 1,725 yards and nine touchdowns.
DEFENSE Davis was a key player on the line and will be again along with Holsinger, Graney, Manuel and sophomore Patrick Jesse. Horvath and senior Sam Oliver are at inside linebacker and juniors Tommy Bair and Chris Crane are at outside linebacker. Jannot and Auddino likely will be at cornerback along with junior Dominic Dean, a member of the boys lacrosse team who has limited experience playing football. Key defenders lost to graduation included Casey Calhoun (DB/WR), Cameron Headlee (LB/RB) and Cort Marbaugh (DB).
SEE THE LEGENDS OF THE FALL
SPECIAL TEAMS The kicking game will include Bair at punter and junior Jonah Fortkamp at kicker after both backed up veterans last season. Kevin Laming, who made six of 11 field goals last fall, was lost to graduation. Bair backed up Andrews at punter. Auddino, Dean and sophomore Tyler Young should be the primary returners.
THE LINEUP Offense Quarterbacks: *Jake Hoying (so., 6-1, 180), Grant Horvath (sr., 6-2, 205) Running backs: *Tommy Bair (jr., 6-0, 170), Tanner Mercer (so., 5-11, 170), Nick Youell (so., 6-0, 175) Receivers: *Antonio Auddino (sr., 5-9, 140), *Nick Jannot (sr., 6-0, 175), *Nate Best (sr., 5-10, 155), Richard Colburn (sr., 6-1, 180), Dominic Dean (jr., 5-10, 165), Andrew Bettendorf (so., 5-10, 175), Sam Intihar (so., 5-11, 160), Tyler Young (so., 6-0, 165) Tight ends: *Chris Crane (jr., 6-3, 205), Davis Boone (so., 6-2, 205) Linemen: *Drew Davis (sr., 6-4, 230), *Grant Holsinger (sr., 6-1, 290), *Mason Graney (jr., 6-3, 210), *Isaiah Manuel (jr., 6-0, 235), *Patrick Jesse (so., 6-0, 195), Max Balyeat (sr., 6-0, 235), Nate Brown (jr., 5-9, 164), Matthew Johnson (so., 6-0, 210), Charles McAdow (so., 5-11, 230) Defense Linemen: *Davis, *Graney, *Manuel, Holsinger, Jesse, McAdow, Keegan Whitacre (so., 6-1, 180) Linebackers: *Horvath, *Sam Oliver (sr., 5-11, 163),
EAGLES >> 51
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St. Charles
Cardinals hope to take off under Hocker By SCOTT HENNEN THISWEEKSPORTS.COM There’s a new energy surrounding the St. Charles Preparatory School football program. The Cardinals have a new leader in rookie head coach Deke Hocker, who was offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Buckeye Valley the past five seasons. Hocker replaced Bob Jacoby, who led the Cardinals for two seasons in which they went 4-16 overall and 1-4 in the CCL. Last fall, they finished 1-9 overall and 0-3 in the league. “There is a lot of excitement and a lot of it starts with coach Hocker,” senior linebacker Peter Griffith said. “He brings an energy that we have never seen before and it’s trickling down into the players. We want to get after it.” The Cardinals will get that chance Aug. 24 in their opener against visiting Dublin Scioto. Hocker is the third coach in four seasons for the St. Charles seniors. Before the two years under Jacoby, they played for Jeff Pharion in the last of his seven seasons. “I think this year might be the easiest transition,” senior running back Taylor Bryant said. “We’re up-tempo in practice with a lot of hooting and a hollering. It boosts everyone’s morale and the young kids are really getting into it.” Griffith really doesn’t see the turnover as a detriment. In fact, he believes it is a way to learn more about the game. “You get to see a lot of different styles of football, and you get to see how they want to play the game,” he said. “Coach Jacoby was hardnosed and he has some state championships under his belt and a lot of experience and it was cool to be able to learn from him. “My brother (Grant Griffith) was a junior when I came in so I knew coach Pharion long before that. It was great to play for him. Coach Hocker brings lot of energy. … He’s younger and he wants to get after it. It’s cool to be able to
starters back on defense, joining ends Carretta and O’Neal, senior Aidan Brennan, Bryant (63 tackles, 7 sacks) and Griffith at linebacker and Rowe at cornerback. “I think the guys have picked up what we have tried to install probably a little quicker than expected,” Hocker said. “We have installed an entire new offense, defense and special teams, but they have done great.”
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24.............vs. Dublin Scioto Aug. 31.....at Eastmoor Academy Sept. 7 .............at Independence Sept. 14......vs. New Philadelphia Sept. 21 ...vs. Wash. Court House *Sept. 28 ...................at DeSales Oct. 5.......vs. Mansfield Madison *Oct. 12..................at Watterson Oct. 19 ..........vs. KIPP Columbus *Oct. 26 .....................vs. Hartley 2017 RESULTS (1-9 overall, 0-3 CCL) Upper Arlington ...............L, 53-0 Reynoldsburg..................L, 34-0 Independence ...............L, 24-23 New Philadelphia ..........L, 29-28 Wash. Court House ........L, forfeit *DeSales ........................L, 31-0 Mansfield Madison.......W, 45-13 *Watterson .....................L, 31-7 Cincinnati LaSalle .........L, 38-10 *Hartley ..........................L, 46-7 *League contest INSIDE THE CARDINALS •Coach: Deke Hocker, first season •Top players: Aidan Brennen (OL/LB),Taylor Bryant (RB/LB), Connor Carretta (OL/DL), Luke Cetovich (OL/DL), Peter Griffith (RB/WR/LB), Jake Moore (DB/P), Cameron O’Neal (WR/TE/DL) and Roland Rowe (WR/DB) •Key losses: Clayton Anderson, Max Congrove, Jax Geist, Nate Jaminet, Brooks McCann, Joseph Rivera, Jack Ruess, Jake Sattler, Nick Teague and Jacob Waltermeyer
play under so many different types of people.” Hocker said the excitement all stems from the players, their attitudes and their willingness to learn. “I can’t speak to last year but the kids have come in and done everything we have asked of them,” he said. “Their attitudes have been great. They are buying into what we are trying to do and they have learned a lot, and I don’t know what more you could ask of them. “The kids have enjoyed playing and just being a part of something. It’s a brotherhood at St. Charles and the
THE LINEUP
Taylor Bryant looks for running room during a scrimmage against Buckeye Valley on Aug. 7. The Cardinals and first-year coach Deke Hocker open the season Aug. 24 as host to Dublin Scioto. SHANE FLANIGAN/THISWEEK
team is another way to enhance the values that you learn from the school.” Despite the current excitement, the Cardinals reached a low point with only one victory last fall. Griffith said the team used the experience to prepare for this season and to try to recapture the success of five years ago. In 2013, St. Charles went 8-3 overall for its best record since 1983 and 2-0 in the CCL-Silver Division to win its first league title in 51 years. That season, St. Charles defeated DeSales 36-0 for its first win over the Stallions since 1976. “There is history at St. Charles,” Griffith said. “We see that 2013 team … and we want to be that team. “Every year we want to get better and it has been difficult with the three coaches. You’re learning a different style of football and they haven’t been there long enough. That doesn’t stop us from getting after
Offense Quarterbacks: *Dan DiNapoli (sr., 6-4, 210), Hank Kern (jr., 6-6, 200), Andrew Mason (jr., 6-3, 160) R unning backs: *Taylor Bryant (sr., 5-10, 195), Peter Griffith (sr., 5-11, 195), *Josh Mayo (sr., 6-0, 235), Jake Moore (sr., 5-11, 180), Luke Eversole (jr., 5-9, 175) Receivers: Griffith, Nate Meyer (sr., 5-11, 180), Andrew Williams (sr., 6-0, 165), Cameron O’Neal (jr., 64, 215), *Roland Rowe (jr., 5-10, 160) Tight ends: Hunter Fitzpatrick (sr., 6-1, 245), O’Neal Linemen: Aidan Brennen (sr., 5-11, 205), *Luke Cetovich (sr., 6-2, 255), *Ray Duffy (sr., 6-4, 260), Marvin Haghnazari (sr., 6-0, 270), *Marvin Moore (sr., 5-8, 240), *Connor Carretta (jr., 6-2, 235), Mark Feldmann (jr., 510, 230), Dimitri Mays (jr., 63, 190) Defense Linemen: Duffy, *Carretta, Mays, Michael Melillo (jr., 59, 185), *O’Neal Linebackers: *Brennen, *Bryant, *Griffith, Mayo, Michael Pappa (sr., 6-0, 190) Secondary: George Economus (sr., 6-0, 165), *Justin Efebera (sr., 6-0, 165), *Moore, *Linc Geist (jr., 63, 185),*Rowe Special teams Kickers: Dylan Forche (sr., 5-8, 170), Nicholas Bastaja (so., 5-10, 165) Punter: Moore Returners: Griffith, Rowe Long snapper: Carretta (*Denotes projected starter)
“For the most part, it has it and working toward being been a smooth transition,” the best team we can be.” Duffy said. “I would say on OFFENSE the line it comes down to the Hocker plans to tailor his same basic blocks in different offense toward what oppos- orders and different spots.” Hocker said the Cardinals ing defenses are giving the will replace 2017 graduate Cardinals. “We will run a multiple set Brooks McCann at quarterand try to be as balanced as back with Dan DiNapoli. The possible,” he said. “We’ll go 6-4, 210-pound senior edged anywhere from an empty out juniors Hank Kern and (backfield) to I-back. A lot of Andrew Mason in the preseatimes, the game dictates where son. that takes you.” DEFENSE Bryant is one of seven starters returning on offense. St. Charles will line up in The 5-foot-10, 195-pounder a 4-3 front, which the team rushed for 563 yards and three used two years ago. Last fall, touchdowns on 110 carries last the Cardinals were in a 3-3 fall. stack. Griffith and junior Roland “All of us, as a unit, underRowe return after starting as stand what coverages we are wide receivers. Cameron going to be running this year,” O’Neal, a 6-4, 215-pound jun- said senior Jake Moore, who ior, started at tight end but also returns at safety after recordwill line up at receiver. ing three interceptions and a Three players return on the team-high 132 tackles. “As line in senior tackle Luke coach continues to make Cetovich, senior guard Ray changes, we will have to adjust Duffy and junior tackle Con- to those.” shennen@thisweeknews.com nor Carretta. Moore is one of seven @ThisWeekHennen
HAWKS
FROM >> 44
said. “They were good as freshCole had eight kickoff men and played a lot as soph- returns and eight punt returns defensive line,” Carreker said. omores.” last season and figures to lead “The defensive line sets the the return unit again, along with pace for the rest of the team SPECIAL TEAMS Mitchell. and is physical.” Senior Matteo Agriesti is in THE LINEUP Nearly all the Hawks’ key his third season as place-kicker Offense players last season, including after making four field goals Quarterbacks: Miles Flemthe district’s Defensive Player and 51 extra points last season. of the Year in linebacker MaxSenior Thomas Mayhan is ing (jr., 6-0, 175), Ryan Heuser imus Stienecker, were lost to expected to be the punter for (sr., 6-2, 175) Running backs: *Angelo graduation. a team that attempted just 11 “This junior class has been last season, nine of which were Evans (jr., 5-11, 175), *Jalan January (jr., 5-10, 215), really good for us,” Burchfield by Carfagna.
*Mason Sawyer (jr., 6-1, 220), Kiron Anderson (jr., 5-10, 220), Antonio Tucker (jr., 6-4, 220), Marcellis Parker (so., 6-0, 220) Receivers: *Phillip Cole (sr., 5-10, 180), Braylon Mitchell (sr., 6-1, 170) Tight ends: *Jordan Kirkbride (sr., 6-4, 240), Walter Carreker III (sr., 5-10, 290) Linemen: *Payton Collins (sr., 6-7, 250), *Cole Jackson (sr., 5-10, 210) *Nate Jackson
*(sr., 6-0, 220), *Griffin Rathburn (sr., 5-10, 220), *Jake Skelly (so., 6-4, 245), Jacob Culbertson (sr., 5-11, 220), Jacob Miller (sr., 5-11, 215), Sammy Ray (so., 5-10, 220) Defense Linemen: *Carreker III, *Kenyon Davis (jr., 6-2, 225), *Dion Drake (jr., 6-3, 270), Kirkbride, Daniel Tooson (fr., 6-0, 220) Linebackers: *Anderson, *Tucker, *Parker, Sawyer
Secondary: *Heuser, *Mitchell, *George Dunor (jr., 6-2, 175), *Evans, *January Special teams Kicker: *Matteo Agriesti (sr., 5-10, 210) Punters: *Thomas Mayhan (sr., 5-11, 175), Cole Returners: *Cole, *Mitchell Long snapper: *Sawyer (*Denotes projected starter) julrey@thisweeknews.com @UlreyThisWeek
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FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE 2018 Football Preview | ThisWeekSPORTS.com
Ready
Knights aiming for another playoff berth By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM When Brian Cross took over the Ready High School football team in 2014, he said his plan was to coach at least five more years after previously leading five other programs. Now in his fifth year with the Silver Knights and with a career record of 244-140 that includes 14 playoff appearances in 36 seasons, Cross doesn’t see himself calling it quits anytime soon. “I’m 66, and I wouldn’t mind going until I’m 70,” he said. “It keeps me active, keeps me young and keeps me busy.” After making the playoffs seven times at Grove City, guiding Canton McKinley to a Division I state runner-up finish in 2004 and leading Olentangy Orange to its first two postseason appearances, Cross has gone 26-16 at Ready. The Knights finished 7-4 last season and made a second consecutive playoff appearance. Cross also has been integral in the program’s decision to move toward competing in a new league. After the Knights play Hartley on Sept. 7, it will be the last time the programs will meet for the foreseeable future. Instead of the contest being considered the CCL-Gold Division title game, the Hawks now are in the same CCL division as DeSales, St. Charles and Watterson. Beginning in 2019, Ready will rotate which CCL opponent it will play each year while continuing its transition into the MSL. The Knights competed against all six teams in the MSLOhio Division last season and will do so again this fall. Next year, they could become fullfledged members of the MSLOhio, which features a Division
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24 ...............vs. Genoa Area Aug. 31 ...........at West Jefferson Sept. 7 ........................at Hartley Sept. 14.................at Grandview Sept. 21............vs. Liberty Union Sept. 28...at Amanda-Clearcreek Oct. 5 .....vs. Columbus Academy Oct. 12 .......................at London Oct. 19 ...................vs. Whitehall Oct. 26.........................at Bexley 2017 RESULTS (7-4 overall) Columbus Academy ........L, 31-0 Lakewood....................W, 49-13 Centerburg ....................W, 27-6 Grandview ...................W, 24-22 Liberty Union................W, 20-13 Amanda-Clearcreek .......W, 28-0 Hartley..........................L, 42-10 London ........................W, 27-23 Whitehall ........................L, 32-2 Bexley ...........................W, 35-7 PLAYOFFS Wheelersburg .................L, 34-0 INSIDE THE SILVER KNIGHTS •Coach: Brian Cross, fifth season •Top players: Austin Aiello (QB/DB/P), Cade Canter (OL/DL), A.J. Craddock (DB/K/P), Cade Dent (WR/DB/LS), Jack Foley (RB/KR/PR), Sam Hardenbergh (OL/DL), Jaishan Norris (WR/DB/KR/PR), Donovan Sanders (RB/LB) and Thomas Stiltner (TE/LB) •Key losses: Anthony Baum, Kyle Choulat, Terron Crowder, Lance Gallion, Chase Jones, Charles Omameh, Christian Schell, Ryan Spoon and Ryan Wood
II program in Whitehall but also includes schools closer to Ready’s size such as Columbus Academy, Grandview and
Liberty Union. “At Bishop Ready, the goal at the beginning of every year is to make the playoffs,” Cross said. “We have a very tough schedule this year, especially the first three games, so that’s going to be a challenge.” Ready will play each of its four home games at Fortress Obetz. Before playing its MSL opponents, the Knights must get past Genoa Area (Aug. 24 at home), West Jefferson (Aug. 31 on the road) and Hartley (Sept. 7 on the road) with a roster that features 44 athletes but just six seniors. All three were playoff teams last fall. “We do have a few players that played a lot and had key roles to our success last year,” senior two-way lineman Cade Canter said. “I expect us to compete hard each game and to make the playoffs for the third straight year. (We need to keep) improving each day and make sure we stay healthy on each side of the ball.”
OFFENSE The top three skill-position players from a season ago have returned, including senior quarterback Austin Aiello after he threw for 11 touchdowns during his second year as a starter. Junior running back Jack Foley rushed for 1,483 yards and 10 touchdowns during the regular season, but Cross is hoping to give more carries to juniors Donovan Sanders and Matt Frye this fall. Senior Jaishan Norris had 29 catches for 401 yards and three touchdowns in the regular season and is expected to play wingback. Also returning are senior wide receiver Cade Dent and junior tight end Thomas Stiltner.
SHAMROCKS FROM >> 26
Bryce will play some at run- strength, but it was a weakness ning back and (junior) Moussa throughout (last) season for end/fullback hybrid. The team’s Diallo will see some time.” us,” Crabtree said. “This year top receiver from last year, senthey bring back experience. ior Josh Dluzynski, caught 18 They are more relaxed and DEFENSE passes for 238 yards. Senior A previous weakness should comfortable and they are going Matt Dorenkott and junior become a strength for a defense to play better.” Christian Yousey also will play that returns seven starters. Seniors Gurbaksh Gill (1 receiver. The Shamrocks had a young sack, 6 tackles for loss) and Graduation decimated the secondary a year ago, so the Tate Isaly (3 sacks, 6 tackles backfield. Ernst was 84-for- players up front in the 3-4 for loss) return as starters on 152 passing for 1,194 yards defense led the way. Now that the line. Senior Ryan Hamilwith seven touchdowns and six youth has matured and will ton (second-team all-league; interceptions. Cam Scott led help shoulder the load. 60 tackles, 7.5 for loss) is the the team in rushing with 973 The secondary features four lone returning linebacker. yards and 15 touchdowns on of the seven returnees in Kirk “The strength of the program 194 carries, and Gavin Sturdi- (special mention all-league), right now is our defense vant added 392 yards and six his junior cousin, Cam Kirk, because (defensive coordinascores on 68 carries. senior Kameron Meadows (49 tor Curtis Crager) has a strong “We lost some and we tackles, 4 interceptions) and heart and he makes sure his gained some from last year,” senior Dustin Drye (56 tack- defense is lock-down,” A.J. Crabtree said. “We lost Mar- les, 2 interceptions), who will Kirk said. “We have looked very good cus, Cam and Gavin, but we be a hybrid linebacker/cornerand we have a chance to go gained Mike Drennen after he back. “Our secondary is our really far.” missed most of last season.
Donovan Sanders is expected to start at running back and linebacker for the Silver Knights, who were 7-4 last season. JOHN HULKENBERG/THISWEEK
Canter is a returning starter on the line and should line up at left tackle, with senior Sam Hardenbergh at right guard, junior Josh Baum at center, junior Gabriel Hawkins at right tackle and either junior Nick Kamer or junior Jacob Robinson at left guard. Junior Billy Fannin also is a returnee on the line. “We only have six seniors but they’re solid kids and most of them started for us last year,” Cross said. “We’re going to be running a lot of two-back sets so our fullback will carry the ball eight to 10 times, our halfback 15 to 20 times and we hope our wingback will carry it five to eight times a game. We’re going to try to distribute the ball to people to make it harder to defend us.”
DEFENSE Dent (DB) and Stiltner (LB) are the top returnees on defense. Dent had four interceptions and Stiltner made 70 tackles last season. Hardenbergh (DL), Fannin (DL), Frye (LB) and Sanders
THE LINEUP Offense Quarterbacks: *Ethan Brown (sr., 6-2, 228), Christian Yousey (jr., 6-1, 200), Connor Matthews (so. 5-11, 180), Hammond Russell (so, 6-2, 205) Running backs: Bryce Hostetler (sr., 5-11, 191), *Mike Drennen (jr., 5-10, 190), Moussa Diallo (jr., 5-10, 154), Cam Kirk (jr., 5-10, 180), Receivers: *Matt Dorenkott (sr., 6-1, 163), *Alex Dluzynski (sr., 6-0, 171), Tyler McElroy (sr., 6-0, 183), Dylan Chappa (jr., 5-9, 210), Drennen, Sean Moriarty (jr., 5-10, 153), Ethan Simpson (jr., 5-7, 210), Jameel Williamson (jr., 5-10, 168), Yousey, Ian Carroll (so., 5-7, 145) Tight ends: *Hostetler, Craig Smith (sr., 5-8, 195), Nate Bai-
(LB) are other returnees. Fannin is expected to line up at nose guard, with Canter and Hardenbergh at tackle, Frye and sophomore Cole Mathews joining Stiltner at outside linebacker and Kamer, Sanders and sophomores Jejuan McGowan and Jacob Metz at inside linebacker. Norris and junior A.J. Craddock are the cornerbacks, with Dent, Aiello and junior Daeann Hooper at safety.
SPECIAL TEAMS Craddock returns at kicker after making six of eight field goals and all 23 of his extrapoint attempts last season.
THE LINEUP
11, 160), Cole Mathews (so., 6-1, 168) Tight end: *Thomas Stiltner (jr., 6-0, 215) Linemen: *Cade Canter (sr., 6-3, 260), *Sam Hardenbergh (sr., 6-2, 235), *Josh Baum (jr., 6-0, 225), *Gabriel Hawkins (jr., 5-11, 250), Billy Fannin (jr., 5-10, 235), Nick Kamer (jr., 5-10, 190), Jacob Robinson (jr., 5-10, 190) Defense Linemen: *Canter, *Hardenbergh, *Fannin Linebackers: *Frye, *Kamer, *Sanders, *Stiltner, Halko, Mathews, Jejuan McGowan (so., 5-8, 185), Jacob Metz (so., 5-9, 190) Secondary: *Dent, *Norris, *A.J. Craddock (jr., 5-7, 150), Aiello, Daeann Hooper (jr., 63, 200) Special teams Kicker: Craddock Punter: Aiello Returners: Norris, Foley Long snapper: Dent (*Denotes projected starter)
Offense Quarterback: *Austin Aiello (sr., 5-10, 160) Running backs: *Jack Foley (jr., 5-5, 145), *Donovan Sanders (jr., 5-10, 195), Andrew Halko (sr., 5-7, 155), Matt Frye (jr., 5-10, 189) Receivers: *Cade Dent (sr., 5-10, 160), *Jaishan Norris (sr., julrey@thisweeknews.com 5-10, 190), Oumar Dia (jr., 5- @UlreyThisWeek
ley (so., 5-10, 246) Linemen: *Eric Feng (sr., 6-4, 295), *Josh Pittro (sr., 61, 295),*Devin Zinser (sr., 61, 287), *Zach Zinser (sr., 61, 282), Max Brown (jr., 6-1, 231), Nicholas Verbitsky (jr., 6-1, 232), Peyton Werling (jr., 6-1, 235), Colton Wolfe (jr., 6-0, 276) Defense Linemen: Osama Al-Refaai (sr., 5-10, 230), *Gurbaksh Gill (sr., 6-2, 235), *Tate Isaly (sr., 5-10, 231), Sebastian Bramonte (jr., 6-3, 189), Jackson Coleman (jr., 5-8, 205), Kaleb Constable (jr., 6-0, 242), Nick Hoskinson (jr., 5-10, 235), Nick Sayles (jr., 5-9, 228), Hammond Russell (so., 6-2, 205) Linebackers: *James Bartman (sr., 5-11, 216), *Ryan Hamilton (sr., 5-11, 189), Hostetler, Diallo, Moriarty,
Caleb Shafer (jr., 5-10, 176), *Noah Smith (jr., 5-9, 210), *Devon Williams (so., 6-0, 210) Secondary: *Kameron Meadows (sr., 5-11, 177), Phillip Perez (sr., 6-0, 172), *Dustin Drye (sr., 5-9, 176), Grant Guetle (sr., 5-5, 155), Cam Kirk, Simpson, Williamson, *A.J. Kirk Jr. (so., 6-0, 196), Bryon Threats (so., 5-9, 181) Special teams Kickers: *Joey Mitchell (sr., 6-1, 192), Casey Magyar (so., 5-10, 161) Punters: *Mitchell, Magyar Returners: Drennen, Williamson, A.J. Kirk Long snappers: Bartman, Coleman shennen@thisweeknews.com @ThisWeekHennen
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C ITY L EAGUE -N ORTH D IVISION
Northland
Vikings determined to return to postseason By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM With an eye on gaining experience for what is one of the City League’s largest rosters, the Northland High School football team spent the first several days of preseason practice with its players divided among two equal “teams.” It was a version of a fantasy draft that the Vikings hope builds depth and camaraderie for a program that has been on the cusp of hitting a new level for several years. “I did something a little bit different in two-a-days with our numbers being better,” second-year coach Brian Staats said. “We created two evenly drafted teams, with the coaches drafting them. One team, the ‘Gold’ team, is on offense, and the ‘Green’ team is on defense, and for (the next) practice we’ll flip it around. We’ve got more guys getting more reps and against better competition.” The Vikings made their first two postseason appearances in 2010 and ’13 under former coach Kevin Tooson, losing in playoff openers both seasons. They finished 7-3 in 2014 and 6-4 in both 2015 and ’16 before earning a share of the City League-North Division title with Mifflin and Beechcroft at 5-1 and finishing 7-3 overall last season. Northland settled for ninth in Division II, Region 7 to fall one spot shy of the playoffs, however, and would like to get back to the postseason now that two of the most highly touted recruits to come through the program in recent years are upperclassmen. John Branham Jr. is a senior running back sitting on scholarship offers from a list of Football Bowl Subdivision programs that includes Pittsburgh, Boston College, Cincinnati and several from the MidAmerican Conference. His brother, junior Kalil Branham, is moving to quarterback this fall and already has committed to play for Michigan. There are others in the 2019 class who should have a college football future as well. “Last year we missed (the playoffs) by a point, so (making the postseason) is not a goal, it’s our expectation,” said senior Jesse Prewitt III, who has five scholarship offers. “We just have to get some of our act together. We’ve got potential. We could be that team we’ve been hoping we’d be the past couple years.” With more than 50 athletes total, the Vikings must navigate a schedule that begins
in the secondary as well. Leading the line will be McCall, who had 61 tackles and 18 tackles for loss last year, and Mitchell, who had 72 tackles and eight tackles for loss. Banks is a returnee at linebacker who was honorable mention all-league. He’ll be joined at that position by a group that includes Busby, Edwards and senior Joseph Sarpong. The biggest losses to graduation on defense were Williams, a defensive back who had 50 tackles and one interception last year, and linebacker D.J. Combs, who was secondteam all-league.
SPECIAL TEAMS Edwards served as one of the team’s place-kickers and punters last season, but senior Isaiah Golden likely will fill those roles this fall. He missed the last three games with an injury. Prewitt III likely will return kickoffs along with the Branham brothers, and Branham Jr. figures to return punts as well.
THE LINEUP
Kalil Branham is moving from receiver to quarterback for the Vikings, who won their final five games last season to finish 7-3 overall and earn a share of the City League-North Division title. PAUL VERNON/THISWEEK
Aug. 24 with Zeeland West, which won a playoff game in Michigan last season, and is followed by two central Ohio playoff qualifiers from a year ago in Whitehall (Aug. 31) and Granville (Sept. 7). “We just need to practice better,” Staats said. “When the lights come on, the band plays and you can smell the popcorn, they’re ready to go.”
OFFENSE
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24 ....vs. Zeeland (Mich.) West Aug. 31 .......................at Whitehall Sept. 7........................vs. Granville *Sept. 14 ..................at Centennial *Sept. 21........................vs. Mifflin *Sept. 28...................at Whetstone *Oct. 5............vs. Linden-McKinley Oct. 12 .........at Dayton Ponitz Tech *Oct. 19..............at Columbus East *Oct. 26...................vs. Beechcroft 2017 RESULTS (7-3 overall, 5-1 City-North) Mansfield Senior ..............L, 42-21 Whitehall.........................W, 31-28 Granville ..........................L, 44-26 *Centennial .....................W, 62-13 *Mifflin.............................L, 48-34
*Whetstone .....................W, 49-14 *Linden-McKinley..............W, 28-0 Columbus Crusaders .........W, 53-0 *Columbus East...............W, 48-13 *Beechcroft.....................W, 39-32 *League contest INSIDE THE VIKINGS •Coach: Brian Staats, second season •Top players: Alfie Banks (OL/LB), John Branham Jr. (RB/KR/PR), Kalil Branham (QB/KR), Josiah Ellis (OL/DL), Mark Lee (WR/DB), Jordan McCall (OL/DL), Lavell Mitchell (DL/TE), Jesse Prewitt III (WR/DB/KR/PR) and Cyrus Slaughter (OL/DL) •Key losses: K.B.Adade, D.J. Combs, Mike White and Mike Williams
Few from central Ohio will rival the Vikings’ athleticism at the skill positions. Kalil Branham had 311 yards receiving and scored seven touchdowns while playing mostly at wide receiver but is moving to quarterback to replace 2018 graduate Mike White, who threw for 1,388 yards and 17 touchdowns. “There are probably worse things than putting the ball in (Kalil’s) hands every play,” Staats said. 372 yards receiving and scored yards and 18 touchdowns last The biggest losses to grad- 15 touchdowns, and lineman season. uation were Mike Williams, K.B. Adade. Joining him in the backfield who rushed for 784 yards, had Branham Jr. rushed for 1,129 should be senior Jamal
Edwards and junior Dayzon Busby. Prewitt III and senior Mark Lee should be the top wide receivers, with seniors Lavell Mitchell and Jarius Richardson at tight end. Seniors Alfie Banks, Jordan McCall and Cyrus Slaughter and junior Josiah Ellis all are returning starters on an offensive line that could rotate as many as nine players. Branham Jr., Lee, McCall and Mitchell all were first-team all-league last year and Kalil Branham was second-team allleague. Senior wide receiver Josh Moore also gained experience last season.
DEFENSE
Offense Quarterbacks: *Kalil Branham (jr., 6-1, 190), Shemar Watson (so., 5-8, 130), Isaiah Jackson (fr., 5-8, 130) Running backs: *John Branham Jr. (sr., 5-10, 218), Jamal Edwards (sr., 5-10, 155), Dayzon Busby (jr., 5-7, 140) Receivers: *Mark Lee (sr., 6-0, 170), *Jesse Prewitt III (sr., 6-0, 160), Isaiah Golden (sr., 5-11, 150), Josh Moore (sr., 5-10, 165), Rasi Bailey (jr., 6-1, 155) Tight ends: *Lavell Mitchell (sr., 5-11, 175), Jarius Richardson (sr., 6-3, 205) Linemen: *Alfie Banks (sr., 5-10, 195), *Jordan McCall (sr., 5-11, 350), *Cyrus Slaughter (sr., 5-9, 250), *Josiah Ellis (jr., 5-9, 235), Isahman Ford (jr., 6-2, 320), Corey Craddolph (fr., 5-8, 185) Defense Linemen: *McCall, *Mitchell, *Richardson, *Slaughter, Ellis, Ford Linebackers: *Banks, *Joseph Sarpong (sr., 5-10, 175), *Edwards, *Busby Secondary: *Brian Dean (sr., 5-8, 150), *Lee, *Prewitt III, *Bailey Special teams Kicker: *Golden Punter: *Golden Returners: *Branham Jr., *Kalil Branham, *Prewitt Long snapper: TBD (*Denotes projected starter)
Lee, who had seven interceptions, and Prewitt III likely will anchor the defense at cornerback. Senior Brian Dean is a returning safety who was honorable mention all-league last year, and junior Rasi Bailey julrey@thisweeknews.com should play a prominent role @UlreyThisWeek
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C ITY L EAGUE -N ORTH D IVISION
Stars seek first winning record since 2002
By BRAD EMERINE THISWEEKSPORTS.COM The Centennial High School football team returns a roster filled with experience and that has led the Stars to set one main goal for 2018: finish with more victories than losses for the first time in more than 15 years. “We haven’t had a winning season since 2002 and I know the guys have talked about ending that streak,” sixth-year coach Donte Goosby said. “They’re confident and we have some athleticism, but if we’re going to reach their aspirations, we’re going to have to be tougher than we’ve been in years. “We have a long way to go in that department. We’re going to play teams that hit you for four quarters and we have to be willing to work toward that.” Because of a small roster again this season, the Stars will play a number of key athletes on both sides of the ball, making conditioning an important part of the preseason. “We always have 13 or 14 football players who we rely on heavily and that are asked to play the majority of the game,” Goosby said. “Our numbers are down slightly, but we were in the same pinch last year. “We always have to find creative ways to squeeze every ounce out of our top athletes and find ways to give them a quick breather here and there. We know how we have to condition to keep them on the field.” Some of the expected twoway starters or heavy two-way contributors include seniors Jamal Erby (FB/LB) and Kari Woods (OL/DE), junior Luchene Davis (RB/OLB) and sophomores Jaylen Gilbert (QB/DB), Marquese Scott (RB/DB) and Syquee Womack (WR/DB). “In addition to those guys, we’re going to be in rotations on the line in order to keep the big guys with fresher legs late in games,” Goosby said. “But we have several linemen who may end up playing most of the game anyway.”
OFFENSE Goosby is counting on continued improvement by Gilbert to give the offense a boost a year after his quarterback was second-team all-district in Divi-
throughout the game and allow our linebackers and secondary to make their plays,” Goosby said. “We’ve got to be tough up front. We’ve got some athletes and experience in the back with Davis, Scott, Womack, Roberts and (junior Chem Yisrael), with Gilbert and some others working in there, too.”
SPECIAL TEAMS The Stars return most of their kicking specialists, with sophomore Ali Dejwar doing the place-kicking, Davis punting, Erby snapping for punts, Rankin snapping for kicks and Scott and Davis returning punts and kickoffs.
THE LINEUP
Sophomore Jaylen Gilbert will be one of several two-way starters for the Stars, playing quarterback and in the secondary. PAUL VERNON/THISWEEK
sion III as a freshman . “Jaylen should be able to read defenses better this year and check us into and out of plays that maybe he couldn’t recognize last year,” Goosby said. “He was one of several guys who played big roles as freshmen last year and we’re going to ask more out of them this year. You wouldn’t normally use that many freshmen on Friday nights. So while we have some experience, we’re still a very young team.” Gilbert will have new targets, as first-team all-district pick Craig Burt was lost to graduation and senior Chris Street did not return. Womack and senior D’Anthony Roberts will start at receiver. Four seniors will join Woods on the line, a group that includes Jackson Bradfield, Oscar Espino and Lamont Rankin. Davis returns at running back after also being named secondteam all-district, and Erby will be at fullback. “We have a somewhat small senior class, but it’s a good class and I like having so many on
*Beechcroft........................L, 32-0 *Linden-McKinley............W, 45-27 *Mifflin.............................L, 41-21 *Whetstone .....................W, 23-20 *League contest INSIDE THE STARS •Coach: Donte Goosby, sixth season •Top players: Seth Arrowood (OL/DL), Luchene Davis (RB/OLB), Jamal Erby (FB/LB), Oscar Espino (OL/DL), Anthony Flood (LB), Jaylen Gilbert (QB/DB), Xyion Newton (FB/LB), Lamont Rankin (OL/DL), Marquese Scott (RB/DB), Syquee Womack (WR/DB), Kari Woods (OL/DL) •Key losses: Craig Burt, Chris Darlington, Nigel Harris and Parker Johnson
and to foster an environment where they encourage others to join them.” Goosby added that having a more experienced squad allowed him to install more of the offense during the preseason than in past years, however. “We’ll be 60-40 in terms of spread and power, but we’ll have a lot more options available to us now that our young key guys have a year of experience under their belts. We’re going to incorporate more into the playbook and expect them to handle it. It’s going to be more complex and they’ll all have greater roles and we’ll see if they’re up to the task.”
“Craig Burt did so much for us last year and we’re looking for some guys to step forward in that department. We’re looking for someone to fill that role
Erby is back at inside linebacker and will be joined at linebacker by junior Xyion Newton and senior Anthony Flood. Up front, the ends will be junior Kelvin Gilliam and Woods, with sophomore Justin Grimes at tackle and sophomore Kevin Motley at nose guard. “We’re trying to work in rotations in order that our defensive bemerine@thisweeknews.com line will be able to hold up @Brad_ThisWeek
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24....................vs. Grandview Aug. 31..............at Columbus West Sept. 7 .....................vs. Africentric *Sept. 14...................vs. Northland Sept. 21...........................at Lucas *Sept. 28 ............at Columbus East *Oct. 5.....................vs. Beechcroft *Oct. 12...........at Linden-McKinley *Oct. 19...........................at Mifflin *Oct. 26 ...................vs. Whetstone 2017 RESULTS (4-6 overall, 3-3 City-North) Grandview .......................L, 30-28 Columbus West ................L, 64-28 Fairfield Christian ..............W, 86-6 *Northland .......................L, 62-13 Lucas ..............................L, 51-28 *Columbus East...............W, 63-27
DEFENSE
the line,” Goosby said. “But experience doesn’t automatically translate into leadership and we have a leadership vacuum.
Offense Quarterbacks: *Jaylen Gilbert (so., 6-4, 215), John Smith (so., 6-0, 170) Running backs: *Luchene Davis (jr., 5-10, 180), *Jamal Erby (sr., 5-10, 225), Xyion Newton (jr., 6-0, 185), *Marquese Scott (so., 6-0, 175) Receivers: *D’Anthony Roberts (sr., 6-1, 180), *Syquee Womack (so., 5-10, 180), Chem Yisrael (jr., 5-9, 170) Tight ends: Kelvin Gilliam (jr., 6-3, 225), Noah Hatem (so., 6-2, 175) Linemen: *Seth Arrowood (so., 5-11, 225), *Jackson Bradfield (sr., 6-0, 205), *Oscar Espino (sr., 5-10, 250), Anthony Flood (sr., 5-10, 195), Justin Grimes (so., 6-3, 220), Kevin Motley (so., 6-0, 250), *Lamont Rankin (sr., 5-9, 245), *Kari Woods (sr., 6-3, 255) Defense Linemen: Arrowood, Espino, *Gilliam, *Grimes, *Motley, Rankin, *Woods Linebackers: *Erby, Flood, *Newton Secondary: *Davis, Dean, Gilbert, *Roberts, *Scott, Smith, *Womack, *Yisrael Special teams Kicker: Ali Dejwar (so., 59, 180) Punter: Davis Returners: Scott, Davis Long snappers: Erby (punts), Rankin (kicks) (*Denotes projected starter)
PIONEERS FROM >> 32
as easy as when you’re in practice.” Junior Jack Fenton is expected to be handle the punting duties, and Dayhuff, Roberts and junior Jake Vanchieri will return kicks. Senior Will Angelis will be the long snapper.
Grant Simon, who was a second-team all-state selection after going 9-for13 on field goals and converting 42 of 47 extra points. Two sophomores – Aidan Hill and Kellen Sargent – are competing to replace Simon. THE LINEUP “Aidan and Kellen have emerged Offense as the leaders in that competition,” Quarterbacks: Robbie Dayhuff (sr. Schroeder said. “Both kids are good on field goals from 45 yards in and 6-1, 180), Spencer Hawkins (jr. 6-3, they both have potential. Now it’s a 190) Running backs: Zach Harrison (sr, matter of being about to perform Friday night under the lights. That’s not 6-6, 245), *Mark Roberts (sr., 6-0,
200), Jack Fenton (jr., 5-9, 170), Jake Vanchieri (jr., 6-1, 183), Luke Applegate (so., 6-1, 180) Receivers: *Ryan Dunn (sr., 6-2, 195), *Harrison, Ian Enders (jr., 510, 165), Fenton, Zane Lattig (jr., 62, 175), Sam Wyne (jr., 6-3, 200), Joey Guagenti (so., 5-11, 155), Caden Konczak (so., 5-9, 135), Colin McNay (so., 5-10, 155) Tight ends: Harrison, *Nate Miller (jr., 6-4, 225), Wyne Linemen: *Ryan Duffy (sr., 6-4, 305), Dale Sickman (sr., 6-2, 235), *Zach Stevenson (sr., 6-3, 270), *Connor Mathena (jr., 6-0, 225), *Jeff Sul-
livan (jr., 6-4, 285), *Najib Talukder (jr., 6-3, 260) Defense Linemen: *Harrison, *Brant Kightlinger (sr., 6-3, 225), *Kyle Sessamen (sr., 6-0, 235), *Zach Hill (jr., 6-1, 210) Linebackers: Cam Baisden (sr., 60, 195), Dylan Buchanan (sr., 5-11, 178), *Dom Davis (sr., 5-10, 165), *Mitchell Gifford (sr., 6-0, 171), Mason Faulkner (sr., 5-11, 185), Hill, Evan Leist (jr., 5-10, 170), Eli Payne (jr., 5-11, 198) Secondary: *Ethan Adkins (sr., 62, 175), Dayhuff, Brad Snyder (sr.,
6-0, 180), Reece Dunham (jr., 5-11, 135), Guagenti, Hawkins, Griffin Runyon (jr., 5-10, 155) Special teams Kickers: Aidan Hill (so., 6-0, 135), Kellen Sargent (so., 6-2, 175) Punters: Fenton, Sam Sells (so., 60, 145) Returners: Dayhuff, Roberts, Vanchieri Long snappers: Will Angelis (sr., 6-1, 165), Lattig (*Denotes projected starter) shennen@thisweeknews.com @ThisWeekHennen
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Centennial
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C ITY L EAGUE -N ORTH D IVISION
Beechcroft
New Cougars coach stressing discipline By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM During the final minutes of practice Aug. 6, the Beechcroft High School football team ran a series of sprints before huddling with first-year coach Charles Gibson. He then talked about the skills he sees from one of the City League’s traditionally most talented programs. An Army ROTC teacher at Columbus South, Gibson already has drilled into the heads of his players what he believes is the most important aspect in utilizing what they possess in terms of athleticism and football knowledge. “If you ask any kid what’s the No. 1 rule, they know it’s discipline,” Gibson said. “The kids are great up here. One thing that actually helps is the fact that I was the (Beechcroft) baseball coach (last spring). A lot of them know me and they know what my system entails. Because of my 23 years in the Army, I believe you’ve got to have discipline. We preach that you are one of 11 (players). Don’t try to do somebody else’s job. Just do your job and we’ll be all right.” Gibson is just the fifth coach in program history, having replaced B.J. Queen in April. Queen, who coached the Cougars to a 5-4 record last season that included a share of the City League-North Division title with Northland and Mifflin at 5-1, is now coaching Columbus West. A former player for Capital University, Gibson put together a new coaching staff that includes former Beechcroft quarterback Maurice Hale, who went on to play for Lake Erie College and is serving as quarterbacks coach, as well as R.J. Twitty (offensive coordinator) and Lee Snyder (defensive coordinator). Most of last year’s key players were lost to graduation, and even Beechcroft’s schedule is much different as three new teams have been added. The Cougars open Aug. 24 at home against Dayton Ponitz Tech, a Division III team that went 3-7 last season and is in its 10th season as a program. For players like senior Elijah Hairston, though, many of the expectations that surrounded the Cougars when they won three consecutive CityNorth titles from 2014-16 under former coach Trevor White still are present. “We’ve been working hard and just trying to get there,” Hairston said. “Everybody’s got to stay committed.”
OFFENSE Hairston spent most of his time offensively last season at
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24 ....vs. Dayton Ponitz Tech Aug. 31 .........at Central Crossing Sept. 7..............vs. Walnut Ridge *Sept. 14.....................vs. Mifflin *Sept. 21........vs. Columbus East Sept. 28 ..at Dayton Meadowdale *Oct. 5 ...................at Centennial *Oct. 12 ................vs. Whetstone *Oct. 19........at Linden-McKinley *Oct. 26 ..................at Northland 2017 RESULTS (5-4 overall, 5-1 City-North) Akron Buchtel .................L, 23-6 Marion-Franklin ..............L, 26-8 Walnut Ridge ....................L, 6-0 *Mifflin...........................W, 14-8 *Columbus East .............W, 41-0 *Centennial....................W, 32-0 *Whetstone....................W, 18-0
guard and was a first-team allleague honoree, but he’s been moved to wide receiver. “We went to a seven-onseven (scrimmage) and he scored three touchdowns,” Gibson said. “We said, ‘You’re not playing guard again.’ He’s an athlete.” Junior DeShannon Butler saw time at safety last year but is taking over at quarterback in place of senior Jovaughn Hill, who threw for 1,298 yards and 11 touchdowns last season but is not back with the program. Senior Tahjon Francis is expected to be the No. 1 running back after the Cougars lost Shemar Samuel (807 yards rushing, 11 total touchdowns) to graduation. Seniors Martell Radcliff and Na’elle Simmons are others who should play a key role at wide receiver, with senior Asmar Huntley at tight end in certain sets. Seniors Demarjeon Harris and Erik Strain will line up at tackle, seniors Corey Clayton and Deonandre Moore are expected to be at guard and junior Alhaji Sidibe is at center for an offense that Gibson describes as a spread that includes a “heavy running game.” “(The new coaches) have been great,” Huntley said. “They’re tough on us, but that’s what every coach has to be or you’re not going to get anywhere. (The system has) been different, but we’re football players and football is only as hard as you make it. I believe we’ve chosen to make it easy. We’ve just got to keep our energy level up.”
DEFENSE Hairston returns at line-
*Linden-McKinley...........W, 32-9 *Northland ....................L, 39-32 *League contest INSIDE THE COUGARS •Coach: Charles Gibson, first season •Top players: DeShannon Butler (QB), Tahjon Francis (RB/DB/KR/PR), Elijah Hairston (WR/LB/LS), Demarjeon Harris (OL/DL), Asmar Huntley (LB/TE), Martell Radcliff (WR/DB/ KR/PR),Alhaji Sidibe (LB/OL), Na’elle Simmons (WR/DB) and Davon Wooden (DB/KR/PR) •Key losses: Suliman Conteh, Jermayne Crowell, Sincere Henderson, Jovaughn Hill, Teon Jennings, Therron Jennings, Datrey Long, Deonteze Newsome and Shemar Samuel
backer after finishing with 63 tackles, one interception and four pass breakups last year. Sidibe, who was secondteam all-league last season, likely will be at outside linebacker with Huntley at middle linebacker. On the line, Harris and Moore are expected to be at tackle with Strain at end. Junior Davon Wooden, a second-team all-league selection last year, figures to be at safety along with Francis. Radcliff, Simmons and junior Demetrius Haynes are among those stepping in at defensive back after the graduation losses of second-team all-district honorees Suliman Conteh and Sincere Henderson.
SPECIAL TEAMS Gibson is excited about what Francis, Radcliff and Wooden can accomplish as kickoff and punt returners. “(They) can burn,” Gibson said. Sophomore Ibrahim Camara is expected to take over at punter for Samuel, and Hairston should perform long-snapper duties after the Cougars lost Teon Jennings to graduation. Gibson wasn’t sure who would replace 2018 graduate Datrey Long at place-kicker heading into the preseason.
THE LINEUP Offense Quarterbacks: *DeShannon Butler (jr., 5-10, 162), Elijah Hairston (sr., 6-2, 195) Running backs: *Tahjon Francis (sr., 5-10, 170), Mchoud Wimberley (sr., 5-10,
COUGARS >> 53
Rashaun Broomfield could have many roles with the Braves as the junior could line up at quarterback, running back and wide receiver. He also will start in the secondary and return kicks. MATTHEW HATCHER/THISWEEK
Whetstone
Braves expect to have many two-way players By BRAD EMERINE THISWEEKSPORTS.COM Tom Jones became coach for the Whetstone High School football team late last spring when Don Poff stepped down after six seasons. Not long afterward, Jones learned that six expected returnees, including five senior starters, would be academically ineligible this fall. “My heart stopped a beat, because they were not only starters, but they were experienced and would’ve been our leaders this season,” Jones said. “Don has preached to these kids the importance of grades and now they have to miss their senior season. We also had a good size graduating class, so we lost like 20-22 players off the roster.” During the preseason, fewer than 20 players were showing up consistently. “Obviously, under the circumstances, we don’t have much depth, but maybe once school starts we can get a few more guys out,” Jones said. “We’ve had up to 25 at one point, but some of our guys don’t have rides to practice until school starts. We’re hoping we can build up to 30 to 35 guys. “We’ve got a great junior class and good sophomore class and we’ve got some talented seniors in Mike Woodard, Antwan Allen and Dorian Jordan. But the majority are sophomores and juniors.” Because of the lack of depth, the Braves will rely heavily on their top players getting the majority of minutes with few breaks. “We’re going to have a lot of guys playing both ways,” Jones said. “We’re going to have to get all these guys into great shape, but we’ve also got to
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24..........at Watkins Memorial Aug. 31 ..........................vs. Briggs Sept. 7.......................vs. Whitehall *Sept. 14 ............at Columbus East *Sept. 21 ........vs. Linden-McKinley *Sept. 28...................vs. Northland *Oct. 5............................vs. Mifflin *Oct. 12....................at Beechcroft Oct. 19 ......at Columbus Crusaders *Oct. 26 ....................at Centennial 2017 RESULTS (3-7 overall, 2-4 City-North) Watkins Memorial ..............L, 13-6 Briggs................................L, 31-6 Whitehall .........................L, 38-10 *Columbus East.................W, 26-6 *Linden-McKinley..............W, 20-6 *Northland .......................L, 49-14
keep them healthy. So you want to keep contact down some, but then you don’t want to take it easy on them in terms of conditioning because our opponents won’t take it easy on them.” That also means extra planning on the coaching staff and making the players more versatile. “Our depth chart is a little strange because we have many of the same guys in three, four and five positions,” Jones said. “We have to have plan B, C, D and E in case something isn’t working, you get someone injured or to at least give our guys a little breather during games. An injury here or there could change maybe four, five or six guys in the lineup.” Although the Braves lost expected senior starters at quarterback, running back, fullback
*Mifflin ..............................L, 20-0 *Beechcroft........................L, 18-0 Columbus Crusaders .........W, 34-7 *Centennial......................L, 23-20 *League contest INSIDE THE BRAVES •Coach: Tom Jones, first season •Top players: Rashaun Broomfield (QB/WR/RB/DB), Zach Falor (OL/DL), Dorian Jordan (RB/LB), Gabe Jordan (WR/DB), Sam Mahan (OL/DL), Darric McClinton (WB/RB/DB), Antonio Mirando (TE/LB/DB), Ben Paugh (FB/LB) and Mike Woodard (OL/DL/LB) •Key losses: Tawaun Boozer, Dalton Daugherty, T.J. Johnson, Oshea Jones, Daniel Kasprovic, Lincoln Mullins and Ibrahim Sesay
and linebacker as well as three linemen, Jones said the team is working hard and not complaining about the situation. “The kids we have aren’t feeling sorry for themselves,” he said. “They’re playing together as a team and nobody is being selfish or trying to be the superstar. They have a one united goal and that is to be successful. We need to play as a team and the kids are doing that thus far.”
OFFENSE Junior Rashaun Broomfield may have to be the most versatile player on the squad. He is expected to start at receiver, but also could see time at quarterback or running back. For the time being, sopho-
BRAVES >> 53
51
C ITY L EAGUE -N ORTH D IVISION
Panthers starting fresh, trying to build structure By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM
Since he took over as the Linden-McKinley High School football coach in early May, Andrew Phillips has focused on building numbers and using the organizational skills he gained while serving as an assistant at six other prep programs to create what he calls a “structure.” What the Panthers have done outside of football activities has been a big part of that process. “Right now, a lot of it is teaching them leadership,” Phillips said. “I’m trying to teach them to be leaders off the field. We’ve done some fundraisers like working at the fair a couple times. We also (went) down to the Salvation Army (for volunteer work). … We’re trying to teach them to get out in the community and be a leader. It’s a learning curve for them.” Although Phillips never has coached in the City League, he believes he’s quickly learning about what could help build the program he envisions for the Panthers. Phillips is a 1993 Lakewood graduate who has served as an assistant coach at Harvest Prep, Millersport, Lakewood, Northridge and Westerville North before coaching the last two seasons under Mark Solis at Olentangy, which has made four consecutive playoff appearances. The Panthers, meanwhile,
haven’t had a winning season since going 6-4 in 2001. Under Jason Ryan, who stepped down over the winter, Linden went 2-8 overall and 0-6 in the City League-North Division last season and 5-25 overall in three years. One of the Panthers’ wins last fall came over the Reigning Sports Academy club team (20-6) and the other was against Columbus South (12-6). Linden opens Aug. 24 at home with Washington, D.C. Kingsman Academy, a secondyear program that it finalized a contract with in early August. The Panthers had started the last two seasons against Briggs, but the Bruins will be the first opponent for Olentangy Berlin as that school opens this fall. “It’s been fun,” said Phillips, who is a teacher at Olentangy Berkshire Middle School. “I told them the whole month of June that I work for them. I would like to see our guys be successful young men off the field and I’m hoping it will roll onto the football field. Everything we break (the huddle) on is ‘family,’ and we shake it up at the end of every night. The only thing we have is us.”
OFFENSE Most of the Panthers’ expected top players will be taking on key roles for the first time. Junior Daviontae Wilson is in his third season and is expected to be the quarterback after serving behind 2018 grad-
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24 .........vs. Washington, D.C., Kingsman Academy Aug. 31 .......at Columbus Academy Sept. 7 .............at Columbus South Sept. 14........at Wash. Court House *Sept. 21...................at Whetstone *Sept. 28 .........................at Mifflin *Oct. 5 .......................at Northland *Oct. 12 ...................vs. Centennial *Oct. 19...................vs. Beechcroft *Oct. 26 ............vs. Columbus East 2017 RESULTS (2-8 overall, 0-6 City-North) Briggs..............................L, 27-18 Columbus Academy ...........L, 42-0 Columbus South................W, 12-6 Reigning Sports Academy ..W, 20-6 *Whetstone........................L, 20-6 *Mifflin.............................L, 47-12
uate Parker Parsons last fall. Senior Eddie Lewis is a returnee who will be joined at running back by junior Shawn Blount. They are taking over for 2018 graduate Amon Smith, a first-team all-league performer who finished with 970 yards and five touchdowns. Senior Manuel Dunson is another key returnee who will see action at wide receiver and he also could be used in a Wildcat formation. Linden likely will employ a spread offense after featuring an option-based
*Northland .........................L, 28-0 *Centennial......................L, 45-27 *Beechcroft........................L, 32-9 *Columbus East .................L, 14-2 *League contest INSIDE THE PANTHERS •Coach: Andrew Phillips, first season •Top players: Devonn Battle (OL/DL), Shawn Blount (RB/DB), Manuel Dunson (WR/LB/KR/PR), Seth Knight (WR/DB/KR/PR), Eddie Lewis (RB/LB), DeFranko Nelms (OL/DL/LS), Eddie Stroughter (WR/LB/KR/PR) and Daviontae Wilson (QB) •Key losses: Nate Claude, Henry Garner, Myzarome Gordon, QuaDarrious McDonald, Parker Parsons, Amon Smith and Jaquan Watson
returning receivers. Kajuna is a tight end but also might play halfback. Kalinowski, a guard and tackle, will be flanked on the line by classmates Travis Harrison-Rawn (tackle), Eli Schmidt (center) and Dez Turkson (tackle). According to Stratton, Turkson will be the Indians’ only two-way lineman.
DEFENSE Davis made a team-high 144 tackles last season to go with five sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception and leads a linebacking unit that also features Moore, junior J.J. Mattox and sophomore Blaine Riley. “The big thing for Darren this year is he’s healthy,” Stratton said. “That’s the big reason he didn’t play offense last year.” The only defensive starters lost to graduation were defensive back Haden Hiser, first-team all-state lineman Angelo Hubbard and linebacker Matt Kamer. Hubbard had 116 tackles and a team-high nine sacks. “We definitely want to be more aggressive this year,” Moore said. Senior end Jared Bulluck and nose guards Bryce Eisnaugle and Mike Wilson, a senior and junior, respectively, also return on the line. Akarri, Ryan, senior Davon Wilson and Toledo anchor a speedy backfield. Wilson started all 11 games at free safety last year, Ryan also will play safety and
DEFENSE Many of the key players on offense are expected to also lead the defense. Nelms is a returning starter on the line, while Manuel started in the secondary last year but likely will be at outside linebacker. Blount and sophomore Jeff Madison are expected to be at cornerback. Phillips also is high on freshman Travis Foster, who will be part of the receiving corps and should start at middle linebacker. Last season, Smith finished with 106 tackles at linebacker, Garner had 63 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss on the line and 2018 graduate JaQuan Watson finished with three interceptions in the secondary.
Franklin Heights assistant Rob Ballenger is running the defense, Phillips is in charge of special teams. Although the Panthers didn’t have a clear front-runner to handle kicks and punts during the preseason, Nelms is a returning long snapper. Dunson, Knight and Stroughter all should see time as returners.
THE LINEUP Offense Quarterbacks: *Daviontae Wilson (jr., 5-10, 155), Manuel Dunson (sr., 6-1, 195) Running backs: *Eddie Lewis (sr., 5-11, 210), *Shawn Blount (jr., 5-9, 150) Receivers: *Dunson, *Eddie Stroughter (sr., 6-0, 165), *Seth Knight (sr., 6-3, 195), Jeff Madison (so., 6-0, 190), Travis Foster (fr., 5-10, 200) Linemen: *Devonn Battle (sr., 6-0, 300), *DeFranko Nelms (sr., 6-6, 350), Defense Linemen: *Battle, *Nelms, *Darren Redmond (so., 6-2, 225) Linebackers: *Dunson, *Lewis, *Stroughter, *Foster Secondary: *Knight, *Blount, *Madison Special teams Kicker: *TBD Punter: *TBD Returners: Dunson, Knight, Stroughter Long snapper: *Nelms (*Denotes projected starter)
running attack the last two years. Seniors Seth Knight and Eddie Stroughter also are at wide receiver. “It’s going very well,” Stroughter said. “You can see the difference from where we were last year. I like us passing the ball because it opens up the run game, which keeps teams on their toes. We want SPECIAL TEAMS to get the team built bigger because the future classes will While Shane Davis is the be able to see the progress.” offensive coordinator and for- julrey@thisweeknews.com One of Phillips’ biggest mer Northridge, Briggs and @UlreyThisWeek
INDIANS
FROM >> 39
hopes during the preseason was that linemen would begin to emerge to join senior returnee DeFranko Nelms and classmate Devonn Battle, who both weigh more than 300 pounds. The Panthers lost three key linemen to graduation including Henry Garner, a first-team all-City selection. “We’re going to be fast between the 20s, and as soon as get to the 20 we’re going to pound it and grind it,” Phillips said. “I have some athletes.”
STALLIONS Akarri will lead the cornerback group, which also includes juniors Logan Beckwith and Jordan Crump. Stratton heaped praise on Akarri, largely because of his speed. “I think he is the best-kept secret in central Ohio,” Stratton said. “He covers everybody like blankets and nobody can cover him when he put him on offense. I think he will be a two-way guy for us and turn a lot of heads. Just an incredibly explosive player. I am impressed with his progression.”
SPECIAL TEAMS Junior Avery Musick will replace Trevor Thompson, a third-team all-state honoree who now plays at St. Francis University, as place-kicker. Sophomore Blaine Riley and Toledo competed for punting duties during the preseason, and Akarri is expected to be a kick returner along with sophomore Korbin Martino. Martino qualified for the Division I state track and field meet in the 400 meters as a freshman and finished second in that event at the New Balance Nationals Outdoor in June in Greensboro, North Carolina.
THE LINEUP
Receivers: *Jake Howard (sr., 5-8, 162), *Elijah Bulluck (jr., 6-2, 170), *Jake Francis (so., 5-9, 160), Zack Akarri (sr., 6-0, 160), Dorian Knox (sr., 5-8, 150), Chris Ryan (sr., 5-10, 190), Avery Musick (jr., 6-0, 165), Korbin Martino (so., 6-1, 150) Tight end: *David Kajuna (sr., 6-3, 210) Linemen: *Travis Harrison-Rawn (sr., 6-5, 252), *Wally Kalinowski (sr., 6-2, 276), *Eli Schmidt (sr., 5-10, 356), *Dez Turkson (sr., 6-3, 218), *Hunter King (jr., 6-2, 197), Nick Barnes (sr., 5-10, 265), Ray Pugh (sr., 5-9, 233), Kevin Prior (jr., 6-0, 188) Defense Linemen: *Jared Bulluck (sr., 6-0, 230), *Bryce Eisnaugle (sr., 6-0, 234), *Turkson, *Mike Wilson (jr., 5-9, 245), Hunter Allen (jr., 6-3, 180), Chris Snyder (jr., 60, 192) Linebackers: *Davis, *Tim Moore (sr., 5-9, 165), *J.J. Mattox (jr., 5-9, 180), Blaine Riley (so., 5-10, 175) Secondary: *Akarri, *Ryan, *Davon Wilson (sr., 5-7, 125), *Toledo, Yohannes McLeish (sr., 5-10, 175), Logan Beckwith (jr., 5-9, 145), Jordan Crump (jr., 59, 150) Special teams Kickers: *Musick, Elijah Bulluck Punters: *Riley, Toledo Returners: *Akarri, *Martino Long snapper: *Howard (*Denotes projected starter)
Offense Quarterback: *Jack Beeler (jr., 6-1, 165) Running backs: *Darren Davis (sr., 511, 205), *Stephan Byrd (fr., 6-1, 190), dpurpura@thisweeknews.com Tyler Toledo (jr., 5-9, 155) @ThisWeekDave
FROM >> 43
(sr., 6-3, 285), *Potts, Barron Froehlich (sr., 6-2, 235), Karris, Joseph Blubaugh (jr., 5-8, 240), Frank Sciarroni Linebackers: *Velazquez, *Ball, *Quinn, *Mason Rickens (jr., 6-0, 175) Secondary: *Hilleary, *Robinson, *Anthony Sciarroni, Faulkner, Mason Washington (jr., 6-0, 200) Special teams Kicker: *Randy Tawiah (jr., 5-10, 180) Punter: *Anthony Sciarroni Returners: *Hilleary, *Robinson, *Anthony Sciarroni, *Velazquez Long snappers: *Thompson, Matthew Stewart (so., 61, 165) (*Denotes projected starter)
Thompson (sr., 5-11, 175), Reno Godfrey (jr., 6-1, 185) Running backs: *Joey Velazquez (sr., 6-1, 210), Robert Robinson (sr., 5-10, 195), Jaylen Ball (jr., 5-10, 190), Quintell Quinn (so., 61, 180) Wide receivers: *Carter Hilleary (sr., 6-0, 180), *Anthony Sciarroni (sr., 6-0, 195), Caden Zellner (sr., 5-8, 140), Owen Faulkner (jr., 5-11, 165) H-back/Tight end: *Chris Karras (sr., 6-2, 230) Linemen: *Collin Doyle (sr., 6-2, 230), *Bo Hobgood (sr., 6-4, 270), *Dylan McKinney (sr., 6-4, 275), Brendan Heffernan (sr., 6-0, 290), Cole Potts (jr., 6-2, 280), Frank Sciarroni (jr., 6-0, 205) Defense julrey@thisweeknews.com Linemen: *Rodas Johnson @UlreyThisWeek
EAGLES FROM >> 45
(jr., 5-9, 160) Punter: *Bair *Bair, *Crane, Colburn, Returners: Auddino, Dean, Brown, Boone, Mercer Young Secondary: *Auddino, *JanLong snapper: *Davis not, *Intihar, *Young, Best, (*Denotes projected starter) Dean, Bettendorf Special teams julrey@thisweeknews.com Kicker: *Jonah Fortkamp @UlreyThisWeek
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52
C ITY L EAGUE -N ORTH D IVISION
Mifflin
Punchers eye return trip to postseason By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM
The relatively fast rebuild that has taken place since Anthony Thornton took over as Mifflin High School football coach is just the beginning of what he and his program are planning to accomplish. The Punchers finished just 3-7 in 2014 and posted the same record in Thornton’s first season in 2015 but earned a share of the City League-North Division title and made the playoffs for the first time since 2002 last fall. “We’re trying to repeat,” Thornton said. “That’s where I sold us short last year by only looking at making the playoffs simply because we hadn’t been there in a while.” The Punchers went 8-3 last season, advancing to the playoffs for just the fifth time in program history. After beating 2016 Division VII state semifinalist Harvest Prep 55-48 in the third week of last year’s regular season, Mifflin bounced back from a 14-8 loss to Beechcroft to open City-North action by winning the remainder of its league games. The Punchers shared the league title with the Cougars and Northland at 5-1. Lost to graduation were firstteam all-state wide receiver Jeremiah Jackson, who’s now at the University of Findlay after finishing with more than 1,000 yards receiving last year, as well as second-team all-state quarterback Daveonn Logan, who threw for more than 3,000 yards and 34 touchdowns and also rushed for 10 scores. Thornton, who was on the coaching staff when Brookhaven won the 2004 Division II state championship and later served as head coach of the Bearcats as well as Centennial, thinks about what last year’s team that featured just 27 players had to overcome when envisioning what his latest group is capable of. “We’re proud of the fact we worked,” Thornton said. “We’re not going to moan and groan about what we don’t have. We coach and we teach and we develop. This year,
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At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 23.............vs. Walnut Ridge Aug. 31.................vs. Chillicothe Sept. 7 ...............at Harvest Prep *Sept. 14 ...............at Beechcroft *Sept. 21.................at Northland *Sept. 28.....vs. Linden-McKinley *Oct. 5 ...................at Whetstone *Oct. 12 .........vs. Columbus East *Oct. 19................vs. Centennial Oct. 26 .......................vs. Aurora 2017 RESULTS (8-3 overall, 5-1 City-North) Columbus West ............W, 38-26 Westland .....................W, 27-21 Harvest Prep ................W, 55-48 *Beechcroft ....................L, 14-8 *Northland ...................W, 48-34 *Linden-McKinley.........W, 47-12 *Whetstone....................W, 20-0 *Columbus East ...........W, 45-12 *Centennial ..................W, 41-21 Aurora ..........................L, 34-14 PLAYOFFS Ashland .................L, 48-47 (OT) *League contest INSIDE THE PUNCHERS •Coach: Anthony Thornton, fourth season •Top players: Tawon Cannon (DB/WR), MihAnthony Carlisle (RB/LB), Tiandre Clifton (OL/DL), Isaiah Farris (OL/DL), Righteous Fleshman (WR/LB), Adonis Moore (OL/DL),Tavion Scales (RB/LB), Eric Shaw (OL/DL) and Aman Thornton (TE/DB/K/P) •Key losses: Day’Quan Eddins, Jakyi Galloway, Jeremiah Jackson, Kani Justice, Daveonn Logan, Mark Morgan, James Watkins and Itika Wynn
we’ve got a young squad and are inexperienced in a lot of the skill positions. … But I’m hopeful. Have fun trying to stop us from running the football.” The Punchers have replaced their first two opponents from last year, Columbus West and Westland, with Walnut Ridge and Chillicothe. While West and Westland went a combined 6-14 last season, their replacements made the playoffs. “It’s been going well,” senior two-way lineman Adonis Moore said. “We work hard and have been learning our plays early on. We just go hard. (We want to) go farther. We set our expectations short last year and we don’t want to be tri-champions (in the CityNorth) again.”
Aman Thornton rarely will leave the field for the Punchers as he will start at tight end and in the secondary while also handling the punting and kicking duties. COLUMBUS DISPATCH FILE PHOTO
Junior wide receiver Righteous Fleshman is another expected to take on a key role in the team’s receiving and blocking schemes. Unlike last season when Mifflin’s biggest question mark was how the offensive line would be comprised, a group of four senior linemen led by Moore is now a strength. Moore, a returning starter, could line up at center or guard. Senior Tiandre Clifton, who is the largest in size among the team’s linemen at 6-foot-4, 290 pounds, is expected to be at left tackle. Seniors Isaiah Farris and Eric Shaw also should see time at guard, with sophomore Tavante Hinkle at guard or right tackle.
DEFENSE
Tavion Scales is expected to be much busier after rushing for 293 yards as a junior. BARBARA J. PERENIC/COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Punchers likely will have on offense will be dictated by how Thornton decides best to use his son, senior Aman Thornton. After finishing with 32 receptions for 893 yards and 12 touchdowns and making first-team all-district at tight end last year, Aman could line up at wide receiver or end up seeing time at quarterback in addition to playing tight end. Junior Jalen Owens is expected to begin the season OFFENSE at quarterback. Senior running back Tavion Much of the success the
Scales, who rushed for 293 yards and three touchdowns last year, figures to take on a bigger role in the ground game. “We’re going to lean on this year’s group (of linemen) to control the football game,” coach Thornton said. “I’ve got some boys that are in the mode of my Brookhaven kids in that they can run and they can move. We’re not going to be the same as last year and we’re not sneaking up on anyone. We enter the stadium and you’ll know who we are.”
The same five expected to start on the offensive line likely will comprise the defensive line as the Punchers look to replace much of a unit that was led by 2018 graduate Day’Quan Eddins. Scales, Fleshman, junior MihAnthony Carlisle and sophomore Tyler Marchio all should see action at inside linebacker. Junior John Lower Jr. will fill what coach Thornton calls his team’s “rover” position, with junior Karon Mitchell at free safety. Senior Tawon Cannon and Aman Thornton also are working at safety, with senior Tyler Jackson, junior Larron Garland and sophomore Elijah May all expected to see time at cornerback.
SPECIAL TEAMS
place-kicker after making 38 extra points and one field goal last season. He also is the returning punter. Garland is most likely to return kickoffs and punts.
THE LINEUP Offense Quarterbacks: Aman Thornton (sr., 6-3, 195), Jalen Owens (jr., 5-7, 160) Running backs: *Tavion Scales (sr., 5-11, 215), MihAnthony Carlisle (jr., 5-9, 185), Larron Garland (jr., 5-7, 165), Elijah May (so., 5-8, 175) Receivers: *Righteous Fleshman (jr., 5-10, 205), Tawon Cannon (sr., 6-0, 155), Tyler Jackson (sr., 5-11, 195), Thornton H-back/Tight end: *Thornton Linemen: *Tiandre Clifton (sr., 6-4, 290), *Isaiah Farris (sr., 5-10, 205), *Adonis Moore (sr., 6-2, 285), *Eric Shaw (sr., 5-10, 205), *Tavante Hinkle (so., 6-2, 245) Defense Linemen: *Moore, Clifton, Farris, Shaw, Hinkle Linebackers: *Scales, *Carlisle, *Fleshman, Tyler Marchio (so., 5-10, 175) Secondary: *Cannon, *Thornton, Jackson, Garland, John Lower Jr., (jr., 5-11, 180), Karon Mitchell (jr., 5-5, 125), May Special teams Kicker: *Thornton Punter: *Thornton Returner: *Garland Long snapper: *Fleshman (*Denotes projected starter) julrey@thisweeknews.com
Aman Thornton returns at @UlreyThisWeek
53
C ITY L EAGUE -N ORTH D IVISION
Tigers working to build winning culture By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM
At the conclusion of last season, the coaching staff for the Columbus East High School football team spent time meeting with players individually and reflecting on the season. What became clear to coach Wes Edwards was that a simpler approach might be the best way to move forward for a program that hasn’t posted a winning season since 1999 and continues to struggle with low participation numbers. “Last year I didn’t realize or understand that our guys really didn’t know anything about football until after the season when we brought guys in and they couldn’t tell you some of the real basic stuff,” Edwards said. “That was a real eyeopener for all of us, and once we figured that out, we understood we had to teach it a little bit different.” Edwards is a former Brookhaven standout who was an assistant from 2014-16 when Beechcroft won three consecutive City League-North Division titles under former coach Trevor White. He brought former Beechcroft assistants Shawn Harris and Jamell Davis with him to East when he took over that program last fall, but the Tigers finished 1-9 overall for the fourth consecutive season. East lost its first nine games
before closing the season with a 14-2 victory over LindenAt a glance McKinley to finish fifth in the *Mifflin.............................L, 45-12 City-North at 1-5. The Tigers 2018 SCHEDULE also hung with their first two Aug. 24...........vs. Columbus South *Northland .......................L, 48-13 Aug. 31.......at Amanda-Clearcreek *Linden-McKinley..............W, 14-2 opponents, losing 18-8 to Sept. 7...............at Columbus West *League contest Columbus South and 17-6 to *Sept. 14 .................vs. Whetstone INSIDE THE TIGERS Amanda-Clearcreek. *Sept. 21 ..................at Beechcroft •Coach: Wes Edwards, second seaThe Tigers are hoping to *Sept. 28 .................vs. Centennial son have about 25 athletes when Oct. 5 ......vs. Lima Central Catholic •Top players: Hudhayfah Abdulthe season starts Aug. 24 *Oct. 12...........................at Mifflin Salaam (DB/LS), Jauron Armstrong against South, which went 3- *Oct. 19 ....................vs. Northland (RB/LB), Xavion Dorsey (QB), Major *Oct. 26...........at Linden-McKinley Ferguson (WR/DB), Prince Galloway6 overall last season. Miles (OL/DL), Josh Jones-Carpen“Our numbers aren’t exactly 2017 RESULTS ter (OL/DL), Deo-Samuel Pierre where we’d like them to be, (1-9 overall, 1-5 City-North) Columbus South.................L, 18-8 (LB/TE/K), Jaquez Pride (OL/LB) and but we’ve got some tough kids Amanda-Clearcreek ...........L, 17-6 Antonio Smith (TE/LB) that understand our scheme and Columbus West ..................L, 42-7 •Key losses: Raeon Arington, expectations better than last *Whetstone........................L, 26-6 Mamadi Conde, Shahqim Edwards, year,” Edwards said. “We’re *Beechcroft........................L, 41-0 Myles Ferguson, Johnathan Johnstill building culture. Culture *Centennial......................L, 63-27 son, Armon Mackey, Michael Trudell is the hardest thing to build in Columbus Academy..........L, 45-22 and Andres Waderker team sports, especially when you’ve got 11 guys that have to work together on every single down. They were used to things being played out a certain way, so we have some younger guys that are older that listen more to what we say as opposed to what they hear on the outside.” points in each of its first five Miles returns to lead an offengames and to an average of 11.5 sive line that also features senOFFENSE points per game for the season. iors Josh Jones-Carpenter, Pierre and senior Jauron Jaquez Pride and Deondre The Tigers have moved from a spread offense to a shot- Armstrong, both of whom ran White. “(Pierre’s) freshman year, gun set that often features two on the 400-meter relay that finished fifth at the Division II he was the kicker, and last year running backs. The improvement of junior regional track and field meet he was at outside linebacker Deo-Samuel Pierre is among last spring, are at running back. and wide receiver,” Edwards Xavion Dorsey is starting at said. “He ran track and got a the reasons Edwards is optimistic that his team will be able quarterback despite being a lot faster. If he stays healthy, he could run for 1,500 yards to move the ball better after freshman. Senior Prince Galloway- because we’ll be a lot differbeing held to fewer than 10
ent than last year. He’s a good student and a good kid.”
DEFENSE Junior linebacker Antonio Smith is the top returnee on defense after making secondteam all-City-North last season. Galloway-Miles, Jones-Carpenter and White are joined on the defensive line by junior Jawon Edwards and freshman Javon Hannah, with Smith and Pierre being joined at linebacker by Armstrong and Pride. Senior Hudhayfah AbdulSalaam, who was the City League wrestling champion at 126 pounds last winter, should be among those in the secondary, along with junior Yoreel Williams, who is new to the sport, as well as senior Major Ferguson and sophomore Jeremiah Thomas.
SPECIAL TEAMS
COUGARS
FROM >> 28
ple’s attention, that’s for sure,” Landolfi (so., 5-10, 160) Receivers: *Steven Bair (sr., Cutler said. “We’re excited averaged 41.3 yards per punt about our special teams. 6-3, 185), *Liam Keethler (jr., and was named first-team all- They’re so important.” 5-11, 170), Nathan Junk (sr., district and all-state. He had a 5-11, 155), Jimmy Stavridis school-record 74-yard punt in THE LINEUP (sr., 6-2, 200) the season finale against CoffTight end: *Jon Deshler (sr., Offense man. Quarterbacks: *Sammy Sass 6-3, 245) Senior Hayden Raish will (sr., 6-0, 185), Jacob Leve (jr., Linemen: *Tyler Imhoff (sr., be the place-kicker, a duty 5-11, 175) 5-10, 260), *Jackson Ness (sr., he took up early last season Running backs: *Eli 6-5, 270), *Sam Schadek (sr., after classmate and original D’Herete (jr., 6-1, 190), *Chris 6-2, 255), *Jud Utgard (sr., 6starter Jimmy Stavridis was Schweisthal (jr., 6-1, 200), A.J. 4, 275), *Sean McRae (jr., 6injured. Borders (sr., 6-0, 175), Lucas 5, 290), Corey Jones (jr., 6-1, “(Krimm) has a lot of peo- Arce (jr., 5-11, 205), Marco 240), Jack Flowers (so., 6-2,
255)
Defense Linemen: *Ryan Hurst (sr., 6-1, 225), *Ness, *Schadek, *Dominic Chivaroli (jr., 6-4, 210), David Adams (jr., 6-0, 215), McRae Linebackers: *Tommy Dilz (sr., 6-2, 190), *Nick Fisanick (sr., 6-0, 215), *Ben Krimm (sr., 6-3, 215), Michael McBeath (sr., 5-11, 185), Nick Utgard (so., 5-11, 190) Secondary: *Jason Bai (sr., 5-11, 170), *Michael Billman
(sr., 5-8, 165), *Junk, *Keethler, Mohammad Shaban (sr., 5-7, 145), Borders, Landolfi, Rushin Special teams Kickers: *Hayden Raish (sr., 6-2, 185), Stavridis Punter: *Krimm Returners: Bair, Rushin Long snapper: *Edward Shrodes (sr., 6-0, 160) (*Denotes projected starter) dpurpura@thisweeknews.com @ThisWeekDave
BRAVES more Alex Hurd will get the call at quarterback and Jordan and sophomore Darric McClinton will start in the backfield. “Broomfield is quick,” Jones said. “He ran track for the first time last spring and finished third in the City (League) in the 200 (meters). He’s been playing football forever and he understands the game. He’s real agile and he can do it all. Plus, he’s a good student on top of that. He likes being on the field. Wherever he’s needed, he goes without hesitation. “I think McClinton could have a big year and surprise some people. Last year as a freshman, he competed on varsity in wrestling. He won a City title at his weight. He’s very hard worker and very talented.” As the lone senior on the offensive
Offense Quarterbacks: *Xavion Dorsey (fr., 5-9, 140), DeoSamuel Pierre (jr., 5-10, 185) Running backs: *Jauron Armstrong (sr., 5-11, 190), *Pierre, Michael Hereford (so., 5-10, 155) Receivers: *Elijah Brown (sr., 5-9, 170), *Major Ferguson (sr., 6-2, 170), Yoreel Williams (jr., 6-3, 180), Jeremiah Thomas (so., 5-11, 155) Tight end: *Antonio Smith (jr., 6-1, 205) Linemen: *Josh Jones-Carpenter (sr., 5-10, 220), *Prince Galloway-Miles (sr., 5-11, 230), *Jaquez Pride (sr., 5-11, 220), *Deondre White (sr., 60, 190), Jawon Edwards (jr., 5-9, 210), Javon Hannah (fr., 5-11, 230) Defense Linemen: *Galloway-Miles, *Jones-Carpenter, *White, Edwards, Hannah Linebackers: *Armstrong, *Pride, *Smith, *Pierre Secondary: *Hudhayfah Abdul-Salaam (sr., 5-6, 140), *Ferguson, *Thomas, Williams Special teams Kicker: *Pierre Punter: *Pierre Returner: *Pierre Long snapper: *AbdulSalaam (*Denotes projected starter)
Pierre, who also is the backup quarterback as well as a starter on both sides of the ball, could be the place-kicker and punter and also could be a returner on special teams. “We’ve got a lot of people back from last year and they already have the experience,” Pierre said. “I’m doing a lot of stuff and I like that role. I’ve had to keep conditioned, and even on the weekends, I’ve done afternoon runs because I julrey@thisweeknews.com @UlreyThisWeek know I’ll be playing a lot.”
GOLDEN BEARS
FROM >> 50
THE LINEUP
line, Woodard will be the leader up front. “Mike was honorable mention allCity last year and should anchor our offensive line,” Jones said. “He is a three-year starter at center. He’s one of the most consistent centers in the City and he makes the calls for our line.”
“Broomfield had six interceptions last year, which was second-most on our team, and he was playing corner,” Jones said. “This year, he’ll be our safety on the field side. He’ll be all over the place and should have more room to roam and make pickoffs.”
DEFENSE
THE LINEUP
Junior Ben Paugh is back at linebacker and Woodard likely will join him at the position but also see time at end. “Ben showed talent as a freshman and he gradually stepped up last year,” Jones said. “But this year, we’re asking more from him. He’s been very solid. We’re also asking Mike to pick up a new role as a hybrid linebacker/defensive end.” Broomfield, McClinton and Gabe Jordan should lead the secondary.
FROM >> 50
180), Diante Latham (fr., 5-7, 140) Receivers: *Hairston, *Martell Radcliff (sr., 5-8, 150), *Na’elle Simmons (sr., 6-1, 170) Tight end: *Asmar Huntley (sr., 6-0, 205) Linemen: *Corey Clayton (sr., 5-10, 210), *Demarjeon Harris (sr., 6-3, 341), *Deonandre Moore (sr., 6-1, 275), *Erik Strain (sr., 6-1, 205), *Alhaji Sidibe (jr., 6-0, 205) Defense Linemen: *Harris, *Moore, *Strain Linebackers: *Hairston, *Huntley, *Sidibe Secondary: *Radcliff, *Simmons, *Demetrius Haynes (jr., 5-10, 175), *Davon Wooden (jr., 5-10, 155), Francis, Latham Special teams Kicker: TBD Punter: *Ibrahim Camara (so., 5-9, 160) Returners: *Francis, *Radcliff, *Wooden Long snapper: *Hairston (*Denotes projected starter)
Mahan (so.), *Diesel Riccio (jr.), *Alex Rodriguez (so.), *Mike Woodard (sr.), Elijah Rhein-Murray (jr.), Zane Fent (so.) Defense Linemen: *Falor, *Fent, *Woodard, Allen II, Mahan, Lucas Waaland (jr.) Linebackers: *Dorian Jordan, *Mirando, *Paugh, Allen II, Woodard Secondary: *Broomfield, *Gabe Jordan, *McClinton, Mirando, Johney Kincaid (jr.) Special teams Kicker: TBD julrey@thisweeknews.com Punter: TBD Returners: Broomfield, Gabe Jordan, @UlreyThisWeek McClinton Award-winning Long snappers: *Woodard, Falor prep sports coverage, (*Denotes projected starter) updated daily at bemerine@thisweeknews.com ThisWeekSPORTS.com
Offense Quarterbacks: *Alex Hurd (so.), Rashaun Broomfield (jr.), Darric McClinton (so.) Running backs: *McClinton, *Dorian Jordan (sr.), Broomfield, Ben Paugh (jr.) Receivers: *Broomfield, *Gabe Jordan (so.), *Khris Watkins-Sellers (so.) Tight ends: *Antwan Allen II (sr.), Antonio Mirando Jr. (jr.), Paugh Linemen: *Zach Falor (so.), *Sam @Brad_ThisWeek
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Columbus East
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C ITY L EAGUE -S OUTH D IVISION
Marion-Franklin
Red Devils set on returning to postseason By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM There hasn’t been a more consistently successful City League-South Division program the past 15 seasons than the Marion-Franklin High School football team, but even it had to endure some dark moments this summer. Because work on a new power grid and HVAC system that was supposed to have been completed in July actually was not finished until early August, there were no lights inside the building when the Red Devils held their first official practices. Further dampening the summer was an injury to MarionFranklin’s top skill-position player, junior running back Maleek McIntosh, who likely was lost for the season during a 7-on-7 scrimmage in midJuly. Having its depth tested – rarely a problem during the early years of coach Brian Haffele’s tenure – is reality even for a program that made 11 consecutive playoff appearances from 2004-14. “The biggest difference from when I started here in 2004 to now is the enrollment in the building has dropped,” Haffele said. “When I started we had almost 1,100 kids in the building and over 100 on the team, and now the building is at about 500 and we’re struggling to get 50. When you play non-City teams, that’s when the number of kids starts catching up to you.” There still is talent remaining at the other skill positions, and the Red Devils are coming off a bounce-back year. After going 7-3 but failing to qualify for the Division III, Region 9 playoffs in 2015, Marion-Franklin slipped to 37 in 2016. Last fall, the Red Devils won their first seven games and ended up 8-3 overall while finishing third at 5-2 in the CitySouth. They led eventual Division III state runner-up Dresden TriValley 18-7 before falling 2718 in a first-round Region 11 playoff game. Replacing McIntosh, who rushed for 1,349 yards and 15 touchdowns, will be easier because the Red Devils have “the most athletic team we’ve had in four to five years,” according to Haffele. “Last year we had three notable kids that were being recruited heavily and had a whole bunch of pieces,” Haf-
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24........vs. Central Crossing Aug. 31 ....................at Westland Sept. 7 ..............at Reynoldsburg *Sept. 14...............vs. Africentric *Sept. 21.......vs. Columbus West *Sept. 28 ..at Eastmoor Academy *Oct. 5 ........................vs. Briggs *Oct. 12............at Independence *Oct. 19 .............at Walnut Ridge *Oct. 26 .......vs. Columbus South 2017 RESULTS (8-3 overall, 5-2 City-South) Central Crossing...........W, 36-25 Beechcroft .....................W, 26-8 Chillicothe....................W, 40-26 *Africentric...................W, 44-12 *Columbus West...........W, 42-21 *Eastmoor Academy .....W, 44-20 *Briggs ........................W, 53-26 *Independence..............L, 28-20 *Walnut Ridge...............L, 36-28 *Columbus South ...........W, 30-6 PLAYOFFS Dresden Tri-Valley .........L, 27-18 *League contest INSIDE THE RED DEVILS •Coach: Brian Haffele, 14th season •Top players: James Bailey (OL/LB), Ke’Zion Brown (QB/LS), Dorian Holloway (WR/DB), Marqui Langford (LB), Jamel Lloyd (RB), Breon Scruggs (OL/DL), Quontell Silas (DL), Davion Upchurch (RB/LB/P), Deonte’ Wade (WR/DB/KR/PR) •Key losses: Travis Geiger, Courtland James, Mychal Keys, Daquawn Lewis, Mykal Madison, Maleek McIntosh, Travon Pittman and Zaire Porter
Ke’Zion Brown returns for his senior season after completing 98 of 194 passes for 1,798 yards and 23 touchdowns a year ago when the Red Devils went 8-3, making the playoffs for the first time since 2014. JOHN HULKENBERG/THISWEEK
the candidates to fill that role. Hoston will be the long snapper for punts, and Brown will snap for field goals and extra points.
THE LINEUP Offense Quarterbacks: *Ke’Zion Brown (sr., 6-5, 190), Angelo Summerall (sr., 6-1, 165) Running backs: *Jamel Lloyd (sr., 5-4, 140), *Davion Upchurch (sr., 6-2, 250), Taylon James (so., 5-10, 200) Receivers: *Deonte’ Wade (sr., 6-1, 180), Eric Byrd (sr., 6-1, 140), Ja’lin Goodman (sr., 5-7, 135), Deandre Hoke (sr., 6-1, 170), Dorian Holloway (sr., 6-2, 195), Michael Johnson (sr., 6-0, 210), Yvonne Roberts (sr., 6-0, 170), Jeremiah Tucker (jr., 5-9, 180) Tight ends: *Deonte King (sr., 6-3, 200), Giovonni Scales (so., 6-1, 190) Linemen: *James Bailey (sr., 5-10, 295), *Khaliq Porter (sr., 6-2, 290), *Breon Scruggs (jr., 6-2, 275), *Quanaire Tatum (so., 6-3, 250), Leviticus Brown (so., 5-11, 300), Dakota Hoston (so., 5-10, 215) Defense Linemen: *Quontell Silas (sr., 6-2, 210), Scruggs, Rickey Anderson (so., 6-2, 210), James, Tatum, Matthew Ward (so., 6-3, 250) Linebackers: *Bailey, *Marqui Langford (sr., 5-9, 180), *Upchurch, Kobe Bryant (sr., 5-10, 215), Tejuan Files (sr., 5-10, 195) Secondary: *Wade, *Jesse Johnson (jr., 5-11, 175), Holloway, Roberts, Tramonte Gervin (jr., 5-10, 165), Tucker Special teams Kickers: Upchurch, Wade Punters: *Upchurch, Wade Returners: *Wade, Goodman Long snappers: *Hoston, Brown (*Denotes projected starter)
fele said. “We’re more of a Davion Upchurch figures to get more work at running back after junior Maleek McIntosh suffered complete team than last year. an injury during a 7-on-7 scrimmage. JOHN HULKENBERG/THISWEEK … We have some kids that can who were competing for play- Dakota Hoston are options at be at free safety. Senior Yvonne run.” ing time in the preseason. the other guard spot. Roberts and junior Jeremiah Senior Angelo Summerall, “I see us having a lot of suc- Tucker are others in the secOFFENSE who was the quarterback for cess this year,” Brown said. ondary. The return of senior quar- most of last season at Africen“Having that taste of the playSenior Quontell Silas is a terback Ke’Zion Brown and tric, enrolled last winter and offs last year makes us more returnee at defensive end, with senior wide receiver Deonte’ was battling Brown for playhungry.” sophomores Rickey Anderson Wade has Marion-Franklin ing time. and Matthew Ward serving as believing it can compensate Because Brown is a pocket the other ends. DEFENSE for the loss of McIntosh. quarterback while Summerall Wade was a first-team allBrown completed 98 of 194 has strong running ability, HafSPECIAL TEAMS passes for 1,798 yards with 23 fele is considering using both district cornerback who returns After Marion-Franklin didtouchdowns and nine intercep- depending on the formation. after finishing with five intertions, and Wade was the secSenior Dorian Holloway, ceptions and a fumble recov- n’t attempt any field goals last season, Upchurch made a 40ond-leading receiver with 27 who also was a key player for ery last fall. Upchurch returns at inside yard field goal in a recent praccatches for 369 yards and five Africentric and transferred to touchdowns. Marion-Franklin over the sum- linebacker, with Bailey and tice and could get more opporThe Red Devils’ second- mer, is another newcomer who senior Marqui Langford likely tunities to kick this season. Wade is another who could at outside linebacker. Also batleading rusher, senior Davion should contribute. Upchurch, returns after finishSeniors James Bailey (cen- tling for playing time at line- kick, and both he and Upchurch ing with 419 yards and five ter) and Khaliq Porter (guard), backer are seniors Kobe Bryant are among the contenders to punt. touchdowns on 59 carries. junior Breon Scruggs (tackle) and Tejuan Files. Without McIntosh returnSenior Jamel Lloyd and and sophomore Quanaire Expected to join Wade at sophomore Taylon James also Tatum (tackle) are returnees cornerback is junior Jesse John- ing kickoffs and punts as he figure to carry the ball, as could on the offensive line. Sopho- son, while Holloway or junior did last season, Wade and sen- julrey@thisweeknews.com one of several wide receivers mores Leviticus Brown and Tramonte Gervin likely will ior Ja’lin Goodman are among @UlreyThisWeek
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C ITY L EAGUE -S OUTH D IVISION
Warriors taking positive vibes into season
By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM
From a symbolic standpoint, the Eastmoor Academy football team has taken a page out of an opponent’s playbook to help prepare for what’s to come this fall. When one of the Warriors’ players needed correction last season, their punishment would be to flip a large tire that the program owned. During a 2-4 start that included a 57-28 loss Sept. 8 at Westerville Central, coach Jim Miranda noticed that the Warhawks had several similar tires that they used as part of their conditioning. That’s when a lightbulb went off inside his head. “I know we have a lot more strength, and that was a problem for us last year,” Miranda said. “We’ve made a bigger commitment in the weight room. We decided to take a different attitude towards work. We had one tire last year that we used as a penalty, so if you did something wrong you had to flip a tire all the way up and down the field. “When we got to Westerville Central, we saw a whole slew of tires up against the wall and quickly realized those aren’t penalty tires. Those are work tires. Our motivation changed from having penalty tires to work tires, and we’ve been flipping them all summer.” The Warriors have made six
At a glance
Cameron Long will start at running back and cornerback for the Warriors, who are looking to build off the momentum of winning their final four games last season to finish 6-4. COLUMBUS DISPATCH FILE PHOTO
playoff appearances and gone 117-45 under Miranda, who enters his 16th season heading the program. Eastmoor also has been on the brink of making the postseason several other times, settling for ninth in its playoff region four times and 10th another time. Last season, the Warriors won their final four to finish 6-4 overall and tied MarionFranklin for third at 5-2 in the
City League-South Division but placed ninth in Division III, Region 11. The top eight teams in each region qualify for the playoffs. The Warriors did beat one playoff team in Independence, which helped to keep alive their streak of posting a winning record every season under Miranda. Still, making the playoffs and having success in the postseason feels like a reasonable
goal for Eastmoor, which opens Aug. 24 at Franklin Heights and plays its other non-league games Aug. 31 against St. Charles and Sept. 7 against Westerville Central. None of those teams had a winning record last season, and both St. Charles and Westerville Central have new coaches. “They’re hungry and I think they’re motivated,” Miranda said. “We’ve got 22 seniors and 27 to 28 lettermen, so if
there’s a time, this is time.”
OFFENSE
2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24 .........at Franklin Heights Aug. 31 ................vs. St. Charles Sept. 7......vs. Westerville Central *Sept. 14 .....vs. Columbus South *Sept. 21............at Walnut Ridge *Sept. 28 ......vs. Marion-Franklin *Oct. 5..............at Independence *Oct. 12.........vs. Columbus West *Oct. 19 .......................at Briggs *Oct. 26..................at Africentric 2017 RESULTS (6-4 overall, 5-2 City-South) Franklin Heights ...........W, 46-19 Lima Senior ..................L, 55-24 Westerville Central ........L, 57-28 *Columbus South .........W, 36-13 *Walnut Ridge...............L, 20-14 *Marion-Franklin...........L, 44-20 *Independence.............W, 39-22 *Columbus West.............W, 36-0 *Briggs ..........................W, 55-0 *Africentric.....................W, 53-0 *League contest INSIDE THE WARRIORS •Coach: Jim Miranda, 16th season •Top players: Travis Clodfelter (DL/TE), Miicah Coleman (LB/RB), Savon Edwards (RB/DB/KR/PR), Tyree Grace-Sawyer (LB/RB/ KR/PR), Roshawn Harper (WR/LB), Napoleon Harris (WR/DB), Marquise Laster (QB), Cameron Long (RB/DB) and Kris Wilkins (OL/DL) •Key losses: Kenny Lawrence, Zarek Porter and Alex Ushry
Senior running back Savon Edwards emerged as the top option on offense last season, finishing with 1,171 yards and 17 touchdowns on 138 carries and adding 21 receptions for 460 yards and nine scores. He also converted seven two-point conversions.
WARRIORS >> 59
Africentric
Nubians facing familiar problem with small roster
By SCOTT GERFEN THISWEEKSPORTS.COM Africentric Early College football coach Clarence Daniels enters his second season knowing that his 26-man roster features many players who earned valuable playing time last season. The challenges facing his program haven’t changed, however. The Nubians, who compete in Division VI, Region 23, face Division II and III opponents in a City League-South Division where they finished 0-7 last season en route to a 1-9 overall record. On top that, two of Daniels’ best players from a year ago – seniors Dorian Holloway and Angelo Summerall – have transferred to Marion-Franklin. Holloway, who played receiver and linebacker and is being recruited by Division I colleges, was special/honorable mention all-district and honorable mention all-league. Summerall played quarterback and was honorable mention allleague. “We know what it is, and
we try to hold our heads high like everybody else,” said Daniels, whose team opens Aug. 24 against visiting Bainbridge Paint Valley. “Really, the numbers situation is affecting the whole City (League) and that can’t be our excuse any longer. I’ve got to create an atmosphere where these guys are going to get better and they’re going to stay.” Africentric’s only victory last season was a 40-20 win in week three over Lockland, a Division VII school. The Nubians have lost 42 consecutive league games, and their average margin of defeat last year was 34 points, with lopsided loses to Columbus West (90-42), Independence (76-40) and Eastmoor (53-0). First-year quarterback junior Joesan Russell, who played receiver last season, said he and his teammates must let go of the past. “As players, you have to have a short memory,” he said. “You can’t remember the last play, let alone last season. But we do have to remember the mistakes we make, so we don’t make them again.”
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24..vs. Bainbridge Paint Valley Aug. 31.....................at Grandview Sept. 7 .....................at Centennial *Sept. 14...........at Marion-Franklin *Sept. 21 ............vs. Independence *Sept. 28..........at Columbus South *Oct. 5 .................vs. Walnut Ridge *Oct. 12...........................at Briggs *Oct. 19............vs. Columbus West *Oct. 26 ......vs. Eastmoor Academy 2017 RESULTS (1-9 overall, 0-7 City-South) Paint Valley ........................L, 21-6 Grandview .......................L, 44-14 Lockland.........................W, 40-20 *Marion-Franklin ..............L, 44-12 *Independence.................L, 76-40
More than anything, the players are hoping for stability. When Daniels was hired before last season, he became the third coach in four seasons at Africentric. Before that, he
*Columbus South .............L, 32-20 *Walnut Ridge ..................L, 45-14 *Briggs ..............................L, 32-8 *Columbus West...............L, 90-42 *Eastmoor Academy...........L, 53-0 *League contest INSIDE THE NUBIANS •Coach: Clarence Daniels, second season •Top players: James Austin (OL/DL), Kquaon Hansard (RB/LB), Malachi Rash (OL/DL), Deair Respress (OL/DL), Joesan Russell (QB/DB) and Anthony Tyler (WR/DB) •Key losses: Jaron Anderson, Dorian Holloway, Kenneth Reynolds and Angelo Summerall
spent eight seasons as an assistant at Walnut Ridge, helping the Scots post a 54-27 record with one playoff appearance. “There’s a winning tradition here in basketball that the football team wants to step up and
compete with,” Daniels said. of his offense, which averaged “We’re trying to build some- nearly 20 points per game last thing here. I’m here for the long season. haul. I’m not going anywhere.”
OFFENSE After attacking opponents with multiple schemes last season, Africentric intends to use a ground-heavy offense this year under new offensive coordinator Chauncey Cumberlander, a Hartley graduate who played for the University of Dayton. Junior running back Kquaon Hansard will be running behind an experienced line that has some size in junior Malachi Rash (6-foot-5, 300 pounds) and senior Deair Respress (510, 270). Hansard takes over for 2018 graduate Kenneth Reynolds, who was special/honorable mention all-district and firstteam all-league. Sophomore Justin Fudge returns at wingback, and senior receiver Anthony Tyler also saw action a year ago. “We have a small group, so we want to do things that are quick and give us a chance to make some plays,” Daniels said
DEFENSE
Africentric’s 4-3 defense will have two-way players at every position, so depth will again be a challenge. Hansard will anchor the unit at middle linebacker, where Reynolds played last season. “We’re young, but we’re experienced on the corners,” Daniels said. “Our (middle) linebacker was honorable mention all-City to a first-team guy. He’s a good player who has a good eye for the ball. The only thing he’s battling is he’s also our running back.” Two freshmen, Isaiah Martinez and Jaquise Perry, also are expected to start at linebacker. Sophomores James Austin and Shayonne Brown will start with Rash and Respress along the line, and junior Trazhon Figuero will join Tyler, Fudge and Russell in the secondary. Freshman Will Smith also is expected to see action in the
NUBIANS >> 62
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Eastmoor Academy
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C ITY L EAGUE -S OUTH D IVISION
Briggs
Bruins seek first winning year since ’10 By SCOTT GERFEN THISWEEKSPORTS.COM The Briggs High School football team opened last season with a pair of victories but won just once in its last five contests. The City League-South Division remains a challenge for the Bruins, who must utilize a lot of two-way players this season with a 30-player roster. “With our numbers, depth is a concern,” said second-year coach Sean Zink, whose team opens Aug. 24 at Olentangy Berlin. “We’ve been focused on conditioning to be prepared for that ironman football, but we’ve heard there are other teams in the league that are dealing with the same thing.” Zink, who came to Briggs from Licking Heights, where he was an assistant, and coached Africentric in 2014, has laid out specific goals: win the opening game, finish with a winning record and defeat rival Columbus West. The Bruins haven’t had a winning record or beat the Cowboys since 2010, when they went 6-4 overall and posted a 40-31 victory over West. Last season, Briggs finished 4-6 overall and went 2-5 in the City-South to place sixth behind Independence (6-1), Walnut Ridge (5-1), Marion-Franklin (5-2), Eastmoor Academy (52) and West (3-4) and ahead of Columbus South (1-5) and Africentric (0-7). The Bruins defeated South 17-2 and Africentric 32-8. Briggs was competitive against Walnut Ridge, trailing 15-8 in the final minute when the Scots scored and converted a two-point conversion. “We would get behind and come out in the second half and be down on ourselves,” senior running back Eli Dillion said. “We’ve got to stick with it. We’re confident about our first few games this season. We’re going to go in and play like we can.” Dillion rushed for 297 yards and two touchdowns on 61 carries last season. He was second on the team in rushing behind 2018 graduate Nathan Hall (500 yards, 5 TDs, 111 carries), who was second-team all-district and first-team all-league. Also back is senior receiver Jalen Lake, who had 17 catches for 337 yards and five touchdowns to rank second on the team in receptions and receiving yards behind 2018 graduate Mareo Turner Jr. (19 catches, 357 yards, 4 TDs), who was second-team all-league. Zink hopes talent at the skill positions and an improved
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24.........at Olentangy Berlin Aug. 31..................at Whetstone Sept. 7 .........vs. Franklin Heights *Sept. 14 ..........at Independence *Sept. 21 .....vs. Columbus South *Sept. 28 ..........vs. Walnut Ridge *Oct. 5 ...........at Marion-Franklin *Oct. 12.................vs. Africentric *Oct. 19...vs. Eastmoor Academy *Oct. 26..........at Columbus West 2017 RESULTS (4-6 overall, 2-5 City-South) Linden-McKinley ..........W, 27-18 Whetstone .....................W, 31-6 Franklin Heights............L, 20-17 *Independence..............L, 56-10 *Columbus South ...........W, 17-2 *Walnut Ridge.................L, 23-8 *Marion-Franklin...........L, 53-26 *Africentric.....................W, 32-8 *Eastmoor Academy........L, 55-0 *Columbus West ...........L, 48-14 *League contest INSIDE THE BRUINS •Coach: Sean Zink, second season •Top players: Reed Anderson (OL/DL), Mykeal Daniels (DB), Eli Dillion (RB/LB), David Downs (FB/LB), Josh Gainey (QB), Koreon Galloway (RB/LB), Jalen Lake (WR/DB) and Trea’ Lucky (OL/DL) •Key losses: Nathan Hall and Mareo Turner Jr.
defense will move the program forward. “Hopefully, we do the right things and continue to go in the right direction,” he said.
OFFENSE Briggs welcomes back quarterback Josh Gainey, who earned starts and played in six games last season. Zink likes that the senior knows the system and has several skill players around him with experience, including Lake, Dillion and senior receiver Stanley Vivens, who is a transfer from West. “We’re hoping our line can jell,” Zink said. “We have the talent in the backfield, and Vivens is a good addition.” Seniors Reed Anderson and Trea’ Lucky are returning starters along the line, with senior Noah Warbington, sophomore Aaron Whiteside and freshman Glenn Browning solidifying starting roles. Briggs will be looking to improve its scoring production
BRUINS >> 62
Kealin Hardin blasts through the Licking Heights defense during a scrimmage. The senior is expected to see time at running back for the Sixers, who open Aug. 24 against Reigning Sports Academy. MATTHEW HATCHER/THISWEEK
Independence
Ground game still key for 76ers By SCOTT GERFEN THISWEEKSPORTS.COM The Independence High School football team had plenty celebrate last season, with a Division III, Region 11 playoff appearance, the City League-South Division championship and the Central District’s Offensive Player of the Year. Ninth-year coach Maurice Douglas, however, isn’t about to let his players dwell in the past. “Every team has a different energy,” said Douglas, whose team opens Aug. 24 at home against Reigning Sports Academy. “Sometimes the prior season can work against you, especially if kids start to feel entitled instead of recognizing there’s a lot of hard work. It’s a new season. You’re going to have to make your own way, and we expect you to pay your own price.” Independence finished 102 overall and 6-1 in the CitySouth last season. Walnut Ridge was second in the league at 5-1, followed by MarionFranklin and Eastmoor Academy (both 5-2), West (3-4), Briggs (2-5), South (1-5) and Africentric (0-7). Walnut Ridge’s league contest against South was canceled, although the 76ers defeated the Scots 44-34 in week 10. Seeded second in its region, Independence opened the playoffs with a 32-7 victory over Jackson before losing to Hartley 44-14. The 76ers have built their program’s reputation on a powerful running game that was led by 2018 graduate Demontae Taylor, who rushed for 2,503 yards and 20 touchdowns on 288 carries and was named district Offensive Player of the Year in Division III as well as first-team all-state and allleague.
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24............vs. Reigning Sports Academy Aug. 31 ....................at Johnstown Sept. 7 ....................vs. St. Charles *Sept. 14........................vs. Briggs *Sept. 21 ...................at Africentric *Sept. 28 ...........at Columbus West *Oct. 5........vs. Eastmoor Academy *Oct. 12 ...........vs. Marion-Franklin *Oct. 19 ...........at Columbus South *Oct. 26 ...............vs. Walnut Ridge 2017 RESULTS (10-2 overall, 6-1 City-South) Reigning Sports Academy ..W, 44-0 Johnstown........................W, 34-6 St. Charles ......................W, 24-23 *Briggs ...........................W, 56-10 *Africentric......................W, 76-40 *Columbus West..............W, 26-12
Taylor’s performance cemented his name among Independence’s best rushers, including Eric Haw, Ronnie Kuipers, Luther Nicholas, Vincent Rambo and Devin Clodfelter. The new faces in the backfield include sophomore Marquese Holmes and seniors Darantae Ervin and Kealin Hardin. Last season, Ervin, who was honorable mention all-state and first-team all-district and allleague at linebacker, rushed for 167 yards and three touchdowns on 21 carries. An experienced offensive line, which includes four returning starters, will be blocking for them. Gone is 2018 graduate Chad Douglas, who was first-team all-state, all-district and all-league last year. “We’ll probably retire from football if we have to throw it around,” coach Douglas said.
*Eastmoor Academy.........L, 39-22 *Marion-Franklin .............W, 28-20 *Columbus South ..............W, 54-6 *Walnut Ridge .................W, 44-34 PLAYOFFS Jackson............................W, 32-7 Hartley.............................L, 44-14 *League contest INSIDE THE 76ERS •Coach: Maurice Douglas, ninth season •Top players: Zion Brayboy (TE/LB), Darantae Ervin (RB/LB), Darius Littlefield (OL/DL), Alex Miller (OL/DL), Michael Morant (OL/DL), Devon Thompson (QB) and Marquese Thompson (OL/DL) •Key losses: Chad Douglas, Zion Johnson, Daleron McCarrell and Demontae Taylor
OFFENSE Led by its running game, Independence averaged 27.3 points per game last season. The 76ers look to gain 7 or 8 yards per carry, not “3 yards and a cloud of dust,” as former Ohio State coach Woody Hayes used to say. Coach Douglas played at Kansas under former coach Glen Mason, who played for Hayes and was an OSU assistant under former coach Earle Bruce. “The last 10 years, Independence is the leading scorer in the City League,” coach Douglas said. “The teams that can run the ball the best win games. Look at (defending Division I state champion) Pickerington Central, they’re a running team. They’ll spread it out and run the quarterback. Hartley runs the football really well.” The front line returns four starters in senior guard Darius
Littlefield (special mention alldistrict, second-team allleague), senior tackle Alex Miller (second-team allleague), junior guard Treston Clayborn and junior tackle Marques Thompson. Senior Mykale Hargrave and sophomore Lonnie Joyner are competing at center. New at quarterback is senior Devon Thompson, who coach Douglas believes may be the team’s best athlete. Thompson caught three passes, including a touchdown, last season. “He’s a good leader and the kids listen to him and that’s what you need at the quarterback position,” coach Douglas said. Independence also must replace 2018 graduate Daleron McCarrell, a second-team alldistrict and first-team all-league tight end who caught 46 passes for 773 yards and eight touchdowns as one of the league’s top receivers. Junior Zion Brayboy takes over at tight end, with senior Abdi Madey and sophomores Orlando Jones and Shawn Munnerlyn starting at receiver. “Our skill kids are going to have to grow up fast,” coach Douglas said. “The running game will take care of itself.”
DEFENSE Independence’s defense features five returning starters who will play along the line or at linebacker. The 76ers must replace McCarrell and 2018 graduate Zion Johnson, a second-team all-state and first-team all-district and all-league selection, at linebacker. McCarrell led the team in tackles last season with 86. Ervin, who had 60 tackles at linebacker last season, will be among the leaders on
SIXERS >> 63
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C ITY L EAGUE -S OUTH D IVISION
Veteran Scots seeking to take next step
By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM
Having its best season in more than a decade and earning the top seed for the Division II, Region 7 playoffs last fall sufficiently whetted the appetite of the Walnut Ridge High School football team. Since going 4-6 in coach Byron Mattox’s first season in 2006, the Scots have produced 11 consecutive non-losing seasons, including earning two postseason berths and twice falling one spot shy of a playoff berth. Nearly all of Walnut Ridge’s key skill-position players have returned from last season, including three who have received scholarship offers from Division I colleges. Last season, the Scots finished 9-2 overall and 5-1 in the City League-South Division and earned their third playoff victory in program history when they beat Canal Winchester 27-14 before falling to New Albany 30-6 in a secondround game. Walnut Ridge’s only previous postseason wins came in 2002 when it finished as Division II, Region 6 runner-up. “Last year, everything just kind of came together,” said Mattox, who has led the Scots to an 80-42 mark. “They had our best offseason going into last year and built on that momentum. There were not a lot of big-time Division I players last year, but we had some seniors that really led us and did a fantastic job.
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 23 ...........................at Mifflin Aug. 31..........at Watkins Memorial Sept. 7......................at Beechcroft *Sept. 14 ...........at Columbus West *Sept. 21 ....vs. Eastmoor Academy *Sept. 28.........................at Briggs *Oct. 5.......................at Africentric *Oct. 12 ..........vs. Columbus South *Oct. 19 ...........vs. Marion-Franklin *Oct. 26 ...............at Independence 2017 RESULTS (9-2 overall, 5-1 City-South) Duncan Falls Philo...........W, 29-14 Watkins Memorial .............W, 27-9 Beechcroft ..........................W, 6-0 *Columbus West..............W, 31-22 *Eastmoor Academy ........W, 20-14 *Briggs .............................W, 23-8 *Africentric......................W, 45-14
*Marion-Franklin .............W, 36-28 *Independence.................L, 44-34 *League contest PLAYOFFS Canal Winchester ............W, 27-14 New Albany........................L, 30-6 *League contest INSIDE THE SCOTS •Coach: Byron Mattox, 13th season •Top players: Kaylyn Anderson (WR/DB), Jalen Bradley (OL), Javarus Leach (LB/RB), Qian Magwood (WR/DB/KR/PR), Isaiah Murphy (QB), Carlos Russell (OL), Sincere Staples (RB),Antaun Williams (OL/DL/LS) and Julius Wood (WR/DB/KR/PR) •Key losses: Jalen Brown, Xzavier Collins, Calvin Dawson, Michael Hudson III, J.J. Johnson, Julius Stringer, Justin Vance and Quavon Williams
Kaylyn Anderson (left) and Isaiah Murphy hope to have plenty to celebrate this season as the Scots are shooting for a return trip to the playoffs. Murphy returns at quarterback, and Anderson will see time at running back. BARBARA J. PERENIC/COLUMBUS DISPATCH
“We’ve built that into this season with another good offseason and the guys believe our season ended a little bit prematurely last year and that they can go a little further. Our leaders are focused and guys are following them. Last year, our goal was to get a home playoff game and see where we’d go from there. This year, we want to go further than what we did last year.” Walnut Ridge opens Aug. 23 at Mifflin, a Division II playoff qualifier last year. The Scots won their first seven games last season, had their game against South can-
celed and then beat MarionFranklin 36-28 before losing their only game of the regular season to Division III playoff qualifier Independence 44-34. It was one of the few rough nights defensively for the Scots, who have one of the City’s most experienced coordinators in former Brookhaven assistant Steve Ayers. Mattox runs an offense with few questions outside of how much depth there is on the line. “We’ve got our whole receiver corps and pretty much everybody back,” senior quarterback Isaiah Murphy said. “We’re hoping to go pretty far
in the playoffs. We just try to hold each other accountable so 1,106 yards and nine touchthat when times get tough we downs. stay together.” Wood finished with 26 receptions for 434 yards and OFFENSE six scores and Magwood had Junior Qian Magwood and 14 catches for 357 yards (25.5 seniors Sincere Staples and average) and seven touchJulius Wood join Murphy as downs. Magwood has offers key returnees on offense. from Cincinnati and Murphy, who has offers Youngstown State, while from Valparaiso and Wheel- Wood has offers from a list of ing Jesuit, completed 101 of schools that includes Cincin182 passes for 1,632 yards with nati and Kentucky. 20 touchdowns and just five “We have high expectainterceptions and rushed for tions,” Magwood said. “Every279 yards and six scores last body is staying together and in season. the same accord. Last year, Staples rushed 205 times for what helped us go so far was
everybody understood everybody’s roles.” Senior Kaylyn Anderson finsihed with 42 carries for 245 yards and five touchdowns last year, but likely will see more time at receiver this fall. Mattox also is high on sophomore running back Javarus Leach. Senior Jalen Bradley is a left tackle projected to be in his third season as a starter and sophomore Mario McGee will be at right guard after being a part-time starter last season.
SCOTS >> 59
Columbus West
Queen sees potential in first year with Cowboys By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM Part of the mystique for new football coach B.J. Queen of being at Columbus West High School is that he’s come across pictures of former West players when they still wore leather helmets. Recognizing some of the history for one of the area’s oldest programs hasn’t been difficult for Queen, considering he will begin his third year as an intervention specialist at the school this fall. He became the coach after Mike Flusche stepped down following his 11th season, which also was the fourth in a row that saw the Cowboys post a .500 record or better. West is just one year removed from making its first playoff appearance in 2016, when it finished 9-2 and beat longtime City League-South Division powers Walnut Ridge, Independence and MarionFranklin. “Obviously there’s great potential here,” Queen said.
“What I like is that there’s 100 years of football here. West At a glance has had a great tradition. They’ve kind of been innova- 2018 SCHEDULE *Columbus South ..............W, 36-6 tors and have started new Aug. 24.............at Uniontown Lake *Eastmoor Academy...........L, 36-0 trends. With the last run with Aug. 31....................vs. Centennial *Africentric......................W, 90-42 Flusche and his staff running Sept. 7 ..............vs. Columbus East *Briggs ...........................W, 48-14 14 .............vs. Walnut Ridge *League contest the double wing and ground- *Sept. *Sept. 21...........at Marion-Franklin and-pound (offensive system), *Sept. 28 ............vs. Independence INSIDE THE COWBOYS B.J. Queen, first season they were doing things differ- *Oct. 5 .............at Columbus South •Coach: •Top players: Jakob Adams ently. The last two groups (of *Oct. 12 .......at Eastmoor Academy (RB/DB/K), Todd Barrett (OL/LB/P), players) were probably the best *Oct. 19.....................at Africentric Shawndez Clark (RB/LB), Nick Cook West has had in last 20 years.” *Oct. 26 .........................vs. Briggs (OL/LB/LS), Rashad Ellis (OL/DL), Rashied Ellis (TE/DL), Jeremiah NetQueen is entering his sixth 2017 RESULTS tle (TE/LB), Cameron Scaffol season as a head coach. He led (5-5 overall, 3-4 City-South) Fairfield Christian to an 11-20 Mifflin..............................L, 38-26 (RB/DB/KR/PR) and Malakye Toles Centennial.......................W, 64-28 (OL/DL) mark from 2013-15, which Columbus East ..................W, 42-7 •Key losses: Jack Adams, Dalavonte included a playoff appearance *Walnut Ridge ..................L, 31-22 Logan, Dawson Shaw, Matthew in his first season. He then *Marion-Franklin ..............L, 42-21 Shaw, Phillip Thompson, Christian coached Grove City Christian *Independence.................L, 26-12 White and Mike White to a 1-9 record in 2016. Last fall, Queen moved to Beechcroft and the Cougars finished 5-4 overall and earned a share of the City-North title at 5-1. He brought former Beechcroft assistants Scott Murphy and Mister Askew along with him, and another of One thing Queen hasn’t ier because Queen knew most his former assistants, Bill done is make radical changes of the players from working at Brown, also is helping “behind to the style that developed the school. under Flusche, a task made easThe Cowboys went 55-56 the scenes.”
Toles. Juniors Rashied Ellis (TE) and Rashad Ellis (OL) are twins who also will be among the blockers up front. “It’s actually been going pretty well,” said Adams, who played quarterback as a freshman and has been a key running back the last two years. “We look pretty nice. I like how we’ve introduced the OFFENSE The Cowboys’ system fea- spread. It makes everything tures two running backs and a more versatile. We just need wingback, along with two tight our offensive line to do well and we should be good.” ends and no split ends. Junior Michael Griffith and DEFENSE sophomore Brian Cook competed for the quarterback posiScaffol (DB) and Toles (DL) tion during the preseason. are key returnees from a Senior Jakob Adams rushed defense that lost nearly all of for 863 yards on 109 carries its key players to graduation. and finished with 11 touch- That group included nose tackle downs last season. Lost to grad- Dawson Shaw, a first-team alluation were quarterback Chris- district offensive lineman, as tian White (971 yards) and run- well as defensive end Phillip ning back Mike White (1,523 Thompson. yards rushing, 350 yards receivExpected to join Toles on ing). the line are Christian Mounts Adams will be joined in the and Ethan Frazier, who are two backfield by senior Cameron of the bigger players in the proScaffol and junior Shawndez gram despite being freshmen. Clark behind an offensive line COWBOYS >> 60 that returns junior Malakye under Flusche but were 50-41 during his final nine years. He’s now an assistant at Gahanna. “The kids are coming together well,” Queen said. “You’ve got young leadership here. They’re kind of learning our system and picking up on what we want them to do.”
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Columbus South
Yates makes good on vow to return to Bulldogs By SCOTT GERFEN THISWEEKSPORTS.COM George Yates II walked into Columbus South High School as a freshman in 1995. Before departing as a senior, he told his football coach he would one day return to lead the program. That day has come for the longtime City League assistant, whose goal is to deliver the Bulldogs’ first winning season since 2006 and only the second since 1994. “This is as big as it gets for me,” said Yates, whose team opens Aug. 24 at Columbus East. Yates takes over for Grady Parks Jr., who in three seasons went 8-21 overall and 4-16 in the City League-South Division. Last season, the Bulldogs finished 3-6 overall and 1-5 in the league, with their league contest against South runnerup Walnut Ridge (5-1) canceled. Independence won the City-South title at 6-1. “Being able to win here has nothing to do with football and everything to do with culture,” Yates said. “What does South football want to look like? What does it sound like? You’ve got to give players a brand that they believe in.” Yates comes from Columbus West, where he was the offensive coordinator under former coach Mike Flusche. Yates coached the 2016 Division II district Offensive Player of the Year in Demetrius Brown, who led an offense that averaged more than 47 points as the Cowboys finished with a program-best 9-2 overall record and reached the playoffs for the first time. Brown scored 29 touchdowns and rushed for more than 1,800 yards in 2016, and also was first-team all-state. Yates sees some glimpses of Brown in senior Haisuan Martin, a first-year starter at quarterback for the Bulldogs who played running back last season. “He’s a runner who can throw,” Yates said. “He’s more lateral than Brown. He’s a Hilltop (neighborhood) kid who’s very tough.” Martin is one of about 30 players who appeared for practices during the first two weeks of the preseason. Yates expected to have a roster of 45 by the start of the season. Last year’s roster was around 40, up from 30 during the 2016 season. “Every time we make progress, we capture some hearts and minds,” Yates said. “But there are a lot of things we have to change.”
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24 ..............at Columbus East Aug. 31 .................vs. Berne Union Sept. 7 ...........vs. Linden-McKinley *Sept. 14 .....at Eastmoor Academy *Sept. 21.........................at Briggs *Sept. 28 ..................vs. Africentric *Oct. 5..............vs. Columbus West *Oct. 12 ................at Walnut Ridge *Oct. 19..............vs. Independence *Oct. 26 ............at Marion-Franklin 2017 RESULTS (3-6 overall, 1-5 City-South) Columbus East ..................W, 18-8 Berne Union ....................W, 28-14 Linden-McKinley ................L, 12-6 *Eastmoor Academy.........L, 36-13
ble-tight end formation with a fullback and wingback. The Bulldogs have three returning starters in the backfield in Martin, junior Davion Greene-Tucker and senior Daquine Petty, who will both get carries at running back along with sophomore Dawson Clark-Croone. Sophomore tight end Ronmel Robinson (second-team all-league) and junior center Kevin Richardson also are returning starters. “There are some growing pains,” Yates said. “We’re having trouble staying vertical, but we hit a couple home runs during our scrimmage against Mifflin. Some days, we’ll look like a million bucks. We’ve just got to embrace it.” South’s running game will feature a line that also includes senior Mykal CrawfordAdams, junior Ge’Von Harper, sophomore Quincy Henderson and freshman Tony Souvanhly. Gone are 2018 graduates Donovan Colon, a first-team all-league quarterback, and Jonathan Sutton, an honorable mention all-league receiver.
DEFENSE
*Briggs ..............................L, 17-2 *Africentric......................W, 32-20 *Columbus West.................L, 36-6 *Walnut Ridge.................cancelled *Independence...................L, 54-6 *Marion-Franklin ................L, 30-6 *League contest INSIDE THE BULLDOGS •Coach: George Yates II, first season •Top players: Daivion Greene-Tucker (RB/DB), Ge’Von Harper (OL/DL), Haisaun Martin (QB/DB), Daquine Petty (RB/LB), Kevin Richardson (OL/DL) and Ronmel Robinson (TE/DE) •Key losses: Donovan Colon, Shi’Quan Likely and Jonathan Sutton
‘Honor, valor and pride,’” Yates said. “Defensively, we want to seek and destroy. If we can disrupt things, we can go our way. We’ve had to strip down the defense to play fast and be nasty.”
SPECIAL TEAMS The kicking duties will be handled by Greene-Tucker, Robinson or Martin, while Robinson will be the punter. Sophomore Devon French is expected to return kicks.
THE LINEUP Offense Quarterback: *Haisaun Martin (sr., 6-0, 170) Running backs backs: *Davion Greene-Tucker (jr., 5-9, 172), *Dawson Clark-Croone (so., 6-0, 170), Daquine Petty (sr., 6-2, 213) Fullback: *Leon Miller Jr. (jr., 5-10, 180) Wingback: *Roberto Wilson Jr. (jr., 5-10, 146) Tight ends: *Ronmel Robinson (so., 6-2, 200), *Semaj Jones (jr., 6-2, 164) Linemen: *Kevin Richardson (jr., 5-7, 277), Mykal Crawford-Adams (sr., 5-10, 255), Ge’Von Harper (jr., 5-10, 248), *Quincy Henderson (so., 5-11, 206), *Tony Souvanhly (fr., 510, 255), Daizhon Cox (fr., 511, 224) Defense Linemen: *Harper, *Richardson, *Robinson, *Daveon Sykes (jr., 5-11, 175) Linebackers: *Petty, *Miller Secondary: *Tucker, *ClarkCroone, *Wilson, *Martin, *Steven Barton (sr., 5-10, 160) Special teams Kickers: Greene-Tucker, Kickers Robinson, Martin Punter: *Robinson Long snapper: TBD Returner: *Devon French (so., 5-5, 140)
South expects its defense to be led at linebacker by Petty, who was second-team all-district and honorable mention all-league. “Petty is an anomaly, and he could be one of the best linebackers in the state,” Yates said. “When he delivers contact, he punishes runners.” Other returning starters include Richardson at tackle, Robinson at end and Martin in the secondary. The Bulldogs are without 2018 graduate Shi’Quan Likely, who was second-team all-state, first-team all-district OFFENSE and first-team all-league at lineSouth will move from a run- backer. sports@thisweeknews.com “As a program, our motto is @ThisWeekSports pass option offense to a dou-
FROM >> 55
“I feel like we have a nice offensive set,” Edwards said. “We’ve got a nice receiver corps and we’ve got a big line.” Senior wide receiver Napoleon Harris returns after finishing with 24 catches for 487 yards and four touchdowns. Senior Marquise Laster has taken over at quarterback after the loss to graduation of Alex Ushry. Junior Cameron Long and seniors Tyree Grace-Sawyer and Miicah Coleman also figure to play a role in the running game. Coleman rushed for four touchdowns last season. Senior Tai Belcher and junior Travis Clodfelter will see time at tight end. On the line, seniors Elijah Jennings, Andrew Ladd, Sabien Lathan-Aekins and Kris Wilkins are returning starters and senior Josh Warren also figures to see significant time. Senior Caleb Jeffries, who went down with a season-ending injury in last year’s opener, figures to be a starter on the line as well.
DEFENSE
side linebacker after finishing with 28 tackles and three tackles for loss. Harris, senior Rayvon Wheeler and juniors Chamon Turner and Demetrius Stanley are at safety. Coleman is an inside linebacker who finished with 86 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and six sacks. Grace-Sawyer also is at inside linebacker after finishing with 62 tackles, four tackles and three sacks. Seniors Tai Belcher (LB) and Kylan Birchmore (LB), sophomore Kellen Flemming (DL), Clodfelter (DL) and Wilkins (DL) are other key returnees on defense.
SPECIAL TEAMS Edwards should lead the return units after returning two kickoffs and one punt for scores. Grace-Sawyer, Long and sophomore Christopher Mason are others who could return kicks. Senior Matt Seward, who provides depth on the offensive line, is one of the candidates to handle the kicking duties in his first season with the program. The Warriors entered camp looking for a punter to replace Kenny Lawrence, a senior who transferred to Walnut Ridge after averaging 38.8 yards through seven games before getting hurt.
Demetrius Salley (jr., 6-2, 175) Running backs: *Savon Edwards (sr., 5-7, 170), *Cameron Long (jr., 5-9, 150), Coleman, Tyree Grace-Sawyer (sr., 5-11, 190), Christopher Mason (so., 5-8, 150) Receivers: *Napoleon Harris (sr., 6-1, 170), Roshawn Harper (sr., 5-11, 165), Rayvon Wheeler (sr., 6-1, 160), Chamon Turner (jr., 6-0, 165) Tight ends: *Tai Belcher (sr., 6-0, 200), Travis Clodfelter (jr., 6-0, 200) Linemen: *Caleb Jeffries (sr., 6-7, 237), *Elijah Jennings (sr., 6-1, 220), *Andrew Ladd (sr., 6-0, 225), *Sabien LathanAekins (sr., 6-0, 240), Matt Seward (sr., 6-3, 248), Josh Warren (sr., 6-3, 325), Kris Wilkins (sr., 6-3, 315) Defense Linemen: *Wilkins, *Clodfelter, *Corey English (jr., 59, 225), Belcher, Kellen Flemming (so., 6-3, 210) Linebackers: *Kylan Birchmore (sr., 5-11, 170), *Coleman, *Harper, *Grace-Sawyer, Belcher, Brandon Lovelace (so., 5-6, 200) Secondary: *Edwards, *Harris, *Long, *Turner, Kaseem Norton (sr., 5-6, 145), Wheeler, Salley Special teams Kicker: Seward Punter: TBD Returners: *Edwards, *Grace-Sawyer, *Long, *Mason Long snapper: *LathanAekins (*Denotes projected starter)
SCOTS Junior Carlos Russell will be at center, junior Antaun Williams is at left guard and junior James Miller will play right tackle.
DEFENSE The secondary could be the strength on defense for the Scots with the return of Wood and junior Aaron Clark at safety and Magwood at cornerback. Last season, Magwood had three interceptions, Wood had 100 tackles, eight tackles for loss and two interceptions and Clark had 65 tackles. Junior Sihlas Padmore also should see time at safety, with Anderson and senior Kenny Lawrence also at cornerback. Lawrence is a transfer from Eastmoor who is expected to be eligible only for the first five games because of the OHSAA transfer rule. Junior nose tackle Novell Thorton had 51 tackles and three tackles for loss last year. Junior Jerrell Harrison and sophomores Seven Harper and Jamarius Dinkins figure to play key roles on the line. Leach, junior Marwan Perkins and Williams will be
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Coleman and Edwards are back to lead the defense. Edwards, who finished with 45 tackles, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble and two interceptions, is joined at corTHE LINEUP nerback by Long and senior Offense Kaseem Norton. Quarterbacks: * Marquise julrey@thisweeknews.com Senior Roshawn Harper has moved from cornerback to out- Laster (sr., 5-10, 170), @UlreyThisWeek
FROM >> 57
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C ITY L EAGUE -S OUTH D IVISION
at inside linebacker along with sophomore Jaquan Witted, a transfer from Youngstown Liberty. Junior Marshawn Mankins is at outside linebacker.
SPECIAL TEAMS Lawrence averaged 38.8 yards per punt for Eastmoor last season and figures to fill that job for the season’s first half, with Thornton and sophomore Cross Mac being other options. Last year, Wood averaged 31.4 yards on seven kickoff returns and Magwood returned six kickoffs for a 24.0-yard average.
THE LINEUP
Linemen: *Jalen Bradley (sr., 6-3, 255), *James Miller (jr., 6-2, 195), *Carlos Russell (jr., 5-10, 260), *Antaun Williams (jr., 5-10, 200), *Mario McGee (so., 5-10, 255), Donald Dawson (sr., 6-1, 175), Ras Anderson (so., 6-3, 185) Defense Linemen: *Novell Thorton (sr., 5-6, 185), *Jerrell Harrison (jr., 6-2, 175), *Seven Harper (so., 6-2, 200), Dinkins Linebackers: *Leach, *Marwan Perkins (jr., 6-0, 200), Harrison, Marshawn Mankins (jr., 6-2, 185), Williams, Jaquan Witten (so., 6-1, 210) Secondary: *Wood, *Aaron Clark (jr., 5-10, 160), *Magwood, *Sihlas Padmore (jr., 510, 175), Kaylyn Anderson, Lawrence Special teams Kicker: Thornton Punters: *Lawrence, Thornton, Cross Mac (so., 5-11, 160) Returners: *Wood, *Magwood Long snappers: Williams, Thornton (*Denotes projected starter)
Offense Quarterbacks: *Isaiah Murphy (sr., 6-4, 210), Howard Thornton (so., 6-0, 170) Running backs: *Sincere Staples (sr., 5-9, 195), Javarus Leach (so., 5-9, 185) Receivers: *Qian Magwood (jr., 6-0, 175), *Julius Wood (sr., 6-2, 185), *Kaylyn Anderson (sr., 5-9, 165), Kenny Lawrence (sr., 5-10, 175), julrey@thisweeknews.com Daaron Brown (so., 5-10, 155), @UlreyThisWeek Damien Whaley (so., 5-8, 145) Tight end: *Jamarius DinkThisWeekSPORTS.com ins (so., 6-5, 215)
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MSL-O HIO D IVISION
Bexley
Lions focus on details after winless season By SCOTT HENNEN THISWEEKSPORTS.COM A season in transition turned into a nightmare for the Bexley High School football team last fall. After going unbeaten during the regular season and 11-1 overall in 2016, the Lions returned only one starter on offense and three on defense. That inexperience was evident, as Bexley finished 0-10 overall and 0-5 in the MSL-Ohio Division. Columbus Academy, London and Whitehall all went 41 in the league to share the title. But according to second-year coach Nathan Castorena, the hardships were a learning experience that his players can use as they prepare to open Aug. 24 at Harvest Prep. “I think they learned that it’s really important to have attention to detail and take pride in the work that you do,” Castorena said. “They learned about being better practicers and being deliberate in practice. Every rep you take is a Friday night rep. Those are the kind of things we picked up last year.” Senior center Tommy Lee said it was difficult for the Lions to keep their energy up a year ago because nothing seemed to go right. “Last season I learned that even though you can put in so much hard work, that doesn’t mean you’ll win games,” Lee said. “We’re really going through ways of solving problems from last year. Whether it’s opening up a hole big enough for the backs to go through or doing drills to better track the defensive linemen.” Junior linebacker Patrick Beck said he took mental notes as the losses mounted up, looking for ways to avoid another calamitous campaign. “You have to go hard every play and you can’t take anything for granted,” said Beck, who was honorable mention allleague. “We have to teach the younger kids to go hard every time, so we don’t go 0-10 again. We want to build that culture in our program.” Senior quarterback Anthony Welsh said many of the team’s problems were caused by its approach to the games. “I learned a lot about the mental side of football, because
COWBOYS
FROM >> 57
Senior Todd Barrett and junior Nick Cook will be key members of both lines along with the Ellis brothers. Griffith and Brian Cook battled during the preseason for one of the safety spots, with Adams at the other safety position.
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24 .................at Harvest Prep Aug. 31........at Campbell Memorial Sept. 7 ........vs. Hamilton Township *Sept. 14.....at Columbus Academy *Sept. 21 .................vs. Grandview *Sept. 28...............at Liberty Union Oct. 5 ....................vs. Teays Valley *Oct. 12 .....................vs. Whitehall *Oct. 19 .........................at London Oct. 26 ...........................vs. Ready 2017 RESULTS (0-10 overall, 0-5 MSL-Ohio) Harvest Prep......................L, 30-0 Buckeye Valley...................L, 37-6 Hamilton Township...........L, 44-28 *Liberty Union ....................L, 41-7 *Grandview........................L, 49-0 *Columbus Academy ..........L, 38-7 Teays Valley .......................L, 56-0
*Whitehall..........................L, 56-0 *London.............................L, 38-0 Ready................................L, 35-7 *League contest INSIDE THE LIONS •Coach: Nathan Castorena, second season •Top players: Patrick Beck (RB/LB), Carter Brenner (WR/DB), Jack Dawson (OL/DL), Ethan Fosnaugh (TE/LB), Tommy Lee (OL/DL), Justin Mauk (OL/DL), Isaiah McFadden (RB/DB), Luke Robinson (OL/DL) and Anthony Welsh (QB/DB) •Key losses: Henry Bredemeier, Connor Damron, Ethan Gammage, Hunter Hilgeman, Tyler Mitchell, Mason Remeis, Grant Robinson, Kohl White and Wesley Woodward
The Lions will continue to use a modified wing-T scheme, and a large group of underclassmen are expected to contribute after gaining experience a year ago. “Last year we had several sophomores and even freshmen who earned their letters and we brought a lot of those kids back,” Castorena said. “We have some
backs with good vision in the backfield. We’ll be in the (shot)gun at times, but we’ll still pretty much be in the wing-T.” Welsh completed 53 of 107 passes for 575 yards with five touchdowns and seven interception. He also rushed for 185 yards and five touchdowns on 77 carries. Bexley also returns its leading rusher in junior Isaiah McFadden, who gained 252 yards on 65 carries. “Our offense has been looking pretty good,” McFadden said. “We have a lot of returning players like running backs and our quarterback. Our offense should be a lot better than last year.” Senior Carter Brenner and sophomores Michael Agriesti and Tommy Bloebaum are back as receivers, and senior Ethan Fosnaugh returns at tight end. Lee and juniors Justin Mauk and Luke Robinson anchor the line. “I think the biggest thing for us is having our kids do their jobs,” Castorena said. “We’re not going to be doing a lot of things offensively, but we want to be good at the things we do. We also have to make sure we have good technique and footwork. That’s a point of emphasis for us.”
SPECIAL TEAMS
THE LINEUP
The Cowboys did not attempt any field goals or extra points last season, but that isn’t expected to be the case this fall. Adams figures to be one of the kick and punt returners as well as the kicker, and Barrett will handle the punting after sharing that role last season.
Offense Quarterbacks: Michael Griffith (jr., 5-11, 155), Brian Cook (so., 6-0, 160) Running backs: *Jakob Adams (sr., 5-10, 200), *Cameron Scaffol (sr., 5-10, 165), *Shawndez Clark (jr., 58, 220)
last year I felt we weren’t very disciplined or focused for the games early on,” said Welsh, who was second-team allleague. “I felt we improved throughout the season on the mental side of things.” Castorena said he saw a marked improvement in his players’ preparation and attention to detail during the offseason. “I think it’s a really diverse group in terms of personality, and they’re very hardworking,” he said. “They’ve been through some really grueling conditioning sessions and have made themselves better. The entire (offensive) backfield can squat over 300-plus pounds, and that’s just the start. We’ve done things in the offseason to get ready, and that comes from the focus of the guys who don’t want to repeat the mistakes of 2017.”
OFFENSE
Anthony Welsh returns at quarterback after completing 53 of 107 passes for 575 yards and five touchdowns last season. JOHN HULKENBERG/THISWEEK
DEFENSE Bexley will get a facelift defensively, going from a 4-25 formation to an approach that uses multiple schemes under new defensive coordinator Matt Green. “Matt was linebackers coach at (Division I state champion) Pickerington Central last year, and he brings the Pickerington defensive philosophy with him,” Castorena said of Green, who teaches business at Bexley. “We want to pressure teams and move around a lot, trying to confuse them and create havoc up front. We want to be on the attacking end of defense instead of on the receiving end.” Lee and Robinson will play at end with Mauk at tackle. Beck and Sheridan return at linebacker and Brenner and McFadden are back in the secondary. Beck had a team-leading 38 tackles, with six for loss and two sacks. “We have a lot of kids coming back that saw varsity expe-
rience and they know what Fri- (so., 5-6, 175) Linemen: Isaac Halter (sr., day night is like,” Castorena said. 5-9, 180), *Tommy Lee (sr., 60, 190), Jack Dawson (jr., 5-9, 195), *Justin Mauk (jr., 5-11, SPECIAL TEAMS Seniors Grant Halliday and 250), *Luke Robinson (jr., 6Ted Schoedinger will handle 2, 215), Joe Callaghan (so., 5the kicking duties, and 11, 280), Phillip Martin (so., 6Schoedinger is expected to do 1, 225) Defense the punting. Linemen: Halter, *Lee, DawBrenner, McFadden and Beck will return kicks, and the son, *Mauk, *Robinson, Callaghan long snapper is Bloebaum. Linebackers: Fosnaugh, *Beck, Bloebaum, *Sheridan THE LINEUP Secondary: *Brenner, Offense *McFadden, Welsh, Welz, GutQuarterbacks: *Anthony ter, Bloebaum Welsh (sr., 5-10, 170), Carter Special teams Brenner (jr., 5-6, 140) Kickers: Grant Halliday (sr., Running backs: *Isaiah 5-10, 160), Ted Schoedinger McFadden (sr., 5-10, 175), (sr., 6-1, 175) Antonio Truss (sr., 5-11, 190), Punters: *Schoedinger, Patrick Beck (jr., 5-6, 160) Welsh Receivers: *Brenner, Zack Returners: Brenner, McFadWelz (sr., 6-3, 170), Beck, Jevon den, Beck Gutter (jr., 5-8, 165), *Michael Long snapper: *Bloebaum Agriesti (so., 6-1, 150), Tommy (*Denotes projected starter) Bloebaum (so., 6-0, 150) Tight ends: *Ethan Fosnaugh shennen@thisweeknews.com (sr., 6-0, 180), Grant Sheridan @ThisWeekHennen
Receivers: None Tight end: *Rashied Ellis (jr., 5-8, 220), *Jeremiah Nettle (so., 6-0, 165) Linemen: *Todd Barrett (sr., 6-1, 195), *Nick Cook (jr., 60, 190), *Rashad Ellis (jr., 58, 220), *Malakye Toles (jr., 6-0, 190), *Mitch McGrath (so., 5-8, 245)
Defense Linemen: *Toles, *McGrath, *Christian Mounts (fr., 6-1, 255), Rashad Ellis, Rashied Ellis, Ethan Frazier (fr., 6-2, 260) Linebackers: *Barrett, *Nick Cook, *Clark, *Nettle Secondary: *Adams, *David Little (sr., 6-0, 145), *Scaffol,
Griffith, Brian Cook Special teams Kicker: *Adams Punter: *Barrett Returners: *Little, *Scaffol, Adams Long sna snappper: *Nick Cook (*Denotes projected starter) julrey@thisweeknews.com @UlreyThisWeek
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MSL-O HIO D IVISION
Vikings aiming for league title, playoff berth By FRANK DiRENNA THISWEEKSPORTS.COM Despite losing several key players to graduation, the expectations remain the same for the Columbus Academy football team. The Vikings are looking to build on last season’s success when they advanced to a Division V, Region 19 semifinal, losing to top-seeded Wheelersburg 35-16. Academy finished 9-3 overall, its most victories since 2003 when it won the Division V state title and finished 13-2. “Every program wants to reload and not rebuild,” said fourth-year coach Robin Miller, whose team opens Aug. 24 at Cincinnati Wyoming. “We certainly have some question marks and some holes. We lost a lot of talent, but we have dudes who have played a lot of football. We have some three-, fouryear starters and guys who have been impact players. It’s not like the cupboard is bare.” The Vikings also are looking to repeat as MSL-Ohio Division champions after sharing the title with London and Whitehall last season at 4-1. It was the team’s first league title since 2009, when it shared first in the MSL-Ohio with Granville. London will be competing in the MSL-Ohio for the final time before moving to the Central Buckeye Conference next season. Academy visits Whitehall on Sept. 20 in a Thursday night game and plays host to London on Sept. 28. “Whitehall has a good quarterback (Raymell Byrd), and they always have a ton of athletes and size,” Miller said. “I assume Bexley will take a step up in the second year under coach (Nathan) Castorena. They should be better and hungry. With as much as London has coming back, they might be the class of the league. It’s definitely a tough league, no nights off.” Miller will work with a senior class he first guided when they were freshmen. “This senior class has been with me all four years. This is all they know,” he said. “Our culture, our system, our communication. They’ve been with me from the start. They’re super-coachable kids and it’s pretty exciting to have a senior class like this. We had a great one last year and we have another one.”
lisari at the Will linebacker and Crawley at Sam linebacker. Hess and sophomore Matthew Derzon will also see time at linebacker. Key linemen include Brown, DeCree, Simpson, Soderberg and Walter. Dorrian Mountie and Swartz will play safety, with Mills and Warstler at cornerback. Other defensive backs are Dearing-Hardiman and sophomore Sam Huyghe.
SPECIAL TEAMS The Vikings return one of the area’s top kickers in junior Sam Massick, who was firstteam all-state, all-district and all-league last season. Warstler and senior Kyle Channell are the punters, and Swartz is the long snapper. Key return threats are Dorrian Moultrie and Warstler.
THE LINEUP
Dorrian Moultrie was first-team all-district and all-league after catching 60 passes for 608 yards and seven touchdowns as the Vikings went 9-3. PAUL VERNON/THISWEEK
A key loss to graduation was Herman Moultrie, who rushed for 1,194 yards and 14 touchdowns and added 34 receptions for 428 yards and four scores. He was named first-team alldistrict and all-league and thirdteam all-state. Also gone is Josh Pearson, who was first-team allstate, all-district and all-league, rushing for 400 yards and four touchdowns.
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24 .......at Cincinnati Wyoming Aug. 31 ..........vs. Linden-McKinley Sept. 8 .............at Newark Catholic *Sept. 14 .......................vs. Bexley *Sept. 20.....................at Whitehall *Sept. 28 ......................vs. London Oct. 5...vs. Ready at Fortress Obetz Oct. 12................vs. Bloom-Carroll *Oct. 19 ...............vs. Liberty Union *Oct. 26 ....................at Grandview 2017 RESULTS (9-3 overall, 4-1 in MSL-Ohio) Ready ...............................W, 31-0 Linden-McKinley ...............W, 42-0 Newark Catholic................W, 38-0 *London...........................L, 38-28 *Whitehall .......................W, 31-14 *Bexley .............................W, 38-7
OFFENSE Junior Andrew Swartz is expected to replace 2018 graduate Matt Saling at quarterback in the team’s spread offense, and Miller said sophomore Brady Hess also is competing for playing time. Their main targets should be wide receiver Dorrian Moultrie and wide receiver/tight end Chris Boyle. Both are seniors. Dorrian Moultrie was firstteam all-district and all-league and honorable mention all-state after catching 60 passes for 608 yards and seven touchdowns. Seniors Caleb Crawley and Harry Mills are other receivers. “Guys have stepped up who played last year and have been
able to fill those roles that we lost last year,” Mills said. Senior Jordan Dearing-Hardiman and junior Carter Warstler were sharing time at tailback in
Columbus East ................W, 45-22 Bloom-Carroll...................L, 30-17 *Liberty Union ...................W, 17-6 *Grandview .......................W, 41-7 PLAYOFFS Belmont Union Local..........W, 13-6 Wheelersburg ..................L, 35-16 *League contest INSIDE THE VIKINGS •Coach: Robin Miller, fourth season •Top players: Chris Boyle (TE/WR/DL), Deven Cobb (OL/DL), Dalyn DeCree (OL/DL), Sam Massick (K), Harry Mills (WR/DB), Dorrian Moultrie (WR/DB) and Carter Warstler (RB/DB/P) •Key losses: Mike Boeckman, Davis Friedman, Herman Moultrie, Josh Pearson, Matt Saling, John Schiano and Matt Schiano
the preseason, and they will run behind a line anchored by senior Dalyn DeCree, a four-year starting center. DeCree is joined up front by
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senior Deven Cobb (RG) and juniors Max Brown (LT), Donovon Simpson (LG) and Philip Soderberg (RT). Cobb suffered a high ankle sprain during a joint practice Aug. 7 at Licking Valley and is expected to miss the opener, according to Miller. Miller added that Cobb will be reevaluated to determine the severity of the injury. Sophomore Miles Walter should provide depth on the line. “The last few years we’ve lost a lot of players, but we still came back the next season even stronger, so we look forward to doing that again,” Cobb said.
DEFENSE
Offense Quarterbacks: *Andrew Swartz (jr., 5-10, 155), Brady Hess (so., 5-11, 170) Running backs: *Jordan Dearing-Hardiman (sr., 5-10, 150), *Carter Warstler (jr., 511, 160) Receivers: Chris Boyle (sr., 6-4, 215), Caleb Crawley (sr., 6-2, 195), Harry Mills (sr., 6-1, 165), *Dorrian Moultrie (sr., 60, 175) Tight ends ends: *Boyle, Crawley Linemen: *Deven Cobb (sr., 6-0, 210), *Dalyn DeCree (sr., 6-1, 210), Max Brown (jr., 63, 230), Donovon Simpson (jr., 5-11, 240), Philip Soderberg (jr., 6-3, 275), Miles Walter (so., 6-0, 180) Defense Linemen: *DeCree, Brown, Simpson, Soderberg, Walter Linebackers: *Keenan Bellisari (sr., 5-11, 170), *Crawley, *Cobb, Matthew Derzon (so., 5-9, 170), Hess Secondary: Second ary: Dearing-Hardiman, *Mills, *Moultrie, *Swartz, *Warstler, Sam Huyghe (so., 5-11, 155) Special teams Kicker: *Sam Massick (jr., 5-9, 155) Punters: Kyle Channell (sr., 5-11, 165), Warstler Returners: Mills, Mountie, Warstler Long snapper: *Swartz (*Denotes projected starters)
Academy must replace its top four linebackers from last season in Mike Boeckman, Davis Friedman, Herman Moultrie and John Schiano. “That’s a big hole, right in the heart of your defense,” Miller said. Boyle (6-foot-4, 215 pounds) should anchor the unit at defensive end. Cobb will play middle line- fdirenna@thisweeknews.com backer, with senior Keenan Bel- @ThisWeekFrank
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Columbus Academy
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Grandview Heights
Athleticism prompts offense to shift gears
By SCOTT HENNEN THISWEEKSPORTS.COM
Health and speed will be key factors in the success of the Grandview Heights High School football team. The Bobcats will rely on their speed on offense as they look to improve on last season’s 55 overall record. In the MSLOhio Division, the Bobcats went 2-3 to finish fourth as Academy, London and Whitehall shared the title at 4-1. Grandview also expects to benefit from the varsity experience that a number of younger players gained a year ago because of injury and health issues. “It’s got to be pretty close to the most athletic team I’ve had since I’ve been here,” said coach Jason Peters, who is in his 12th season. “That’s why we’re shifting gears a little bit with the offense. We want to give us an easier way to put the ball in the hands of our athletes.” One such athlete is junior Luke Lachey, an impact player at wide receiver and defensive back. As a wide receiver, he was honorable mention all-state and first-team all-district and all-league, catching 15 passes for 416 yards and six touchdowns. He also had three interceptions. “I would say I’m needed more on offense because right now we’re trying to get other guys into a rotation (at cornerback),” Lachey said. “That way I’m able to save more for offense.” Senior Jack Wallace plays on an offensive line that was decimated by injuries last season, opening the door for younger players. This season several players are expected to rotate on the field in the spread zone blocking scheme after running a modified wing-T for several seasons. “I think (the offense) is a lot different than last year,” said Wallace, who was special/honorable mention all-district and
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24.....................at Centennial Aug. 31 ....................vs. Africentric Sept. 7 ......at Zanesville Rosecrans Sept. 14 .........................vs. Ready *Sept. 21 ........................at Bexley *Sept. 28 ...................vs. Whitehall *Oct. 5..........................vs. London *Oct. 12 ................at Liberty Union Oct. 19......................at Logan Elm *Oct. 26 .....vs. Columbus Academy 2017 RESULTS (5-5 overall, 2-3 MSL-Ohio) Centennial.......................W, 30-28 Africentric .......................W, 44-14 North Union......................L, 35-14 Ready..............................L, 24-22 *Bexley .............................W, 49-0 *Whitehall ........................L, 24-12
Senior Hudson Jump, a state champion in wrestling, will start in the backfield and along the defensive line for the Bobcats. JOHN HULKENBERG/THISWEEK
second-team all-league. “We’ve gone from man to zone blocking, and that changes things a lot in terms of assignments. I believe we’ll even have the ability to signal from the sideline when we want to go up-tempo.” Peters said the Bobcats have “seven or eight guys fighting for jobs” on the offensive line because of the experience that younger players got last fall. That allowed the coaching staff to add the modifications. “Our goal offensively is to to put the ball where you aren’t defensively,” Peters said. “If you’re going to load the box, we’re going to throw the ball outside. If you take away our perimeter, we’re going to go between the tackles. We’ll take advantage of what you’re not taking away, and if you’re good enough to take away everything, then we have a problem.” Peters said the transition has been smooth offensively as the team prepares for its opener Aug. 24 at Centennial. “So far they’ve been really upbeat and coachable, and they’re doing what they believe is best for the team,” Peters said. “But just like last year, our depth
NUBIANS
FROM >> 55
defensive backfield.
THE LINEUP
*London.............................L, 50-8 *Liberty Union .................W, 22-13 Logan Elm.........................W, 28-0 *Columbus Academy ..........L, 41-7 *League contest INSIDE THE BOBCATS •Coach: Jason Peters, 12th season •Top players: Joey Bertani (OL/DL), Kyle Casey (QB/DB), Cody Cook (OL/DL), Trey Cook (WR/DB), Darrion Davis (RB/LB), Charlie James (WR/DB), Hudson Jump (RB/DL), Luke Lachey (WR/DB), Harrison Morosky (RB/LB), Alex Sterneker (RB/LB) and Jack Wallace (OL/DL) •Key losses: Matthew Kennedy, Joe Kotte, James Lachey, Brandon Spaulding, Blaine Stanley, Bryce Stanley and Luke Sterneker
gets young pretty quickly. We have to get our young kids as many reps in scrimmages as we can so we can get them experience. That’s something we needed at the end of last year.”
OFFENSE The Bobcats return junior quarterback Kyle Casey to run the offense. Casey broke his left (nonthrowing) arm in a 22-13 win over Liberty Union in Week 8, but has healed and is ready for action. He was 44-for-80 passing for 717 yards with seven touchdowns and four interceptions. “Kyle has matured a lot and he’s coming along,” Peters said. “He’s in his second year of starting and we expect him to come a long way.” The backfield will have a rotation of seniors Hudson Jump and Harrison Morosky (honorable mention all-league) and junior Darrion Davis. Morosky rushed for 355 yards and one touchdown on 63 carries, and Jump had 125 yards on 21 carries with one score. “We have a three-headed
beast at running back,” Peters said. “All three running backs are physical and they’re deceptively fast. They can get down the field vertically.” Senior Cody Cook and Wallace are joined by junior Joey Bertani as returning starters on the line. Bertani started at center last fall but could also see time at tackle. Senior Pete Dunkle and sophomores Connor Dobies, Gabhran Downer, Matt Taylor and Jake Zimmerman also expect to see time on the line.
DEFENSE Grandview again will use a 4-3 defensive alignment, with Cook and Wallace returning on the line. Jump played linebacker during his first three seasons, but he also will be up front during his final season – where he can use the hand-to-hand skills that helped him win a Division III state wrestling championship last winter at 195 pounds. “In wrestling you use your hands a lot and this allows for some quick movements,” Jump said. “It feels natural for me to play up there.” The Bobcats return their back
(jr.) Receivers: Jacob HallerHamric (sr.), Trey Cook (jr.), Brian Collier (jr.), Glenn Cribbs (jr.), Charlie James (jr.), *Luke Lachey (jr.), *Nico Card (so.) Tight ends: *Pete Dunkle (sr.), Connor Dobies (so.) Linnemen: Cody Cook (sr.), Li Dunkle, *Jack Wallace (sr.), *Joey Bertani (jr.), Dobies, Gabhran Downer (so.), *Matt Taylor (so.), Jake Zimmerman (so.) Defense Linemen: *C. Cook, *Jump *Wallace, *Bertani, Taylor Linebackers: *Morosky, *Davis, *Sterneker Secondary: *Speaks, Collier, *T. Cook, James, *Lachey Special teams Kickers: C. Cook, *Hallie Georskey (jr.), Paul Hatem (so.), Taylor THE LINEUP Punters: Morosky Offense Returners: Jump, Morosky, Quarterbacks: *Kyle Casey Lachey (jr.), Seth Walters (so.) Long snapper: Bertani Running backs: *Hudson (*Denotes projected starter) Jump (sr.), *Harrison Morosky (sr.), Sam Speaks (sr.), *Dar- shennen@thisweeknews.com rion Davis (jr.), Alex Sterneker @ThisWeekHennen seven defenders from the second half of last season. Morosky (47 tackles) and Davis (66 tackles) are back as outside linebackers and junior Alex Sterneker (45 tackles, 2 sacks) returns in the middle. Lachey and junior Charlie James (honorable mention allleague; 27 tackles, 3 interceptions) return acornerback, and juniors Trey Cook (honorable mention all-league; 47 tackles, 2 fumbles recoveries, 1 interception) and Sam Speaks are back at safety. “I think our front four will be really solid and all of our secondary is returning, so we should be good back there,” Speaks said. “We have to work on reading our keys and playing how the coaches tell us to.”
BRUINS
*Kayden James (fr., 5-10, 210) Defense Linemen: *Austin, *Brown, *Rash, *Respress Linebackers: *Hansard, *Martinez, *Jaquise Perry (fr., 5-10, 190), Respress Secondary: *Fudge, *Figuero, *Russell, *Tyler, Will Smith (fr., 5-10, 160) Special teams Kicker: *Tyhir Thomas (fr., 5-8, 150) Punter: *Hansard Returners: Fudge, Russell, Tyler Long snapper: TBD (*Denotes projected starter)
Offense Quarterbacks: *Joesan Russell (jr., 5-10, 160), Trazhon Figuero (jr., 6-1, 170) Running backs: *Kquaon Hansard (jr., 5-8, 160), Isaiah Martinez (fr., 5-8, 155) Wingba Wing bacck: *Justin Fudge (so., 6-0, 160) Receivers: *Anthony Tyler (sr., 6-0, 150), Raheem Dickerson (so., 5-4, 160) Linemen: *Shayonne Brown (so, 6-1, 230), *James Austin (so., 6-0, 200), *Deair Respress (sr., 5-10, 270), sports@thisweeknews.com *Malachi Rash (jr., 6-5, 300), @ThisWeekSports
FROM >> 56
Anderson, who plays nose tackle, is the only returning starter along the line, and after averaging 16.2 points per game last junior Mykeal Daniels is another returnseason. ing starter in the secondary. “Even though we have five starters, we have guys who played a lot last year,” Zink DEFENSE Zink believes his 3-5-3 defense will be said. much better this season after allowing 28.9 THE LINEUP points per game a year ago. Offense “We’re small, but we’re fast,” he said. Quarterbacks: *Josh Gainey (sr., 5-10, “We have five to six guys who like to hit. We’re trying to find ways to be clever and 140), David Downs (fr., 5-9, 190) Running backs: *Eli Dillion (sr., 5-7, disguise what we do. I think the defense will be one of our strong suits.” 146), *Downs, Koreon Galloway (jr., 5Lake, who was first-team all-district and 8, 155) all-league last year, returns as a leader in Receivers: *Jalen Lake (sr., 5-11, 150), the secondary. *Stanley Vivens (sr., 5-10, 152), Jon ShepDillion is a returning starter at linebacker ard (sr., 6-0, 140) with junior Korean Galloway. Freshman Linemen: *Reed Anderson (sr., 6-2, David Downs will play the position on the 260), *Glenn Browning (fr., 5-9, 250), inside, and seniors Phillip Moore and Jaylen *Trea’ Lucky (sr., 5-9, 160), *Noah Smith are the starting outside linebackers. Warbington (sr., 5-9, 175), *Aaron White-
side (so., 6-0, 230) Defense Linemen: *Jayden Osborne (jr., 5-8, 140), *Anderson, *Mauricio Diaz (jr., 59, 190) Linebackers: *Dillion, *Galloway, *Downs, *Phillip Moore (sr., 6-0, 165), *Jaylen Smith (sr., 5-7, 150) Secondary: *Lake, *Mykeal Daniels (jr., 5-8, 130), *Vivens, *Tyler Taylor (sr., 5-7, 140) Special teams Kicker: *Dillion Punter: *Dillion Returners: *Dillion, *Lake Long snapper: *Daniels (*Denotes projected starter) sports@thisweeknews.com @ThisWeekSports
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Whitehall
Rams aiming for deep run in playoffs
By FRANK DiRENNA THISWEEKSPORTS.COM
The Whitehall-Yearling High School football team returns a strong nucleus that has helped the Rams earn backto-back postseason appearances and a share of the MSL-Ohio Division title a year ago. Whitehall is looking to build on a strong second half of 2017, when it won its final five regular-season games before losing 42-35 at home to New Albany in a first-round playoff game in Division II, Region 7 to finish 7-4 overall. It was the first home postseason game since 2003 for the Rams, who also lost 31-21 at Bexley in the first round in 2016. Fourth-year coach Rod Lightfoot points to a talented senior class as the basis for his optimism. “This senior class is pretty special,” said Lightfoot, whose team opens Aug. 24 at home against Division I Westerville Central. “They were freshmen my first year here and they’ve been the core group that we’ve relied upon for the last two or three years, so it’s their opportunity to shine as a group and demonstrate they can exhibit the leadership that we need for us to meet our goals as a program.” Leading the way will be senior quarterback Raymell Byrd, who rushed for 1,628 yards and 24 touchdowns and passed for 1,131 yards with 14 touchdowns and four interceptions a year ago. He was named firstteam all-district and all-league and third-team all-state. “We have good team chemistry, we’ve been playing with each other for a long time,” Byrd said. “We know each other, what the good and bad are and what we can do. “We have to come together as a team. We can’t argue with each other. We have to all stay together and do our jobs.” The Rams shared the MSLOhio title with Columbus
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24.....vs. Westerville Central Aug. 31..................vs. Northland Sept. 7...................at Whetstone Sept. 14 ....at Hamilton Township *Sept. 20 ........vs. Cols. Academy *Sept. 28 ...............at Grandview *Oct. 5 ..............vs. Liberty Union *Oct. 12 .......................at Bexley Oct. 19 ..Ready at Fortress Obetz *Oct. 26.....................vs. London 2017 RESULTS (7-4 overall, 4-1 MSL-Ohio) Watterson.......................L, 41-6 Northland......................L, 31-28 Whetstone ...................W, 38-10 Hamilton Township.......W, 40-27 *Columbus Academy.....L, 31-14 *Grandview..................W, 24-12 *Liberty Union ..............W, 40-23 *Bexley..........................W, 56-0 Ready............................W, 32-2 *London.......................W, 22-14 PLAYOFFS New Albany ..................L, 42-35 *League contest INSIDE THE RAMS •Coach: Rod Lightfoot, fourth season •Top players: Wayne Blackshear (RB/DL), Raymell Byrd (QB/P), Keon Freeman (WR/LB), Christian Gordon (WR/DB), Rasheed Muhammad (RB/DB), Isaiah Oney (RB/LB) and Ryan Redifer (OL/DL) •Key losses: Tyjaun Childers, Kelvin Jacobs, Kendall Nesbitt, Assante Ndongo and O.C.Wellman
Rasheed Muhammad rushed for 823 yards and four touchdowns last season as the Rams finished 7-4 overall after opening the season with two losses. JOHN HULKENBERG/THISWEEK
Sept. 20 against visiting Academy and play host to London in the regular-season finale Oct. 26. “We do have a target on our back,” Lightfoot said. “We made the playoffs the last two years, we shared the MSL championship last year, so there’s a target on our back and they know that.”
OFFENSE
Academy and London last season at 4-1, and Lightfoot expects both teams to again be contenders. “Our first goal is we want to be MSL champs first, and whatever happens after that is hopefully to our advantage of making the playoffs,” Lightfoot said. “Right now we don’t talk about the playoffs. We’re just focused on week 1 with Westerville Central.” The Rams begin league play
Byrd returns to lead a highpowered spread offense that averaged 30.5 points. His backup will be junior NiKai Cameron. Also back is senior Rasheed Muhammad, who ran for 823 yards and four touchdowns and added 274 yards receiving and two scores. He was first-team all-league and second-team alldistrict. Whitehall should get a boost with the return of senior running back Wayne Blackshear, who played for Whitehall as a sophomore before transferring to Groveport for his junior year. As a sophomore, he rushed for 367 yards and seven touchdowns.
“Our team can do better than (it) did last year because we have more chemistry and a lot of people coming back from last season,” Blackshear said. “We should do something special this year and go even further than we did last year.” Senior Isaiah Oney and junior Melvin Tinley also will see time in the backfield. Lightfoot calls junior Christian Gordon “a special player” who should lead a talented group of receivers. Cameron and juniors Juvaun Blackshear and La Von Williams are other key receivers. Senior Ryan Redifer should anchor the offensive line at center. Last season, he was firstteam all-league and secondteam all-district. “With this team, we have enough talent and I believe that we can surpass last year and go further,” Redifer said. “The seniors and some juniors have to step up and be leaders. We have to work together and stay together through it all.” Michael Thomas and Jaylen Ward will play guard and Antonio Martinez will be at left tackle. All three are seniors.
DEFENSE The defense also returns several key players, a group that features senior inside linebacker Keon Freeman. He led the Rams in tackles (130) and tied 2018 graduate Kendall Nesbitt for the lead in sacks (7). Freeman was first-team alldistrict and all-league and second-team all-state. Oney also will line up at inside linebacker, with seniors Michael Bivens and Christion Battiste at outside linebacker. Wayne Blackshear, Redifer and junior Stephaun Ellis will be on the line, and the secondary features Muhammad at strong safety, senior Arjai Burress at free safety and senior Chris Ceasar and Juvaun Blackshear and Tinsley at cornerback.
THE LINEUP
165) Receivers: Cameron, Juvaun Blackshear (jr., 5-8, 145), *Christian Gordon (jr., 5-7, 140), La Von Williams (jr., 511, 140) Linemen: * Antonio Martinez (sr., 5-11, 200), *Ryan Redifer (sr., 6-0, 240), *Michael Thomas (6-1, 315), Jaylen Ward (sr., 6-0, 275) Defense Linemen: *Wayne Blackshear, Redifer, *Stephaun Ellis (jr., 6-0, 240) Linebackers: *Christion Battiste (sr., 5-10, 210), *Michael Bivens (sr., 6-0, 190), *Keon Freeman (sr., 6-0, 220), Oney Seconda ondary: *Arjai Burress (sr., 6-0, 175), *Chris Ceasar (sr., 5-9, 140), *Muhammad, Juvaun Blackshear, *Tinsley Special teams Kickers: Jose Carachure (sr., 6-2, 160), Max McQuate (sr., 5-11, 155) Punter: *Byrd Returners: Byrd, Gordon Long snapper: *Bradley Buchert (jr., 6-0, 205) (*Denotes projected starter)
Offense Quarterback: *Raymell Byrd (sr., 6-0, 175), NiKai Cameron (jr., 6-1, 170) Running backs: Wayne Blackshear (sr., 6-0, 230), *Rasheed Muhammad (sr., 61, 185), Isaiah Oney (sr., 5-10, fdirenna@thisweeknews.com 190), Melvin Tinley (jr., 5-9, @ThisWeekFrank
SIXERS FROM >> 56
defense. Madey, Munnerlyn and returning starters Brayboy and Littlefield also are competing at the position. Marquese Thompson and Miller are returning starters up front. The secondary will be young, with Jones and freshman Marques Holmes at cornerback and Markell Holmes, Devon Thompson and sophomore
Tight end: *Zion Brayboy (jr., 6Vontez Brice competing for time at 2, 195) the safety positions. Receivers: *Orlando Jones (so., THE LINEUP 6-0, 165), *Shawn Munnerlyn (so., 6-3, 175), *Abdi Madey (sr., 5-10, Offense Quarterbacks: *Devon Thompson 175), Jaye’Lynn Kimble (sr., 6-1, (sr., 6-2, 185), Markell Holmes (fr., 156) Linemen: *Darius Littlefield (sr., 5-9, 155) Running backs: *Jedidiah Stimage 5-11, 235), Treston Clayborn (jr., 6(sr., 6-0, 205), Darantae Ervin (sr., 6- 1, 235), Alex Miller (sr., 5-11, 255), 1, 205), Kealin Hardin (sr., 5-5, 155), Marquese Thompson (jr., 6-1, 255), Michael Morant (sr., 6-2, 275), LonMarques Holmes (so., 5-10, 155)
nie Joyner (so., 5-11, 195), Mykale Hargrave (sr., 5-11, 255) Defense Linemen: *Marquese Thompson, *Clayborn, *Miller, Jalen Robinson (sr., 5-5, 155) Linebackers: *Ervin, *Madey, *Munnerlyn, *Brayboy, Vincent Hope (jr., 6-2, 185), Devon Thompson, Littlefield, Stimage Secondary: *Jones, *Marques Holmes, Markell Holmes, Vontez
Brice (so., 5-6, 145), Devon Thompson Special teams Kicker: TBD Punter: *Devon Thompson Returners: Devon Thompson, Madey, Hardin, Jones Long snapper: TBD (*Denotes projected starter) sports@thisweeknews.com @ThisWeekSports
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Liberty Union
Coach eager to make impact in return home By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM
Liberty Union High School senior football player Kaleb Waits remembers the impact Daniel Shirey had on him when he was a 12-year-old sixthgrader. Shirey – who spent 14 years working with the younger athletes in the district and also served as an assistant with the high school program for four years – will return to having an impact on athletes at Liberty Union after a short detour. A 1996 Liberty Union graduate, he spent the last two seasons assisting at Millersport before taking over as Liberty Union’s coach in the offseason when Bryan Johnson left after four seasons for Westerville North. “He’s actually the one that got me in the weight room when I was 12 years old and had me working out with high schoolers,” Waits said. “That instilled in me how to be a great football player. It taught me how to work hard, how to treat others with respect. He’s a great coach and is doing a lot of good things at Liberty Union.” Shirey played under former coach Dan Johnson, who led the program to five playoff berths in 29 seasons before retiring after the 2013 season. The Lions made the postseason in both 2014 and 2016 under Bryan Johnson before slipping to 3-7 overall and 14 during its first season in the MSL-Ohio Division last fall. It was a finish that Waits considers a “wake-up call” after several competitive seasons in the MSL-Buckeye. It’s also not the type of season the Lions plan to let become a habit despite playing the same 10 teams they did a year ago. Liberty Union won three of its first four, with the loss coming to eventual Division IV playoff qualifier Bloom-Carroll 7-0, and the Lions also lost to four other teams that made the postseason. “As a first-time head coach at your alma mater, I feel the excitement around us, and the kids are excited,” Shirey said. “As far as I can see, the parents are excited for some of the changes around here. It’s a great group of kids. With 13 seniors, from what I see we have a lot of natural leaders who can lead our team in practices and drills. The (MSL-) Ohio is no slouch by any means. Those programs carry great tradition. “We’ve come together really well as a unit and the transition has been real simple, really easy. They’ve picked up on the offense and defense. We have
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24............................at Heath Aug. 31...............vs. Bloom-Carroll Sept. 7.......vs. Amanda-Clearcreek *Sept. 14 ......................vs. London Sept. 21 ..........................at Ready *Sept. 28 .......................vs. Bexley *Oct. 5 ........................at Whitehall *Oct. 12...................vs. Grandview *Oct. 19 ......at Columbus Academy Oct. 26...............vs. Fairfield Union 2017 RESULTS (3-7 overall, 1-4 MSL-Ohio) Heath..............................W, 31-13 Bloom-Carroll ......................L, 7-0 Amanda-Clearcreek ........W, 35-31 *Bexley .............................W, 41-7 Ready..............................L, 20-13 *London.............................L, 28-6
*Whitehall ........................L, 40-23 *Grandview......................L, 22-13 *Columbus Academy ..........L, 17-6 Fairfield Union..................L, 42-23 *League contest INSIDE THE LIONS •Coach: Daniel Shirey, first season •Top players: Adrian Abolins (LB/RB), Kobe Barnett (RB/LB), Jaidon Billingsley (WR/DB), Casey Fleahman (LB/RB), Darren Harkins (WR/LB), Lonnie Lawhorn (DB/WR/KR/PR), Kaleb Shook (QB/P),Wyatt Sims (TE/LB/LS) and Caleb Waits (OL/DL) •Key losses: Jacob Cole, Noah Graf, Austin Grover, Brent McClure, Colton Miller, Mark Opperman, Cole Peardon, Jackson Smith, Jason Trapp and Chaise Wohrer
K.J. Price was the Division IV district Offensive Player of the Year after rushing for more than 2,300 yards as the Red Raiders went 8-3. BARBARA J. PERENIC/COLUMBUS DISPATCH
London
Red Raiders, Price looking to build on playoff berth decent size, although we’re not going to be the biggest team. And we have decent speed, although we’re not going to be the fastest team. But these guys work their tails off.”
OFFENSE Senior Caleb Shook returns at quarterback after splitting time last season with 2018 graduate Cole Peardon. “(Shook) is a very good leader and seems to be very calm this year,” Shirey said. “He’s more of a pocket passer and he understands how to read defenses really well.” Junior Kobe Barnett likely will be the top running back for an offense that will emphasize power running while mixing the I-formation with single-back sets. Senior Adrian Abolins and sophomore Casey Fleahman also should be key running backs. Seniors Jaidon Billingsley and junior Lonnie Lawhorn will be at wide receiver, and senior Darren Harkins is the slot receiver. Senior tight end Wyatt Sims will line up on the line with seniors Milton Kellner (LT), Brenden McLean (C), Isaac Newsome (RT) and Waits (RG) and sophomore Cameron Davis (LG). Peardon and Brent McClure were the biggest losses to graduation on offense. Peardon had 32 catches for 443 yards, rushed for 411 yards and passed for 403 yards, while McClure produced nearly 1,000 yards of total offense while scoring nine touchdowns.
Freshman Jacob Denny is expected to be at free safety, and Harkins should see action at outside linebacker and safety. Abolins and Sims also are at outside linebacker, with Barnett and Fleahman on the inside. The defensive line will feature Waits, Davis and sophomore Dylan Anthony. The biggest losses to graduation were linebackers Brent McClure (115 tackles), Peardon (77 tackles) and Chase Wohrer and lineman Mark Opperman (11 tackles for loss, 8 sacks).
SPECIAL TEAMS Shook returns at punter, and senior Isaac Newsome will be the place-kicker. Sophomore Braden Shook, who is Caleb Shook’s brother, is expected to handle kickoffs. Sims is the returning long snapper, and Lawhorn is expected to be among the kick returners.
THE LINEUP
Offense Quarterbacks: *Caleb Shook (sr., 6-2, 185), Barrett Young (fr., 5-10, 145) Running backs: *Kobe Barnett (jr., 6-0, 200), Adrian Abolins (sr., 5-10, 165), Casey Fleahman (so., 5-10, 180) Receivers: *Jaidon Billingsley (sr., 6-2, 180), *Darren Harkins (sr., 6-1, 175), *Lonnie Lawhorn (jr., 6-2, 180) Tight end: *Wyatt Sims (sr., 6-5, 200) Linemen: *Milton Kellner (sr., 6-1, 200), *Brenden McLean (sr., 6-1, 205), *Isaac Newsome (sr., 6-1, 215), DEFENSE *Kaleb Waits (sr., 6-1, 220), Returning in the secondary *Cameron Davis (so., 5-10, are Billingsley and Lawhorn, 190) who likely will play cornerLIONS >> 65 back.
By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM Back in 2015, the London High School football team produced one of the state’s top running backs, who ran for nearly 3,000 yards, and posted its first winning record in seven years. In a similar fashion, the running abilities of K.J. Price helped the Red Raiders have another bounce-back season last fall, as he rushed for more than 2,300 yards. The Division IV district Offensive Player of the Year and now a senior, Price is coming off a season in which he ran for 25 touchdowns and produced more than 2,700 total yards. His growth as a player after gaining about 1,000 yards as a sophomore – much like the Red Raiders’ improvement from 3-7 in 2016 to an 8-3 mark that included their first playoff appearance since 1999 – likely was more eye-opening to those outside of the program than to those in it, according to fifth-year coach Kyle Cutler. Cutler was in his second season as coach in 2015 when London’s Michael Johnson rushed for 2,989 yards and scored 28 touchdowns while being named the state’s Division IV Offensive Player of the Year. “(Others) may have been surprised, but we work pretty hard here so when you work hard, you tend to expect success,” said Cutler, whose brother is Upper Arlington coach Joel Cutler. “We believe in the process, and if you do the process right, everything else takes care of itself. “I’m thankful, but I feel good for the community and I feel for the kids for what they’ve
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24.........................vs. Urbana Aug. 31 ..............at Madison Plains Sept. 7 ........vs. Wash. Court House *Sept. 14...............at Liberty Union Sept. 21 ....................vs. Circleville *Sept. 28.....at Columbus Academy *Oct. 5 ......................at Grandview Oct. 12 ...........................vs. Ready *Oct. 19 .........................vs. Bexley *Oct. 26 ......................at Whitehall 2017 RESULTS (8-3 overall, 4-1 MSL-Ohio) Urbana............................W, 49-19 Madison Plains..................W, 36-0 Wash. Court House ..........W, 51-47 *Columbus Academy .......W, 38-28 Circleville ..........................W, 42-0 *Liberty Union ...................W, 28-6
been able to build, for what they’ve been able to change and the culture they’re creating for a better program, a better school and a better community.” London won its first seven games ago and earned the seventh seed in Region 16 before losing 10-7 to Cincinnati Wyoming in the first round. The Red Raiders avenged five regular-season losses from 2016 and earned a share of the MSL-Ohio Division title with Whitehall and Columbus Academy at 4-1. It will be London’s final season in the Mid-State League before joining the Central Buckeye Conference-Kenton Trail Division that already includes fellow Madison County program Jonathan Alder. The Red Raiders aren’t resting on what they accomplished
*Grandview .......................W, 50-8 Ready..............................L, 27-23 *Bexley .............................W, 38-0 *Whitehall ........................L, 22-14 PLAYOFFS Cincinnati Wyoming............L, 10-7 *League contest INSIDE THE RED RAIDERS •Coach: Kyle Cutler, fifth season •Top players: Gavin Bonn (DB/RB), Juane Gardner (QB), Jack Gould (OL/DL),Brandon Leach (OL/DL),Dustin Massie (OL/DL), Noah McClintock (WR/DB), K.J. Price (RB), Bricker Thiel (TE/LB/LS) and Nate Wells (OL/DL) •Key losses: Jimmy Dulin, Josh Handley, Trent Hart, Haden Huff, Jacob Jones, Miller Kronk, Jalen Russell, Tavian Tyree and Caleb Whitacre
a year ago as they look for another league title and postseason berth however. “As soon as (last season) was over, we’re on to this year,” senior Bricker Thiel said. “Every team is different. We’ve been together four years and we base everything off of the trust we have for each other.”
OFFENSE While Price is the most visible figure in an offense that averaged 34.2 points, Cutler also is excited about what senior quarterback Juane Gardner might produce in London’s multiple-look offense. “(Gardner) was our backup quarterback last year and was actually a running back who’s made some tremendous progress,” Cutler said. “He’s
RED RAIDERS >> 65
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Goals remain same for new-look Warriors By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM The Harvest Preparatory School football team isn’t completely starting over, but key personnel from the greatest four-year run in program history won’t be around this fall. Daniel Bangura graduated after becoming the state’s alltime leading rusher with 9,650 yards, including 3,401 last season. He’s now a preferred walk-on at Ohio State. Gone, too, is standout defensive lineman Isaiah Mullens, who now is playing for Wisconsin. What the Warriors hope to continue is the self-confidence they’ve gained by going 3612, including earning four postseason victories, since Milan Smith became coach in 2014. “We’ve been on a decent run,” said Smith, who took over a program that had gone 4-6 in 2013 and never had made a playoff appearance. “We’ve been a blessed group, but we’ve got a different group of guys now. These guys have all seen how success is made and seen what it takes to be a league champion and a state semifinalist (in 2016), but now they actually have to be the guys to take the lead and try to grab the bull by the horns.” While Smith said 14 players from the program have earned college scholarships since he took over, this year’s group doesn’t have any highly recruited players. Previous contributors such as seniors Zion Bangura (LB/H-Back), Moses Davis (QB) and Jeffrey Ray (OL/DL) and juniors Javon Eggert (RB/DB), Khelin Jackson (OL/LB) and Elijah Rogers (DL/TE) are being asked to take on leading roles. Harvest Prep hasn’t lost a league game under Smith, including going 7-0 to win the MSL-Cardinal Division last
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24..........................vs. Bexley Aug. 31.............at Franklin Heights Sept. 7 ...........................vs. Mifflin *Sept. 14 ..at Worthington Christian *Sept. 21..vs. Zanesville Rosecrans *Oct. 5...................vs. Berne Union *Oct. 12.......at Grove City Christian *Oct. 19.............vs. Fisher Catholic *Oct. 27 ..........at Fairfield Christian 2017 RESULTS (9-2 overall, 7-0 MSL-Cardinal) Bexley ..............................W, 30-0 Franklin Heights ..............W, 44-14 Mifflin..............................L, 55-48 *Worthington Christian.......W, 52-3 *Zanesville Rosecrans .....W, 50-14 *Millersport .......................W, 60-0 *Berne Union...................W, 56-21
Moses Davis was 74-for-110 for 1,115 yards and 17 touchdowns last season. He should have an even bigger role after the graduation of Daniel Bangura. BARBARA J. PERENIC/THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
season as they outscored their league foes by an average of 49.9 points. The Warriors, who were 9-2 overall last fall, have won 26 league games in a row. Since Millersport canceled its season on the first day of official practice because of low numbers, Harvest Prep has a bye during the final week of September and will go back to a six-game league schedule. “The one thing we miss is snaps,” Smith said. “We’re going to have some guys that are unfamiliar with having to carry the load of being the guy. We have a number of guys that
were varsity lettermen and even were starters, but those guys have not had to carry the workload. We’re going to see how they respond.”
OFFENSE Although Davis’ primary job last season was handing off to Daniel Bangura, he did complete 74 of 110 passes for 1,115 yards with 17 touchdowns. In the Warriors’ 39-34 loss to Hannibal River in the first round of the Division VII playoffs, Davis threw for a fourthquarter touchdown to keep the game close. Eggert sat out the first five
games last season after transferring from Reynoldsburg but then showed he’s ready for a bigger role, according to Smith. Senior Daquan Owens-Johnson could fill several roles, including at wide receiver. Zion Bangura returns at Hback and Ray is a returning starter on the line. Rogers, who is moving from the line to tight end, and Jackson also are returning starters. Manny Mullens, who is Isaiah Mullens’ brother, will see time on the offensive line and is part of what Smith believes is a strong sophomore class. “Things are coming along well,” Ray said. “Most of the people are counting us out because we lost a good senior class, but I like being the underdog because they underestimate us and we bring the fight to them. I feel like we’ve got talent.”
*Grove City Christian..........W, 46-8 *Fisher Catholic...............W, 72-24 *Fairfield Christian.............W, 90-7 PLAYOFFS Hannibal River..................L, 39-34 *League contest INSIDE THE WARRIORS •Coach: Milan Smith, fifth season •Top players: Zion Bangura (LB/Hback), Moses Davis (QB), Javon Eggert (RB/DBKR), Khelin Jackson (OL/LB), Daquan Owens-Johnson (WR/DB), Jeffrey Ray (OL/DL) and Elijah Rogers (DL/TE) •Key losses: Daniel Bangura, Jannai French, Makyle Goins, Andrew Howes, Savon Mitchell, Isaiah Mullens, Richard Turnbo III, Nick TyreeMartin and Martin Woods
dle linebacker after leading the Warriors in tackles with more than 60 and also adding 12 tackles for loss last season. Ray is a returning starter at defensive end, and Manny Mullens should line up at the other end spot. Rogers and sophomores Michael Dungy and Patrick Moore are among those at tackle. Sophomore Phillip GibsonPerry, who is new to the program, and Jackson should be at outside linebacker. Owens-Johnson and sophomore Zion Walker are returning contributors at safety, with Eggert and sophomore Shaun Goines likely at cornerback.
SPECIAL TEAMS
a good kid and can throw the ball, run the ball and is very intelligent. He’s the guy we’re going to trust in.” Price – who Cutler said “runs at a different frequency and who can make plays that make you look good as a coach” – benefited from an offensive line that produced four players who he said are playing collegiately. That group included 2018 graduate Jacob Jones, who was first-team all-district and is competing for the University of Indianapolis. The only returning starter up front is senior Nate Wells, but seniors Jack Gould, Brandon Leach and Dustin Massie are among a group that should join him. “We have some experience coming back (up front), and they’re workers,” Cutler said. “They know they have to get better, and the cool thing is they definitely want to get better and
THE LINEUP Offense Quarterbacks: *Moses Davis (sr., 6-0, 192), Daquan OwensJohnson (sr., 6-0, 185) unning backs: *Javon Running Eggert (jr., 5-6, 161), Jaylen Jennings (fr., 5-9, 153) Receivers: *Owens-Johnson, *Ralph Robinson (sr., 61, 180), *Jalen Davis (so., 62, 180), Shedarion Waugh (sr., 5-8, 175) H-back: *Zion Bangura (sr., 5-9, 197) Tight end: *Elijah Rogers (jr., 6-0, 225) Linemen: *Jeffrey Ray (sr., 5-11, 205), *Khelin Jackson (jr., 5-7, 225), *Michael Dungy (so., 6-1, 245), *Patrick Moore (so., 5-10, 265), *Manny Mullens (so., 6-2, 260) Defense Linemen: *Ray, *Rogers, Dungy, Moore, Mullens Linebackers: *Bangura, *Jackson, *Phillip GibsonPerry (so., 6-0, 197) Secondary: *Owens-Johnson, *Eggert, *Shaun Goines (so., 5-9, 150), *Zion Walker (so., 6-1, 160) Special teams Kicker: Ray Punter: Ray Returners: Eggert, Jalen Davis, Jennings Long snapper: Rogers (*Denotes projected starter)
Harvest Prep punted just seven times last season and rarely has attempted field goals or extra points under Smith, DEFENSE but Ray likely will get the call julrey@thisweeknews.com Zion Bangura is back at mid- if those circumstances occur. @UlreyThisWeek
RED RAIDERS FROM >> 64
Rogers is a skilled long snapper, according to Smith, but rarely gets opportunities to do so. “(Ray) would be the guy if we did (kick it), but we don’t do that,” Smith said. “We don’t like leaving points on the board.” Freshman Jaylen Jennings and Eggert figure to be the primary kickoff returners and sophomore Jalen Davis will return punts.
LIONS progress.”
DEFENSE
Senior Eric Noble is expected to be the new kicker, and he was competing in the preseason for the punting job with Isaiah Jones and Spiess. Although Price didn’t usually return kicks last season, he’s a candidate to perform that duty. Thiel will be the long snapper after the loss to graduation of Caleb Whitacre.
Linemen: *Jack Gould (sr., 6-1, 242), *Brandon Leach (sr., 6-0, 225), *Dustin Massie (sr., 5-10, 275), *Nate Wells (sr., 6-1, 225), Richie Geib (sr., 6-3, 225), Jonathan Schooley (fr., 5-9, 170) Defense Linemen: Geib, Gould, Leach, Massie, Wells, Darian Huff (jr., 5-10, 160), Caleb Sollars (jr., 5-7, 176) Linebackers: *Thiel, *Jayvion Stevens (jr., 5-10, 175), *Tyler Tobin (jr., 5-10, 185), Dulin Secondary: *Gavin Bonn (sr., 5-9, 172), *Jackson Jones (jr., 5-11, 185), *McClintock, Isaiah Jones (jr., 5-10, 190), Manville Special teams Kicker: *Eric Noble (sr., 5-10, 155) Punters: Noble, Spiess, Isaiah Jones Returner: Price Long snapper: *Thiel (*Denotes projected starter)
Thiel and junior Tyler Tobin are returning starters for a linebacker group that could be the defense’s biggest strength. Senior Gavin Bonn and juniors Isaiah Jones, Jackson Jones, Noah McClintock and Xavier Manville all gained experience last season in the secondTHE LINEUP ary. Offense On the defensive line, Cutler is Quarterbacks: *Juane Gardner (sr., expecting to rotate many of the members of his offensive line along with 6-0, 193), Dylan Combs (fr., 6-0, 155) Running backs: *K.J. Price (sr., 5juniors Darian Huff and Caleb Sollars. 10, 175), Gavin Bonn (sr., 5-9, 172), Brennan Spiess (sr., 6-1, 204) SPECIAL TEAMS Wide receivers: *Noah McClintock One of the biggest losses from last (jr., 5-10, 155), *Jackson Jones (jr., 5season was 2018 graduate Miller Kronk, 11, 185), *Xavier Manville (jr., 5-10, who is now kicking at Army. He made 170), Spiess six field goals – including three of more Tight ends/H-Backs: *Bricker Thiel than 40 yards – and 48 extra points while (sr., 5-11, 205), Joey Dulin (jr., 6-0, julrey@thisweeknews.com @UlreyThisWeek also averaging 40.4 yards per punt. 170), Josh Buchanan (so., 6-2, 223)
FROM >> 64
Defense Linemen: *Waits, *Dylan Linem Anthony (so., 6-1, 215), *Davis Linebackers: *Abolins, *Harkins, *Sims, *Barnett, *Fleahman Secondary: *Billingsley, *Lawhorn, *Jacob Denny (fr., 6-2, 160) Special teams Kickers: *Newsome, Braden Shook (so.) Punter: *Shook Returner: *Lawhorn Long snapper: *Sims (*Denotes projected starter) julrey@thisweeknews.com @UlreyThisWeek
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Harvest Prep
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MSL-C ARDINAL D IVISION
MONARCHS FROM >> 28
ners,” he said. “We don’t talk winning or losing, we talk about our process. We really evaluate ourselves through our effort and our willingness to compete and our physicality. If we’re good in those, we feel we have a chance to win.” Marysville was hit hard by graduation, with Tommy Rush being the biggest loss. Now a linebacker at Minnesota, Rush ran for a team-high 795 yards and 10 touchdowns last season and had 111 tackles. He shared league Player of the Year honors with Westland’s Ousmane Dabo, Coffman’s Griffin Hoak and UA’s Dante Landolfi and was first-team all-district and second-team all-state.
OFFENSE After relying on a run-oriented offense in recent seasons, Johnson said there was focus on the passing game during the preseason. “We’re throwing the ball a little bit more and they’re picking that up,” he said. “I feel good where we’re at. We’re leaning on them right now. This year’s two-a-days have been harder than last year and I wanted it that way.” Heard will direct the wingT offense, but Johnson stressed the offense will be more balanced. Running backs include juniors Chase Kilgore, Brody Lewis and Jayden Simmons. The top receivers are seniors Mike Bonzak and Blaine Williams. At 6-foot-6 and 295 pounds, senior Tyler Connolly should lead the line at tackle. “The biggest thing for us this year is realizing we can compete with other teams and getting everybody to believe that and not just a couple guys,” Connolly said. Also back are seniors Joe
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24 .............vs. Jonathan Alder Aug. 31.......................at Delaware Sept. 7 ...........at Olentangy Liberty Sept. 14 ...................vs. Grove City Sept. 21....................at Big Walnut *Sept. 28..........vs. Dublin Coffman *Oct. 5 ........................at Westland *Oct. 12............vs. Upper Arlington *Oct. 19 ...........vs. Hilliard Davidson *Oct. 26 ...........at Central Crossing 2017 RESULTS (4-6 overall, 2-3 OCC-Central) Jonathan Alder..........L, 35-32 (OT) Delaware ..........................W, 35-0 Olentangy Liberty .............L, 32-21 Grove City .......................W, 23-14
Olentangy ........................L, 21-14 *Dublin Coffman.................L, 28-7 *Westland .........................W, 27-6 *Upper Arlington.................L, 34-7 *Hilliard Davidson...............L, 28-7 *Central Crossing ..............W, 29-7 *League contest INSIDE THE MONARCHS •Coach: Brent Johnson, second season •Top players: Tyler Connolly (OL/DL), Bodie Eberhart (RB/DB),Walker Heard (QB/LB), Chase Kilgore (RB/LB), Mike Powers (LB), Ethan Smegal (OL/DL) and Ben Warden (OL/DL) •Key losses: Tayden Jackson, Tommy Rush and Stephen Shamhart
Oberlin at guard, Ethan SmeTHE LINEUP gal at tackle and Ben Warden Offense at center. Quarterback: *Walker Heard Other linemen are junior (sr., 5-9, 170) guards Matt Belt, Ian Johnson Running backs: Chase Kiland Joey Palmer. gore (jr., 6-0, 190), Brody Lewis (jr., 6-2, 185), Jayden Simmons DEFENSE (jr., 5-10, 160) Senior Michael Powers Receivers: Mike Bonzak (sr., should lead the 4-3 base defense 6-2, 185), Blaine Williams (sr., at middle linebacker after being 5-10, 155) first-team all-district and allLinemen: *Tyler Connolly league and honorable mention (sr., 6-6, 295), Joe Oberlin (sr., all-state last season. 6-0, 200), *Ethan Smegal (sr., “We’re doing really well right 5-9, 240), *Ben Warden (sr., 5now,” Powers said. “We’ve 9, 225), Matt Belt (jr., 5-10, worked harder than we’ve ever 210), Ian Johnson (jr., 5-11, worked before because we have 190), Joey Palmer (jr., 5-10, higher goals this year than we’ve 230) ever had before. We want to do Defense the things that Marysville used Linemen: Connolly, Anthony to do – go to the playoffs. That’s Kessler (sr., 6-3, 190), Smegal, our goal and it’s nothing less.” Warden, Johnson, Colby GoodOther linebackers include win (jr., 6-0, 210) Heard, Kilgore, senior Jakob Linebackers: *Mike Powers Hullinger and junior David Far- (sr., 6-1, 230), Heard, Jakob ley. Hullinger (sr., 5-10, 180), KilKey linemen are Connolly, gore, David Farley (jr., 5-10, Ian Johnson, Smegal, Warden, 180) senior Anthony Kessler and junSecondary: *Bonzak, *Bodie ior Colby Goodwin. Eberhart (sr., 6-2, 180), “Hopefully we can rotate a Williams, Simmons, Chris Lambunch of dudes up through bert (jr., 5-8, 150) there,” coach Johnson said. Special teams Bonzak, Simmons, Williams, Kicker: *Thomas Wolfe (sr., senior Bodie Eberhart and jun- 6-2, 180) ior Chris Lambert should lead Punter: *Eberhart the secondary. Returners: *Eberhart, Wolfe Long snapper: *Warden SPECIAL TEAMS (*Denotes projected starter) Senior Thomas Wolfe, who also plays on the boys soccer fdirenna@thisweeknews.com team, is the kicker. @ThisWeekFrank
PATRIOTS
FROM >> 31
4218 Hoover Rd. Grove City, OH 43123
614-539-2702
pinnacledentalgc.com
Good Luck Eagles!
185), Ben Cox (so., 5-10, 185), Secondary: *Wilson, *Parrish, Miley, Stevens, Jacob Kessler (jr., 5-11, 175) Special teams Kickers: Kershner, Ryan Bird (jr., 6-0, 165) Punter: *Okuley Returners: *Miley, *Stevens, *Kenley Long snappers: Donte Eldredge (sr., 5-8, 140), Paolo, Matt Hale (so., 5-10, 165), Brian Yamokoski (so., 5-10, 165) (*Denotes projected starter)
Linemen: *Alex Azusenis (sr., 6-6, 295), *Nick Brown (sr., 6-3, 290), *Nick Hall (sr., 6-3, 305), *Brady Kuhn (sr., 6-2, 280), *Tyus Thompson (jr., 6-3, 285), Noah Hatcher (sr., 5-8, 240) Defense Linemen: *Azusenis, *Hessing, Kuhn, Tristan Lehmiller (sr., 6-1, 240), Ben Flees (jr., 6-4, 195), Jacoby Yeray (jr., 6-2, 195) Linebackers: *Paolo, *Matthew Rohl (sr., 6-0, 200), Shawn Castellanos (sr., 6-0, 180), Justin Callahan (jr., 6-0, julrey@thisweeknews.com 170), Dylan Stevens (jr., 5-9, @UlreyThisWeek
Grove City Christian
Improvement expected in coach’s second year By FRANK DiRENNA THISWEEKSPORTS.COM With his players having a year of experience learning his system, second-year Grove City Christian School football coach Hank Patterson expects a drastic improvement this fall. After a slow start last season, the Eagles won three of their final five games to finish 4-6 overall and 3-4 in the MSL-Cardinal Division. Patterson was hired in April of 2017 to replace B.J. Queen, and Patterson points to his late arrival as a key reason for the early losses a year ago. Now he hopes a full offseason with the team will help lead to a turnaround starting with the Aug. 24 opener at home against Springfield Catholic Central.. “Hopefully they’re smarter and a little more aggressive than last year,” Patterson said. “I think they are. They’re receptive quite a bit now because last year was a little sugar-coated and we couldn’t get a bunch of things in, but now my quarterback (senior Brett Baker) has a year under his belt. He’s a little more smarter back there.” The Eagles begin MSL-Cardinal play Sept. 14 against visiting Berne Union. Last season, Grove City Christian finished fifth in the league behind champion Harvest Prep (7-0). “Our goal is to win the league this year,” senior Alex Schuler said. “We want to compete with Harvest Prep, Fisher Catholic and Berne Union.” Millersport, which went 2-5 in the league last season, will not field a team because of a lack of players and it has been replaced on the schedule by Morral Ridgedale with an Oct. 26 non-league game. “These guys have been very good,” Patterson said. “Most of these guys are weight room guys. These guys have dealt with adversity and they showed that in the last five games of the year. They became better players.” One of those late-season wins came when Fisher Catholic – which had defeated the Eagles 44-14 – was forced to forfeit four victories for using an academically ineligible player. There were 27 players on the preseason roster, so depth might again be an issue for the Eagles, who will have several athletes playing on both offense and defense. “We’re going to be the underdog every time we play,” Patterson said. “The one thing that I like about my guys is they’ll take a challenge. Even though we might be undersized, I’m very proud of them.”
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24 ......vs. Springfield Catholic Central Sept. 1............at New Philadelphia Tuscarawas Central Catholic Sept. 7 ............at Dayton Jefferson Township *Sept. 14...............vs. Berne Union *Sept. 21 .........vs. Worth. Christian *Sept. 28 ............at Fisher Catholic *Oct. 6 ............at Fairfield Christian *Oct. 12................vs. Harvest Prep *Oct. 19 ...vs. Zanesville Rosecrans Oct. 26...........vs. Morral Ridgedale 2017 RESULTS (4-6 overall, 3-4 MSL-Cardinal) Spring. Catholic Central ......L, 41-7 Crestline ..............................L, 7-0 Dayton Jefferson Twsp. .....W, 45-6 *Berne Union .....................L, 41-7
Eagles’ I-formation, pro-set offense after passing for 868 yards and seven touchdowns a year ago. “He’s our best player and we’re lucky he’s our quarterback also,” Patterson said. “He’s a good leader and a very determined individual.” Sophomore Christian Lautenschleger, who led the Eagles in rushing with 438 yards and one touchdown, should again be the featured running back. Also expected to see action in the backfield are Schuler and senior Brandon Rex. “The difference between this year’s and last year’s team is definitely the intensity,” Schuler said. “It’s a lot more intense. Everyone is going hard, nonstop because we all know it’s (the seniors’) last year. We have a lot more talent in the backfield.” Baker’s targets at receiver will include seniors Jacob Stoneking, Zion ChristopherJackson and Ethan Metsker and sophomore Lukas Hamilton. Stoneking had 11 catches for 224 yards and two touchdowns a year ago. The Eagles will feature some size up front, led by senior right tackle Jordan Heintzelman (6foot-3, 335 pounds). He will be joined on the line by seniors Tom Suhayda (center), Zach Frank and Connor Maxwell.
DEFENSE
*Worthington Christian .......L, 27-3 *Fisher Catholic...........W, by forfeit *Fairfield Christian...........W, 28-13 *Harvest Prep.....................L, 46-8 *Zanesville Rosecrans ......L, 54-20 *Millersport .......................W, 20-7 *League contest INSIDE THE EAGLES •Coach: Hank Patterson, second season •Top players: Brett Baker (QB/DB/P), Zion Christopher-Jackson (WR/DB), Zach Frank (OL/DL), Jordan Heintzelman (OL/DL), Christian Lautenschleger (RB/LB), Connor Maxwell (OL/DL), Alex Schuler (RB/DB) and Jacob Stoneking (WR/LB) •Key losses: Quenton Blount, Ian Sinclair, Blake Spitler, Noah Whitaker and Kent Writesel
Other defensive backs are senior Jacob Brunney, Christopher-Jackson and Rex. Frank will be a key lineman in the team’s 3-4 odd-front defense, and Maxwell and Suhayda also will see action up front. Stoneking will play outside linebacker, with Hamilton, Lautenschleger and Metsker also contributing.
THE LINEUP Offense Quarterbacks: *Brett Baker (sr., 5-11, 172), Jacob Brunney (sr., 5-9, 155) Running backs backs: Brandon Rex (sr., 5-9, 160), Alex Schuler (sr., 5-9, 170), *Christian Lautenschleger (so., 6-0, 140) Receivers: *Zion Christopher-Jackson (sr., 5-9, 145), Ethan Metsker (sr., 5-11, 165), *Jacob Stoneking (sr., 6-3, 185), Lukas Hamilton (so., 6-2, 170) Linnemen: *Zach Frank (sr., Li 6-0, 220), *Jordan Heintzelman (sr. 6-3, 335), *Connor Maxwell (sr., 5-10, 225), *Tom Suhayda (sr., 5-9, 190) Defense Linemen: *Frank, *Maxwell, *Suhayda Linebackers: *Metsker, *Stoneking, *Hamilton, *Lautenschleger Secondary: *Baker, Jacob Brunney (sr., 5-9, 155), *Christopher-Jackson, Rex, *Schuler Special teams Kicker: *Jackson Punter: *Baker Returners: Christopher-Jackson, Rex Long snappers: Metsker, Suhayda, Kyle Davis (so., 5-7, 200) (*Denotes projected starter)
Baker was a standout at free safety last season, and he was named first-team all-state in Division VII. Schuler will join Baker in the secondary at strong safety. “Alex is a very tenacious hitter and he’s a leader, too,” Patterson said. OFFENSE “He’s probably the most fdirenna@thisweeknews.com @ThisWeekFrank Baker will again guide the vocal leader on the team.”
67
MSL-C ARDINAL D IVISION
Warriors focused on strengthening program
By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM One night this summer, members of the Worthington Christian High School football team stayed in tents at its practice facility and got up at 6 a.m. the next day to do a workout with visiting members of the National Guard. The team-building experience was an example of the direction the program is heading as it moves toward goals such as developing into a playoff contender while focusing on the steps needed to get to that level. “The process is the product,” senior two-way lineman Luke Sharp said. “Every day we’re working on the process so that we can have the product at the end of the year.” The Warriors also have tried to combine tough workouts with a light-hearted attitude, sometimes incorporating cornhole competitions and other games. Creating what second-year coach Jeff Hartings calls a “great environment” is part of the development for a program that enters its fifth season. Numbers throughout a youth program that includes flag football for children in kindergarten through sixth grade and tackle football beginning in fifth grade have continued to grow, according to Hartings. At the varsity level, the Warriors followed a 1-9 finish in their inaugural 2014 season by improving to 4-6 the next year and then went 6-4 in 2016. Although it lost six games on the field last season, Worthington Christian received a forfeit victory over Fisher Catholic to finish 5-5 overall. The Warriors went 5-2 in the MSL-Cardinal Division to tie Berne Union for second behind Harvest Prep (7-0). There are 29 players, including nine seniors, intent on helping the program move toward
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24.....vs. Spring. Northeastern Aug. 31 ............at Galion Northmor Sept. 7..............at Marion Pleasant *Sept. 14..............vs. Harvest Prep *Sept. 21.....at Grove City Christian *Sept. 28..vs. Zanesville Rosecrans *Oct. 5...............vs. Fisher Catholic *Oct. 19.........vs. Fairfield Christian *Oct. 26..................at Berne Union 2017 RESULTS (5-5 overall, 5-2 MSL-Cardinal) Cardington.......................L, 53-14 Galion Northmor...............L, 40-14 New Philadelphia Tuscarawas Central Catholic................L, 13-10 *Harvest Prep.....................L, 52-3 *Grove City Christian..........W, 27-3 *Zanesville Rosecrans .....W, 16-10
Junior Lucas Hartings will take over at quarterback for the Warriors following the graduation of Braedon Mullins. SHANE FLANIGAN/THISWEEK
its next step of progression. “I’ll focus a lot on the process because that’s what we want these kids to focus on,” Hartings said. “We’ve got eyes on the goal, but we’re focusing on the process. I want these guys to be patient, including the coaches, because we don’t see the product out there yet. I’m evaluating every day. Our numbers are improving, especially at the younger levels, and that’s the credit to the 15 coaches we have out there and the dedication of those guys and the students we have. You still have your injuries and still have the little things that keep you from progressing, but you just have to respond the right way.”
OFFENSE The Warriors have moved to a spread offense this fall after primarily running the ball behind an offensive line that might have been their biggest strength last season. Senior running back Michael Hartings rushed for 951 yards
and 10 touchdowns and will combine with his brother, junior quarterback Lucas Hartings, and senior wide receivers Michael King and Garrett Woodfin to lead the offense. King had 17 receptions, including three touchdowns, last season. Lucas Hartings played behind 2018 graduate Braedon Mullins, who completed 51 of 109 passes for 666 yards with four touchdowns and rushed for two scores. Sophomore Braden Anderson provides depth at running back after rushing for 124 yards last season. The Warriors are hoping to use Woodfin’s versatility in a number of ways offensively, including at running back. Sharp and senior Derek Holston are the top returnees on an offensive line that lost Galen Cox, who is now playing for Butler University, and Joe Seifert to graduation. “With the numbers we have, you have to evaluate and decide what kind of offense you want
to have,” coach Hartings said. “Our skill guys are older, so we have more skill guys and it gives us the ability to throw the ball more.”
DEFENSE The Warriors have experienced returnees throughout their defense. Leading the linebacking corps are Michael Hartings, who had 41.5 tackles last season, and Anderson, who had 54.5 tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss. Senior Evan Legg and junior Ryan Snedecor are others at the position. Holston had 31 tackles and should combine with Sharp, junior Caleb Harper and sophomore Zach Hoheisel on the line. King and junior Jake Thompson are expected to be at cornerback with senior Jonah Anderson. Woodfin and senior Jonathan Heredia Aguire are safeties. Seifert, who had 87 tackles, six quarterback hurries and 8.5
CRUISERS FROM >> 38
*Fisher Catholic ...............W, forfeit *Millersport .........................W, 7-0 *Fairfield Christian.............W, 47-7 *Berne Union....................L, 56-21 *League contest INSIDE THE WARRIORS •Coach: Jeff Hartings, second season •Top players: Braden Anderson (LB/RB), Lucas Hartings (QB), Michael Hartings (RB/LB/KR/PR), Derek Holston (OL/DL/LS), Michael King (WR/DB/KR/PR), Evan Legg (TE), Luke Sharp (OL/DL), Jake Thompson (WR/DB) and Garrett Woodfin (WR/RB/DB) •Key losses: Galen Cox, Braedon Mullins, Danny Myers,Alex Pope and Joe Seifert
practices, as juniors Te-rah Edwards and Nick Wheeler have returned as job so far.” starters. Sophomore Leland Slaven Junior Emmanuel Anthony will start and junior Zach Ward also are back at slotback, while senior Nassem Bow- and will be joined by sophomore ers, junior Mike Davis and sophomore Markious Mosley. Jhalil Underdown are competing at the other spot. Junior Allan Joyce and DEFENSE sophomore JaShaun McGraw will both The defensive front returned junsee time at fullback. iors Jasiyah Robinson and Darrell “We’ve got a lot of spots open with Smoot. Senior Deahmi Guinn, a twocompetitions,” Schoonover said. “We year starter in that group, has moved have guys who can play, but we’re to linebacker, where he will join returntrying to get them in positions where ing junior starter Skyler Mouser and they fit the best.” Joyce. Seniors Cody Wilson and Jaylin “Smoot only played in three games Chaney are back as receivers. Accord- last year due to an injury, but he came ing to Schoonover, both have improved back and played well in the end and in all areas, from tracking the ball to we’re looking for him to have a great their blocking, which is key in the season,” said Schoonover, whose Wing-T. defense has five starters back. “Guinn The line was one area that seemed is a tremendous player who played up to be more settled early in preseason front for two years because that’s where
we needed him. “But he’s a natural linebacker and should have a seamless transition. He’s had a great camp. “Deahmi played for us two years ago when we battled for the league championship and a playoff berth down to the final week. Then last year was the exact opposite. But he never deviates from his approach. He comes to practice every day and works hard. He deserves to have a great season.” Wilson will lead the secondary. “Cody Wilson also should have a tremendous season,” Schoonover said. “He bulked up and has become a leader. He’s a guy that struggled to get to practice on time in past years, but he’s changed his mentality, grown physically and mentally and he gets his teammates going. We trust him and he’s the kind of young man you want to have around all the time.”
tackles for loss, was the biggest Jonathan Heredia Aguire (sr., loss from a defense that 5-9, 135) Tight ends: *Evan Legg (sr., allowed an average of 8.8 points in its five victories. 6-1, 185), Anderson Linemen: *Derek Holston (sr., 6-5, 250), *Luke Sharp SPECIAL TEAMS Coach Hartings entered the (sr., 6-2, 270), *Zach Hoheisel preseason not sure who would (so., 6-0, 250), Caleb Harper be the kicker or punter after (jr., 6-4, 195), Ryan Snedecor the Warriors lost kicker AjAi (jr., 6-2, 220), Max Berner (so., Smith and punter Danny Myers 6-0, 215), Jeb Burford (so., 510, 215) to graduation. Defense King, Michael Hartings and Linemen: *Holston, *Sharp, Woodfin all gained experience *Harper, *Hoheisel last season as returners. Linebackers: *Michael HartHolston returns at long snapings, *Anderson, *Snedecor, per. Legg, Woodfin, Secondary: *King, *ThompTHE LINEUP son, *Woodfin, Jonah AnderOffense son (sr., 5-11, 140), Heredia Quarterbacks: *Lucas Hart- Aguire ings (jr., 6-3, 170), Jackson Special teams Moore (so., 6-2, 160) Kicker: TBD Running backs: *Michael Punter: TBD Hartings (sr., 5-11, 205), Returners: *Michael HartBraden Anderson (so., 6-0, ings, *King 162), Garrett Woodfin (sr., 5Long snapper: Holston 10, 150) (*Denotes projected starter) Receivers: *Michael King (sr., 5-10, 165), *Woodfin, julrey@thisweeknews.com *Jake Thompson (jr., 6-2, 155), @UlreyThisWeek
SPECIAL TEAMS Senior Luis Hernandez is back to handle the place-kicking and junior Austin Snyder will kick off. The punter and return specialists had not been determined at the start of the preseason.
THE LINEUP
*Markious Mosley (so.), Leland Slaven (so.), Zach Ward (jr.), Nick Wheeler (jr.) Defense Linemen: Edwards, *Tykel Hancock (jr.), Brandon Jordan (sr.), *Jasiyah Robinson (jr.), *Darrell Smoot (jr.), Wheeler Linebackers: *Deahmi Guinn (sr.), *Joyce, *Skyler Mouser (jr.) Secondary: Keimare Burnett (jr.), Terion Coleman (so.), *Esco Davis (jr.), Jeremiah Eggleston (sr.), Jon Moton (so.), Cameron Prater (jr.), *Wilson Special teams Kickoffs: *Austin Snyder (jr.) PATs: *Luis Hernandez (sr.) Punter: TBD Returners: TBD (*Denotes projected starter)
Offense Quarterbacks: Elijah Aekins (so), Colin Kerns (sr.) , Colin Rice (jr.) Running backs: *Emmanuel Anthony (jr.), Nassem Bowers (sr.), Mike Davis (jr.), Allan Joyce (jr.), JaShaun McGraw (so.), Jhalil Underdown (so.) Receivers: *Jaylin Chaney (sr.), *Cody Wilson (sr.) Tight ends: R’rion Cobb (jr.), Elijah Hawk (so.), Jaylen Jackson (sr.) bemerine@thisweeknews.com Linemen: *Te-rah Edwards (jr), @Brad_ThisWeek
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Worthington Christian
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68
LCL-B UCKEYE D IVISION
Granville
Watkins Memorial
Blue Aces work to find consistency By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM In the last of its nine seasons under coach J.R. Wait a year ago, the Granville High School football team returned to the postseason following a two-year absence. The back-to-back 5-5 finishes that came in 2015 and 2016 are what new coach Justin Buttermore is aiming to avoid this fall and into the future. Buttermore has been a regular winner throughout his coaching career and expects that to continue with the Blue Aces, who finished 8-3 overall last fall but are 0-7 all-time in the postseason. They fell 55-28 to top-seeded Bellefontaine in their Division III, Region 11 opener as the No. 8 seed last fall. “They’ve had a mixture of 8-2 and 9-1 seasons, but also some 4-6 and 5-5 years,” Buttermore said. “What we’re trying to do is be consistent winners. They’ve had a very solid program, but there’s been a few dips. We’re trying to win consistently, and that’s a by-product of a great offseason program, a by-product of players buying into the system and a by-product of (grades) seven through 12 being on the same page and the junior high being on the same page as your varsity. It sometimes doesn’t happen quite as quickly as you want, but we’re getting there.” Buttermore played for Capital University and got his coaching start as an assistant at Hilliard Davidson under Brian White from 1999-03. The Wildcats made three playoff appearances with Buttermore on staff, and Buttermore then began a 14year tenure at Dresden Tri-Valley that hit its peak last season. The Scotties went 124-38 under Buttermore with 10 playoff appearances, including last fall when they lost 27-19 to Trotwood-Madison in the Division III state final to finish 13-2. Tri-Valley never had made the postseason before Buttermore took over. According to senior Keegan VanMeter, the Blue Aces have goals such as winning the LCLBuckeye Division and finishing in the top four of their region to earn a home playoff game. Granville finished second at 3-1 behind Licking Valley (40) in the league last season, losing 34-27 to the Panthers in week nine of the regular season. Granville made four postseason appearances under Wait, who stepped down after last season because of health concerns,
Warriors eager to bounce back under Kuhner By DAVE PURPURA THISWEEKSPORTS.COM
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24 ....vs. Hamilton Township Aug. 31...................at Zanesville Sept. 7 ....................at Northland Sept. 14 ...............vs. Johnstown Sept. 21 .........................at Utica *Sept. 28 .......vs. Licking Heights Oct. 5 ...................vs. Northridge *Oct. 12..................at Lakewood *Oct. 19.............at Licking Valley *Oct. 26.....vs. Watkins Memorial 2017 RESULTS (8-3 overall, 3-1 LCL-Buckeye) Hamilton Township.......W, 52-14 Zanesville ......................W, 30-7 Northland.....................W, 44-26 Johnstown....................L, 42-34 Utica............................W, 49-13 *Licking Heights...........W, 24-21 Northridge .....................W, 42-0 *Lakewood ....................W, 42-0 *Licking Valley ..............L, 34-27 *Watkins Memorial.......W, 52-42 PLAYOFFS Bellefontaine.................L, 55-28 *League contest INSIDE THE BLUE ACES •Coach: Justin Buttermore, first season •Top players: Bo Buttermore (DB/RB/PR/QB), Trent Compton (DL/OL), Cameron Crouch (QB), Mitch Kunar (WR/LB), Daniel Purdy (OL/DL), Joe Rutherford (OL/DL), Keegan VanMeter (RB/DB), Zach Walsh (WR/DB/KR/PR) and Tommy Wolfe (LB/RB) •Key losses: Patrick Chaykowski, Bob Compton, Jaden Durham, Nate Miller and Grant Porterfield
but its only home playoff game came in 2009. “We’re glad to finally be settling in with an outstanding coaching staff that is all in, just as we are,” VanMeter said. “Coach Buttermore and his staff have been pushing our team to be the best we can be and to be as mentally tough as possible. He always states that the best teams are the teams that can stay 100 percent focused for four quarters, and we’re trying to do just that.”
OFFENSE Of the 20 seniors in the program, about half have played key roles since their sophomore seasons. Depth could become an issue because of low numbers in the junior and sophomore classes, however. Seniors Cameron Crouch (QB), Max Markgraf (OL) and Keegan VanMeter (RB) are among the returnees on offense.
Quarterback Cameron Crouch is looking to lead the Blue Aces to a return trip to the playoffs as well as their first postseason victory. BARBARA J. PERENIC/COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Crouch passed for 1,844 yards with 20 touchdowns and rushed for five scores during the regular season, while Markgraf was first-team all-district. “(Crouch has) played a lot of football; he’s a terrific leader and he’s done a great job with our young kids in our camp,” Buttermore said. VanMeter and junior Bo Buttermore – who is one of two sons in the program for the coach and played a role in TriValley’s playoff run last fall – figure to be among the primary ball carriers after an offseason injury to senior Brandon Haley. After rushing for more than 1,400 yards and scoring 26 touchdowns during the regular season, Haley could be out for the season with a knee injury. Senior Tommy Wolfe will line up at fullback. Junior Zach Walsh is expected to lead a group of wide receivers that should include several contributors, as the Aces likely will feature one running back and as many as four wide receivers. The line is expected to include seniors Joe Rutherford (tackle), Markgraf (tackle), Owen Schwab (guard) and James Batey (center) and junior Daniel Purdy (guard).
DEFENSE Leading the defense should be Rutherford at nose tackle, senior Trent Compton at end and Wolfe at inside linebacker. Wolfe finished with 152 tackles and two interceptions and Compton had 12 tackles for loss and six sacks as both were firstteam all-district. Markgraf and senior Garrett Sutliff will play what Buttermore calls the “Leo” position, which is a term he picked up working with White at Hilliard Davidson that describes one of the outside linebackers. Senior Patrick Steyn, junior Dominic Varasso, sophomore Keshawn Bonner and Walsh all
could see time at cornerback, with Bo Buttermore likely at free safety and VanMeter at strong safety.
SPECIAL TEAMS Senior Craig Zies returns at kicker after making five field goals and 44 extra points. He also will punt again after averaging 35.9 yards. Bo Buttermore and Walsh should return punts, with Bonner and Walsh on kickoff returns.
THE LINEUP Offense Quarterbacks: *Cameron Crouch (sr., 6-1, 210), Bo Buttermore (jr., 5-8, 160) Running backs: *Keegan VanMeter (sr., 5-8, 190), Tommy Wolfe (sr., 6-0, 210), Buttermore, Trevor Crumley (jr., 5-8, 155) Receivers: *Cooper Campbell (sr., 5-11, 165), *Mitch Kunar (jr., 5-9, 175), *Zach Walsh (jr., 5-10, 155), Nathan Chaykowski (sr., 5-11, 195), Patrick Steyn (sr., 5-11, 175), Ethan Tackett (sr., 6-1, 200), Andy Hoben (jr., 5-8, 150), Dominic Varasso (jr., 5-9, 150) Tight ends: *Jack Owen (sr., 6-1, 220), Garrett Sutliff (sr., 63, 210) Linemen: *James Batey (sr., 6-2, 230), *Max Markgraf (sr., 6-3, 215), *Joe Rutherford (sr., 6-3, 260), *Owen Schwab (sr., 5-9, 235), *Daniel Purdy (jr., 5-9, 205), Trent Compton (sr., 5-8, 190), Colin Freeman (sr., 5-9, 170), Thomas Scheetz (sr., 6-0, 240), Derick Bellofatto (jr., 5-9, 270) Defense Linemen: *Compton, *Rutherford, *Purdy, Batey, Jack Owen (sr., 6-1, 220), Bellofatto Linebackers: *Zach Everett (sr., 5-9, 195), *Tackett, *Wolfe,
BLUE ACES >> 77
Watkins Memorial High School football players are expecting this season to be different from the previous several, if for no other reason than that the Warriors have a new coach in Jake Kuhner. Kuhner, who was Pickerington North’s defensive coordinator last year, was hired in February to replace the retired Jeff Severino. “It’s definitely a different culture,” senior lineman Mick Walker said. “(The new coaches) bring a lot more intensity and it pushes us a lot more. They have a lot of energy. … This is a young staff. They will show us drills. They run with us. They lift with us. It’s exciting.” Watkins Memorial, which opens Aug. 24 at home against Whetstone, is eager to turn things around after finishing 28 overall and 1-3 in the LCLBuckeye Division last year, fourth behind champion Licking Valley (4-0). The Warriors have not had a winning record since 2015, when they went 64. Kuhner, a 2003 Pickerington graduate, was 14-16 at Whitehall from 2012-14 before returning to Pickerington and taking over as North’s wrestling coach. “I was (watching) film when I first got the Hudl access (online),” Kuhner said. “I put 40 to 50 hours into film from last year. I looked at the games against Whetstone and Walnut Ridge, who we have again this year. I was familiarizing with who we have and the opponents we’ll go against … and what we need to change offensively
and defensively with our guys.” Severino went 43-58 in 10 seasons with one playoff appearance, in 2014. The Warriors’ only other trip to the postseason came in 2006. Kuhner brought a handful of coaches with him from North. Former Ohio State fullback Zach Boren is coaching running backs and linebackers, and former Buckeye kicker A.J. Trapasso – a teammate of Kuhner’s at Pickerington who was on his staff at Whitehall – plans to visit occasionally and work with special teams. Boren and Trapasso both played in the NFL. The Warriors begin league play Oct. 5 at Licking Valley. “We have a better intensity. Everybody is excited for Aug. 24,” senior two-way lineman Everett Albin said. “We’re just all ready to get to the first game.”
OFFENSE Five linemen return and will help guide the Warriors’ transition into the spread offense, but the experience behind them is limited. Watkins Memorial lost its starting quarterback in Casey Music, who completed 87 of 169 passes for 929 yards with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions, as well as four of its top five running backs and its top four receivers to graduation. Versatile junior Tony Calovini, a starter since his freshman year, hopes to build on a season in which he rushed for 363 yards and a touchdown on 88 carries and caught 13 passes for 91 yards and a touchdown, although Kuhner said
WARRIORS >> 73
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24....................vs. Whetstone Aug. 31................vs. Walnut Ridge Sept. 7 ......................at Chillicothe Sept. 14 ...........at Newark Catholic Sept. 21 ...................at Johnstown Sept. 28..........................vs. Heath *Oct. 5..................at Licking Valley *Oct. 12............vs. Licking Heights *Oct. 19 ...................vs. Lakewood *Oct. 26 .......................at Granville 2017 RESULTS (2-8 overall, 1-3 LCL-Buckeye) Whetstone ........................W, 13-6 Walnut Ridge .....................L, 27-9 Athens...............................L, 27-0 Newark Catholic...............L, 15-14 Johnstown.......................L, 55-13
Heath ................................L, 47-7 *Licking Valley..................L, 41-14 *Licking Heights.................L, 17-9 *Lakewood........................W, 35-6 *Granville.........................L, 52-42 *League contest INSIDE THE WARRIORS •Coach: Jake Kuhner, first season •Top players: Everett Albin (OL/DL), Connor Brandon (QB), Austin Branham (WR/DB),Tony Calovini (RB/LB), Christian Harvey (DB), Ethan Miller (OL/LB), Zach Sprague (OL), Mick Walker (OL/DL) and Eli Wilson (WR/DB) •Key losses: James Bailey, Austin Dzierwa, Casey Music, Michael Reed, Gabe Shroyer and Josh Tatom
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LCL-B UCKEYE D IVISION
Summer work leaves Lancers hungry to win By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM
Cody Trago will start at wide receiver and in the defensive backfield for the Hornets, who will open Aug. 24 at Westland. MATTHEW HATCHER/THISWEEK
Licking Heights
Line development key for Hornets
By BRAD EMERINE THISWEEKSPORTS.COM With talent and experience back at the skill positions on offense, the Licking Heights High School football team is focusing on its line play. “We basically have an entire new offensive and defensive line,” said coach Darren Waters, who will begin his 13th season when the Hornets open Aug. 24 at Westland. “We’ve got a couple of guys who got a little playing time on the offensive line last year, but we’re going to be young up front. However, I think we have some kids who are going to do a nice job if camp is any indication.” After the Hornets finished 6-4 overall last fall, Waters made changes to the offseason preparation because of the inexperienced line. “Usually at this point, we’d have our entire offensive package in,” he said. “But we invested a lot of the summer in individual development by position. We didn’t run a team or group period until after our first 10 days of camp. We needed to put in all the tools individually, to get them where they need to be. It’s going to be an experience thing with those guys up front. Not an ability issue. “Football comes down to blocking and tackling. We have an outstanding offensive line coach in Kim Waaland. He’s been coaching football for close to 40 years and always does a nice job bringing his guys along. I think we’ll be OK.” Senior Jake Righter returns for his third season at quarter-
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24 .......................at Westland Aug. 31 ...............vs. Reynoldsburg Sept. 7 ................... at New Albany Sept. 14 ...........................at Heath Sept. 21 ..........vs. Newark Catholic *Sept. 28 .....................at Granville *Oct. 5 .....................vs. Lakewood *Oct. 12 .........at Watkins Memorial Oct. 19....................vs. Johnstown *Oct. 26...............vs. Licking Valley 2017 RESULTS (6-4 overall, 2-2 LCL-Buckeye) Westland.........................W, 52-21 Chillicothe..........................L, 28-7 New Albany.....................W, 35-30 Heath................................W, 42-6 Newark Catholic..............W, 55-13 *Granville..........................L 24-21 *Lakewood......................W, 42-12
back, and the Hornets also – have their typical deep rotation of tailbacks and slotbacks. “We’re blessed to have a third-year quarterback coming back in Jake Righter,” Waters said. “A three-year starter at quarterback is rare. We think he’s going to do a nice job leading the club. He has confidence in his ability and he shows poise. Guys respect him and follow his leadership. He’s recognizing coverages and making decisions in the running and passing game. We think he’s going to add a lot to our run game.”
*Watkins Memorial ............W 17-9 Johnstown........................L 47-28 *Licking Valley ..................L 33-14 *League contest INSIDE THE HORNETS •Coach: Darren Waters, 13th season •Top players: Will Chatman (RB/DB), Anthony Dicerbo (OL/DL), Reid Holskey (OL/DL), Jacob Righter (QB/DB), Zion Sharp (RB/DB), Myers Slebo (OL/DL), Cody Trago (WR/DB), Spencer Vincken (WR/LB), Cody Wilson (RB/LB) and Paapa Yeboah (OL/DL), •Key losses: Tanner Allton, Keyshawn Brown, Maurice Edmondson, Cameron Hershey, Drayton Kielmeyer, Spencer Schell, James Snider and Gavin Waters
Dicerbo has the most experience on the line, and junior tackle Reid Holskey and sophomore Nat Pack also should be key contributors. “Dicerbo played some guard and tackle for us last year and I think he’ll do a nice job anchoring things up front,” Waters said. “Nate Pack has a lot of potential at the other guard and he goes 6-foot, 265 (pounds). Reid Holskey is 64, 275 and has looked very good on the line as well as at defensive end.” Seniors Will Chatman and Zion Sharp will start in the slots, and junior Cody Wilson OFFENSE will be at running back. “We’re pretty excited about Senior guard Anthony
Zion Sharp and Will Chatman and Cody Wilson is an outstanding athlete with great speed,” Waters said. “Cody will play tailback, fullback and slot receiver. He’ll move around quite a bit.” Seniors Cody Trago and Spencer Vincken are among the top receivers for the Hornets. “Cody Trago and Spencer Vincken will be our go-to guys outside,” Waters said. “Trago had a good summer and Vincken is real consistent. They should provide a spark, along with Chatman and Sharp. It’s necessary for us to have multiple athletes. That helps us stay healthy in our jet-sweep offense.” Righter said he has confidence in the offensive line despite its inexperience. “Our seniors have stepped up and filled those roles up front,” he said. “They’ve been waiting their turn. I trust them. We’ve grown up playing together for years. I think it’s all going to come together nicely. “We can run it and throw it because we have so many weapons. My goal is to get us in the right plays and not force any passes. I also think I’ll get the opportunity to run the ball more this year and become more of a dual-threat guy.”
DEFENSE The defense is expected to be led by a play-making secondary that includes Chatman and Sharp at the corners and Trago at safety, along with Clayton Powell at outside line-
HORNETS >> 74
Being around the entire offseason is something coach Jason Lee hopes will help the Lakewood High School football program to begin turning around its fortunes as he enters his second season. After Lee was named coach in late June last year, the Lancers went 0-10 overall and 0-4 in the LCL-Buckeye Division. Those setbacks included a pair of tight games against Amanda-Clearcreek (10-7) and Utica (27-26), however, and Lakewood lost two other games by only 10 points. Lee likes the track his team went on when his players participated in several activities during the offseason that could provide benefits in the long run. He just wishes his team’s overall numbers – there are about 35 athletes in grades nine through 12 – were a little better. “We’ve had a really productive summer,” Lee said. “We’ve been really active, going four days a week, 2 1/2 hours a day. We did a three-day team retreat and we went to a 7-on-7. I feel like program-wise, we’ve done everything to solidify a successful program, and the only thing that hasn’t been productive is the numbers. “The kids have been spirited. They’re hungry and they want to win a game. The back end of our schedule is very difficult. Four wins is not out of reach if we stay healthy.” One characteristic whose importance Lee has stressed to his players is the need for consistency, particularly considering last year’s close losses. In the regular-season finale against Utica, the Redskins held on for their only victory when the Lancers failed to complete a two-point pass attempt following their final touchdown. There are just four juniors in the program, but a large sophomore class figures to provide much of the depth necessary to support a 10-member senior class. “I feel a lot better than I did last year at this time, especially with our coach being here a whole year,” senior Zaven Boland said. “Last year we were still trying to grasp the concepts and now we can move on to more advanced things. “Most of our schemes have stayed the same. We have 10 seniors, and most of them had varsity experience last year. I feel like we’ve got a good group of sophomores and we’ve got confidence in our senior corps.”
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24....at Amanda-Clearcreek Aug. 31..................vs. Cincinnati Landmark Christian Eagles Sept. 7..............at Bloom-Carroll Sept. 14................vs. Northridge Sept. 21........................at Heath *Sept. 28..........vs. Licking Valley *Oct. 5............at Licking Heights *Oct. 12...................vs. Granville *Oct. 19 ......at Watkins Memorial Oct. 26..........................vs. Utica 2017 RESULTS (0-10 overall, 0-4 LCL-Buckeye) Amanda-Clearcreek ........L, 10-7 Ready...........................L, 49-13 Bloom-Carroll ...............L, 36-14 Northridge ......................L, 17-7 Heath .............................L, 17-7 *Licking Valley ................L, 43-7 *Licking Heights............L, 42-12 *Granville........................L, 42-0 *Watkins Memorial..........L, 35-6 Utica.............................L, 27-26 *League contest INSIDE THE LANCERS •Coach: Jason Lee, second season •Top players: Mason Albanese (OL/DL/LS), Zaven Boland (WR/LB/P), Levi Hissong (OL/DL), Peyton Morrison (RB/DB/KR/PR), Alex Pletcher (WR/DB/K), Gabe Servis (DB/WR/KR/PR), Noah Snidach (LB/WR), Colt Vierstra (WR/DB/QB) and Connor Vierstra (QB) •Key losses: Christian Fahy,Austin Givens, David Hunt, David Moody, Chase Shaffer, Triston Warthman, James Waters and Josh Yost
OFFENSE A season-ending injury during the preseason a year ago to the Lancers’ expected No. 1 running back – 2018 graduate David Hunt – was a huge blow that hindered their progress early on. This fall, Lakewood returns junior quarterback Connor Vierstra and the backfield got a boost with the return of senior Peyton Morrison. Morrison did not come out last season after playing as a sophomore and is expected get most of the carries for the Lancers. “(Morrison is) a differencemaker in our running game, and that should open up the running game for Vierstra,” Lee said. Vierstra completed 132 of 222 passes for 1,694 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions last season. Sophomores Collin Hawes and Robby Taylor are others
LANCERS >> 70
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Lakewood
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LCL-B UCKEYE D IVISION
Licking Valley
Panthers expecting another strong season By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM
The return to form that the Licking Valley High School football team experienced last year wasn’t a complete surprise to those involved in the program. A senior-led roster that featured numerous three-year varsity letterwinners led the way as the Panthers improved from 4-6 in 2016 to an 11-1 finish that included a first-round Division IV, Region 15 playoff victory. There isn’t as much returning experience as last season when coach Randy Baughman earned his 300th career victory, but he doesn’t envision the Panthers taking a big step back in his 37th season. “We knew we had a good bunch coming back last year,” said Baughman, the 2017 district Coach of the Year. “We won our first game against a tough opponent (Thornville Sheridan) in the last few seconds (29-26) and that got us off to a good start. (Last season) wasn’t a shock to us because we expected to have a good season. I still like the effort these kids are showing, so I’m optimistic about this season. We’ve got some pieces back and got a lot of kids that have been around for a long time. It’s their turn to step up and fill in.” The Panthers’ non-league schedule includes three teams that posted winning records a year ago in Sheridan (Aug. 24) and Northridge (Sept. 21), both of which went 6-4, and Johnstown (Sept. 7), which finished 10-3. Licking Valley won the LCL-Buckeye Division at 40, with its only close victory coming over Division III playoff qualifier Granville (34-27). Two of the main contributors last season, senior Connor McLaughlin (RB/LB) and senior Jarrod Hufford (OL/DL), have returned with an eye on keeping the Panthers on the same track as a year ago. “(Last season) ignited us,” said Hufford, an Iowa State
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24.......vs. Thornville Sheridan Aug. 31...........................vs. Heath Sept. 7 .....................at Johnstown Sept. 14 ...........................vs. Utica Sept. 21 ....................at Northridge *Sept. 28...................at Lakewood *Oct. 5 ..........vs. Watkins Memorial Oct. 12.............at Newark Catholic *Oct. 19......................vs. Granville *Oct. 26 .............at Licking Heights 2017 RESULTS (11-1 overall, 4-0 LCL-Buckeye) Thornville Sheridan..........W, 29-26 Heath..............................W, 36-33 Johnstown ......................W, 42-26 Utica...............................W, 42-13 Northridge.......................W, 57-20 *Lakewood........................W, 43-7 *Watkins Memorial..........W, 41-14 Newark Catholic..............W, 48-27
Senior Connor McLaughlin rushed for more than 1,400 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. He also will start at linebacker when the Panthers open Aug. 24 as host to Thornville Sheridan. BARBARA J. PERENIC/COLUMBUS DISPATCH
commit. “That’s really what Valley football is. My sophomore season, the leadership really wasn’t there. I give it to last year’s seniors for getting us to the next level. I believe we’ll do just as well as last year. A lot of people graduated that were vital assets to us, but this tradition doesn’t graduate. We have people that came back that know what they’re doing and we’re not going to be underdogs just because a lot of people graduated.”
OFFENSE Senior Chase Whisner takes over at quarterback after the graduation of first-team all-district honoree Jake Lewis, who threw for 13 touchdowns and rushed for 22 scores. Whisner threw a touchdown pass in a 42-0 victory over Chillicothe Unioto in the Panthers’ playoff opener a year ago. McLaughlin should lead the offense after rushing for 18
touchdowns and more than 1,400 yards. Junior Mitchell Ford, who missed part of last season with an injury, will line up in the slot for a Panthers’ offense that specializes in misdirection and the jet sweep. Senior Ethan Hile is a returning starter at wide receiver, where the Panthers lost Gunnar Carpenter and Ethan Brechbill to graduation. “(McLaughlin’s) a strong kid for his size (6-foot, 185 pounds) and he’s got good speed, good vision and can really do a lot of things,” Baughman said. “We’ve got a lot of depth. Our ultimate goal would be to have guys who wouldn’t have to play both ways.” Hufford, who was named LCL Lineman of the Year last season, leads an offensive line that also returns junior Jeremy Bravard. Senior Logan White will be at guard or center after lining up at tight end last season.
DEFENSE Senior Colin Kozlowski returns at inside linebacker after leading the Panthers in tackles last season. Junior Noah Hopkins and sophomore Chase Hartshorn also will be at inside linebacker, with McLaughlin and Ford at outside linebacker. McLaughlin also lines up at strong safety. Hile is a returnee at cornerback, with senior Seth Thompson and junior Ricky Collins also at the position. Whisner and juniors Carson Conley, Luke Hampton and Hayden Hile all could see time at free safety. Seniors Blade Williams and Logan White are expected to be at defensive end. “(Defensive line) was probably where we were hit the hardest (by graduation),” Baughman said. “We’re hoping some kids develop.”
punter, McLaughlin could lead the kickoff- and punt-return teams. “You hope (special teams) are not where Connor has to do everything,” Baughman said. “I’m real pleased with our sophomores, so there are some others there that could easily get themselves a good bit of playing time. It’s a pretty good group in terms of skill kids.” Kozlowski returns as placekicker. Senior Seth Thompson is the snapper on punts and Ethan Hile snaps on extra points and field goals.
THE LINEUP
*Granville ........................W, 34-27 *Licking Heights ..............W, 33-14 PLAYOFFS Chillicothe Unioto ..............W, 42-0 New Concord John Glenn L, 33-27 *League contest INSIDE THE PANTHERS •Coach: Randy Baughman, 37th season •Top players: Joe Chapman (OL/DL), Mitchell Ford (LB/RB), Ethan Hile (WR/DB/LS), Hayden Hile (WR/DB), Jarrod Hufford (OL/DL), Colin Kozlowski (LB/K), Connor McLaughlin (RB/LB/P/KR/PR), Chase Whisner (QB) and Blade Williams (DL/TE) •Key losses: Trentin Benner, Ethan Brechbill, Gunnar Carpenter, Austin Collins, Jake Lewis, Owen Mohler and Austin Nethers
5-10, 150), Bodee Creech (so., 5-11, 185) Tight ends: *Blade Williams (sr., 6-1, 200), Ty Green (sr., 5-10, 185), Will Schneider (sr., 6-5, 205) Linemen: *Joe Chapman (sr., 6-2, 260), *Jarrod Hufford (sr., 6-5, 300), *Jacob Mayabb (sr., 6-0, 215), *Logan White (sr., 5-11, 245), *Jeremy Bravard (jr., 6-1, 265) Defense Linemen: *Chapman, *Hufford, *Williams, White Linebackers: *Colin Kozlowski (sr., 5-11, 190), *McLaughlin, *Ford, Noah Hopkins (jr., 6-2, 170), Creech, Chase Hartshorn (so., 6-2, 205) Secondary: *Ethan Hile, Seth Thompson (sr., 5-11, 165), Conley, Hampton, Hayden Hile, Whisner, Collins Special teams Kicker: *Kozlowski Punter: *McLaughlin Returner: *McLaughlin Long snappers: *Ethan Hile, *Thompson (*Denotes projected starter)
Offense Quarterbacks: *Chase Whisner (sr., 6-0, 170), Logan Bragg (jr., 6-0, 185) Running backs: *Connor McLaughlin (sr., 6-0, 185), Mitchell Ford (jr., 6-1, 185), Noah Hopkins (sr., 5-10, 170) Receivers: *Ethan Hile (sr., 6-1, 155), *Hayden Hile (jr., 6-0, 150), Ricky Collins (jr., SPECIAL TEAMS 5-11, 155), Carson Conley (jr., julrey@thisweeknews.com In addition to returning as 6-2, 180), Luke Hampton (jr., @UlreyThisWeek
LANCERS
FROM >> 69
who should carry the ball. Sophomore Colt Vierstra, who is the quarterback’s brother, will join Boland, senior Gave Servis, juniors Alex Pletcher and Noah Snidach and sophomore Zeb Mansker as options at wide receiver. Boland had 38 receptions for 490 yards and six touchdowns last season and will split time between wide receiver and tight end. Senior Mason Albanese, who is 6-foot-7, 265 pounds and has received interest from Akron according to Lee, will lead the
offensive line at one of the tackle spots. Seniors Dane Black and Levi Hissong are returning starters on the offensive line. Sophomores Jake Cassidy and Kevin Haines are Millersport students who are competing for the Lancers because the Lakers aren’t fielding a team this fall. They are only eligible for the season’s first five games because of the OHSAA’s transfer rule, according to Lee.
at tackle and senior Bailey Hawes, Mansker and sophomore Ryan Hammon are others who should see time up front. Connor Vierstra had 49 tackles last season and is expected to start at linebacker in addition to his quarterback duties. He’ll be joined at that position by Boland and Snidach. Servis and Pletcher should be at cornerback, with Colt Vierstra and Morrison at safety.
confident in that part of his special teams because of the improvement Pletcher has shown. Boland again is expected to be the punter, while Morrison likely will join Servis and Mansker to return kicks.
THE LINEUP
Offense Quarterbacks: *Connor Vierstra (jr., 6-4, 195), Colt Vierstra (so., 6-1, 165), Branden Allen (fr., 5-9, 140) SPECIAL TEAMS Running backs: *Peyton After entering last season not Morrison (sr., 5-8, 150), Collin DEFENSE knowing who would kick for Hawes (so., 5-11, 165), Robby Albanese and Hissong return the Lancers, Lee is much more Taylor (so., 5-10, 170)
Wide receivers: *Zaven Boland (sr., 6-4, 200), *Colt Vierstra, Gabe Servis (sr., 6-0, 185), Alex Pletcher (jr., 5-7, 140), Noah Snidach (jr., 6-0, 180), Zeb Mansker (so., 6-0, 180) H-Back/Tight end: Boland Linemen: *Mason Albanese (sr., 6-7, 265), *Dane Black (sr., 5-9, 295), *Ryan Gay (sr., 6-1, 195), *Bailey Hawes (sr., 5-9, 180), *Levi Hissong (sr., 5-10, 245), Jake Cassidy (so., 6-0, 190), Trace Ford (so., 6-3, 215), Kevin Haines (so., 6-0, 195), Ryan Hammon (so., 5-11, 260), Brandon Peters (so., 5-9, 185)
Defense Linemen: *Albanese, *Hissong, *Hammon, *Mansker, Black, Bailey Hawes Linebackers: *Boland, *Snidach, *Connor Vierstra Secondary: *Morrison, *Servis, *Pletcher, *Colt Vierstra Special teams Kicker: *Pletcher Punter: *Boland Returners: *Morrison, *Servis, Mansker Long snappers: *Albanese, Ryan Ogilbee (so., 5-10, 165) (*Denotes projected starter) julrey@thisweeknews.com @UlreyThisWeek
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LCL-B UCKEYE D IVISION
Aiello excited about Green Wave’s potential By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM
Quarterback Caden Calhoun was first-team all-league and hononrable mention all-district after rushing for 998 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. JOHN HULKENBERG/THISWEEK
Johnstown-Monroe
Johnnies to unleash latest version of ground attack By SCOTT HENNEN THISWEEKSPORTS.COM Change is all around the Johnstown-Monroe High School football team. To the east of the Johnnies’ practice field is the recently completed high school. To the south is a football facility that’s receiving a facelift with the installation of new turf and the removal of its 1950s-era locker room and concessions area. The on-the-field activities remain the same, however, as the program aims to notch its sixth consecutive postseason berth and its seventh in eight seasons. “It’s an exciting time in Johnstown with the new school and the improvements to our facilities,” said coach Mike Carter, who is in his 17th season. “We’re so thankful the community has helped us with these improvements, but the football is still the same.” Last season did not start out the way Johnstown fans have come to expect. The Johnnies returned only three offensive starters – all linemen – and four on defense, and the inexperience showed early on. Through three games, the Johnnies were 1-2 and had been outscored 79-32. But from that point on, they won nine consecutive contests before falling 34-7 to eventual state champion Wheelersburg in the Division V, Region 19 final. “It was definitely a step up from j.v. football,” said senior running back Bryce Barasch, who rushed for 2,188 yards and 24 touchdowns on 298 carries to earn second-team all-state honors. “It just shows that leadership and being in synch with your teammates can go a long way to the success of a team.” Kaden Davis was another first-year varsity performer who
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24.....................at Big Walnut Aug. 31 ..............vs. Independence Sept. 7 ................vs. Licking Valley Sept. 14.......................at Granville Sept. 21........vs. Watkins Memorial *Sept. 28...................at Northridge *Oct. 5 ............vs. Newark Catholic *Oct. 12.............................at Utica Oct. 19...............at Licking Heights *Oct. 26 ..........................vs. Heath 2017 RESULTS (10-3 overall, 4-0 LCL-Cardinal) Big Walnut ..........................W, 3-0 Independence ....................L, 34-6 Buckeye Valley.................L, 42-26 Granville .........................W, 42-34 Watkins Memorial ...........W, 55-13 *Northridge .......................W, 35-0 *Newark Catholic ............W, 33-13 *Utica ...............................W, 34-7
Licking Heights ...............W, 47-28 *Heath ..............................W, 48-8 PLAYOFFS Oak Hill.............................W, 35-0 Portsmouth West ...............W, 35-6 Wheelersburg ....................L, 34-7 *League contest INSIDE THE JOHNNIES •Coach: Mike Carter, 17th season •Top players: Bryce Barasch (RB/DB), Josh Boso (DL),Tristan Bush (OL/DL), Caden Calhoun (QB/DB), Kaden Davis (OL/LB), Stew Davis (OL/DL),Trent Jakeway (WR/DB),Will Lewis (OL/DL), Jake Lusk (TE/DL/LB), Luke Myers (FB/LB), Garrett Psurny (WR/DB) and Wyatt Walton (OL/DL) •Key losses: Corey Bias, Chris Monroe, Jared Orders, Lee Queen, Daniel Rose, Nick Stone, Nate Taylor, Jason Walters and Caleb Writesel
Ryan Aiello hasn’t found it difficult to fit into his role as the new Newark Catholic High School football coach. Originally from South Bend, Indiana, and a walk-on at Ball State under former coach Brady Hoke, Aiello previously served as an assistant coach at two small colleges in Indiana. After getting his coaching start at the prep level by being an assistant the last three seasons at Ready, Aiello takes over a Green Wave program that was headed the past 16 seasons by alumnus Bill Franks. Franks stepped down during the offseason to become the new coach at New Lexington. “The people and just everything, it’s been awesome,” Aiello said. “It’s been a very supportive community, especially coming from such a tradition and taking so much pride in what they do. It’s been pretty cool in how they’ve welcomed me being an outsider. Everybody’s been extremely receptive to some of the things I’ve wanted to do differently.”. Aiello, who will teach health and physical education at Newark Catholic, will try to give the program a reboot after the Green Wave finished 3-7 last season. The Green Wave went 9-5 in 2016, reaching a Division VI state semifinal, and also were state runners-up in 2012 and state champions in 2007. The only change to the schedule from a year ago occurs Aug. 31 when the Green Wave travel to Attica Seneca East, a Division VI program that reached the playoffs in Region 22 and finished 8-2 overall. After a large group of sen-
First-year Newark Catholic coach Ryan Aiello speaks with his players about blocking techniques during a recent practice. JARROD ULREY/THISWEEK
iors that included quarterback Hunter Chapman led the way last fall, Newark Catholic is trying to use its versatility offensively to create “different threats,” according to senior Grant Myers. “Everyone has been working hard and coming together as a team,” Myers said. “We love the new coaches. It’s hard to go to a new coach, but we’ve put all of our faith in them. They trust us and hopefully we’re going to be good. Obviously when you grow up (as a Newark Catholic fan) you look forward to your senior year at Newark Catholic because you’re the face of the program and the expectations are so much higher.”
Junior Matt Carlisle is expected to take over at quarterback for Chapman, who passed for more than 2,000 yards as a junior and for 1,298 yards with 13 touchdowns through the air with seven rushing touchdowns last season. Myers will be one of the top receivers after lettering the last two seasons. He will be joined by seniors Lucas Pierce and Granger, with seniors Mikey Canning and J.T. Barrow and senior Derek Hawe as other options for Carlisle when the Green Wave put the ball in the air. Canning, senior J.T. Brown and junior Derek Hawk are expected to be the main ball carriers after the loss of three running backs to graduation. On the offensive line, seniors OFFENSE Aiello describes his team’s Liam Kirkpatrick, Alex Lumpoffense as being “multiple,” ton and Trey Tigner all will which includes both one-back GREEN WAVE >> 74 and two-back sets. “Our offense is going to be pretty diverse in what we run,” Aiello said. “We’ll have to find From creative ways to score.”
At a glance stepped up, as the senior linebacker had a team-leading 105 tackles with six sacks, 20 tackles for loss and five fumble recoveries to be named secondteam all-state. “It was my first year on varsity, and the speed, tempo and intensity is so much more than on the j.v. level and you have to come in knowing what to do,” said Davis, whose team won the LCL-Cardinal title at 4-0 as Heath, Northridge and Newark Catholic all tied for second at 2-2. “We have some young kids coming in this year but they’re smart and athletic. “We’ve had a lot of success coming through Johnstown. We want to not only uphold the tradition but also try to do 10 times better than they did in the past few years. There is great tradition, great fundamental football
and great teaching by the coaches of both football and life lessons.” The Johnnies open on the road Aug. 24 against Big Walnut and will christen their stadium’s new turf Aug. 31 against Independence. “It’s going to be a little different, but things will be the same,” Davis said. “We’ll miss the original locker room but we have to adapt and overcome like we do in the season. We have to make sure we get everything done.”
OFFENSE The Johnnies’ patented unbalanced I-formation attack will have six starters back led by Barasch (5-foot-9, 170 pounds), who also was first-team all-dis-
JOHNNIES >> 76
2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 23.......at Zanesville Maysville Aug. 31 .........at Attica Seneca East Sept. 8.......vs. Columbus Academy Sept. 14........vs. Watkins Memorial Sept. 21.............at Licking Heights *Sept. 28..........................vs. Utica *Oct. 5......................at Johnstown Oct. 12 ................vs. Licking Valley *Oct. 19 ...........................at Heath *Oct. 26 ...................vs. Northridge 2017 RESULTS (3-7 overall, 2-2 LCL-Cardinal) Zanesville Maysville .........L, 27-16 Nelsonville-York ...............L, 21-14 Columbus Academy ...........L, 38-0 Watkins Memorial ...........W, 15-14 Licking Heights ................L, 55-13
*Utica .............................W, 32-14 *Johnstown .....................L, 33-13 Licking Valley ...................L, 48-27 *Heath ................................W, 6-3 *Northridge ......................L, 26-22 *League contest INSIDE THE GREEN WAVE •Coach: Ryan Aiello, first season •Top players: J.T. Brown (WR/DB/LB), Mikey Canning (RB/LB), Matt Carlisle (QB), Derek Hawk (RB/DB/P), Liam Kirkpatrick (OL/DL), Alex Lupton (OL/DL), Grant Myers (WR/DB), Sam Pegher (LB/TE) and Trey Tigner (OL/DL) •Key losses: Hunter Chapman, Zach Fernandez, Cam Lewis, Jacob Lumbatis, Konnor Ruff, Ty Scott and Sam Wendt
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Newark Catholic!
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LCL-C ARDINAL D IVISION
Utica
New coach joins Redskins for ‘dream’ job
By SCOTT HENNEN THISWEEKSPORTS.COM
Charley Rowley is trying to put the past behind the Utica High School football team. The first-time head coach is a 2005 Utica graduate and would like to help his alma mater get back on track after seven consecutive losing seasons. Rowley takes over for 2003 graduate Ted Londot, who left to become an assistant at Denison after the Redskins went 119 in his two seasons. “I’ve told people that this is a dream for me,” said Rowley, who for the past six seasons was an assistant at Big Walnut, including defensive coordinator for the last two. “It’s where I’m from, and I’m happy to be here. “If you would have asked me 10 years ago, I would have said my career goal was to be head football coach at Utica. The chance to come home for my first head coaching job is exciting for me, and I’m ready to get rolling.” The Redskins had lost 19 consecutive games before defeating Lakewood 27-26 in last year’s final week. Senior Mack Marston has started at wide receiver and defensive back since his sophomore season, and he said the ability of the Redskins to remain focused will be the key to building on that season-ending victory when Utica opens Aug. 24 at home against Centerburg. “We really need to work on staying locked in,” said Marston, whose team finished 0-4 in the LCL-Cardinal Division behind champion Johnstown (4-0). “We got the win and it took a while to get it, but we need to stay together as a
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Heath!
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24...................vs. Centerburg Aug. 31.....................vs. East Knox Sept. 7 ................at Fredericktown Sept. 14................at Licking Valley Sept. 21......................vs. Granville *Sept. 28..........at Newark Catholic *Oct. 5 .............................at Heath *Oct. 12 ..................vs. Johnstown *Oct. 19 ...................vs. Northridge Oct. 26 ......................at Lakewood 2017 RESULTS (1-9 overall, 0-4 LCL-Cardinal) Centerburg.......................L, 19-14 East Knox ........................L, 34-19 Fredericktown..................L, 34-21 Licking Valley ...................L, 42-13 Granville ..........................L, 49-13 *Newark Catholic .............L, 32-14
*Heath ...............................L, 48-7 *Johnstown .......................L, 34-7 *Northridge ...............L, 21-20 (OT) Lakewood .......................W, 27-26 *League contest INSIDE THE REDSKINS •Coach: Charley Rowley, first season •Top players: Ethan Adams (WR/DB), Caleb Baker (TE/LB), Zain Barnes (OL/LB), Ryan Cree (RB/DL), Blake Hale (OL/DL), Robby Lowe (OL/DL), Mack Marston (WR/DB), Garrett Meyers (RB/LB) and Dakota Woodard (WR/DB) •Key losses: Mason Bodle, Aaron Dennis, Nathan Godsell, Jarrett Miller, Gavin Posey, Brad Potes, Chad Van Dach and Chase Williams
Utica coach Charley Rowley talks to his team following practice Aug. 7. The 2005 Utica graduate returns to try to rebuild a program that has gone 1-19 in the past two seasons. SCOTT HENNEN/THISWEEK
team and believe in each other. We need to have pride in everything we do, and if we do that, we can have a good outcome this year.” Senior Garrett Meyers, who started at running back and linebacker and was first-team alldistrict and second-team allleague, said the win over Lakewood was a good way to go into the offseason. “It’s nice to have a clean start,” Meyers said. “We’re working hard for coach Rowley. He’s comes in and done a great job for us so far and he’s had teaching us life skills as well as the things on the field. “We have to leave (the past couple of seasons) behind us, especially with a new coach. We have to focus on what’s forward. We’re hyped for the season and ready to go.” Rowley was an assistant with the Redskins for three years before leaving for Big
Walnut to take a teaching position. He is a back at Utica as a physical education teacher. “The biggest thing I’ve been harping to the kids and the staff is ‘Attitude, Effort and Energy,’” he said. “We’re very positive and energetic as a coaching staff, but at the same time being demanding of the kids and they’re buying into what we’re doing. “I know coach Londot, he’s a friend of mine, and I know that he did things the right way, there’s no doubt about that. As a graduate it was good for me to get away, but energy, positivity and excitement, the kids are feeding off of that and buying into it.”
OFFENSE Rowley expects to keep opponents guessing with a variety of alignments on offense. “We’ll be multiple on offense, that’s the best way to
put it,” said Rowley, whose team ran spread formations for the last two seasons under Londot. “We’re going to be multiple in what we do. We’ll give different looks.” Returning starters include Marston at receiver and Meyers at running back, but Rowley said he isn’t overly concerned about where players lined up last fall. “I told the kids that I’m not talking about last year,” Rowley said. “They all have a fresh start from us, and I kind of sold it to them that way. They have a clean slate, go prove it and go earn it.” Marston was first-team alldistrict and honorable mention all-league a year ago. Senior Ryan Cree will join Meyers at running back, but Rowley said the battle to see who would start at quarterback was “a wide-open competition” among senior Jacob Giffin and
sophomores Logan Brokaw and Collin McCullough. “I think the biggest thing we’re harping on is our mindset and attitude as a team,” Rowley said. “We’ve been showing great energy and giving great effort all of the time. I’ve been happy with camp and the two-a-days and the kids work hard.”
DEFENSE The Utica defense also will switch among different schemes, using four-man and three-man fronts from down to down. “We’ll be a mix between a 4 (front) and a 3, and we can change easily from one to the other,” Rowley said. “We want to be flexible and aggressive.” Meyers joins senior Logan Reedy as returning starters at linebacker. Marston also
returns, but will be a hybrid of a linebacker and a defensive back. “We want to hunt the football, which is the bottom line,” Rowley said. “We want to run to the football. If we do something well, it’s running to – but we don’t say running to, we say hunting – the football, and we want to do that well.” Marston said the hunting style is infectious and brings out the best in his teammates. “As a team, we get together after a tackle and say ‘Hunt!’ ” Marston said, “That means that we’re ready to hunt and it will get into the opponents’ heads. We take pride in that. “We still have some similar coverages as last year, and we’re ready to hunt. We have multiple fronts. We can switch
REDSKINS >> 78
Heath
Bulldogs’ strength lies in the trenches By BRAD EMERINE THISWEEKSPORTS.COM Everything will start and stop up front this season for the Heath High School football team. The Bulldogs have four offensive linemen back to jump-start a new offense and also return three standouts on the defensive line to help shut down opponents. “I really like the group we have on the offensive line and we should be very strong on the defensive line, as well,” said second-year coach Tim Ward, whose team opens Aug. 24 at home against Liberty Union. “I think we have a good leader and quarterback back there, and our leading tackler returns at linebacker. “We have a lot of pieces and I think we have a chance to sur-
prise a lot of people if we can get it going early.” Senior Carter Hazen, who plays guard on offense and end on defense, said he has been impressed with his position units. “Everyone is busting their butts off and I just have a real good feeling about this season,” he said. “I think we’ve got some very good players in all positions and there are still some battles being waged. But our offensive line is jelling and ready to go, and our defensive line and linebackers are looking very, very good right now.”
OFFENSE Hazen, a three-year starter, returns up front with seniors Nate Schmidt (center) and Austin Weekley (tackle) and sophomore Caden Marinacci (tackle). Sophomores Hunter
Simmons and J.T. Lowe were battling at left guard. Weekley also is a three-year starter. “Obviously, having four linemen coming back, with three of them being seniors and multiple-year starters, our line is the strength of our offense,” said Ward, whose team finished 4-6 overall last season. “The other returnee (Marinacci) is a sophomore who started last year as freshman, so that says something about his talent. The right side, with Schmidt at center, Hazen at guard and Weekley at tackle, is very, very strong.” Sophomore Austin Morrow takes over at quarterback. “Austin Morrow is a smart player, a coach on the field,” Ward said. “He wants to learn and get better. He’s a phenomenal leader and does everything we ask him to do. He’s a good
guy to install the offense we want to run around him.” According to Morrow, the Bulldogs will use a faster pace this season. “We made a lot of changes in the offense,” he said. “We’re picking up the tempo, we’ve got new plays and have added some new blocking schemes. I really like where we’re at. We lost some talented guys last year, but our offense will be built around what we can do best this year.” Senior Doran Dyer is the featured running back, with sophomore Dane Hogue starting in the slot. The receivers include senior Logan Byers and juniors Bryce Baker and Justin Hartman. “We’ve got a little bit of speed in backfield with Dyer, a track guy who ran in the state meet last spring,” Ward said.
“On the edges, we have tall, lanky receivers who can go up and catch the football. We’ve got tough guys in the slot with Justin Hartman, Dane Hogue and (junior) Chance Keller. They can play a lot of different positions.”
DEFENSE Hogue, the team’s leading tackler as a freshman last season, is back at middle linebacker and will be flanked by Weekley and senior Jack Kelley. They should have room to roam, being protected by junior tackle Cortez Hatem, Schmidt at nose guard and Hazen at end. “Hatem should be the guy everyone tries to stop,” Ward said. “He sticks out on film. He’s the one guy opponents
BULLDOGS >> 77
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Vikings eager to build on last year’s success By SCOTT HENNEN THISWEEKSPORTS.COM A 12-season drought ended last fall when the Northridge High School football team finished with a winning record. The Vikings defeated Newark Catholic 26-22 in a LCL-Cardinal Division contest to close 6-4 overall. It was their first winning season since also going 6-4 in 2005. Junior Cole Fox said he and his teammates are determined to work even harder this season, however. “The whole team knows that we have to get a lot better,” said Fox, a returning starter at running back and linebacker. “The coaches have let us know that every day and the community has high expectations for us. “We want to push it. We want to take from what the (2018 graduates) like Will Cox and Alex Chalfant taught us last year. We want to go the next step. We want to go 7-3. We want to go 8-2. We want to go beyond that and go to week 11.” Second-year coach Jay Campbell said how much last season’s success meant to his players as well as the community cannot be overstated. “It meant lot to our kids, there’s no sugar-coating it,” said Campbell, whose team opens Aug. 24 at home against Warsaw River View. “Getting back on the winning track brought a little more excitement in the community. The expectations are raised this year, and we want to raise to those expectations and continue to take steps forward.” Fox pointed to last season’s seniors as a key to finding the grit needed to win the final two games and tie Heath and Newark Catholic for second at
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24 .......vs. Warsaw River View Aug. 31 ..............vs. Beverly Fort Frye Sept. 7 .....................at Centerburg Sept. 14 ....................at Lakewood Sept. 21 ..............vs. Licking Valley *Sept. 28 ................vs. Johnstown Oct. 5 ..........................at Granville *Oct. 12 ..........................vs. Heath *Oct. 19 ............................at Utica *Oct. 26 ...........at Newark Catholic 2017 RESULTS (6-4 overall, 2-2 LCL-Cardinal) Warsaw River View..............W, 6-0 Beverly Fort Frye .................W, 6-0 Fisher Catholic ..................W, 51-7 Lakewood.........................W, 17-7 Licking Valley ...................L, 57-20 *Johnstown .......................L, 35-0 Granville ............................L, 42-0
*Heath .............................L, 35-17 *Utica ......................W, 21-20 (OT) *Newark Catholic ............W, 26-22 *League contest INSIDE THE VIKINGS •Coach: Jay Campbell, second season •Top players: Ashton Dick (WR/DB), Cole Fox (RB/LB), Zach George (OL/DL), Cory Johnston (DL), Travis Kitchen (RB/LB), Brian Krehel (RB/WR/DB), Drew Mace (TE/LB), Dylon Parman (RB/LB), Jake Reese (RB/LB), Jacob Stocks (OL/DL) and Brenden Workman (QB/DB) •Key losses: Chris Absten, John Berkley, Jeremy Butt, Alex Chalfant, Will Cox, Drew Davison, Gabe Miller and Evan Willeke
2-2 in the LCL-Cardinal behind Johnstown (4-0). In fact, he believes their leadership is still having an impact. “The leadership of last year’s seniors meant so much to us,” Fox said. “They busted their butts and set the example for the rest of us. It comes down to doing your job and letting the guy next to you do his job. “We want to build on what they created and not take a step down. We want to continue what they started.” Campbell believes this group has the capability to continue that momentum, based on the hard work and determination they have shown during the preseason. “I like our IQ of the game,” Campbell said. “We have guys who understand the game and have a lot of enthusiasm for it.
We have guys who give tremendous effort in practice, which translates into the game as well. They don’t take a ton of reps off in practice, so we don’t have to coach the intensity and the effort. “This offseason was even better than the previous one. We have a very strong senior class this year as well as a very competitive junior class. We’re trying to continue to push forward every day.”
Sprague (center) and Luke Zarlino (tackle). Albin played defense last year but saw occasional time on the offensive line during the preseason. “Offensively, you can’t really change much, but overall, it’s a different concept and culture around what we run,” Walker said. “It’s a lot more open. We have a lot more control over figuring things out.”
Region 3 final. “That’s one thing we coach them up on. We need 11 guys to the ball every single time,” Kuhner said. “If we do that, we will create turnovers. Turnovers will come. With the multipleset defensive packages that we have, we will put other teams in binds, in bad spots. They will see something different every single play. There won’t necessarily be a base alignment that we stay with. If we have 11 guys going to the ball every single time, we should create turnovers.” According to Albin and Kuhner, the Warriors will run a 42-5 defense again this year. “This year, it’s a 4-2-5 with a twist, with three down linemen and an outside backer off the edge,” said Albin, who
OFFENSE The Vikings return six starters in their wing-T attack, including three running backs. Fox (second-team all-league) rushed for 582 yards and six touchdowns on 127 carries, and senior Trevor Kitchen added 110 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries. Returning at full-
Northridge coach Jay Campbell stresses a point during practice Aug. 8. The Vikings went 6-4 last year for their first winning season since finishing with the same record in 2005. SCOTT HENNEN/THISWEEK
back is junior Dylon Parman, who ran for 175 yards and one score on 35 carries. “We have a lot of experience in the backfield, and that’s the strength of our offense,” Campbell said. “They’re taking the lead. They had lot of reps from last year and we’re able to add more (plays) to the offense because of that.” Two seniors return on the line in guard Zach George (6foot-2, 258 pounds; secondteam all-league) and Josh Stocks (6-0, 280). Senior tight end Drew Mace (6-0, 200) also is back. “The wing-T allows us to be competitive and utilize our smaller offensive linemen,” Campbell said. “We don’t have to be a big line. We can use speed and deception and take good blocking angles. You look at our roster, you don’t see 300pound mauling kids. That allows us to be pretty effective there.” Senior Brenden Workman started at quarterback for the j.v team last fall, and makes the move to varsity. “It’s the same offense, so I already know the plays,” Workman said. “I think the big thing for us is that after every play we have to keep going. We can’t stop. We can’t slow down, but just keep going.”
DEFENSE Six starters return in the Vikings’ 3-3 stack scheme, which allows Campbell to take advantage of his team’s speed. “We’re also quick defensively and that system allows us to go in and out of gaps,” he said. “We don’t have to make a ton of adjustments out of our stack. We just play fast and aggressive, and our kids can react instead of think.” Kitchen, Fox and junior Jake Reese return at linebacker, and senior Cory Johnston moves from starting at linebacker to defensive end. George also returns at end, while senior Ashton Dick started at safety. “We’re light years ahead of where we were last year,” Fox said. “We know what’s expected and we know what to do. The more reps we get the better.”
THE LINEUP
son (so., 5-8, 150) Receivers: Josiah Dann (sr., 5-7, 140), *Ashton Dick (sr., 64, 173), Marc Hartman (jr., 58, 144), Krehel Tight ends: *Drew Mace (sr., 6-0, 200), Aaron White (jr., 61, 175) Linemen: Isaac Black (sr., 59, 155), *Zach George (sr., 62, 258), *Jacob Stocks (sr., 60, 280), Dustin Chalfant (jr., 510, 212), *Wade Mullens (jr., 5-10, 247), *Jacob Smith (jr., 6-1, 175),*Adam Ulery (so., 61, 180) Defense Linemen: *George, *Cory Johnston (sr. 5-10, 196), *Stocks, Dylen Conley (jr., 64, 232), Mullens Linebackers: *Kitchen, Mace, Parman, *Fox, Neumeyer, *Reese Secondary: Dann, *Dick, *Hartman, Workman, *Krehel, Kyle Saloum (jr., 5-10, 193), *Ferguson Special teams Kicker: *Kole Krotzer (sr., 5-9, 150) Punter: *Will Holt (so., 5-8, 144) Returners: Krehel, Saloum Long snapper: *Dick (*Denotes projected starter)
Offense Quarterbacks: *Brenden Workman (sr., 5-9, 145), Travis Neumeyer (jr., 5-11, 180) Running backs: *Trevor Kitchen (sr., 6-1, 173),*Dylon Parman (sr., 5-9, 160), *Cole Fox (jr., 5-10, 232), Brian Krehel (jr., 5-10, 147), Jake Reese shennen@thisweeknews.com (jr., 6-0, 214), Marcus Fergu- @ThisWeekHennen
WARRIORS FROM >> 68
Calovini also will be used as a linebacker. “I’ll play wherever the coaches want me to play, where I best help the team,” Calovini said. “If (a given) spot helps the team more, I’ll play there. I’m open to anything. That’s up to the coaches. I’d like to play both ways, but whatever benefits the team, we will go with that.” Senior Connor Brandon takes over at quarterback after being Music’s backup a year ago. In five games, Brandon completed four of 14 passes for 35 yards and an interception. Albin and Walker, who will play guard and tackle, respectively, will help anchor a line that also includes seniors Cory Burgess (tackle), Chase Constantinidis (guard), Zach
DEFENSE Throughout the preseason, Kuhner harped on forcing turnovers, something the Warriors did not do much of last year. They committed 23 giveaways to their opponents’ 13, far fewer than the 35 North’s defense created last year as the Panthers went 10-3 and advanced to the Division I,
started at nose guard last year but expects to play more defensive tackle this season. “We have a lot more packages on defense.” Burgess, Calovini and classmates Christian Harvey and Ethan Miller will lead the linebackers. Last season, Miller had 45 tackles and two interceptions, Harvey had 31 tackles, two sacks and three tackles for loss at strong safety and Calovini recorded 35 tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery. Senior Noah Shirey, juniors Austin Branham and Jeff Hesler and sophomore Eli Wilson are expected to anchor the secondary.
Dupps made his only extra-point Stephens (so., 6-1, 300) Defense attempt last season. Linemen: *Everett Albin, THE LINEUP *Constantinidis, *Walker, *Zarlino Offense Linebackers: *Burgess, Quarterbacks: *Connor Brandon (sr., 6-4, 190), Eli Wilson *Christian Harvey (jr., 6-2, 225), (jr., 6-1, 215), Mason Swearin- *Ethan Miller (jr., 5-11, 210), Lowery gen (so., 5-10, 170) Secondary: *Branham, Running backs: *Austin Branham (sr., 5-8, 165), *Tony *Noah Shirey (so., 6-0, 180), Calovini (jr., 5-10, 190), Daniel *Luke Albin, *Jeff Hessler (jr., Broomfield (so., 5-10, 195), 5-9, 130), Wilson Special teams Gage Lowery (so., 5-9, 175) Kicker: *Collin Dupps (jr., Receivers: *Luke Albin (jr., 5-9, 200) 5-7, 145), *Evan Kilkenny (jr., Punters: Branham, Wilson 6-2, 205), *Wilson Returners: Sam Adair (jr., 5Linemen: *Cory Burgess (sr., 7, 140), Luke Albin, Hessler, 6-2, 225), *Zane Sprague (sr., Broomfield 6-1, 367), *Mick Walker (sr., Long snapper: *Kilkenny SPECIAL TEAMS 5-11, 235), *Luke Zarlino (sr., (*Denotes projected starter) Junior Collin Dupps is tak- 5-11, 195), *Chase Constantiing over as Watkins Memor- nidis (jr., 5-8, 263), Everett dpurpura@thisweeknews.com ial’s primary place-kicker. Albin (sr., 5-7, 270), Clive @ThisWeekDave
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O THER A REA T EAMS
Hamilton Township
Rangers working to rebuild playoff culture By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM One evening during the opening week of fall practice, many of the upperclassmen on the Hamilton Township High School football team spent time volunteering at a youth camp. What they did afterward – when they traveled to a bowling alley for a team-building opportunity with some of the program’s freshmen and sophomores – is an example of what second-year coach Mike Savino hoped he would see more of this fall. “One of the things I’m impressing on them is the culture and creating more emotional ties to each other,” Savino said. “I think it’s just the awareness that this can win and lose football games.” The Rangers won two of their first three but overall took a step back last fall, finishing 4-6 with a 2-4 mark in the MSL-Buckeye Division. Teays Valley went 6-0 to win the league. Hamilton Township had made playoff appearances during each of the final three years under former coach Nate Hillerich, who stepped down after the 2016 season to take over the program at Pickerington North. The Rangers, who endured their first losing season since going 0-10 in 2009, started three freshmen on their offensive line and had two other freshmen play key roles defensively last season. They again play a schedule that includes three playoff teams, starting with an away game Aug. 24 at Granville. Hamilton Township also has two Thursday night games,
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24........................at Granville Aug. 30.....................vs. Groveport Sept. 7............................at Bexley Sept. 14.....................vs. Whitehall *Sept. 21..............at Bloom-Carroll *Sept. 28 .................vs. Logan Elm *Oct. 4.................at Fairfield Union *Oct. 12 .................vs. Teays Valley *Oct. 19 .....vs. Amanda-Clearcreek *Oct. 26......................at Circleville 2017 RESULTS (4-6 overall, 2-4 MSL-Buckeye) Granville ..........................L, 52-14 Groveport........................W, 21-14 Bexley.............................W, 44-28 Whitehall .........................L, 40-27 *Bloom-Carroll .................L, 42-20 *Logan Elm .......................W, 27-7
including its matchup Aug. 30 against Groveport that will be held at Fortress Obetz and is considered a home game for the Rangers. Savino, who was the offensive coordinator during the three playoff seasons under Hillerich, sees a more mature roster that could have the team poised to bounce back. “One of our biggest things this year is (that we want to) not only make the playoffs but rebuild our culture,” senior Corey Hise said. “I feel like last year we kind of got away from what Ranger football is all about. Some keys for our success this year is we’re becoming a family. “The guys have all been
*Fairfield Union ................L, 34-14 *Teays Valley....................L, 31-12 *Amanda-Clearcreek .......W, 29-23 *Circleville........................L, 30-28 *League contest INSIDE THE RANGERS •Coach: Mike Savino, second season •Top players: Josiah Beverly (LB/RB), Drysten Crallie (WR/DB/KR/PR), Zavion Cunningham (QB/DB), Keith Dolence (OL), James Fulton (RB), Corey Hise (WR/TE), Bradley Maynard (LB/RB), Ramon Patton (OL/DL) and Kaveon Ross (WR) •Key losses: Eric Bonte, Gannon Foster, Calvin Godsey, Chris Green, Tristan Kieffer and Colton Lytle
hanging outside of football and building a very strong bond with each other. We’re also not only working hard, we’re having fun while we do it and I think that helps push us to another level.”
OFFENSE The Rangers are counting on a balanced attack to improve the productivity of an offense that averaged 23.6 points last season. Senior Drysten Crallie, who finished with 46 receptions for 532 yards and five touchdowns and rushed 95 times for 641 yards and five scores, could see time at both running back and wide receiver. Senior Corey Hise has received interest from colleges
Hamilton Township’s Drysten Crallie is expected to see time at wide receiver and running back after catching 46 passes for 532 yards and rushing for 641 yards last season. JOHN HULKENBERG/THISWEEK
at tight end but also expects to line up at wide receiver for the Rangers. Senior Zavion Cunningham started the first two games last season at quarterback and is an “outstanding ball carrier,” according to Savino, and he should complement senior running back James Fulton. Junior Derek Larimer, who played for the Rangers as a freshman before transferring to a school in Kentucky last year, and is another option at quarterback after returning to Hamilton Township. Junior Kaveon Ross (6-foot4, 185 pounds) was a key part of the offense at wide receiver during the second half of last season. “The situation is going to dictate so much of our personnel,” Savino said. “We are deeper at running back than at any other position.” Seniors Keith Dolence and Ramon Patton and juniors Dre Stevens and Gage Blosser figure to take on key roles on the offensive line, with sophomores Joshua Brobst, Elijah Kraft and Creed Tackett providing depth after all saw action last season.
GREEN WAVE
FROM >> 71
take on key roles after the loss of four 2018 graduates up front. Also looking to contribute on the line are senior Alex Gray and juniors Tyler Clark, Zac Green, Zach Hampton and Nate Williams.
DEFENSE Kirkpatrick, Lumpton and Tigner will lead the defense from their spots on the line. Kirkpatrick should be at tackle, with Lumpton and Tigner on the outside. Canning and seniors Sam Pegher and Avery Stutz are at linebacker, with Myers at one cornerback and either senior Mason Lohr or senior Dow Jones likely at the other. Junior Connor Roesink plays a position that is hybrid of outside linebacker and safety, with Hawk and senior Granger Evans each expected to see time at safety. Among the players lost to graduation were defensive backs Konnor
DEFENSE
Maynard (jr., 5-10, 185), Josiah Beverly (so., 5-11, 200) Receivers: *Drysten Crallie (sr., 5-10, 155), *Corey Hise (sr., 6-3, 215), *Kaveon Ross (jr., 6-4, 185) Tight ends: Alex Mathias (sr., 5-10, 170), Blake Newsome (sr., 5-11, 170) Linemen: *Keith Dolence (sr., 5-9, 190), *Ramon Patton (sr., 5-7, 220), *Dre Stevens (jr., 6-4, 225), Gage Blosser (jr., 510, 215), Joseph Brobst (so., 58, 265), Elijah Kraft (so., 5-8, 210), Creed Tackett (so., 5-10, 205) Defense Linemen: *Mathias, *Patton, *Stevens, Blosser Linebackers: *Newsome, *Maynard, *Beverly, *Malcolm Denny (so., 6-0, 200) Secondary: *Crallie, *Cunningham, *Fulton, Anthony Barrett (so., 5-7, 165) Special teams THE LINEUP Kicker: *Gavin Bradford (sr., Offense 5-7, 165) Quarterbacks: *Zavion CunPunter: *Maynard ningham (sr., 5-10, 175), Derek Returner: *Crallie Larimer (jr., 6-1, 175) Long snapper: *Blosser Running backs: *James Ful(*Denotes projected starter) ton (sr., 5-8, 175), Chance Bradley (sr., 5-8, 170) Jaylan julrey@thisweeknews.com Baldwin (jr., 5-9, 170), Bradley @UlreyThisWeek
Sophomore Malcolm Denny returns at inside linebacker after leading the Rangers in tackles. He’s expected to be joined at that position by sophomore Josiah Beverly, with senior Blake Newsome and junior Bradley Maynard at outside linebacker. “The last couple years we’ve been a 4-4 defense, but you’ll see a three-man front,” Savino said. “Every game you’ll see both fronts. Our defensive coordinator, Aaron O’Reilly, does a great job.” Cunningham and Fulton should be at cornerback, with Crallie at free safety. Sophomore Anthony Barrett is another defensive back who is expected to contribute, according to Savino.
HORNETS
Ruff (five interceptions) and Ty Scott (80 tackles) and linebacker Jacob Lumbatis (82 tackles). “It’s a smart group of kids who are doing a great job adjusting to this,” Aiello said. “Pursuit is what we preach. We’ve got to be able to run to the ball and assignment pursuit because we’re not going to be faster than everybody.”
SPECIAL TEAMS Sophomore Ryan Auer is expected to be the primary kickoff specialist and place-kicker after sharing time with 2018 graduate Konnor Ruff.
THE LINEUP
H-Back/Tight ends: Sam Pegher (sr., 5-10, 168), Avery Stutz (sr., 511, 165), Connor Hinerman (jr., 6-4, 200) Linemen: *Liam Kirkpatrick (sr., 6-0, 272), *Alex Lupton (sr., 6-0, 210), *Trey Tigner (sr., 6-0, 210), Alex Gray (sr., 6-2, 272), Tyler Clark (jr., 5-8, 199), Zach Green (jr., 5-6, 200), Zach Hampton (jr., 6-2, 238), Nate Williams (jr., 6-5, 260) Defense Linemen: *Kirkpatrick, *Lupton, *Tigner Linebackers: *Canning, *Pegher, *Stutz, Brown Secondary: *Mason Lohr (sr., 58, 132), *Myers, Evans, Dow Jones (sr., 5-7, 130), Hawk, Connor Roesink (jr., 5-8, 177) Special teams Kicker: *Ryan Auer (so., 6-2, 158) Punter: *Hawk Returners: *To be determined Long snapper: *Roesink (*Denotes projected starter)
Offense Quarterbacks: *Matt Carlisle (jr., 6-2, 168), Shae Mummey (fr., 5-10, 170) Running backs: *Mikey Canning (sr., 5-10, 175), *Derek Hawk (jr., 511, 180), J.T. Brown (sr., 5-8, 151) Receivers: *Grant Myers (sr., 510, 150), *Lucas Pierce (sr., 6-3, 188), julrey@thisweeknews.com Brown, Granger Evans (sr., 5-10, 155) @UlreyThisWeek
FROM >> 69
backer. “The secondary is our strong suit, so we may run some two-high safety stuff, which we haven’t done in the past,” Waters said. “It’s a group we feel we can lean on. But the game comes down to blocking and tackling, so we’ve got to put opponents in position to have to pass it. We’re young in the box.” C.J. Kelly and Wilson will play at inside linebacker, with Holskey and junior Paapa Yeboah (6-2, 250) at the end spots. “Yeboah and Holskey are going to have big seasons,” Waters said. “They may lack experience, but they’re looking so good and physical thus far.”
THE LINEUP
(sr.), *Daniel Goins (sr.), *Zion Sharp (sr.), *Cody Wilson (jr.) Receivers: Mitchell Coultas (so.), Clayton Powell (sr.), *Cody Trago (sr.), *Spencer Vincken (sr.) Tight ends: *C.J. Kelly (sr.), Paapa Yeboah (jr.) Linemen: *Anthony Dicerbo (sr.), *Reid Holskey (jr.), *Eseosa Obas (sr.), *Nate Pack (so.), *Wyatt Peters (sr.), Myers Slebo (jr.) Defense Linemen: *Sheldon Ellington, *Holskey, *Slebo, *Yeboah Linebackers: Goins, *Kelly, Brody Mann (jr.), *Clayton Powell (sr.), *Vincken, *Wilson, Secondary: Sharif Calhoun (sr.), *Chatman, Righter, *Sharp, *Trago, Special teams Kicker: *Kyle Willison (sr.) Punter: *Righter Returners: TBD Long snapper: TBD (*Denotes projected starter)
Offense Quarterbacks: *Jacob Righter (sr.), Noah Coultas (so.) bemerine@thisweeknews.com Running backs: *Will Chatman @Brad_ThisWeek
75
O THER A REA T EAMS
Attitude among positives for club squad By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM
Since beginning its program in 1996, having a family atmosphere to go along with Christian-based ministry always has been the No. 1 objective of the Columbus Crusaders club football team. Emphasizing those core values has been especially important this year considering the program is fielding one of its youngest and smallest rosters while also instituting a new offense. The Crusaders have shown the type of attitude that veteran coach Mike Stanley believes will help them bounce back after enduring a season in which they went 2-8, including losing three games by five points or fewer. “What I can tell you about this year’s team, but that I didn’t feel this way last year, is that this group is a really enthusiastic and committed group,” Stanley said. “There are not very many out there, but they’re all in. When we go to practice we don’t have to convince guys we have a clue about what we’re teaching them; we’ve got guys who are like sponges soaking it up. We’re relatively young and inexperienced and we’ll be starting a freshman quarterback, but these are terrific young men.” Stanley coached the Crusaders from 1999-2008 and also served on the varsity staff
in 2015 and 2016 before taking over as the interim coach last year when Ben Barlow stepped down just before fall practices. Barlow, who guided the team for five seasons, including a 7-3 mark in 2016, has returned as a defensive assistant coach for a program that practices at Polaris Church and plays its home games at Otterbein. The Crusaders will play two OHSAA-sanctioned teams, Dayton Meadowdale (Aug. 24 on the road) and Whetstone (Oct. 19 at home), as well as three programs that have numerous home-school students like itself in the Noblesville (Indiana) Lions (Sept. 15 at home), the Cincinnati Landmark Eagles (Sept. 29 on the road) and Middletown Christian (Oct. 5 at home). Columbus is planning to join a league with the three latter programs next season. “I’m very enthusiastic,” Stanley said. “I love our coaching staff. We probably have 10 guys on the coaching staff, and they’re here for the kids and for the ministry. This team honestly compared with Crusader teams in the past is much younger and much more inexperienced. It’s hard to be much more inexperienced than we were last year when we were 2-8, but we are. However, our guys are responsive and our coaches are coaching their brains out.”
OFFENSE
After running a spread-based offense the last few years, the Crusaders are moving to a triple-option attack that features freshman Mitchell Melfe at quarterback and with senior running backs Terrance Downing and Blaise Rapp playing key roles. Among the reasons for the change, according to Stanley, is that one of the areas of strength is an offensive line that features senior Andrew Harris (LT) and juniors Isaac Lapat (C), Mike Medas (RG) and Zac Van Dyke (RT). “It’s been going well,” Harris said. “We do have a lot of young guys but they’re all doing their best and learning the plays quickly as freshmen, especially Mitchell. “If I wasn’t playing to win, I wouldn’t play. I just enjoy the whole order of everything (with the team) and that everyone has the focus on Christ first, which encourages me to work for my brothers.” Melfe is the brother of 2017 graduate Alex Melfe, who now is competing for Tiffin. “(The offense is) looking good,” he said. “If you read it right as the quarterback it works out pretty well, especially with some of those guys blocking.”
Senior Marcellas McLellan, who is one of the program’s top athletes, will double at wide receiver and free safety, with Melfe also expected to be at cornerback and senior Trey Lewis at receiver and safety. Rapp (LB), sophomore Junior Mugisha (DL) and freshman Tayshawn Henderson (LB) also should take on key roles. The Crusaders’ top defensive player last season was Jeremiah Wooten, a 2018 graduate who was among their leading tacklers and also led in rushing yards (644) and touchdowns (7).
SPECIAL TEAMS Another of the Crusaders’ top players last season was 2018 graduate Matthias Bean, who was first-team all-district at punter and also was the kicker. Stanley wasn’t sure who would emerge to take over for Bean as the preseason began.
back Jake Sherman said. “We’ve been changing up our offense and our defense this year. In our scrimmages, the offense moved the ball up and down the field and the defense didn’t give up many yards. We’re moving along. We want to keep getting better and … we want to beat Zanesville (Aug. 24 in our opener).”
OFFENSE Sherman will take over at quarterback full time after throwing for 465 yards and three touchdowns a year ago while splitting time with senior Jake Morgan. Morgan threw for 731 yards and five touchdowns but has been moved to wide receiver. The Wildcats, who are hoping to utilize their speed more this season, likely will line up four wide receivers. Senior Shawn Keaser finished with 27 catches for 429 yards and four touchdowns and should lead a receiving corps that also includes Morgan, senior Dustin Williams and junior Kadin Robinson. Senior Davian Williams figures to be the No. 1 running back after finishing with 210 yards rushing and one touch-
down last season. Kopachy also is high on sophomore running back Shawn Wheeler. Woods, who rushed for 662 yards and four touchdowns, and 2018 graduate DeJuan Shackleford (36 catches for 400 yards, three touchdowns) were the key losses on offense. Senior Mike Galiher and sophomore Gabriel Madden each started at times last season on the offensive line. “With our offense, we’ve got some good skill guys this year,” Kopachy said. “We’re going to do a little bit more up-tempo stuff because we’ve got more guys who are horizontal, jet-sweep type of guys.”
Offense Quarterbacks: *Mitchell Melfe (fr., 6-0, 150), Terrance Downing (sr., 6-1, 185) Running backs: *Downing, *Blaise Rapp (sr., 5-10, 200), Junior Mugisha (so., 5-11, 240), Tayshawn Henderson (fr., 6DEFENSE 1, 205) Medas (DL), Lapat (DL) and Receivers: *Trey Lewis (sr., senior Jayshone Garland (DB) 5-7, 150), *Marcellas McLelare among the few returnees lan (sr., 5-8, 155) on defense. Tight end: *Jacob Medas
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24.....................vs. Zanesville Aug. 31 ................at Mount Vernon Sept. 7 .............vs. Marion Harding Sept. 14 .....................at Lancaster Sept. 21..........vs. Central Crossing *Sept. 28 ..................at Big Walnut *Oct. 5 ...................vs. New Albany *Oct. 12 .....................at Groveport *Oct. 19.........vs. Canal Winchester *Oct. 26............at Franklin Heights 2017 RESULTS (1-9 overall, 1-4 OCC-Capital) Zanesville ........................L, 23-19 Mount Vernon ....................L, 31-0 Marion Harding .........L, 28-27 (OT) Lancaster ..........................L, 42-7 Olentangy Orange ............L, 50-14 *Big Walnut......................L, 47-14
*New Albany ......................L, 40-6 *Groveport ........................W, 14-0 *Canal Winchester..............L, 47-7 *Franklin Heights..............L, 49-21 *League contest INSIDE THE WILDCATS •Coach: Mike Kopachy, fifth season •Top players: Scott Cannon (DL/OL), Shawn Keaser (WR/LB), Sam Loughman (LB/RB), Jake Morgan (WR/LB), Albert Ross (DB/WR), Jake Sherman (QB/P), Bailey Vogel (OL), Davian Williams (RB/KR/PR) and Dustin Williams (WR/KR) •Key losses: Christian Black, Luke Hampton, Brad Holland, Samuel Madden, Levi McKee, Griffin Ranz, DeJuan Shackelford, Kobe Thompson and D’ante Woods
DEFENSE The Wildcats are running a 4-2-5 defense that returns senior defensive backs Louie Cook (28.5 tackles, two interceptions) and Emmanuel Madden, junior defensive back Delrue Daniels (25.5 tackles, one interception) and senior Jade Batross (18.5), who could see time both at linebacker and in the secondary. Sophomores Trei Dansby and Gabriel Madden and senior DeShawn King all are candidates to see time at defen-
2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24 ......at Dayton Meadowdale Sept. 1.....vs. Elkhart (Ind.) Osceola Grace Sept. 8 ..........................at Hudson Western Reserve Academy Sept. 15 ..........vs. Noblesville (Ind.) Lions Sept. 22.................vs. Indianapolis Southside Crimson Knights Sept. 29.....................at Cincinnati Landmark Eagles Oct. 5.......vs. Middletown Christian Oct. 12..............vs. KIPP Columbus Oct. 19.....................vs. Whetstone Oct. 27................at Saltsburg (Pa.) Kiski Prep 2017 RESULTS (2-8 overall) West Jefferson...................L, 35-6 Elkhart (Ind.) Osceola.........W, 21-7 Western Reserve Academy
.......................................L, 18-13 Noblesville (Ind.) Lions..........L, 8-7 KIPP Columbus................W, 54-12 Cincinnati Landmark ......... L, 14-9 Middletown Christian........L, 44-11 Northland...........................L, 53-0 Whetstone .........................L, 34-7 Saltsburg (Pa.) Kiski Prep....L, 37-7 INSIDE THE CRUSADERS •Coach: Mike Stanley, 12th season •Top players: Chase Fourman (OL/DL), Jayshone Garland (DB), Andrew Harris (OL), Tayshawn Henderson (LB/RB), Isaac Lapat (OL/DL), Trey Lewis (WR/DB/KR/PR), Marcellas McClellan (WR/DB), Mitchell Melfe (QB/DB) and Blaise Rapp (RB/LB) •Key losses: Matthias Bean, Elijah Bland, Samuel Chrysler, Calvin Haynes, Caleb Johnson, Reggie Pace, Tim Triplett and Jeremiah Wooten
THE LINEUP
WILDCATS FROM >> 39
At a glance
sive end, and senior Scott CanSophomore Garrett Kashnon is a returnee on the line. ner returns after gaining experience at kicker last season and SPECIAL TEAMS likely will fill that role, with Davian Williams should lead Sherman expected to battle him the kickoff return team after for the punting job. averaging 25.9 yards while Gabriel Madden performed returning 13 kicks last season. long-snapping duties last seaBatross returned five punts son, and Morgan is another and five kickoffs a year ago. candidate for that role.
(fr., 6-3, 210) Linemen: *Andrew Harris (sr., 6-0, 250), *Isaac Lapat (jr., 5-9, 185), *Mike Medas (jr., 5-10, 205), *Zac Van Dyke (jr., 6-1, 270), *Chase Fourman (so., 5-10, 245) Defense Linemen: *Fourman, *Mugisha, *Lapat, Medas Linebackers: *Downing, *Rapp, *Henderson, Lewis Secondary: *Jayshone Gar-
THE LINEUP Offense Quarterbacks: *Jake Sherman (so., 5-10, 160), Garret Ramsey (so., 6-2, 163) Running backs: *Davian Williams (sr., 6-0, 197), Sam Loughman (sr., 5-9, 155), Mason Wheeler (so., 5-10, 150) Receivers: *Shawn Keaser (sr., 6-4, 190), *Jake Morgan (sr., 6-0, 182), *Dustin Williams (sr., 5-9, 150), *Kadin Robinson (jr., 5-10, 165), Albert Ross (sr., 5-8, 145), Louie Cook (jr., 6-1, 155), Delrue Daniels (jr., 5-11, 165), Trei Dansby (so., 6-3, 180) Linemen: *Bailey Vogel (sr., 5-8, 275), *Chester Fields IV (jr., 6-2, 247), *Johnathon Wieber (jr., 6-0, 263), *Gabriel Madden (so., 6-1, 229), *Devin Nixon (so., 6-0, 283), Scott Cannon (sr., 6-6, 250), Mike Galiher (sr., 6-1, 255), DeShawn King (sr., 6-1, 275), Andrew LeFevre (so., 6-2, 272) Defense Linemen: *Cannon, *Fields IV, *Prophet Johnson (jr., 510, 210), *Dansby, King, Madden Linebackers: *Loughman, *Morgan, Jade Batross (sr., 57, 160), Keaser, Robinson Secondary: *Ross, *Emmanuel Madden (sr., 6-0, 237), *Keegan Offenburger
land (sr., 5-7, 150), *Lewis, *McLellan, *Melfe Special teams Kicker: TBD Punter: TBD Returners: Downing, Garland Long snapper: Jack South (fr., 6-3, 220) (*Denotes projected starter) julrey@thisweeknews.com @UlreyThisWeek
(sr., 5-9, 170), *Cook, *Daniels, Batross, Lougman, Robinson Special teams Kicker: *Garrett Kashner (so., 5-10, 171) Punters: *Sherman, Kashner Returners: *Batross, *Davian Williams, *Dustin Williams Long snappers: *Madden, Morgan (*Denotes projected starter) julrey@thisweeknews.com @UlreyThisWeek
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76
O THER A REA T EAMS
Buckeye Valley
Developing depth key to success for Barons By BRAD EMERINE THISWEEKSPORTS.COM The Buckeye Valley High School football team is trying hard to make sure some of its key players get a little more rest during games, as the Barons entered scrimmages with six two-way players and possibly a seventh. “We’ve got to rely on quite a few guys as two-way players until we can develop some depth,” said fifth-year coach Matt Stephens, whose team opens Aug. 24 against Delaware at Ohio Wesleyan. “If we have that many guys going both ways in the fourth quarter, we’ve got to put in the work right now to be ready for that. So we’ve worked our guys pretty hard thus far. “You know that in the fourth quarter, if you’ve got too many going both ways, that’s when you’re going to see some separation with your opponent.” The Barons are coming off a season in which they finished 7-3 overall and 5-2 in the MidOhio Athletic Conference-Red Division. They finished 11th in Division III, Region 11, as the top eight in each region qualified for the playoffs. “Our goals have been same since day 1 here,” Stephens said. “We want to play in that week 11. We also want to win the conference and beat Hayes. Those goals never change. “We fell short last year, but the guys know week 11 is within reach and that’s what has motivated them all through winter and spring and continues to motivate them out there every day right now.” The Barons know it won’t be easy to reach those goals, however. “We lost our top two rushers and a fullback and two from our offensive line,” Stephens said. “But it’s always nice to have your quarterback back. But even so, we just don’t have
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24 .....................vs. Delaware Aug. 31.....................at Big Walnut Sept. 7 .................at Mount Vernon *Sept. 14 .................at River Valley *Sept. 21..................vs. Clear Fork *Sept. 28........................at Ontario *Oct. 5.............vs. Marion Pleasant *Oct. 12 .............at Marion Harding *Oct. 19 .................vs. North Union *Oct. 26..........................vs. Galion 2017 RESULTS (7-3 overall, 5-2 MOAC-Red) Delaware .........................L, 21-17 Bexley ..............................W, 37-6 Mount Vernon....................W, 17-9 *River Valley....................W, 28-13 *Clear Fork.......................L, 23-20 *Ontario ..........................W, 34-20
*Marion Pleasant..............L, 42-17 *Marion Harding..............W, 42-39 *North Union .....................W, 21-7 *Galion............................W, 44-14 *League contest INSIDE THE BARONS •Coach: Matt Stephens, fifth season •Top players: Andre Ash (RB/DB), Jake Diley (OL/DL), Beau Ewing (WR/DB), Lathan McGraw (OL/LB), Jack McKean (OL/DL), Grant Owens (QB), Matt Pentacost (WR), Jake Radcliff (WR), Paul Staley (RB/LB) and Rance Wycoff (OL/DL) •Key losses: Leo D’Amico, Trent Davies, Kellen Marshall, Max Rotondo, Ethan Stambaugh, Joey Verdes and Teren Wycoff
Senior Duncan Faulk will start at cornerback when the Barons open Aug. 24 as host to Delaware. SHANE FLANIGAN/THISWEEK
a lot of experience in our skill and sophomore Lathan positions.” McGraw (guard). They will be joined by senior Jake Diley and junior Nick Fein. OFFENSE The Barons’ most experiGrant Owens returns at quarterback after being named first- enced receiver is junior Beau Ewing, and senior Matt Pentateam all-conference. “Grant had a special year. He cost and sophomore Jake Radwas the leading passer in the cliff are other targets. Andre conference,” Stephens said. Ash will get the start in the slot. “There’s a lot of questions “But he also understands the things he needs to work on. He there, but I think the newcomled the conference in intercep- ers are going to step in and make tions, too. So he needs to limit their mark,” Stephens said. “I his mistakes for our offense to think Beau is ready to have a be successful, although we’ll big season at our inside receiver have to lean on his arm a little spot. Owens and are our capbit more because we lost our tains, but several other guys are tailback and fullback. Even also going to have to step up though we only lost two starters and lead. Leadership isn’t a twooff the line, we did lose a lot of man job. “Everyone has to be involved depth there.” Senior Zach Garber is and I think the seniors realize expected to take over at tail- this is their last go-around. back, with classmate Paul Sta- They’ll be vocal and lead our young guys.” ley lining up at fullback. Returning starters on the line DEFENSE are senior Jack McKean (tackle), The defense returns only junior Rance Wycoff (center)
three full-time starters in Ewing, Wycoff and junior Wyatt McGraw. McGraw (6-5, 250) and McKean will be the ends, with Wycoff at tackle and Diley at nose guard. Playing linebacker in the team’s 4-3 scheme will be Lathan McGraw, sophomore Will Weinberg and either freshman Fletcher Holquist or Staley. “Lathan started several games for us last season and led us in tackles in quite a few of them,” Stephens said. “Jack McKean has been a starter and played well in big game moments and he’ll be a leader and is expected to make more big plays for us. “We really need some playmakers on defense because we lost a four-year starter at linebacker and three guys from the secondary. So we’re going to be young at a lot of places.” Senior cornerback Duncan Faulk saw action in the backfield last season. Ewing, junior Andy Anthony and freshman
Anthony Hughes are expected 6-2, 210), *Jack McKean (sr., to round out the group, with 6-2, 215), *Rance Wycoff (jr., 6-1, 215) Ash also getting some time. Defense Linemen: *Diley, *Wyatt SPECIAL TEAMS Sophomores Brian Perrine McGraw (jr., 6-5, 250), *McKean, *Wycoff and Felippe Scharff are comLinebackers: Fletcher peting for the place-kicking job. Holquist (fr., 6-0, 205), *L. Junior D.J. Bradley will take McGraw, Staley, *Will Weinover the punting, with senior berg (so., 5-10, 200) Ben Atiyeh as the long snapSecondary: *Andy Anthony per. (jr., 5-10, 155), Ash, Ewing, Returning kicks will be Ash, *Duncan Faulk (sr., 5-11, 175), Ewing and Garber. *Anthony Hughes (fr., 5-11, 160) THE LINEUP Special teams Kicker: Brian Perrine (so., Offense Quarterback: *Grant Owens 5-8, 155), Felippe Scharff (so., 5-6, 140) (sr., 6-1, 195) Punter: *D.J. Bradley (jr., 6Running backs: *Andre Ash (so., 5-10, 175), *Zach Garber 2, 160) Long snapper: *Ben Atiyeh (sr., 5-10, 185), Paul Staley (sr., (sr., 5-10, 205) 6-0, 205) Holder: *Hughes Receivers: *Beau Ewing (jr., Returners: Ash, Ewing, Gar5-10, 185), *Matt Pentacost (sr., 6-2, 205), *Jake Radcliff (so., ber 6-4, 200) (*Denotes projected starter) Linemen: *Jake Diley (sr., 5-11, 215), *Nick Fein (jr., 6- bemerine@thisweeknews.com 3, 220), *Lathan McGraw (so., @Brad_ThisWeek
will also line up as a linebacker in some sets. “We’ve started to face more passing offenses and it works out to have Jake back there,” Carter said. Seniors Trent Jakeway and Garrett Psurny are returning starters in the secondary. “I like the way we’re running to the ball on defense,” Carter said. “Our pursuit has been great and we’ve been playing our gaps well.”
Defense Linemen: Jacob Bush (sr. 59, 180), *Boso, Z. Jenney, Lewis, *Wingard, *S. Davis, Nickell, Writesel, *Lusk Linebackers: T. Bush, K. Davis, Myers, Schlagheck, Stiles, Jaden Jacob (so., 5-8, 160), Lusk, Wes Myers (so., 58, 160) Secondary: Barasch, Calhoun, Curran, Green, *Jakeway, *Psurny Special teams Kicker: *Alex Jenney (sr., 510, 170) Punter: *A. Jenney Returners: Barasch, Calhoun Long snapper: Wingard (*Denotes projected starter)
JOHNNIES
FROM >> 71
trict and the league’s Back of the Year. They also have two other returning senior starters in the backfield in quarterback Caden Calhoun and fullback Luke Myers. Calhoun (honorable mention all-district, first-team all-league) rushed for 998 yards and 13 touchdowns on 152 carries, and he was 3-for-9 passing for 6 yards. Myers (honorable mention all-district, first-team all-league) added 518 yards and 14 scores on 119 carries. “The offense is looking good,” Barasch said. “We have to play fast and listen to our coaches. We push each other
and get better from working with each other.” Three linemen also are back in senior tackle Will Lewis (63, 255; honorable mention allleague), senior center Andrew Wingard (5-7, 220) and junior guard Wyatt Walton (6-4, 295; second-team all-district, firstteam all-league). “I like the way we’re firing off the ball and blocking on offense,” Carter said. “We need to work on consistency and making sure we’re doing the fundamental things right.”
backing corps and sophomore Jake Lusk returns to anchor the defensive line. Lusk (6-4, 215) had a breakout freshman season with 94 tackles, six sacks and a teamhigh 24 tackles for loss to earn honorable mention all-state, first-team all-district and second-team all-league. Also returning on the line is senior tackle Josh Boso (89 tackles, 22 for loss, 12 sacks) and junior end Stew Davis (96 tackles, 20 for loss, team-high 16 sacks; second-team all-district, honorable mention all-league). DEFENSE Senior Tristan Bush also Johnstown has seven starters comes back at linebacker along returning in its 4-4 defensive with Kaden Davis, who was alignment. also first-team all-district and Davis is back to lead the line- second-team all-league. Lusk
Barasch (sr., 5-9, 170), *Nate Curran (sr., 5-11, 155), *Luke Myers (sr., 6-2, 200), Jeff Stiles (jr., 6-0, 180), Bryce Writesel (jr., 5-8, 190), Luke Schlagheck (jr., 5-9, 165) Receivers: Devin Green (sr., 5-10, 155), Trent Jakeway (sr., 6-0, 155), Garrett Psurny (sr., 5-9, 160) Tight ends: Josh Boso (sr., 6-3, 260), Adam Thomas (sr., 6-2, 210),*Jake Lusk (so., 6-4, 215) Linemen: Tristan Bush (sr., 6-0, 185), Kaden Davis (sr., 6THE LINEUP 0, 216), Zach Jenney (sr., 6-4, Offense 230), *Will Lewis (sr., 6-3, 255), Quarterbacks: *Caden Cal- *Andrew Wingard (sr., 5-7, houn (sr., 5-9, 160), Cole Work- 220), Stew Davis (jr., 6-3, 205), man (jr., 5-9, 155) Hunter Nickell (jr., 6-2, 185), Running backs: *Bryce *Wyatt Walton (jr., 6-4, 295)
shennen@thisweeknews.com @ThisWeekHennen
77
O THER A REA T EAMS
Pioneers counting on newcomers at skill positions By JARROD ULREY THISWEEKSPORTS.COM Although the Jonathan Alder High School football team is entering what some might consider a transition season, the outlook of its players hasn’t changed much from the past three years. The Pioneers have gone 3211 since Brett Glass took over as coach in 2014, making the Division IV playoffs each of the past three years. They also earned a runner-up finish last fall during their first season in the Central Buckeye Conference-Kenton Trail Division. Graduation claimed all of the most experienced skill position players, however, leaving the program to lean on its tradition of success and a strong core of linemen as new players move into key roles. Using a spread offense that was split evenly between the run and pass, Jonathan Alder went 3-1 in the league to finish behind Bellefontaine (4-0) and ahead of Springfield Shawnee (2-2), Springfield Kenton Ridge (1-3) and New Carlisle Tecumseh (0-4). For the second season in a row, the Pioneers also lost in the first round of the playoffs to a team that reached the state title game. Jonathan Alder fell to eventual state champion Hartley 3521 in their Division IV, Region 14 opener in 2016 and lost to the eventual state runner-up,
BULLDOGS FROM >> 72
will try to find a way to stop. He’s 6-1, 250 and as strong as an ox. He squats over 500 pounds and also is one of the faster kids on the team. He can do pretty much anything on the defensive line. “Hogue should anchor the defense in the middle. He started all 10 games last year as freshman and had 109 tackles. He was all-league and alldistrict. He’s an excellent kid, a student of the game and a competitor in everything he does.” Morrow is back at safety.
Clarksville Clinton-Massie, 17-7, to begin the Region 16 playoffs last fall. “Our kids have played the best in the state (the last two seasons), so they know what it looks like now,” Glass said. “Our kids played extremely well in losing to Clinton-Massie last year, and they made it to the state finals. We’re similar up front to how we were last year, but we’re replacing almost all of our skill kids.” According to Glass, the Pioneers are discontinuing their series against Marysville, which they beat 35-32 in overtime a year ago and open with again this season Aug. 24 on the road. In league play last season, Jonathan Alder lost 19-6 to a Bellefontaine team that took Division III state runner-up Dresden Tri-Valley to the brink before losing 36-30 in overtime in the second round of the playoffs. “Our league was decided by (13) points,” Glass said. “Although we could have easily gone 5-5, it showed our kids know how to respond to adversity. We had two overtime wins, and I’d never coached in an overtime game before.”
OFFENSE Senior Caleb Howell and juniors Connor Morgan and Blake Caldwell give the Pioneers a trio of linemen to build around as their new skill position players get acclimated.
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24......................at Marysville Aug. 31..............at Marion Harding Sept. 7 .....................vs. Clear Fork Sept. 14............at Benjamin Logan Sept. 21 .................vs. Indian Lake Sept. 28..........vs. St. Paris Graham *Oct. 5.................vs. Kenton Ridge *Oct. 12.................at Bellefontaine *Oct. 19 vs. New Carlisle Tecumseh *Oct. 26....vs. Springfield Shawnee 201 RESULTS (8-3 overall, 3-1 CBC-Kenton Trail) Marysville ................W, 35-32 (OT) Marion Harding .................W, 21-7 Clear Fork ........................L, 28-14 Benjamin Logan ..............W, 43-36 Indian Lake ..............W, 35-34 (OT) *Kenton Ridge .................W, 28-21
Howell will be in his third season as a starter. Sophomore J.T. Keith will take over at quarterback for 2018 graduate Preston Eisnaugle, a first-team all-district selection who threw for 1,791 yards with 15 touchdowns and six interceptions and rushed for seven more scores. Junior Jacob Fenik and senior Mason Seum, who each saw limited action, figure to be among the primary ball carriers after Jonathan Alder lost first-team all-district running
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24................vs. Liberty Union Aug. 31 ................at Licking Valley Sept. 7 .................at Wheelersburg Sept. 14............vs. Licking Heights Sept. 21 ...................vs. Lakewood Sept. 28.........at Watkins Memorial *Oct. 5 .............................vs. Utica *Oct. 12 ....................at Northridge *Oct. 19 ..........vs. Newark Catholic *Oct. 26....................at Johnstown 2017 RESULTS (4-6 overall, 2-2 LCL-Cardinal) Liberty Union....................L, 31-13 Licking Valley ...................L, 36-33 Wheelersburg ....................L, 41-0 Licking Heights ..................L, 42-6 Lakewood.........................W, 17-7 Watkins Memorial .............W, 47-7
*Utica ...............................W, 48-7 *Northridge .....................W, 35-17 *Newark Catholic .................L, 6-3 *Johnstown .......................L, 48-8 *League contest INSIDE THE BULLDOGS •Coach: Tim Ward, second season •Top players: Bryce Baker (WR/DB), Logan Byers (WR/DB), Doran Dyer (RB/DB), Carter Hazen (OL/DL), Dane Hogue (FB/LB), Chance Keller (RB/DB), Caden Marinacci (OL/DL),Austin Morrow (QB/DB), Net Schmidt (OL/DL) and Austin Weekley (OL/LB) •Key losses: Quintin Dixon, Tayte Duncan,Tyler Karr, Kris Kirchoff,Treyton McCoy, Simon Romine and Brice Sherburne
back Jamie Dye (1,469 yards, 15 touchdowns) to graduation. Also gone are a trio of wide receivers who combined for more than 100 receptions in 2018 graduates Bryan Blacka, Drew Myers and Dalton Potts. Senior Trevor Mitchell, who had 11 catches last season, and senior Victor Fenik will be among those trying to fill that void. “We’re trying to get things in motion,” said Victor Fenik, who is Jacob’s brother. “We’re going to have a really strong
Offense julrey@thisweeknews.com Quarterbacks: *J.T. Keith @UlreyThisWeek
BLUE ACES
FROM >> 68
*Kunar, Chaykowski, Markgraf, Anthony Zeno (sr., 5-8, 160), Sutliff Secondary: *Buttermore, *VanMeter, Campbell, Steyn,
Returners: *Buttermore, Crumley, Hoben, Varasso, Walsh, Keshawn Bonner (so., *Walsh, *Bonner Long snapper: *Compton 5-10, 147) Special teams (*Denotes projected starter) Kicker: *Craig Zeis (sr., 62, 165) julrey@thisweeknews.com @UlreyThisWeek Punter: *Zies
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THE LINEUP Offense Quarterbacks: *Austin Morrow (jr., 5-10, 155) Running backs: *Doran Dyer (sr., 5-11, 160), *Dane Hogue (so., 6-0, 190), Chance Keller (jr., 5-6, 145), Jack Kelley (sr., 5-11, 165), Xavier Puryear (so, 6-1, 170) Receivers: *Bryce Baker (jr., 6-0, 155), Reid Bonham (jr., 5-10, 150), Logan Byers (sr., 5-11, 150), *Marshall Flynn (sr., 6-2, 165), *Justin Hartman (jr. 5-7, 155), Nolan McClain (jr., 6-1, 160) Linemen: Seth Ault (sr., 511, 170), Matt Goodhart (jr., 6-0, 270), Lloyd Haas (sr., 6-
*Bellefontaine ....................L, 19-6 *New Carlisle Tecumseh ..W, 35-28 *Springfield Shawnee ......W, 35-21 St. Paris Graham ...............W, 21-6 PLAYOFFS Clarksville Clinton-Massie...L, 17-7 *League contest INSIDE THE PIONEERS •Coach: Brett Glass, fifth season •Top players: Brennan Blain (DL), Michael Boggs (DL/OL), Blake Caldwell (OL/LS), Jacob Fenik (RB/DB/KR/PR),Victor Fenik (WR/DB), Caleb Howell (OL), Trevor Mitchell (WR) and Connor Morgan (OL/DL) •Key losses: Bryan Blacka, Dylan Boysel, Jamie Dye, Preston Eisnaugle, Nolan Larison, Drew Myers, Dalton Potts and Jacob Sullivan
line this year and we’ve got a (so., 5-10, 165), Jacob Fenik good junior class. We think (jr., 5-10, 165) we’ve got the potential.” Running backs: *Mason Seum (sr., 6-1, 180), *Fenik Receivers: *Victor Fenik DEFENSE (sr., 6-0, 180), *Trevor Mitchell The Fenik brothers are among the top returnees on (sr., 6-1, 170), Logan Kramer defense, and each had about (sr., 6-0, 170), Dawson 40 tackles last season. Victor Detwiler (jr., 5-8, 150), JackFenik likely will be at corner- son Izzard (so., 6-1, 155) H-Back: Luke Stalnaker (sr., back, with Jacob Fenik at free 5-11, 200), Brayden Blain (jr., safety. Senior end Brennan Blain 5-10, 210), Crew Wheeler (jr., and junior tackle Michael 6-0, 180) Linemen: *Jose Duarte (sr., Boggs are returnees on the defensive line. Senior lineman 5-10, 230), *Caleb Howell (sr., Jose Duarte is one of the 6-3, 230), *Michael Boggs (jr., strongest players on the roster. 6-1, 210), *Blake Caldwell (jr., Brayden Blain, Morgan and 6-2, 250), *Connor Morgan seniors Jordan Leeka (DL) and (jr., 6-3, 245) Defense Luke Stalnaker (LB) figure to Linemen: *Brennan Blain also take on key roles defensively as the Pioneers must (sr., 6-2, 200), *Boggs, *Jorreplace 2018 graduates Noah dan Leeka (sr., 6-2, 230), Larison, the district’s Player *Morgan of the Year from the line, Drew Linebackers: *Stalnaker, Myers, a linebacker who led *Brayden Blain, *Breckin the team in tackles, and Blacka, Francis (so., 6-2, 210) a defensive back who was firstSecon condar daryy: *Victor Fenik, team all-district. *Drew Begin (jr., 5-10, 175), *Jacob Fenik, *Garrett Proxmire (jr., 6-0, 180), *Wheeler, SPECIAL TEAMS Senior Jackson Welsch takes Trevor Mitchell (sr., 6-1, 170), over at kicker for Ethan Gordin, Cade Keaton (so., 5-1, 175), who is at Wittenberg after mak- Izzard Special teams ing 33 extra points. Kicker: *Jackson Welsch Either Welsch or Stalnaker figure to be the punter after (sr., 5-10, 160) Punter: Stalnaker, Welsch Eisnaugle (36.0 average) perReturners: *Jacob Fenik formed that duty last season. Long snapper: *Caldwell (*Denotes projected starter) THE LINEUP
1, 250), *Carter Hazen (sr., 511, 215), J.T. Lowe (so., 6-1, 205), *Caden Marinacci (so., 6-2, 240), *Nate Schmidt (sr., 5-10, 200), *Hunter Simmons (so., 6-1, 250), *Austin Weekley (sr., 6-3, 215) Defense Linemen: Ault, Haas, *Cortez Hatem (jr., 6-1, 250), *Hazen, Marinacci, *Schmidt, Linebackers: Bonham, Hartman, *Hogue, *Kelley, Puryear, *Weekley
Secondary: Baker, *Bonham, *Byers, Dyer, *Flynn, Hartman, *Keller, Payton Lees (fr., 5-8, 150), Isaiah Spellman (so., 5-10, 150) Special teams Kicker: TBD Punter: TBD Returners: TBD Long snapper: TBD (*Denotes projected starter) bemerine@thisweeknews.com @Brad_ThisWeek
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O THER A REA T EAMS
CELTICS FROM >> 8
competing for the other spots up front.
OFFENSE A competition developed in the preseason for the starting quarterback spot among senior Hayden Schell and sophomores Carter Barco and Ryan Miller, with Schell emerging as the leading candidate, according to Gecewich. Schell passed for 1,262 yards with 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions a year ago. Barco and Miller also could see time behind center in the spread offense. Jerome must replace Pope in the backfield, with senior Andrew Brim emerging as a leading candidate in the preseason. Brim also could see time at receiver. Other backs are junior Adam Booth and sophomores Ian Dean and Ezra Strickland. Senior Trey Ballengee will lead a group of receivers that also includes seniors Ryan Keys and Luke Martin, along with Strickland. At 6-foot-5 and 280 pounds, Craig should anchor the line at left tackle. Also expected to start are seniors Connor Radcliff (center) and George Paesano (guard), with juniors Ethan Borkowski, Jay Halsey, Nate Kovach, Ben Miller and Dan Wilson and sophomores Noah Dorsey and Sean McCarthy
DEFENSE Craig will be a key member of the line in the team’s 3-4 base defense, and senior Tony Gyimah also will start. Other linemen in the mix will be seniors Nnamdi Aninweze and Carson Rengel and sophomore Zach McMinn. Will Rigby will start at middle linebacker, with John McDonald at linebacker or in the secondary. Both are seniors. “We have a lot of seniors and we’re just really excited because we’re returning a ton of guys on both sides of the ball,” Rigby said. “It’s going to a senior-led team for the most part and we’re looking for our juniors to step up as well.” Other linebackers are junior Dominic Nardone and sophomore Jack Soehner. Junior free safety Scott Sonnanstine, who last season was first-team all-league and honorable mention all-district, returns to lead the secondary. “We love Scott. He’s a stud at free safety for us,” Gecewich said. Senior Trey Welch should also start in the secondary. Other defensive backs are seniors Brandon Infante, Reid McCrabb and David Reinhart,
Hayden Schell returns at quarterback after throwing for 1,262 yards and 10 touchdowns a year ago. The senior is being pushed by sophomores Carter Barco and Ryan Miller, who also could see playing time. MATTHEW HATCHER/THIS WEEK
along with Strickland.
SPECIAL TEAMS Gecewich said a competition also developed in the preseason for kicking and punting duties, and junior Ethan Gross will perform both roles. Brim, Dean, Keys and Strickland will return kicks, and Miller is the long snapper.
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THE LINEUP Offense Quarterbacks: *Hayden Quart Schell (sr., 5-11, 177), Carter Barco (so., 5-9, 150), Ryan Miller (so., 6-0, 173) Running backs: *Andrew Brim (sr., 5-10, 171), Adam Booth (jr., 5-9, 176), Ian Dean (so., 5-11, 156), Ezra Strickland (so., 5-11, 150) Receivers: *Trey Ballengee (sr., 6-2, 189), *Ryan Keys (sr., 6-0, 187), Brim, *Luke Martin (sr., 6-0, 186), Strickland Linemen: *Cam Craig (sr., 6-5, 280), Connor Radcliff (sr., 6-0, 265), *George Paesano (sr., 6-1, 264), Ethan Borkowski (jr., 6-2, 214), Jay Halsey (jr., 6-4, 258), Nate Kovach (6-2, 209), Ben Miller (6-2, 193), Dan Wilson (6-2. 209), Noah Dorsey (so., 6-1, 245), Sean McCarthy (5-11, 210) Defense Linemen: Nnamdi Aninweze (sr., 6-3, 303), *Craig, *Tony Gyimah (sr., 6-3, 246), Carson Rengel (sr., 6-3, 188), Zach McMinn (so., 6-2. 221) Linebackers: *John McDonald (sr., 6-0, 187), *Will Rigby (sr., 6-2, 217), Dominic Nardone (jr. 6-0, 188), Jack Soehner (so., 5-10, 166) Secondary: Brandon Infante
At a glance 2018 SCHEDULE Aug. 24......................at Watterson Aug. 31.........at Pickerington North Sept. 7 .............vs. Dublin Coffman *Sept. 14 .............vs. Dublin Scioto *Sept. 21 ..............at Hilliard Darby *Sept. 28 ..vs. Thomas Worthington *Oct. 5........................at Delaware *Oct. 12 ............vs. Hilliard Bradley *Oct. 19 ...........at Olentangy Berlin *Oct. 26..vs. Worthington Kilbourne 2017 RESULTS (7-4 overall, 5-1 in OCC-Cardinal) Logan W, 41-7 Pickerington North .............L, 35-0 Olentangy Orange ..............L, 31-7 *Dublin Scioto .................W, 21-17 *Hilliard Darby...................W, 21-0 *Thomas Worthington ......W, 33-32
*Delaware.......................W, 34-13 *Hilliard Bradley .................L, 28-7 Watterson .......................W, 28-27 *Worthington Kilbourne......W, 24-7 PLAYOFFS Olentangy Liberty...............L, 35-0 *League contest INSIDE THE CELTICS •Coach: Bob Gecewich, fourth season •Top players: Trey Ballengee (WR/LB), Cam Craig (OL/DL), Tony Gyimah (DL), Ryan Keys (WR), John McDonald (RB/LB),Will Rigby (RB/LB), Hayden Schell (QB) and Scott Sonnanstine (DB) •Key losses: Cole Albright, Robert Cope, Jackson Harris, Dalton Kagy and Steven Tejeda
Punter: *Gross (sr., 6-0, 173), Reid McCrabb Returners: Brim, Keys, (sr., 5-9, 156), David Reinhart (sr., 5-11, 157), *Trey Welch Dean, Strickland Long snapper: *Miller (sr., 6-0, 164), *Scott Sonnans(*Denotes projected starter) tine (jr., 6-0, 173), Strickland Special teams Kicker: *Ethan Gross (jr., fdirenna@thisweeknews.com 6-2, 164) @ThisWeekFrank
REDSKINS
FROM >> 72
from 4-4 to 4-3 and those fronts will really surprise people.”
THE LINEUP Offense Quarterbacks: Jacob Giffin (sr.), Logan Brokaw (so.), Collin McCullough (so.) Running backs: *Ryan Cree (sr.), *Garrett Meyers (sr.) Receivers: Hunter Brokaw (sr.), *Mack Marston (sr.), Logan Reedy (sr.), *Dakota Woodard (sr.), Ethan Adams (jr.)
Tight ends: Caleb Baker (sr.), Andrew Francis (sr.), Clayton Cummons (jr.), Linemen: *Zain Barnes (sr.), *Robby Lowe (sr.),*Blake Hale (jr.), Dawson Smith (jr.), Dallas Wygle (jr.), Josh Dillon (so.), Andrew Norrocky (so.),*Tanner Parsons (so), Tanner Tate (so.) Defense Linemen: *Cree, Lowe, *Hale, Cummons, Wygle, Parsons Linee backers: Lin *Baker, *Barnes, Giffin, *Meyers, *Reedy
Secondary: H. Brokaw, *Marston, Woodard, *Adams, Brant Gray (jr.), Caleb Lybarger (jr.), Nick Martinson (jr.), L. Brokaw, Shane Weakley (so.) Special teams Kicker: *Lybarger Punter: *Woodard Returners: H. Brokaw, Meyers, Adams Long snappers: Marston, Hale, Parsons (*Denotes projected starter) shennen@thisweeknews.com @ThisWeekHennen
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