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FOOTBALL 2018

KENT SANBORN OF SOUTHERN OHIO SPORTS PHOTOS.COM

Members of the 2018 Chesapeake Panthers football team are: front row left to right, Isaiah Pinkerman, Austin Browning, Max Allen, Tyler Eddy, Isaiah White, Nick Burns and Dillon Lunsford; second row left to right, Ian Hicks, Chris Stanley, Grayson Walsh, Brady Wilson, Zander Schmidt, Zack Stepp, Logan Walsh, Jacob McCloud, R.J. Ward and Hunter Livingston; third row from left to right, Levi Best, Lucas Shepherd, Will Todd, Cody Bragg, Luke Shields, Donald Richendollar, Alec Dement, Blake Thompson, Carson Nida, Thomas Sentz and Landon Preston; fourth row from left to right, Justice Hutchison, Nick Burns, Bryce Mount, Dakota Hess, Tylan Hutchison, Eli Archer, Hunter Blackburn, Kamren Harless, Patrick Rawlins and J.T. Henry.

Panthers must fix defensive troubles

Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

CHESAPEAKE — It’s called “tackle football” for a reason. You tackle the opposing player.

Well, at least that’s the idea behind the game and Chesapeake Panthers coach Andy Clark is very much aware of that fact.

The Panthers were 4-6 last season despite an offense that again rushed for 3,000 yards. Unfortunately, so did the opposition.

“The key is defense. We have to play better defense.

We have to tackle,” said Clark. “Three years ago, we tackled well and we were 8-3. Two years ago, we tackled well and we were 9-2.

Last year we didn’t tackle very well and we were 4-6.

It’s not a coincidence.”

One of the problems last season was the youth and inexperience of the Panthers. Clark said that led to a lot of their troubles. But after a year to mature and train in the offseason, the Panthers’ veteran coach is hoping that will help solve several issues.

“Fortunately, a lot of these guys got a lot of experience, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

That whole breaking in period, getting used to the speed of the game is behind us,” said Clark.

PLEASE SEE “DEFENSE,” PAGE 7

QUICK HITTER

Head Coach: Andy Clark (39-24, seventh year at Chesapeake and overall)

Assistant Coaches: Rick Clark, Todd Knipp, Aaron Rice, Ty Johnson, Ryan Summers, Kevin Hutchinson. Video: Kerry Tutt.

Key Returnees: Austin Browning, Kamren Harless, Tyler Eddy, Dakota Spence, Eli Archer, Max Allen, Andrew Boggs, Bradley Henderson.

Key Losses: Kelton Jones, Evan Burcham, Cecil Fletcher, Jake Stevens, Zach Wright, Jamey Mills, Dalton Nida, Bretton Martin, Brevin Webb, Josh Rose, Cole Mills, Chad McComas, Austin Bridges.

2016 Record: 4-6 (1-6 OVC, seventh) Offense: Double Slot, Multiple Defense: 4-4, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 4 Returning Defensive Starters: 5

FOOTBALL 2018

7

CHESAPEAKE PANTHERS FOOTBALL ROSTER 2018 Chesapeake Panthers Football Roster No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. 2 Logan Walsh RB-LB 5-08 165 3 Carson Nida RB-DB 5-09 165 4 Will Todd RB-DB 5-07 150 5 Kamren Harless RB-DB 6-01 165 6 Lucas Shepherd PK 5-07 130 7 Levi Best RB-DB 5-7 115 8 Brady Wilson PK 5-08 155 9 Grayson Walsh WR-DB 5-07 130 10 Austin Browning QB-LB 6-01 185 11 Patrick Rawlins WR-LB 5-10 145 12 Tylan Hutchison WR-DB 6-03 170 14 Donald Richendollar QB-DB 5-09 160 15 Tyler Eddy RB-LB 5-08 170 16 Zander Schmidt QB-LB 5-07 165 20 Luke Shields WR-DL 5-09 155 21 Thomas Sentz WR-LB 5-08 135 22 Hunter Livingston WR-DB 5-05 135 28 Brett Mullins RB-DB 5-08 155 32 Jacob McCloud WR-DB 5-08 125

Defense CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

Regardless if the defense gets fixed, the Panthers’ offense still has Austin Browning.

The 6-foot-1, 185-pound senior was a Division V All-Ohio selection last season as he ran 1,517 yards in seven and a half games as he averaged 9.1 yards a carry and scored 17 touchdowns.

“We moved him around last year from quarterback and running back just trying to get him the ball. This year, we’re hoping to keep him at quarterback just from a leadership

Landon Preston Blake Thompson Ian Hicks Justice Hutchison Isaiah Pinkerman Dillon Lunsford Alec Dement R.J. Ward Matt Cremeans J.T. Henry Brayden Howard Isaiah White Zack Stepp Chris Stanley Nick Burns Hunter Blackburn Bryce Mount Max Allen Dakota Hess Cody Bragg Eli Archer

standpoint,” said Clark.

“He’s the guy they look to. He wanted to be a better passer. He worked on it this summer. He’s throwing a catchable ball and he’s seeing the defense better. We counting on the guys around him to take some of the offensive load off of him.”

QUATERBACK After Browning, the Panthers will look to sophomore Donald Richendollar (5-9, 160).

“Richendollar could play right now, but he’s got Browning sitting in front of him. But he’s a good athlete.

He’ll play elsewhere,” said Clark.

RUNNING BACK Splitting time at fullback position

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will be senior Tyler Eddy (5-8, 170) and junior Logan Walsh (5-8, 165).

Eddy started most of last season and Walsh saw a lot of playing time.

“We’re comfortable with either one of them. You don’t lose anything,” said Clark.

The halfback will be juniors and returning starters Carson Nida (5-9, 165) and Kamren Harless (6-1 165). Junior Will Todd (5-7, 150) and Richendollar should also see playing time.

“We’ve had a lot of kids who have grown a lot. All the little scatbacks under 150 pounds last year are 165, 170 and they’re all pretty strong,” said Clark.

PLEASE SEE “PANTHERS,” PAGE 8

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DEFENSE 12 - HUTCHISON 5 - HARLESS 5 - HARLESS 4 - TODD

3 - NIDA 14 - RICHENDOLLAR

S

CB

CB

88 - ARCHER 4 - TODD

51 - LUNSFORD 15 - EDDY

10 - BROWNING 15 - EDDY

2 - WALSH 15 - EDDY

LB

LB

LB

LB

60- WHITE 65 - BURNS

77 - HESS 55 - CREMEANS

56 - HENRY 60 - WHITE

75 - ALLEN 65 - BURNS

DE

DT

NG

LT

OFFENSE

LT

LG

C

RG

RT

77 - HESS 56 - HENRY

60 - WHITE 65 - BURNS

75 - ALLEN 55 - CREMEANS

51 - LUNSFORD 65 - BURNS

55 - CREMEANS 56 - HENRY

TE SE 12 - HUTCHISON 4 - TODD

10 - BROWNING 14 - RICHENDOLLAR

FB 15 - EDDY 2 - WALSH

Chesapeake Panthers August 24 at Oak Hill 7:00 31 at Alexander 7:00 September 7 SYMMES VALLEY 7:00 14 GALLIIPOLIS# 7:00 21 COAL GROVE# 7:00 28 at Ironton# 7:00 October 5 PORTSMOUTH# 7:00 12 at South Point# 7:00 19 at Rock Hill# 7:00 26 FAIRLAND# 7:00 #-Denotes OVC game

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

RECEIVERS Junior Tylan Hutchison (6-3, 170) and Todd are the top players at split end while sophomore Eli Archer (6-3, 190) and Harless will be at wide receiver.

Archer will also see time at tight end with junior Luke Shields (5-9, 155) getting some reps as well.

“We are throwing the ball better so far in our scrimmages. We’re doing a better job protecting and a better job of catching,” said Clark.

“We have to be able to throw the ball some.”

OFFENSIVE LINE Senior Max Allen (510, 235) is back at center to lead the offensive line.

His backup is senior Matt Cremeans (6-1, 230).

Senior Dillon Lunsford (6-3 190) is moving to guard on the right side while the left guard position is a battle between senior Isaiah White (6-0, 205) and freshman Nick Burns (6-0, 220).

Clark said one of those two will back up Lunsford.

Sophomore J.T. Hardy (5-10, 255) and Cremeans are in a battled for the right tackle job. Clark said Cremeans could end

Chesapeake Panthers Chesapeake 28 Oak Hill Chesapeake 40 Alexander Chesapeake 38 Symmes Valley Chesapeake 21 Gallipolis Chesapeake 7 Coal Grove Chesapeake 28 Ironton Chesapeake 14 Portsmouth Chesapeake 42 South Point Chesapeake 31 Rock Hill Chesapeake 28 Fairland

21 0 0 34 27 40 34 0 35 46

up playing at several positions.

The left tackle will be junior Dakota Hess (6-1, 345) with Cremeans or Hardy the backup.

“We have a lot of offensive linemen who got some experience. We’re a little ahead of where I thought we’d be at this point,” said Clark.

PLEASE SEE “LINE,” PAGE 10

WR

QB

88 - ARHCER 20 - SHIELDS

Panthers 2018 Schedule

CHESAPEAKE DEPTH CHART

FOOTBALL 2018

2017 Results

8

88 - ARCHER 5 - HARLESS

PK

SB

8 - WILSON

3 - NIDA 5 - HARLESS 14 - RICHENDOLLAR

P 8 - WILSON

Browning

Allen

Eddy

Lunsford

Cremeans

White

Walsh

Nida

Winning What we do best.

10

FOOTBALL 2018

Henry

Hutchison

Todd

Hess

Line CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 “We lost a lot of seniors, but we’ve had guys who want to step up. They’ve been leaders. Max Allen has been the guy who leads the way for the younger guys.”

DEFENSE The Panthers will continue with a 4-4 alignment but will make one significant move as Browning shifts from safety to linebacker.

LINEBACKER Browning will play inside linebacker although he may go back to safety if the need arises. The other inside linebacker will be Lunsford while Eddy is expected to be the backup.

“We moved Browning up to linebacker to get him in position to make plays,” said Clark.

The outside linebackers will be Archer and Walsh — a

Harless

Archer

returning starter — with Todd and Eddy the backups.

SECONDARY Harless is a returning starter at one cornerback spot and Nida will be on the other side.

Richendollar and Todd are both backups who could play a lot.

Hutchison will be the safety and backed up by Harless.

KICKING GAME Junior Brady Wilson 5-8, 155) will take over all the kicking duties. He replaces Dalton Nida who made all of his extra point attempts last season.

OVC Clark said the Ohio Valley Conference race has no clear-cut favorite.

“There’s a lot of parity. It’s kind of wide-open. Ironton had good talent.

Rock Hill has a good backfield. Gallipolis has a lot back. Portsmouth has some speed. It’s going to come down to injuries,” said Clark.

Man with no head trauma history found to have CTE Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

Hold on. We have a flag on the play.

The recent legitimate concern for chronic traumatic encephalopathy — known to most people as CTE — has been causing many parents and players to think hard about playing football or hockey.

But a Toronto-based Canadian Concussion Centre made a curious find last year that hasn’t received much press coverage.

The brain of a patient who never had a concussion or traumatic

brain injury was found to have CTE. CTE leads to the degeneration of brain cells. This patent had been suffering with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis — or ALS — and motor neuron disease (MND) for seven years. Family members said they were unaware of the patient ever having a head injury or concussion.

Until this discovery, CTE had only been found in brains of people who have had concussions or some form of head trauma.

PLEASE SEE “CTE,” PAGE 50

2017 H.S. Football Standings 2017 High School Football Final Regular Season Standings Ohio Valley Conference

OVC Overall

W L Pts. Opp W L Pts Opp Coal Grove 7 0 207 74 9 1 302 128 Fairland 6 1 257 158 6 4 307 261 Gallipolis 4 3 261 194 5 5 269 208 Portsmouth 4 3 229 194 5 5 278 256 Ironton 3 4 205 171 4 6 243 261 Rock Hill 3 4 191 215 4 6 273 263 Chesapeake 1 6 171 216 4 6 218 247 South Point 0 7 16 296 2 8 62 332 Southern Ohio Conference Division I

SOC Overall

W L Pts Opp W L Pts Opp Oak Hill 6 0 168 74 8 2 223 131 Sciotoville East 5 1 260 84 8 2 413 167 Symmes Valley 3 3 137 155 6 4 268 223 Beaver Eastern 3 3 174 140 5 5 278 228 Northwest 3 3 131 135 3 7 174 311 Ports. Notre Dame 1 4 90 258 2 8 136 374 Green 0 6 30 194 1 9 64 321

Division II

SOC Overall

W L Pts Opp W L Pts Opp Wheelersburg 4 0 200 41 10 0 455 81 Portsmouth West 3 1 126 81 9 1 328 160 Waverly 2 2 131 114 7 3 338 253 Minford 1 3 61 185 4 6 245 341 Lucasville Valley 0 4 55 152 3 5 198 304

FOOTBALL 2018

11

KENT SANBORN OF SOUTHERN OHIO SPORTS PHOTOS

Members of the 2018 Fairland Dragons’ football team are: front row left to right, Josh Brewer, Robbie McFarland, Zeke Ramey, Joel Lambiotte, Jacob Rankin, Seth McLain and Tucker Adkins; second row left to right, Cody Nolan, Reilly Sowards, Brennan West, Kyle Rankin, Camron Mayo, Gavin Hunt, Austin Porter and Gabe Williams; third row left to right, Logan Hamlin, Chase Watts, Michael Stitt, Bryan Defoe, Josiah Wyrick, Max Ward, Tevin Taylor and Trey Black; fourth row left to right, Zane Tucker, Hunter Brewer, Rhydier Slone, Riley Kazee, Tyler Sammons, Alec Bruce, Alex Gartin and Seth Dement; fifth row left to right, Casey Hudson, Tevyn Andrus, James Johnson, Gavin Davis, JD Brumfield, Caleb Mullins and Blaine Cremeans.

Dragons taking rebuilding one day at a time Jim Walker jim.walker@irontontribune.com

PROCTORVILLE — “Day by Day, Oh Dear Lord Three Things I Pray.”

You’ve heard the hymn, and Fairland Dragons’ head coach Melvin Cunningham is praying for three things: his offense, his defense, and

no injuries.

The Dragons were 6-4 last season and runners-up in the Ohio Valley Conference.

But gone is All-Ohio running back Keedrick Cunningham and All-Ohio linebacker Chase Fisher.

Cunningham ran for 1,691 yards — 11.4 yards per carry — and scored 17

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touchdowns.

Fisher had 141 tackles including 94 solo takedowns.

The Dragons do return senior quarterback Joel Lambiotte who was special mention All-Ohio and Cunningham said he would wave the white flag if the team lost Lambiotte to injury.

Okay, he was just exag-

gerating about surrendering because he has a young group of players who have some talent but just lack experience.

But to be safe, he won’t stop praying for some offensive help and he said the team’s progress this season will be a day-to-day process.

PLEASE SEE “REBUILDING,” PAGE 12

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12

FOOTBALL 2018

FAIRLAND DEPTH CHART DEFENSE 1 - CUNNINGHAM 8 - LAMBIOTTE

8 - LAMBIOTTE 7 - G. HUNT

FS

SS

11 - MCFARLAND 1 - CUNNINGHAM

CB

3 - STITT 5 - WEST

CB

20 - KEENEY 2 - COLLINS

4 - FISHER 9 - WILCOXON

9 - WILCOXON 14 - RAMEY

LB

LB

LB

Rebuilding CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

52 - NEWMONE 63 - SHEPPARD

66 - J. RANKIN 72 - GRAYBEAL

70 - CRAWFORD 50 -COX

61 - MORRISON 54 - MCCLAIN

DE

DT

DT

DE

OFFENSE

LT

LG

C

50 - COX 72 -GRAYBEAL

61 - MORRISON 70 - CRAWFORD

66 - J. RANKIN 74 - HAMLIN

WR 14 - RAMEY 26 - CREMEANS

WR 7 - G. HUNT 5 - WEST

PK 16 - T. HUNT

RG RT 63 - SHEPPARD 52 - NEWMONE

54 - MCCLAIN 55 - WELLMAN

QB

WR

8 - LAMBIOTTE 7 - G. HUNT

10- SOWARDS 11 - MCFARLAND

FB 4 - FISHER 20 - KEENEY

RB

QUICK HITTER

Head Coach: Melvin Cunningham (9-21 at Fairland, fourth season; 17-33 overall, six seasons) Assistant Coaches: Michael Jackson, Aaron Murray, Jacquez Samuel, J.B. Branch, Mark Hinkle, Cole Webb, Zach Garrett, Zeb Best, Clayton Dement, Woody Kincaid, Joe Lambiotte.

Key Returnees: Joel Lambiotte, Reilly Sowards, Brennen West, Eliott Collins, Zeke Ramey, Jacob Rankin, Kobe Newman, Mike Stitt, Logan Hamlin, Robbie McFarland, Ayden Graybeal, Blaine Cremeans.

Key Losses: Keedrick Cunningham, Chase Fisher, Mason Cox, Hunter Morrison, Jacob Shephard, Zach Crawford.

2017 Record: 6-4 (6-1 OVC, second) Offense: Pro Set, Multiple Defense: 4-3, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 3 Returning Defensive Starters: 5

9 - WILCOXON 20 - KEENEY

P 8 - LAMBIOTTE

“I would never get enamored by past stats. It’s never going to help you the next season. We understand what we lost. My personal opinion, we lost the best offensive player in the OVC and we lost the best defensive player in the OVC in Keedrick Cunningham and Chase Fisher,” said Cunningham.

“But more importantly we lost two unbelievable leaders. We’re a process.

It’s a day-to-day process.

We’re one unit. We love each other. We don’t care who gets the credit for our success.”

QUARTERBACK Lambiotte (6-2, 190) put up impressive passing numbers last season as he threw for 1,452 yards and 10 touchdowns while running for 342 yards. A starter since he was a freshman, Lambiotte will be the key to the offense.

“Lambiotte has been a three-year starter. It’s his time. He’s changed his body type to do more in our offense. He’s been a great leader for us,” said

Cunningham.

RECEIVERS Most of last season’s top receivers are gone, but Cunningham is optimistic about this year’s group.

“We feel we’re deep at receiver,” said Cunningham.

Junior Blaine Cremeans (6-0, 180) will be the tight end. The split end will be between senior Robbie McFarland (6-0, 165) and junior Brennan West (5-8, 145) while the wide receivers will be from the quartet of senior Zeke Ramey 5-10, 160), junior Reilly Sowards (6-2, 160), junior Chase Watt (6-2, 185) or talented sophomore Gavin Hunt (5-11, 150).

“Zeke is playing better than anyone on our team except (Lambiotte),” said Cunningham.

RUNNING BACK Keedrick Cunningham ran for more than 1,000 yards and led the team in scoring last season.

Running interference for the backs was Fisher at fullback and he had a few crucial carries as well.

PLEASE SEE “DRAGONS,” PAGE 14

n o g a

r D

o o F

l l a b t he t m o fr n o s a e ict s r t t s a i e gr lD o a o e h v c S Ha l a c o dL n a l r i Fa

14

FOOTBALL 2018

2018 Schedule

Fairland Dragons August 24 at Tolsia, W.Va. 7:30 31 ATHENS 7:00 September 7 IRONTON# 7:00 14 at Waverly 7:00 21 at Rock Hill# 7:00 28 at Gallipolis# 7:00 October 5 SOUTH POINT# 7:00 12 at Portsmouth# 7:00 19 COAL GROVE# 7:00 26 at Chesapeake# 7:00 #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Mel Cunningham

2017 Results

FAIRLAND FOOTBALL ROSTER

Fairland Dragons Fairland 18 Ports. West 20 Fairland 6 Wheelersburg 37 Fairland 27 Ironton 21 Fairland 26 Waverly 46 Fairland 21 Rock Hill 14 Fairland 49 Gallipolis 32 Fairland 33 South Point 0 Fairland 62 Portsmouth 34 Fairland 19 Coal Grove 29 Fairland 46 Chesapeake 28 Record: 6-4 (6-1 OVC)

Dragons

2018 Fairland Dragons Football Roster No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr. 1 Cameron Mayo QB-DB 5-06 135 Fr. 2 J.D. Brumfield RB-LB 5-09 180 Fr. 3 Michael Stitt RB-DB 5-08 155 Jr. 5 Brennan West WR-DB 5-08 145 Jr. 6 Chase Watts WR-DL 6-02 185 Jr. 7 Gavin Hunt WR-DB 5-11 150 So. 8 Joel Lambiotte QB-DB 6-02 190 Sr. 9 Gabe Williams RB-LB 5-05 115 Fr. 10 Reilly Sowards WR-DB 6-02 160 Jr. 11 Robbie McFarland WR-DB 6-00 165 Sr. 12 Gavin Davis WR-DL 5-11 145 Fr. 14 Zeke Ramey WR-DB 5-10 160 Sr. 15 Tyler Sammons QB-DB 5-08 125 Fr. 16 Josh Brewer WR-DL 6-03 165 Sr. 17 Tucker Adkins WR-DB 6-00 150 Sr. 18 Rhiyder Slone RB-LB 5-05 110 So. 21 Tevin Taylor RB-DB 5-09 140 Fr.

22 23 24 25 26 27 50 53 54 55 56 65 66 70 73 74 75 78 81

Max Ward

Riley Kazee Bryan Defoe Caleb Mullins Blaine Cremeans Alec Bruce

Trey Black

Austin Porter Seth McLain Seth Dement Casey Hudson Kyle Rankin Jacob Rankin Zane Tucker Tevyn Andrus Logan Hamlin Alex Gartin James Johnson Hunter Brewer

QB-DB RB-LB RB-LB RB-LB WR-LB WR-DB OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL WR-DL

6-00 155 So. 5-09 185 Fr. 5-08 150 Jr. 6-01 200 So. 6-00 180 Jr. 5-09 140 Fr. 5-04 170 Fr. 5-08 150 Fr. 6-02 235 Sr. 5-07 165 Fr. 6-03 210 Fr. 6-02 215 Jr. 6-00 290 Sr. 6-02 220 Fr. 6-04 295 So. 6-04 245 So. 6-00 185 So. 6-01 270 Fr. 5-10 150 Jr.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 The Dragons are looking to junior Michael Stitt (5-8, 155) to supply the bulk of the running game.

“We’re excited about Michael Stitt. He’s a guy who sees the field really well, changes direction amazing, and he has finishing speed. The one thing he lacks is size. When you have a guy who’s a bigger back that can break those extra tackles,” said Cunningham.

“But his turn is now and he’s very excited. I thought Stitt was one of our best running backs around.

The reason he hasn’t had carries is because he’s come off collarbone injuries. We as a coaching staff were protective of Stitt.

He’s ready and he’ll catch a lot of eyes this season.”

The fullback figures to be sophomore Caleb

Mullins (6-1, 200). Also in the mix is freshman Riley Kazee (5-9, 185).

OFFENSIVE LINE Big senior Jacob Rankin (6-0, 290) is one of only two returning starting offensive linemen and he will be the center and make the line calls for the younger players.

The other returning starter is senior Seth McLain (6-2, 235) who will be the right tackle.

Sophomore Logan Hamlin (6-4, 245) or Mullins will be the right guard with junior Kyle Rankin (6-2 215) the left guard and sophomore Tevyn Andrus (6-4 295) the left tackle.

F reshman James Johnson (6-1, 270) looks to be a backup at center and tackle.

PLEASE SEE “FAIRLAND,” PAGE 22

Lambiotte

J. Rankin

McLain

McFarland

Stitt

Ramey

Andrus

Cremeans

Brewer

Taylor

West

Sowards

FOOTBALL 2018

15

KENT SANBORN OF SOUTHERN OHIO SPORTS PHOTOS

Members of the 2018 Ironton Fighting Tigers’ football team are: front row from left to right, Isaiah Christian, Kameron Browning, Austin Linn, Blake Murrell, Jacob Sloan, Evan Wilds, C.J. McCall, Nate Cochran and Ryan Cecil; second row from left to right, Blake Stuntebeck, Uriah Meadows, Caden McFann, Bryce Munion, Chanston Bryant, Brycen Thomas, Hunter Humphreys, Brady Rowe, Justin McSorley, Brayden Cade, Lucas White, Joshua Smith, Dalton Crabtree and Braxton Pringle; third row from left to right, Evan Wilds, Blake Murrell, Matthew Davis, Ashton Silva, Chase Stevens, Gunner Crawford, Cameron Deer, Will York, Rocky White, Jordan Grizzle, Hayden Harmon, Izack Unger and Ashton Duncan; fourth row from left to right, Owen Ison, Ethan Delawder, Colin Freeman, Jacquin Young, Dylan Carpenter, Trent Hacker, Ayden Barnes, Reid Carrico, Seth Fosson, Ethan Duncan, Hunter Eaches and Gage Salyers. Not pictured was Labe Griffith.

Pendleton takes helm at Ironton

Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

There is talent. There is experience. There is some depth.

Now, there is good news for firstyear head coach Trevon Pendleton.

Pendleton begins his head coaching career with the Ironton Fighting Tigers as he takes over a team coming off an injury-plagued 4-6 season including 3-4 in the Ohio Valley Conference.

With two years of experience as

an assistant at Portsmouth West following a solid career as the fullback for the Michigan State Spartans, Pendleton is looking to continue Ironton’s football tradition.

PLEASE SEE “IRONTON,” PAGE 16

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16

IRONTON DEPTH CHART DEFENSE

25 - FREEMAN 29 - GRIZZLE

CB

29 - GRIZZLE 2 - BARNES

7 - SALYERS 10 - HACKER

SS

FS

8 - THOMAS 7 - SALYERS

CB

30 - DEER 85 - MUNION

44- FOSSON 50 - CRAWFORD

40 - E. DUNCAN 24 - A. DUNCAN

28 - CARRICO 33 - CRABTREE

LB

LB

LB

DE

50 - CRAWFORD 60 - ROWE

52 - GRIFFITH 63 - WHITE

54 - MCCLAIN 57 - MCFANN

DE

NG

DT

Ironton CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 “It’s been a great experience so far. The kids have really responded well, working out hard. It’s just carried over to the football fields. Our kids have been eager to learn, get their feet wet and learn a new system,” said Pendleton.

There’s more.

“It’s been a lot competition. That’s one thing we try to create in practice every day. The kids are responding great to it.”

And there is some news about the offense, too.

Pendleton said he will use multiple formations on offense but “we’ll still instill our downhill running package. We will do things under center, We’re going to be very multiple and just try to keep teams off-balance and

FOOTBALL 2018

play to our advantages.”

Because of injuries last season, a lot of freshmen and sophomores were forced into duty. That may have been bad last season, but that creates good news for this season.

So there is some more good news.

“Any time you can return guys who have experience on Friday nights is very key. That’s one thing you can’t replicate in practice, especially a school this size,” said Pendleton.

“We got a lot of young guys that have gotten a lot of playing time that are going to be sophomores and juniors who had to step up due to injuries or whatever happened. They had to step up and play meaningful reps.”

PLEASE SEE “DEPTH,” PAGE 17

OFFENSE

LT

LG

C

RG

RT

57 - MCFANN 55-EACHES

55 - EACHES 57 - MCFANN

63 - WHITE 54 - MCCLAIN

60 - ROWE 60-B. ROWE

68 -HUMPHREYS 72 - TOPPING

WR

QB

29 - GRIZZLE 8 - THOMAS 2 - BARNES 26 - MCSORLEY

7-SALYERS 6-BARNES 5 - YORK

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2017 Results

2018 Schedule

FOOTBALL 2018 Ironton Fighting Tigers August 24 at Wheelersburg 7:00 31 at Russell, Ky. 7:30 September 7 at Fairland# 7:00 14 ASHLAND, Ky. 7:00 21 SOUTH POINT# 7:00 28 CHESAPEAKE# 7:00 October 5 at Rock Hill# 7:00 12 COAL GROVE# 7:00 19 GALLIPOLIS# 7:00 26 at Portsmouth# 7:00 #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Trevon Pendleton Ironton Fighting Tigers Ironton 3 Wheelersburg Ironton 35 Russell, Ky. Ironton 21 Fairland Ironton 0 Ashland, Ky. Ironton 48 South Point Ironton 40 Chesapeake Ironton 34 Rock Hill Ironton 7 Coal Grove Ironton 20 Gallipolis Ironton 35 Portsmouth Record: 4-6 (3-4 OVC)

48 7 27 35 0 28 7 28 39 42

McSorley

Bryant

White

McFann

Depth CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 Pendleton will run from various offensive sets that include the Pro-I and spread formations along with other various sets.

“Offense is actually looking really well. They’ve picked up on our system once they got the terminology down. They realize it’s just football. A lot of kids get overwhelmed with the terminology part of it and football’s football when it boils down to it,” said Pendleton.

“They’re really coachable kids. They want to learn.

They’re leaps and bounds ahead of where I thought we’d be at this time.”

OFFENSIVE LINE Returning up front are senior guard Brady Rowe (6-2, 230), senior tackle Hunter Humphreys (6-1, 240) and senior tight end Ethan Duncan (5-10, 215).

Rowe and Humphreys can both play guard or tackle and Duncan has also played a lot at running back.

Junior Hunter Eaches (5-10, 245) looks to be the left guard but the competition isn’t over with sophomores Ryan McClain (6-0, 200) and Gunner Crawford (5-10, 215) in the mix.

PLEASE SEE “TIGERS,” PAGE 18

17

QUICK HITTER

Head Coach: Trevon Pendleton (0-0, first year at Ironton and overall)

Assistant Coaches: Merril Triplett, Jerrod Pendleton, Brian Bowling, Trent Carpenter, Daniel Murphy, Terry Miller, John Prior, Joe Young, Dustin Barrow, Dan Pride, Jarrod Smith, Tim Collins.

Key Returnees: Ethan Duncan, Brady Rowe, Hunter Humphreys, Ayden Barnes, Brycen Thomas, Gage Salyers, Seth Fosson, Jordan Grizzle, Rocky White, Hunter Eaches, Reid Carrico, Labe Griffith, Chanston Bryant, Cameron Deer, Gunner Crawford.

Key Losses: Garrett Carrico, Trent Klaiber, Jaxon Pleasant, Dylan Redmond, Tyler Malone, Alex Cox. 2017 Record: 4-6 (3-4 OVC, tied fifth) Offense: T-formation, Pro I, Spread, Multiple Defense: 4-4, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 6 Returning Defensive Starters: 7

Duncan

Rowe

Humphreys

Thomas

Fosson

Salyers

Carrico

Barnes

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FOOTBALL 2018

Tigers

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 With Rowe and Humphreys on the right side, junior tackle Caden McFann (5-10, 250) or senior Labe Griffith (5-9, 210) will be at left tackle along side either Eaches or McClain.

Junior Rocky White (5-11, 235) should be the center with McClain the backup.

“Rocky White is one of our solid pieces. He’s doing a great job. He understands the offense. He doesn’t take a play off and uses his feet well,” said Pendleton.

“We’re just rotating linemen. We’re trying to find as many spots as they can go. We don’t have anyone locked into positions as far as guard and tackle.”

TIGHT END Duncan is expected to be the tight end with junior Bryce Munion (5-9, 150) in the mix if Duncan moves into the backfield. Also getting some playing time at tight end is Crawford.

“Crawford is a guy who’s playing multiple positions for us,” said Pendleton.

QUARTERBACKS Duel-threat junior Gage Salyers (6-1, 185) is the quarterback after throwing for 1,004 yards and six touchdowns last season and running for another 617 yards and 11 scores.

Senior Ayden Barnes (6-1, 160) saw limited time as a backup last season and freshman Will York (5-11, 170) adds more depth.

Freshman Jacob Sloan (5-11, 160) has been moved to quarterback and has been impressive.

“Salyers is doing great.

He’s picking up on the offense and understanding his reads. He’s a dynamic athlete. His biggest thing is just having that trust and that confidence. Obviously, staying within himself and

not trying to do too much,” said Pendleton.

“You don’t want to harness him too much because he can make a lot of plays.”

RUNNING BACK All-Ohio running back Seth Fosson (6-1, 225) returns at fullback where he averaged 9.6 yards a carry last season. The junior started as a freshman and has been a force in the backfield with both power running and open field speed.

“He’s a dynamic athlete.

Him and Gage (Salyers), Ethan (Duncan) and Reid (Carrico) don’t come around often,” said Pendleton.

Sophomore Cameron Deer (5-10, 170) is the backup at fullback and has impressed Pendleton.

“He’s done a lot of things.

Running-wise, he is relentless,” said Pendleton.

The halfback should be Carrico (6-2, 205) who started as a freshman and has added height and weight to his speedy frame.

Crawford and Deer are capable runners while Duncan can not only run but is a punishing blocker.

RECEIVERS When not at quarterback, Barnes joins a large group of receivers that include senior and returning starter Brycen Thomas (5-10, 160), junior Jordan Grizzle (5-9, 190), senior Justin McSorley (5-10, 160) and a couple of newcomers, junior Colin Freeman (6-0, 170) and sophomore Trent Hacker (6-2, 185).

“Those guys are all rotating in. They’re getting better every day. Early in the year we struggled with drops. It’s just understanding how to run routes and why we run routes a certain way. They were playing slower that led to drops, but now we’re starting to understand things better

Grizzle

Crabtree

Crawford

Munion

Freeman

Deer

Unger

Eaches

and we’re playing at a lot faster pace and not dropping the ball and that makes a difference in our offense,” said Pendleton.

DEFENSIVE Ironton will run some carry-over from last season, but Pendleton plans

a new defensive look that will utilize a 3-4 front.

“We’ll use some odd and even fronts, but other than that we have some guys who can make plays,” said Pendleton.

PLEASE SEE “DEFENSE,” PAGE 21

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Good luck to all from the Ironton Board of Education & Administration

20

FOOTBALL 2018

IRONTON FIGHTING TIGERS FOOTBALL ROSTER No. Player 2 Ayden Barnes 3 Braxton Pringle 5 Will York

7 Gage Salyers 8 Brycen Thomas 9 Jacob Sloan 10 Trent Hacker 13 Kayden Sherrill 20 Joshua Smith 21 Richard Thompson 22 Blake Stuntebeck 23 Austin Linn 24 Ashton Duncan 25 Colin Freeman 26 Justin McSorley 28 Reid Carrico 29 Jordan Grizzle 30 Cameron Deer 31 Kameron Browning 33 Dalton Crabtree 37 Uriah Meadows 40 Ethan Duncan 44 Seth Fosson 45 Isaiah Christian 50 Gunner Crawford 51 Owen Ison

Pos. QB-S WR-S QB-S QB-S QB-S QB-S WR-CB WR-S RB-CB RB-CB RB-S WR-S RB-LB WR-CB WR-S RB-LB WR-LB RB-LB RB-CB RB-LB WR-S FB-LB FB-LB FB-LB G-LB G-DT

Ht. 6-01 6-01 5-11 6-01 5-10 5-11 6-02 5-11 5-11 5-10 5-09 5-10 5-11 6-00 5-10 6-02 5-09 5-10 5-11 5-10 5-05 5-10 6-01 6-00 5-10 5-11

Wt. 160 165 170 185 160 160 185 150 150 180 145 155 165 170 160 205 190 170 165 175 145 215 225 200 215 190

Gr. Sr. Fr. So. Jr. Sr. Fr. So. So. Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. So. Fr. So. So. Sr. Jr. Fr. So. So.

52 54 55 56 57 60 60 61 62 63 64 65 68 69 70 71 72 74 75 76 77 78 81 82 85 87 88

Labe Griffith Ryan McClain Hunter Eaches Jacquin Young Caden McFann Brady Rowe Ashton Silva Chase Stevens Dylan Carpenter Rocky White Brayden Cade Lucas White Hunter Humphreys Ethan Delawder Riley Boggs Landon Waddle Evan Wilds Hayden Harmon C.J. McCall Nate Cochran Chanston Bryant Ryan Cecil

Brent Gist

Izack Unger Bryce Munion Matthew Davis Blake Murrell

G-NG C-NG G-DT G-NG C-NG G-DT C-DT G-DT G-DT C-DT G-DT G-DT OT-DE G-LB OT-DT G-NG G-LB OT-DT OT-DT OT-DT G-DT OT-DT WR-CB PK TE-L TE-LB TE-LB

5-09 6-00 5-10 5-08 5-10 6-02 5-09 5-11 5-10 5-11 6-00 5-11 6-01 5-10 6-00 5-09 5-08 5-11 6-01 6-01 5-09 6-00 5-07 5-10 5-09 6-00 5-11

210 200 245 180 250 230 200 210 175 235 225 220 240 185 230 220 190 235 270 240 180 250 130 155 150 165 170

Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. So. So. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Sr. Fr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Fr.

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21

Defense

Schedules of Interest

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 DEFENSIVE LINE Griffith and Crawford are the top candidates at nose guard along with White and possibly Fosson at times.

The tackles/ends are Crawford, McClain, Humphreys, Rowe, McFann and possibly freshmen Ryan Cecil (6-0, 250) and Nate Cochran (6-1, 240).

LINEBACKERS Duncan was third team All-Ohio last season and returns inside with Fosson moving from defensive end to his running mate.

On the outside will be Carrico on one side with Deer on the other side along with sophomore Dalton Crabtree (5-10,175), Munion and Grizzle can

also play linebacker.

“The thing that helps them right now is the speed they’re playing at. They’ve got Friday night experience and the way that we do it we try to make it real easy for them and clean up their reads andjust let them play at a fast pace,” said Pendleton.

“We want to be aggressive. If we make mistakes, we try to make them at 110 miles an hour. We trust that our athletes are good enough to get the job done and here at Ironton you have the luxury of doing that.”

SECONDARY Thomas, Salyers, Freeman and Hacker are the top candidates at cornerback with Barnes,

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Grizzle, Salyers and Hacker at the safeties.

“The secondary is very solid,” said Pendleton.

KICKING GAME Strong-legged junior Izack Unger (5-10, 155) is back as the placekicker and Duncan returns as the punter. Crawford can also punt.

OVC Pendleton has seen some of the teams in the Ohio Valley Conference with Portsmouth West playing Fairland, Coal Grove and Portsmouth last season.

“It’s a good conference.

There’s a lot of talent and lot of parity in the conference. There’s a lot guys who know the game of football.

If you’re not on your stuff week to week, there’s a lot of guys who can exploit you,” said Pendleton.

25 31 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26

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FOOTBALL 2018

Fairland CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

“Hopefully, the formula we’ve had in the past will work again. We feel as we progress through the season that our offensive line will get consistency.

I feel this young group of linemen will be the best collective group we’ve had during my tenure here,” said Cunningham.

“We’re still learning our language and to communicate. They’re getting better and they will because they’re young. The challenge will be how well they adjust to the things thrown at them.”

DEFENSE “Our offense is ahead of our defense because we’ve had all summer long to play 7-on-7s. But we’re excited about the

athletes we have,” said Cunningham.

“Defensively, losing Fisher (was big). It wasn’t the fact he was in on every tackle, it was the fact you weren’t going to line up in something this kid wasn’t prepared for and could get us adjusted. There were very few times he was stumped. We know we’re going to deal with those miscues.”

DEFENSIVE LINE Jacob Rankin is back at the nose guard in the 4-4 alignment. He will be joined by Andrus at the tackle spot while Cremeans and McLain should be the ends.

Sophomore Alex Gartin (6-0, 185) and freshman Zane Tucker (6-2, 220) are backups at tackle with Johnson and Tucker behind Rankin at nose guard.

Also in the mix at end

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“Tevyn Andrus has the opportunity to be one of the best defensive linemen to play in this area. Chop Wood and Carry Water we’re reading as a team. He as to learn to Chop Wood and Carry The Water. He can play. Put him in there with Jacob Rankin, we’re solid. We have some guys who haven’t proven themselves,” said Cunningham.

LINEBACKER Mullens and Ramey will play on the inside with Cremeans and junior Hunter Brewer (5-10, 150) in the mix.

The outside linebackers should be freshman J.D. Brumfield (5-9, 180) and Ramey unless he plays inside. Also, getting a close look is Taylor.

SECONDARY With all four starters returning, Cunningham said “that’s the strength of

our team.”

McFarland and Stitt are the cornerbacks, West the strong safety and Lambiotte the free safety. “(Lambiotte) is special.

I’ve been fortunate to see the evolution of that kid.

Fisher and Lambiotte have been our best defensive players He missed last year and we about passed out,” said Cunningham.

“You throw in Robbie McFarland who is an amazing corner, Michael Stitt tackles extremely well, and Brennan West could be the guy who might lead is a lot of categories. They understand the pressure on them because our front seven are younger kids.”

KICKING GAME Lambiotte will again be the punter and may do the placekicking, too. The other placekicking candidate is freshman Alec Bruce (5-9, 140).

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23

Duncan ‘big hit’ with Ironton’s defense Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

There might be a good chance Ethan Duncan likes to eat his steak raw.

After explaining just why he likes football, it’s easy to see why the Ironton Fighting Tigers senior linebacker, tight end and running back prefers the sport over the others he has played.

“Football is my favorite.

I just always liked physical contact. I’m one of those people who always enjoyed playing it,” said Duncan who has played the sport since the fourth grade.

But that love of physical contact goes deeper as evidenced by his preference to play defense instead of the glamour of offense where he’s played positions that can have him score touchdowns.

“Personally, I prefer defense. I love defense.

You can lay the hits on guys. I’ve always just loved defense and I special up for it,” said Duncan.

It showed last season when Duncan was a Division V first team AllSoutheast District selection and was also named third team All-Ohio as a linebacker. Duncan was all-district and special mention AllOhio as a sophomore.

“I really like linebacker because you read and react. You’re always in the mix with the big linemen and in the mix with inside run plays. And you can move laterally and make hits that way. I’ve always liked the physicality of hitting,” said Duncan.

Offensively, Duncan has run the ball on numerous occasions but he also played some tight end last year. He is called upon to

block more than to run, but that doesn’t seem to be a problem for his ego.

“The way that I’ve always seen it, I’m going to block for my guys. I’m never going to be selfish.

I’m going to block to the best of my capabilities,” said Duncan.

“I know those (other running backs) will block for me when I run the ball. I know they’ll return the favor. I’m not one of those guys who needs to carry the ball 15 to 20 times. That’s just how I’ve always been.”

While Duncan spent most of his life in the backfield on offense, he doesn’t mind shifting to the tight end spot.

“I enjoy it. The good thing about tight end is you’re blocking for your guys and running routes.

You’re getting your hands on the ball. You’re catching passes. I like that part of the game,” said Duncan.

After weighing about 215 toward the end of last season, the 6-foot Duncan is down to 208 and he admitted that “I feel a lot better.”

Duncan knows he can

KENT SANBORN OF SOUTHERN OHIO SPORTS PHOTOS

Ironton Fighting Tigers’ senior linebacker Ethan Duncan (40) hits a Russell running back and jars the ball loose for a fumble.

add bulk weight from lifting in the future and that’s something he’d like to do because of his desire to play at the next level.

So far, Duncan has received interest from several schools including the University of Pikeville and NCAA Division II Notre Dame College in

KENT SANBORN OF SOUTHERN OHIO SPORTS PHOTOS

Ironton’s Ethan Duncan gets a break before heading back into the game for more action on defense.

Cleveland. He would love to play at Ohio University if the opportunity presented itself.

“I would love to have the chance to play at a D1 program. I feel like I can play at Ohio,” said Duncan who knows his size will be a hindrance for college recruiters. But that hasn’t stopped his desire to play at a higher level.

“About the size, I’ve always been a guy that thinks size isn’t everything. I believe it’s how hard you want to work for something,” said Duncan.

“I know I’m not the biggest guy, but I believe I can outwork a lot of people.”

Duncan started several games his freshman season for Ironton and then became a full-time starter the past two years. He said the experience he has gained has been immense in helping him become a better player.

PLEASE SEE “DUNCAN,” PAGE 35

24

FOOTBALL 2018

Hornets filling holes after stellar season Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

COAL GROVE — So, what do you do for an encore?

In his first season as a head coach, Evan Ferguson guided the Coal Grove Hornets to an 11-2 record, the Ohio Valley Conference title, a playoff berth and advanced to the Division VI, Region 23 championship

game only to lose to Nelsonville-York After losing six defensive starters and returning only two starting offensive linemen, Ferguson isn’t sure what to expect in his sophomore season.

Despite the losses, the Hornets still have plenty of weapons in their offensive arsenal.

PLEASE SEE “STELLAR,” PAGE 25

QUICK HITTER

Head Coach: Evan Ferguson (11-2 at Coal Grove and overall, second year)

Assistant Coaches: Garrett Rowe, Chase Perry, Grant Ferguson, Seth Merritt, Blaine Fuller.

Key Returnees: Nate Harmon, Evan Holmes, Kyle Sites, Austin Stormes, Cory Borders, Aaron Music, Austin Stapleton, Reece York, Seth Little, Ben Compliment.

Key Losses: Jeb Jones, Josh Waulk, Trey Hicks, Kimo Baldwin, Darin Bloomfield, Sam Angelo, Jordan Case, Wyatt Boggs, Joey Workman, Evan Friend.

2017 Record: 11-2 (7-0 OVC, first; Division VI playoffs regional runner-up) Offense: Wing-T, Spread, Multiple Defense: 4-4, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 5 Returning Defensive Starters: 4

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FOOTBALL 2018

25

COAL GROVE Stellar DEPTH CHART

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

DEFENSE 23 - MUSIC 14 - BORDERS 12 - SITES 18 - WORKMAN

8 - HARMON 5 - MCKENZIE

FS

CB

CB

24 - SHULTZ 32 - SHORT

10 - STORMES 61 - P. SMITH

20 - KEENEY 64 - NEWCOMB

2 - HOLMES 32 - SHORT

LB

LB

LB

LB

56 - CASTLE 13 - DOYLE

53 - YORK 57 - ROBINSON

30 - STAPLETON 62 - RICE

58 - COMPLIMENT 22 - HUNT

DT

NG

DT

DE

“It’s been a lot smoother transition this year offensively for sure. We’ve got quite a few pieces back from last year’s team. We’re moving faster this year,” said Ferguson who not only shared the Division VI district’s top coaching honor but was an assistant in the North/South All-Star Game.

“I think we should be able to do a little more this year than we were able to do last year. We’ll play

Harmon

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harder and play faster.

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QUARTERBACK Senior Nate Harmon (6-2, 190) returns as a duel threat after throwing for 726 yards and running for 711 yards last season to give him1,37 total yards.

“Harmon has continued to grow. Last year he was one of the better players last year as an athlete,” said Ferguson.

PLEASE SEE “HORNETS,” PAGE 27

Music

Holmes

FORTH’S FOODFAIR

OFFENSE

LT

LG

C

RG

RT

57 - ROBINSON 62 - RICE

50 - GANNON 22 - HUNT

58 - COMPLIMENT 57 - ROBINSON

53 - YORK 22 - HUNT

56 - CASTLE 61 - P. SMITH

SE

QB

TE

23 - MUSIC 3 - BORDERS

8 - HARMON 3 - BORDERS

20 - KEENEY 32 - SHORT

FB

WB

2 - HOLMES 10 - STORMES

10 - STORMES 5 - JALEN MCKENZIE

PK

TB

P

2 - HOLMES

12 - SITES 30 - STAPLETON

2 - HOLMES

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FOOTBALL 2018

KENT SANBORN OF SOUTHERN OHIO SPORTS PHOTOS.COM

Members of the 2018 Coal Grove Hornets’ football team are: front row left to right, Kyle Sites, Nate Harmon, Aaron Music, Jalen McKenzie, Greg Keeney, Evan Holmes and Caleb Cecil; second row left to right, Cory Borders, Joe Strange, Brady Doyle, Austin Stormes, Reece York, Justin Castle, Trevor Carey, Evan Gannon and Ethan Short; third row left to right, Stevie Easterling, Jeremiah Rice, Christian Workman, Kye Robinson, Austin Stapleton, Trey Hunt, Ben Compliment, Morgan Shultz and Nathan McMahan; fourth row left to right, Garrett Dillon, Frankie McQuay, Justin Newcomb, Seth Little, Malachi Wheeler, Clay Ferguson, Graham Hanshaw and Dylan Goad; back row left to right, coaches Blaine Fuller, Garrett Rowe, Chase Perry, head coach Evan Ferguson, Grant Ferguson and Seth Merritt.

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Hornets CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

Castle

York

Borders

Robinson

Stormes

Stapleton

Compliment

Keeney

Shultz

“It’s been a lot smoother transition this year offensively for sure. We’ve got quite a few pieces back from last year’s team. We’re moving faster this year,” said Ferguson who not only shared the Division VI district’s top coaching honor but was an assistant in the North/South All-Star Game.

“I think we should be able to do a little more this year than we were able to do last year. We’ll play harder and play faster.

That’s been our motto all summer.”

QUARTERBACK Senior Nate Harmon (6-2, 190) returns as a duel threat after throwing for 726 yards and running for 711 yards last season to give him1,37 total yards.

“Harmon has continued to grow. Last year he was one of the better players last year as an athlete,” said Ferguson. “He’s reading the defenses better. Hopefully, that pays off on Fridays.”

His backup will be junior Cory Borders (5-10, 160) who saw some playing time at the position last year.

PLEASE SEE “COAL GROVE,” PAGE 29

eber’s W

2018 Schedule

27 Coal Grove Hornets August 24 at River Valley 31 at Lucasville Valley September 7 at Portsmouth West 14 SOUTH POINT# 21 at Chesapeake# 28 PORTSMOUTH# October 5 GALLIPOLIS# 12 at Ironton# 19 at Fairland# 26 ROCK HILL# #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Evan Ferguson

2017 Results

FOOTBALL 2018

Coal Grove Hornets Coal Grove 51 Buffalo, W.Va. Coal Grove 38 Lucasville Valley Coal Grove 0 Ports. West Coal Grove 43 South Point Coal Grove 27 Chesapeake Coal Grove 19 Portsmouth Coal Grove 33 Gallipolis Coal Grove 28 Ironton Coal Grove 29 Fairland Coal Grove 28 Rock Hill Playoffs Coal Grove 7 Shenandoah Coal Grove 46 Southeastern Coal Grove 7 Nelsonville-York Record: 11-2 (7-0 OVC)

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FOOTBALL 2018

29

Coal Grove CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 RUNNING BACK Gone is bruising fullback Kimo Baldwin who was an excellent blocker.

But filling the spot will be senior Evan Holmes (5-11, 170) who has added some bulk size and strength.

A key returning starter in the backfield is senior Kyle Sites (5-8, 160) who ran for 824 yards and 11 touchdowns last season while averaging 6.1 yards a carry.

“Our running backs will be by committee,” said Ferguson. “If there is one thing I can say, we have a very deep amount of skilled kids. We have a lot of speed we can utilize.”

Also in the backfield will be sophomore Austin Stapleton (5-10, 220) at running

back and senior junior Brady Doyle (5-10,1 70) provides depth at fullback.

Senior Austin Stormes (5-11, 175) looks to be the wingback while senior Jalen McKenzie (5-10, 170) is the backup in his first season on the team.

OFFENSIVE LINE The Hornets return just two starters from last season.

Junior Reece York (5-9, 245) will be back at right guard while sophomore Ben Compliment (6-2, 240) is moved from tackle to center.

The right tackle will be junior Justin Castle (5-8, 215) who got a couple of starts early last season.

The left guard is junior Evan Gannon (5-11,190) and next to him at left tackle will be sophomore Kye Robinson (6-0, 220).

“The development of the line is a lot better. They’ve done a phenomenal job coming together. They have their own brotherhood. They watch out for each other. We’re not very big up front but we’re quick. We’ll be able to do a lot of things with them.”

Junior Payten Smith (5-10, 185) and junior Jeremiah Rice (5-7, 185) are the backups at tackle with sophomore Trey Hunt (510, 190) adding depth at guard.

TIGHT END Senior Greg Keeney (5-10, 170) will take over for Jeb Jones, an All-Ohio player who started the past three seasons.

Junior Ethan Short (6-1, 160) is the backup.

RECEIVERS Senior Aaron Music (6-1,

185) emerged last season as a big-play threat who possesses speed and athleticism.

Borders will also be in the picture at split end.

“Cory is going to play a lot,” said Ferguson.

DEFENSE The Hornets suffered heavy number losses on defense as graduation took six starters and some key backups from a unit that was the heart of their success last season.

“It was definitely a blessing to have the group of seniors I had last year. They were one of the winningest classes in Coal Grove history in football, basketball and baseball and anything else they competed in,” said Ferguson.

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FOOTBALL 2018

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Members of the 2018 Green Bobcats’ football team are: front row from left to right, front row left to right, Steve SMith, Bryce Ponn, Garrett Daniels, James Laber, Mackie Kingery and Tyler Roberts; second row left to right, Devin Hossfeld, Troy Otworth, Mason Hensley, Seth Imes, Caleb Derifield, Trevor Darnell and Ricky Nash; third row left to right, Mason Hartley, Logan Waddel, Lonnie Smith, Kaleb Laffolett, Ethan Haslip, Tyler Applegate, Austin Ray and D.J. Barker; fourth row left to right, Alec Smith and Ethan Carpenter; back row left to right, coach Zach Swain, head coach Ted Newsome, Andy Derfield and Tim Sowers.

Veteran lineup improves Bobcats chances in ‘18 Jim Walker jim.walker@irontontribune.com

FRANKLIN FURNACE — When coaches talk about a lack of depth or concern for injuries, Green Bobcats’ head coach Ted Newsome probably just sits back, smiles and shakes his head.

In recent seasons, the Bobcats have been limited in numbers and forced to practice with half-line drills.

And the Bobcats were immune to injuries, so practices and games became even more difficult.

In fact, the Bobcats didn’t have enough healthy players in the final game last

season and were forced to cancel their contest with Oak Hill and finished 1-8.

“For the first time, we can actually line up in a live scrimmage with an offense and a defense. I don’t know the last time we could that and actually not go half line. That’s been helpful and useful,” said Newsome.

But this season, Green has 15 upperclassmen including nine juniors.

Overall, the Bobcats have 24 players.

“We had no seniors last year, so we have everyone back and we’re healthy for now,” said Newsome.

PLEASE SEE “IMPROVES,” PAGE 31

Hensley

Darnell

Ponn

Laber

Otworth

Derifield

S. Imes

Nash

A. Smith

S. Smith

L. Smith

Kingery

FOOTBALL 2018

Improves GREEN DEPTH CHART CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

“We’re had a really production offseason. Most of the kids have paid the price and got their bodies transformed and in better shape and stronger. I’m hoping that translates into more durable this season.

“We’re hoping that expe-

DEFENSE 4 - WADDEL 11 - HOSSFELD

FS

5 - KINGERY 3 - RAY

CB 13 - OTWORTH 52 - HARTLEY

10 - A. SMITH 22 - DARNELL

CB

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QUARTERBACK Junior Trevor Darnell took over after game five last season and entrenched himself as the No.1 signalcaller.

PLEASE SEE “GREEN,” PAGE 32

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FOOTBALL 2018

Green

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31 His backup will be freshman Austin Ray who will double as a wide receiver.

“We kind of thought he’d would eventually win the job but he wasn’t quite ready at the beginning of the season.,” said Newsome. “By week five at Symmes (Valley), the second half of that game he’s taken every snap for us.

He’s an intelligent kid who has a head for the game. He aspires to be a coach.

“He’s everything you want. He’s a leader. He’s sort of got an offensive line mentality. He wants the contact. He’s put the work in. He’s faster. He’s stronger. He doesn’t look like the same kid.”

RUNNING BACKS With the Bobcats operat-

2017 Results

Green Bobcats 2018 Football Roster No. Player Pos. Gr. 3 Austin Ray WR-DB Fr. 4 Logan Waddel RB-DB Fr. 5 Mackie Kingery RB-DB Sr. 6 Ethan Carpenter TE-LB Jr. 8 D.J. Barker RB-ILB So. 9 Lonnie Smith RB-OLB So. 10 Alec Smith RB-DB Jr. 11 Devin Hossfeld WR-DB Jr. 12 Tyler Roberts WR-DB Sr. 13 Troy Otworth WR-DB Jr. 16 Kaleb Laffolett WR-DB Fr. 19 Bryce Ponn TE-DE Sr. 22 Trevor Darnell QB-DB Jr. 25 Caleb Derifield TE-ILB Jr. 50 Mason Hensley OL-DE Jr. 51 Steve Smith OL-DL Sr. 52 Mason Hartley OL-LB Fr. 54 Seth Imes

OL-DL Jr. 55 Garrett Daniels OL-DL Sr. 61 Tyler Applegate OL-DE So. 65 Will Imes OL-NG Jr. 66 Ethan Haslip OL-DL Fr. 72 James Laber OL-DE Sr. 74 Ricky Nash FB-NG So

2018 Schedule

GREEN ROSTER Green Bobcats August 25 CINCINNATI DOHN 31 at Hannan, W.Va. September 7 WEST UNION 14 SCIOTOVILLE EAST# 21 SYMMES VALLEY# 29 at Ports. Notre Dame# October 5 MANCHESTER 12 at Beaver Eastern# 19 at Northwest# 26 at Oak Hill# #-Denotes SOC game Coach: Ted Newsome Green Bobcats Green 14 West Union Green 12 Hannan, W.Va. Green 0 Reedsville Green 0 Sciotoville Green 0 Sym. Valley Green 22 Notre Dame Green 8 Manchester Green 0 Eastern Green 0 Northwest Green vs. Oak Hill cancelled Record: 1-9 (0-6 SOC)

26th Annual

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ing out of the veer offense, sophomore Lonnie Smith is back at fullback while junior Alec Smith is the halfback.

“Lonnie Smith is probably the most gifted kid we have,” said Newsome.

“Alec Smith is just a real dynamic athlete. We’re looking for big production from those guys.”

Sophomore Ricky Nash — who tips the scales at 250 pounds – is the backup at fullback and played a lot at the end of last season.

Sophomore D.J. Barker may get some work at halfback.

“Ricky is just a bull in a china shop,” said Newsome.

The two candidates at wingback will be senior Mackie Kingery and freshman Logan Waddel.

PLEASE SEE “BOBCATS,” PAGE 33

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FOOTBALL 2018

Bobcats CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32 RECEIVERS The Bobcats will have a tight end as well as a wide receiver when they line up.

Sharing the tight end duties will be senior Bryce Ponn and junior Caleb Derifield. The wide receiver spot has junior Troy Otworth and freshman Kaleb Laffolett.

OFFENSIVE LINE Senior Steve Smith — older brother of Lonnie — is back on the offensive line at center. His backup is freshman Ethan Haslip.

The right guard should be veteran junior Will Imes while junior Seth Imes is back at left guard.

Both tackles return with senior James Laber on the left side while junior Mason Hensley is his run-

33 ning mate on the right side.

“Mason Hensley has come into his body. He’s a legitimate 6-8, 225. There’s that summer between sophomore and junior years something happens to kids and they start to grow up. And we say man, ‘he’s just a different guy.’

He works very hard in the offseason. He’s changed his attitude and self-confidence has increased. We expect him to be a dominate player for us.”

Sophomore Tyler Applegate will be the backup for both tackles while Haslip can also fill-in at guard.

“Those guys have been the most impressive group.

Our guys look good. They look the part. I’m expecting our line to lead us,” said Newsome. “As far as leading by example, Steve Smith is our emotion guy. He’s going to get our guys fired up. He’s

QUICK HITTER

Head Coach: Ted Newsome (9-31 overall and at Green, fifth season) Assistant Coaches: Andy Derifield, Tim Sowers, Zach Swain.

Key Returnees: Troy Otworth, Trevor Darnell, Tyler McClain, Caleb Derifield, Steve Smith, Seth Imes, Will Imes, Noah Maynard, James Laber, Mason Hensley.

Key Losses: Zach Kinstler.

2016 Record: 1-9 (0-6 SOC, sixth) Offense: Veer, Multiple Defense: 50, Multiple Offensive Starters Returning: 10 Defensive Starters Returning: 10 our heart and soul.

“Another guy who’s been steady is James Laber. He doesn’t say much. He leads by example.”

DEFENSE The Bobcats are changing their defensive alignment to a 50 look.

“We feel like for the first

“Wishing all area teams a great season.”

time we can put some speed on the field,” said Newsome.

“We’re going to play it more like a 3-4. It’s going to allow us to two-platoon our offensive line. We’re going with some strong, athletic kids,” said Newsome.

PLEASE SEE “VETERAN,” PAGE 34

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Veteran

COAL GROVE ROSTER Coal Grove Hornets 2018 Football Roster Player, School Pos. Ht. Wt. 1 Sam Angelo SE-LB 6-04 205 2 Evan Holmes RB-LB 5-11 170 3 Jordan Case SE-DB 6-01 160 5 Jeb Jones TE-LB 6-03 210 8 Nate Harmon QB-DB 6-02 185 10 Austin Stormes RB-LB 5-11 175 12 Kyle Sites RB-DB 5-08 160 13 Wyatt Boggs RB-LB 5-09 175 14 Cory Borders QB-DB 5-10 160 15 Joey Workman RB-DB 6-00 175 18 Christian Workman RB-DB 5-10 150 20 Brady Doyle RB-DB 5-10 170 21 Schyler Shope SE-DB 5-05 140 22 Trey Hunt RB-LB 5-10 175 23 Aaron Music SE-DB 6-01 175 24 Morgan Shultz RB-LB 5-07 145 30 Austin Stapleton RB-LB 5-09 185 32 Ethan Short SE-LB 6-01 155 34 Kimo Baldwin FB-LB 6-01 230 36 Jayse Snell SE-DB 5-06 135 50 Darin Bloomfield OL-DL 6-00 220 52 Trey Hicks OL-DL 6-02 270 53 Reece York OL-DL 5-08 245 54 Seth Little OL-DL 6-01 230 55 Evan Friend OL-DL 5-07 205 56 Justin Castle OL-Dl 5-08 200 57 Kye Robinson OL-DL 6-00 200 58 Ben Compliment OL-DL 6-02 205 60 Josh Null OL-DL 5-08 160 62 Jeremiah Rice OL-DL 5-07 170 63 Tyler Johnson OL-DL 5-08 165 77 Josh Waulk OL-DL 5-11 360 78 Colten Sparks OL-DL 5-08 210 88 Tristan Wiseman SE-DB 5-11 155

Competed CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

“Replacing them will be a challenge, but the kids this year seem to be up to the challenge. The seniors have been great leaders up to this point. All my seniors have stepped up to the forefront and it has meant a lot.”

DEFENSIVE LINE York is back at nose guard in the 4-4 alignment with Robinson his backup.

Stapleton — one of the

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

Gr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. So. Fr. Fr. So. So. Sr. Sr. So. Sr.

Hornets’ strongest players — will be the left tackle and Castle will be the right tackle. Compliment takes over at defensive end.

“They’re all quick kids and strong kids. We have to make sure they’re playing hard and fast,” said Ferguson Rice figures to be a backup at tackle, Hunt at end and Doyle is behind Castle.

PLEASE SEE “D-LINE,” PAGE 35

“We’re playing a couple of young kids. Tyler Applegate played last year so he’s seasoned for a sophomore.”

DEFENSIVE LINE Nash will give the Bobcats a big filler at the nose guard spot with Applegate the left end and Ponn on the right side.

LINEBACKERS Derifield and Barker are the inside linebackers with Carpenter and freshman Mason Hartley their backups.

On the outside will be Lonnie Smith who will be flanked by Otworth. Both are returning starters.

“Those guys are clones.

We’ll bring pressure with them,” said Newsome.

SECONDARY Alec Smith and Kingery

FOOTBALL 2018 are the cornerbacks while Ray provides the backup.

Laffolett is the strong safety and Waddel is the free safety. Darnell can play strong safety and junior Devin Hossfeld is in the mix at free safety.

Although Green has some veteran players, Newsome expects some of the younger personnel to see a lot of playing time.

“We have some young kids who are freshmen but very athletic but very gifted and can hold their own in the backend of the defense.

We’re excited about what they can do for us,” said Newsome.

KICKING GAME Ponn will handle the placements with Lonnie Smith doing the punting.

SOC Newsome sees some balance in the league but he admitted the odds-on favorite remains Oak Hill.

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FOOTBALL 2018

D-Line

Duncan

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 34

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

LINEBACKER This is the area most affected by graduation with the loss of Baldwin and Jones.

But the Hornets have a solid group ready to step in with Stormes — a returning starter — and Keeney on the inside while Holmes — another returning starter — is on the outside along with sophomore Morgan Shultz (5-7, 145).

“The linebackers are a lot faster. We’re a lot better going from sideline to sideline. Now we can get to those stretch plays,” said Ferguson. “And we’re not afraid to hit.”

Freshman Justin Newcomb (5-8, 170) and Smith will provide depth inside while Short and Gannon are

on the outside.

SECONDARY Harmon — who has already been getting looks from some bigger colleges — is back at one cornerback spot while Sites will take over on the other side.

Music returns at free safety.

McKenzie and sophomore Christian Workman (5-10, 150) are the backups at cornerback while Borders is solid behind Music.

“With all the experience we have in the back in the secondary, we should feel pretty good about the back end,” said Ferguson.

KICKING GAME The kicking game should be strong with the strong leg of Holmes not only handling the placements but also doing the punting.

“The experience from starting a couple of games as a freshman and starting as sophomore and junior has gone a long way for me. I feel the experience has helped slow the game down for me,” said Duncan.

“The biggest difference is last year I gained a lot of football IQ. My sophomore year I just went out there and played. I feel like over the years I’ve gained a lot of football IQ.” Another difference for Duncan this season compared to the past three years will be the fact he is a senior and be counted on for leadership.

“Honestly, the leadership position is something I felt I’ve had as a sophomore

35 and junior, just advanced. I need to encourage my players. I’m not the only leader on the team. All the seniors are leaders, so I want all my guys to be leaders, too,” said Duncan who is one of eight Ironton seniors.

The goals for Duncan haven’t changed, personally or as a team. He wants his team to win the Ohio Valley Conference, make the playoffs and make a deep run in the playoffs.

For him, he’d like to again be all-conference, all-district but step up to first team All-Ohio.

“All that comes with winning, though,” said Duncan. “But the mentality part has changed. Coach (Pendleton) has instilled in us to just be tough,” said Duncan.

Being tough to Ethan Duncan is something that doesn’t seem to be any problem.

36

FOOTBALL 2018

COURTESY OF TIM GEARHART

Members of the 2018 Portsmouth Trojans football team are: front row from left to righ, Tyriek Carr, Stef Johnson, Patrick Varela, Zach Wagner, Brian Carey-Knipp, Parker Johnson, Colin Boehm, Bryson Morrow, Ben Lester, Danny Lattimore; second row from left to right, Sethe Perry, Devin McLaurin, Michael Duncan, Chris Duff, Kaden Davis, Eric Purdy, Hayden Yerardi, John Nelson, Joel Bowling, Drew Roe, Jeremy Scott, Dariyonne Bryant, Bryce Wallace, Talyn Parker; third row from left to right, Mason Shepherd, Trey Williams, Austin McKenzie, Ty Pendleton, Alberto Poxes, Tyler McCoy, Ethan Call, James Thurman, Chris Jenkins, Conner Emnett, Christian Keys, Donavan Carr, Carson Craft; fourth row from left to right, Jeremiah Brown, Joe Gallagher, Noah Carver, Seth Porter, Tanner Queen, Chance Tener, JaQuan Pearsall, Rex Smith; fifth row from left to right, Mark Aeh (manager), Thomas Ramsey (trainer), coaches Dave Malone, Gerald Cadogan, head coach Bruce Kalb, Nate Cadogan, Bo Mayo and John Walker.

Kalb must replace veterans in his 1st year Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

PORTSMOUTH — It’s a new season for the Portsmouth Trojans and it will also means a new coach.

A 2002 graduate and former Trojan standout Bruce Kalb takes over the head coaching duties after Aaron Duncan resigned to spend more time with his family.

Portsmouth was 5-5 last season including 4-3 in the Ohio Valley Conference.

However, the Trojans suffered some heavy losses as 14 seniors graduated.

Kalb is excited to take over at his alma mater.

“I never thought this chance would come at age 34,” said Kalb. “It’s been a great experience.”

But the Trojans do have one key returning piece to their puzzle in All-Ohio junior running back Talyn Parker who ran for more than 1,000 yards in each of the past two seasons despite missing games with injuries.

“Talyn’s a special kid.

The goal for Talyn is to stay healthy. He’s looking good.

He’s getting faster and he had a good offseason in the weight room,” said Kalb.

“I was the offensive coordinator last year. When he went down (in game three), as much as I wanted him on offense, I said we’ll miss him more on defense because he plays that outside linebacker and not too many people are going to run around him,” said Kalb.

PLEASE SEE “KALB,” PAGE 37

QUICK HITTER

Head Coach: Bruce Kalb (0-0, first year at Portsmouth and overall)

Assistant Coaches: Bo Mayo, Gerald Cadogan, Nate Cadogan, John Walker, Dave Malone.

Key Returnees: Taylyn Parker, Colin Boehm, Parker Johnson, Danny Lattimore, Tanner Queen, Michael Duncan, Stefan Johnson, Ty Pendleton, Zach Wagner, Chris Jenkins, Tyriek Carr, Bryson Morrow, Bryce Wallace.

Key Losses: Daniel Jordan, Deante Parker, Reese Johnson, Isaac Kelly, Jeremiah Ellis, Logan Carter, Zach Kinney, D.J. Pearsall, Jaden Josey, Cody Spencer, Ryan Sutherland, Anthony Ferrara, Gabe Gambill.

2016 Record: 6-4 (4-3 OVC, tied third) Offense: Pro, Slot, Multiple Defense: 4-4, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 3 Returning Defensive Starters: 3

FOOTBALL 2018

37

2018 Schedule

Portsmouth Trojans August 24 at Lucasville Valley 31 PORTS. WEST 7:00 September 7 at River Valley 7:00 14 ROCK HILL# 7:00 21 GALLIPOLIS# 7:00 28 at Coal Grove# 7:00 October 5 at Chesapeake# 7:00 12 FAIRLAND# 7:00 19 at South Point# 7:00 26 IRONTON# 7:00 #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Bruce Kalb

2017 Results

PORTSMOUTH TROJANS FOOTBALL ROSTER

Portsmouth Trojans Portsmouth 35 Lucas. Valley Portsmouth 14 Ports. West Portsmouth 0 Galion Portsmouth 31 Rock Hill Portsmouth 35 Gallipolis Portsmouth 14 Coal Grove Portsmouth 34 Chesapeake Portsmouth 34 Fairland Portsmouth 39 So. Point Portsmouth 42 Ironton Record: 5-5 (4-3 OVC)

7 32 23 28 36 19 14 62 0 35

Kalb

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36 The offense has three returning starters as does the defense.

“With speed like Parker and Stef Johnson and the quickness of Danny Lattimore, we’re put a prime on conditioning this offseason. We’re going to make

No. Player 1 Talyn Parker 2 Bryce Wallace 3 Dariyonne Bryant 4 Jeremy Scott 5 Drew Roe

6 Joe Bowling 7 John Nelson 8 Hayden Yerardi 9 Eric Purdy

10 Danny Lattimore 11 Kaden Davis 12 Chris Duff

13 Stefan Johnson 14 Michael Duncan 15 Devin McLaurin 16 Sethe Perry 17 Patrick Varela 18 Carson Craft 20 Donavan Carr 21 Christian Keys 22 Connor Emnett 24 Chris Jenkins 25 James Thurman

Pos. RB-DB WR-DB WR-DB RB-LB QB-DB WR-DB TE-LB TE-LB WR-LB QB-DB RB-DB WR-DB WR-DB QB-DB WR-DE TE-LB WR-DB WR-LB RB-LB RB-LB TE-DE WR-DE WR-LB

teams chase us,” said Kalb.

“With the speed we have, we’ll be able to produce.

Let’s be honest. Speed kills.”

RUNNING BACKS Besides Parker, the Trojans will look to junior Tyler McCoy (5-8, 175) at fullback.

Junior Ty Pendleton (6-0, 180) will rotate at fullback

Ht. Wt. 5-10 185 6-2 155 5-11 1345 5-06 140 5-07 130 5-09 140 5-11 170 5-11 170 5-08 155 6-01 170 5-08 150 5-10 135 5-07 135 5-11 175 6-00 160 5-11 180 5-06 111 5-08 140 5-06 150 5-07 160 6-02 150 5-10 195 5-02 130

Gr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Fr. So. So. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. So. So. Fr. Sr. So. Fr. So. Fr. Jr. Fr.

28 31 32 35 38 40 51 51 52 53 54 55 56 58 60 62 63 66 71 72 73 75 89 99

Brian Knipp Ethan Call

Jayvon Zurborg Tyler McCoy Albero Poxes Ty Pendleton Zach Wagner Austin McKenzie Trey Williams.

Mason Shepherd Rex Smith

JaQuan Pearsall Chance Tener Bryson Morrow Tanner Queen Seth Porter

Bradley Mott Ben Lester

Noah Carver Joe Gallagher Tyriek Carr Colin Boehm Jairemiah Brown Parker Johnson

with senior Stefan Johnson (5-7,1 135) getting some spot time at running back.

“We’re going to run right at you with our speed and continue to throw in some wrinkles,” said Kalb.

QUARTERBACK Gone is Isaac Kelly who was a duel threat, but Kalb said senior Danny

RB-DE TE-LB RB-LB RB-LB RB-LB RB-LB TE-LB OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DE OL-LB OL-DL OL-LB OL-DE OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DE TE-DE

5-11 6-03 5-09 5-08 5-10 6-00 5-09 5-08 5-07 5-08 5-09 5-08 5-05 6-01 6-02 5-10 6-00 5-09 6-00 6-00 6-00 6-04 5-11 6-02

170 160 145 175 180 180 175 200 150 190 180 205 205 215 220 220 270 275 268 240 365 280 190 255

Sr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Jr. So. So. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Fr. Fr. Sr. SR. Jr. Sr.

Lattimore (6-1, 170) brings a different style of play to the position.

“Danny has a great arm and he’s a lefty. He throws the ball well and he’s pretty quick and shifty,” said Kalb.

“He’s been maturing and he’s ready to take the helm.”

PLEASE SEE “TROJANS,” PAGE 38

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PORTSMOUTH DEPTH CHART DEFENSE 40 - PENDLETON 5 - ROE

FS

13 - S. JOHNSON 3 - BRYANT

CB

2 - WALLACE 11 - DAVIS

CB

9 - PURDY 14 - DUNCAN

35 - MCCOY 55 - PEARSALL

58 - MORROW 8 - YERARDI

1 - PARKER 21 - KEYES

LB

LB

LB

LB

28 - CAREY-KNIPP 60 - QUEEN

73 - T. CARR 75 - BOEHM

53 - SHEPHERD 51 - MCKENZIE

24 - JENKINS 99 - P. JOHNSON

DE

DT

NG

DE

OFFENSE

LT

LG

C

RG

RT

66 - LESTER 73 - T. CARR

51 - MCKENZIE 53 - SHEPHERD

60 - QUEEN 53 - SHEPHERD

58 - MORROW 53 - SHEPHERD

75 - BOEHM 73 - T. CARR

WR

QB

TE

2 - WALLACE 13 - S. JOHNSON

10 - LATTIMORE 14 - DUNCAN

32 - P. JOHNSON 47 -WAGNER

RB

FB

WR

1 - T. PARKER 13 - S. JOHNSON

35 - MCCOY 40 - PENDLETON

9 - PURDY 24- JENKINS

PK

P

6 - BOWLING

24 - JENKINS

Trojans

FOOTBALL 2018

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

OFFENSIVE LINE Big senior Colin Boehm (6-4, 280) is a Division I prospect who anchors the line from his right tackle spot.

Senior Ben Lester (5-9, 275) will be the other tackle.

Junior Tanner Queen (6-2, 220) takes over at center with senior Bryson Morrow (6-1, 215) the right guard and junior Austin McKenzie (5-8, 200) the left guard.

Senior Tyriek Carr (6-0, 265) will fill in at either tackle and even guard. Junior Mason Shepherd (5-8, 190) can play center or guard.

“Morrow got a lot of playing time last year. (Queen) was a distance runner in track and started to put on weight,” said Kalb.

RECEIVERS Senior Parker Johnson (6-2, 255) returns at tight end. The wide receiving corps is led by juniors Bryce Wallace (6-2, 155) and Eric Purdy (5-8, 155).

Also in the picture are senior Stefan Johnson ((5-7, 135), junior Chris Jenkins (5-10, 195) and Pendleton.

“Wallace is one of those kids who came on in his senior year. Something just clicked,” said Kalb. “He’s slimmed down. I’m excited to see what he can do.”

DEFENSE “We’re taking similar philosophy on defense that we are offensively. We will run a similar defense to last year. We want to keep it simple. I want to play fast,” said Kalb.

DEFENSIVE LINE Carr will be the tackle while Shepherd is the nose guard. After missing last season with injuries, senior Brian Carey-Knipp (5-11, 170) is the weak side end and junior Chris Jenkins (5-10, 195) will be

Boehm

Parker

the anchor end.

“We have two guys inside who clog the offense and our ends are solid. Jenkins is pretty strong and pretty quick,” said Kalb.

LINEBACKERS Parker will play on the wide side with Purdy on the weak side.

Inside will have Morrow as the Sam linebacker and McCoy takes the Will linebacker spot.

“Morrow played some as a backup last year. All those guys can run and we want them to play fast,” said Kalb.

SECONDARY Wallace and Stefan Johnson look to be the cornerbacks while Pendleton is the free safety.

Freshman Drew Roe (5-7, 130) is the backup to Pendleton while junior Kaden Davis (5-8, 150) and freshman Dariyonne Bryant (5-6, 140) will both see time at the corners.

“We have a lot of (cornerbacks). We’ll have a rotation in there,” said Kalb.

KICKING GAME Sophomore Joe Bowling returns as the placekicker while Jenkins will take over the punting duties.

OVC Kalb said the league is hard to predict, especially with so many first-year and second-year coaches.

“The league will be wide open. I don’t see any clear team running away with it.

It’ll be a week in, week out league. It’s competitive football,” said Kalb.

2018 Redmen Football

PoweRED up!

40

FOOTBALL 2018

COURTESY OF ROBERT S. STEVENS OF THE GOLD STUDIO IN IRONTON

Members of the 2018 Rock Hill Redmen football team are: front row left to right, Tristan Pemberton, Brayden Friend, Brice Schob, Trenton Williams, Noah Burton, Mikey Pemberton, Bryson Hackworth and Hunter Massie; second row from left to right, Brady Floyd, Hayden Harper, Logan Hankins, Quinn Depriest, Zach Dempsey, David Grant, Jake Bevins, Wyatt Brammer, Victor Aguilera, Tyler Fields, Dylan Branam, Zak Adkins, Ethan McClaskey and David Bailey; third row from left to right, Adam Rhodes, Tristan Delong, Andrew Clark, Owen Hankins, Lane Smith, Jason Johnson, Kris Dong, Jacob Schwab, Tucker Carpenter, T.J. McGinnis, T.J. French, Brayden Malone, James Knipp and Joe Pierce.

Depth remains key for veteran Redmen Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

PEDRO — There aren’t that many shoes to fill this season for the Rock Hill Redmen, but the empty shoes left behind are pretty big.

The key loss is All-Ohio fullback and linebacker Cameron Barnette who ran for 964 yards and 17 touchdowns while leading the team in tackles.

Besides Barnett, the Redmen lost Eli Matney, Jaret Bacorn along with Kyle Stanfield, Corey Shope and twin brothers Andrew and Tyler Cochran, Corey Shope. Some were starters, some were valuable backups and role players.

And that is the biggest concern of second-year head coach Mark Lutz.

“We have a lot of players back and that’s always important,” said Lutz. “The thing we need is depth. We need to develop backups at some of our positions with our younger kids and teaching our new kids the system we are running.”

Rock Hill finished 4-6 last season but turnovers proved costly. Four of their losses were by seven points or less.

“One of the things we want to do is to take better care of the ball,” said Lutz.

“We return a lot of guys on both sides of the ball.

Everyone being one year along in our system has helped us to be further along than last year. Also, our kicking game should be a strength for us this season.”

RUNNING BACK

PLEASE SEE “DEPTH,” PAGE 41

QUICK HITTER

Head Coach: Mark Lutz (4-6, second season at Rock Hill and overall)

Assistant Coaches: Lou Mains, Brian Kidd, Joe Sark, Craig Harvey, Jarrod Keaton, Bart Burcham, Red Burcham, Tyler Kratzenberg, Jason Kidd, Joe Bowman.

Key Returnees: Ethan McClaskey, Tristan Delong, Logan Hankins, Zak Adkins, T.J. McGinnis, J.D. Hackworth, Brayden Friend, Quinn Depriest, Dylan Branam, Seth Schob, T.J. French, Kris Dong, Hayden Harper, Jacob Schwab.

Key Losses: Carmeron Barnette, Corey Shope, Jaret Bacorn, Andrew Cochran, Tyler Cochran, Isaac Floyd, Eli Matney.

2016 Record: 4-6 (3-4 OVC, tied for fifth) Offense: T-formation, Multiple Defense: 50, Multiple Offensive Starters Returning: 9 Defensive Starters Returning: 9

FOOTBALL 2018

41

Depth

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 40 Although the Redmen lost Barnette, they have two junior running backs who have both enjoyed 1,000-yard rushing seasons.

Logan Hankins (5-11, 180) ran for 1,000 yards as a freshman but sat most of last season due to an injury in the first game. Zac Adkins (5-10, 180) had 1,163 yards and had 13 scores last season.

“Adkins is stronger and he’s added 15 to 20 pounds and still has his speed,” said Lutz. “Having Hankins healthy will give us two guys with some size and speed at the halfback spots.”

The big key will be junior T.J. McGinnis (6-2, 240) who shifts from his starting guard position to

fill the fullback role.

“McGinnis is one of our strongest players as well as being a great worker and leader. He’s getting better.

He should do a good job for us,” said Lutz.

QUARTERBACK Sophomore Brayden Friend (5-8, 165) returns and his backup is sophomore Hunter Massie (5-8, 160).

“It’s tough for a freshman to play at this level and to be the quarterback is even harder,” said Lutz.

“Friend has continued to improve. He is a competitive player who loves to win.”

RECEIVERS Using the T-formation puts two tight ends on the field for the Redmen.

PLEASE SEE “VETERANS,” PAGE 42

Bevins

Dong

Harper

Brammer

Depriest

Grant

McClaskey

McGinnis

L. Hankins

Adkins

Carpenter

Delong

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FOOTBALL 2018

Veterans CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41 Senior Jake Bevins (5-10, 180) will share playing time with senior Wyatt Brammer (6-4, 250) at left end. Both saw some playing time last season.

The other side has three candidates that include senior Quinn Depriest (5-10, 150) along with sophomores James Knipp (6-0, 160) and Andrew Clark (6-1, 120).

OFFENSIVE LINE

Junior Ethan McClaskey (6-0, 210) will be back at center and flanked by junior Tristan Delong (5-10, 290) at right guard while sophomore Jacob Schwab (6-2, 230) steps into a starting role at left guard.

Junior Tucker Carpenter is expected to again be the right tackle while junior Kris Dong (6-2, 272) takes over at left tackle.

“The line should be better with a year under their belt

on the field and in the weight room,” said Lutz. “A lot of those guys either started or got some playing time.”

DEFENSE “Hopefully our experience will help us. Losing Barnette hurts. He was an asset at linebacker,” said Lutz.

LINEBACKERS McGinnis will take over for Barnette on defense as well at the left linebacker while McClaskey is his

2017 All-Ohio Valley Conference Football Ohio Valley Conference 2017 All-OVC Football Team First Team Player (school) Pos. Ht. Sam Angelo, Coal Grove LB-WR 6-04 Kimo Baldwin, Coal Grove LB-RB 6-01 Darin Bloomfield, Coal Grove OL-DL 6-00 Nate Harmon, Coal Grove QB-DB 6-02 Jeb Jones, Coal Grove TE-DE 6-03 Josh Waulk, Coal Grove DL-OL 5-11 Keedrick Cunningham, Fairland RB-DB 6-01 Chase Fisher, Fairland LB-RB 5-11 Joel Lambiotte, Fairland QB-DB 6-02 Ty Wilcoxon, Fairland RB-DB 6-02 Kobe Newman, Fairland OL-DL 6-04 Garrett Carrico, Ironton RB-DB 5-11 Trent Klaiber, Ironton OL-DL 6-00 Gage Salyers, Ironton QB-DB 6-01 Garrett Burns, Gallipolis WR-DB 5-10 Justin McClelland, Gallipolis QB-DB 6-01 Nathan Mitchell, Gallipolis OL-DL 6-00 Boo Pullins, Gallipolis

RB-LB 5-11 Isaac Kelly, Portsmouth QB-DB 6-03 Talyn Parker, Portsmouth RB-DB 5-10 Colin Boehm, Portsmouth OL-DL 6-05 Anthony Ferrara, Portsmouth OL-DL 6-02

Wt. 205 230 220 185 210 360 194 225 170 205 225 185 240 185 160 195 225 175 200 180 290 270

Gr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr.

Cameron Barnette, Rock Hill FB-LB 5-11 Zak Adkins, Rock Hill RB-DB 5-10 T.J. McGinnis, Rock Hill OL-LB 6-01 Austin Browning, Chesapeake RB-DB 6-00 Zach Wright, Chesapeake DE-TE 6-04 Caleb Eplion, South Point OL-DL 6-02 Seth Nicely, South Point OL-DL 6-00 Honorable Mention Player (school) Pos. Ht. Kyle Sites, Coal Grove RB-DB 5-08 Joey Workman, Coal Grove DB-RB 6-00 Greg Keeney, Fairland RB-DB 5-10 Mason Cox, Fairland OL-DL 5-10 Ethan Duncan, Ironton LB-TE 5-10 Seth Fosson, Ironton RB-DE 6-01 Caleb Henry, Gallipolis WR-DB 6-00 Matt Moreaux, Gallipolis RB-LB 5-11 D.J. Pearsall, Portsmouth LB-RB 6-00 Jadan Josey, Portsmouth OL-LB 6-00 Jaret Bacorn, Rock Hill TE-DE 6-04 Eli Matney, Rock Hill OL-DL 5-10 Brevin Webb, Chesapeake OL-DL 6-02 Dalton Nida, Chesapeake PK 6-03 Walker Clay, South Point FB-LB 5-09 Kyle Smith, South Point FB-LB 5-09 Coach of the Year: Evan Ferguson, Coal Grove

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203 163 233 175 220 260 240

Sr. So. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr.

Wt. 160 175 165 220 205 225 195 185 215 235 191 186 270 180 160 165

Gr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Fr. Sr.

Friend

Schwab

running mate.

Also in the mix will be sophomores Seth Schob (5-9, 200) and Hayden Harper (5-11, 200) and freshman Bryson Hackworth (5-9, 185).

PLEASE SEE “DEFENSE,” PAGE 44

2017 Div. I All-SOC Southern Ohio Conference Football All-Conference Division 1 First Team: Oak Hill: Zach Fisher, Ramsey Sites, Bayley Clutters, Walker Smith, Hunter Fleming, Jason Turner, Cole Hanning, Austin Detty. East: Blaine Scott, Brady Douthat, Ethan Gifford, Braidan Haney, Devon Stevens. Northwest: Kyle Leslie, Garrett Rowe, Bruce South. Eastern: Dalton Tomlison, Parker Clemmons, Drake Meyers. Symmes Valley: Brock Carpenter, Layken Gothard, Kiefer Wilson. Notre Dame: Ben Mader. Green: Trevor Darnell Second Team: Oak Hill: Caleb Johnson, Colin Hughes, Owan Conley. East: Brayden Gifford, JD Hatcher, Kyle Flannery.

Northwest: Andrew Howard, Austin Hall. Eastern: Wes Hodge, Garrett Allen.

Symmes Valley: Ian McClease, Derik Brace. Notre Dame: Bryson Arnett, Sam Mays. Green: Caleb Derifield, Ricky Nash.

Offensive Player of the Year: Zach Fisher, Oak Hill Defensive Player of the Year: Ethan Gifford, East Lineman of the Year: Ramsey Sites, Oak Hill Coach of the Year: Nathan Dugan, Oak Hill

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FOOTBALL 2018

43

Vote fcorh Coa

Gr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Fr. SO. So. So. Jr. Sr. Fr. Fr. So. So. Fr. Fr. Jr. Sr.

44 50 53 55 56 57 60 65 68 72 73 74

Wyatt Brammer TE-DE 6-04 250 Sr. Seth Schob

G-LB 5-09 200 So. Mikey Pemberton G-NG 5-06 150 So. David Grant G-NG 5-10 205 Sr. Tristan Pemberton C-NG 6-01 200 Fr. Ethan McClaskey C-DT 6-00 210 Jr. Lane Smith

T-DT 6-03 210 Fr. Adam Rhodes G-LB 5-09 170 Jr. David Bailey

T-DT 5-05 290 So. Tristan Delong T-DT 5-10 290 Jr. Kris Dong

T-DT 6-02 272 Jr. Tucker Carpenter T-DT 6-04 265 Jr.

75 Jacob Schwab G-DT 6-02 77 Dylan Branam T-DT 6-04 78 T.J. French

T-DT 5-10 79 Tyler Fields G-DT 5-11 83 James Knipp G-DT 6-00 85 Joe Pierce

TE-DE 6-02 88 Andrew Clark TE-S 6-01 Head coach: Mark Lutz

230 329 290 230 160 160 120

So. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Fr. So.

2018 Schedule

2018 Rock Hill Redmen Football Roster No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. 2 Brady Floyd E-S-K 5-10 150 3 Logan Hankins RB-CB 5-11 180 4 Victor Aguilera PK 5-10 160 9 Zach Dempsey RB-S 5-06 120 10 Trenton Williams QB-S 5-08 120 11 Jason Johnson TE-DE 6-02 175 12 Hunter Massie QB-S 5-08 160 14 Brayden Friend QB-S 5-08 165 21 Zak Adkins

RB-S 5-10 180 22 Quinn Depriest TE-CB 5-10 150 24 Brayden Malone RB-S 6-02 185 25 Owen Hankins RB-DE 6-02 185 29 Hayden Harper FB-LB 5-11 200 30 Noah Burton FB-LB 5-11 180 33 Bryson Hackworth FB-LB 5-09 185 34 Brice Schob RB-LB 5-08 170 36 T.J. McGinnis FB-LB 6-02 240 40 Jake Bevins TE-DE 5-10 180

Rock Hill Redmen August 24 MINFORD 31 at Northwest September 7 OAK HILL 14 at Portsmouth# 21 FAIRLAND# 28 at South Point# October 5 IRONTON# 12 at Gallipolis# 19 CHESAPEAKE# 26 at Coal Grove# #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Mark Lutz

2017 Results

ROCK HILL REDMEN FOOTBALL ROSTER

Rock Hill Redmen Rock Hill 21 Minford Rock Hill 48 Northwest Rock Hill 13 Oak Hill Rock Hill 28 Portsmouth Rock Hill 14 Fairland Rock Hill 44 South Point Rock Hill 7 Ironton Rock Hill 56 Gallipolis Rock Hill 35 Chesapeake Rock Hill 7 Coal Grove Record: 4-6 (3-4 OVC)

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44

ROCK HILL DEPTH CHART DEFENSE 7 - FRIEND 12 - MASSIE

21 - ADKINS 88 - CLARK

S

S

22 - DEPRIEST 83 - KNIPP

CB 40 - BEVINS 25 - O. HANKINS

DE

3 - L. HANKINS 24 - MALONE 57 - MCCLASKEY 29 - HARPER

36 - MCGINNIS 50 - S. SCHOB

LB

LB

74 - CARPENTER 78 - FRENCH

55 - GRANT 79 - FIELDS

CB

72 - DELONG 73 - DONG

44 - BRAMMER 57 - MCCLASKEY

DT NG DT

DE

OFFENSE

LT

LG

C

RG

RT

73 - DONG 78 - FRENCH

75 - SCHWAB 55 - GRANT

57 - MCCLASKEY 50 - S. SCHOB

72 - DELONG 79 - FIELDS

74 - CARPENTER 77 - BRANAM

TE

QB

TE

22 - DEPRIEST 83- KNIPP 88 - CLARK

7 - FRIEND 12 - MASSIE

40 - BEVINS 44 - BRAMMER

FOOTBALL 2018

Depth CONTINUED FROM PAGE 42 DEFENSIVE LINE Senior David Grant (510, 205) will be the nose guard and with senior Tyler Fields (5-11, 230) another candidate.

The tackles figure to be Delong on one side and Carpenter on the right side unless McClaskey shifts down from linebacker.

Bevins and Brammer should be the ends but freshman Owen Hankins (6-2, 185) and McClaskey are in the mix.

SECONDARY Logan Hankins and Depiest figure to be the cornerbacks while Friend is the free safety and Adkins the strong safety.

Malone and Knipp are backups at cornerback while Massie and Clark are

on the depth chart at safety.

“With a year of experience, we should recognize where to line up quicker,” said Lutz.

KICKING GAME Junior Brady Floyd (5-10, 150) was 27 of 32 on extra points last season. Senior Victor Aguilera (5-10, 160) will do the punting as wells as kickoffs.

“Adding Aguilera to handle punting and kickoffs is a big plus for us,” said Lutz. “Our kicking game should be a strength.”

OVC Lutz thinks the Ohio Valley Conference race is up for grabs.

“I think the conference is going to be wide-open with several teams being very competitive and having very good teams,” said Lutz.

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FOOTBALL 2018

45

SOUTH POINT POINTERS SOUTH POINT POINTERS KENT SANBORN OF SOUTHERN OHIO SPORTS PHOTOS

Members of the 2018 South Point Pointers’ football team are: front row from left to right, Zach Miller, David Buzzard, Maddox McCallister, Trent Moore, Brad Perry, Josh Rigney, Brenden Dillon, Vaugn Flowers and Austin Pierson; second row from left to right, Hunter Tooley, Brock Bradley, Thomas Duna, Chance Gunther, Luke Byrd, Walker Clay, Josh Justice, Alex Lambert, Brandon Pierson and Mason Workman; third row from left to right, coaches Chris Davis, Dave McCallister and Nick Bazell, Kameron Hardy, Gabe Pettyjohn, Marcus Malone, Grant Gifford, Larry Fox, Brody Tompson, Adrien Johnson, Seth Nicely, head coach James Gifford and coach Bryan Hoover; fourth row from left to right, Willie Fields, Joel Morrison, Brody Blackwell, JoJo Burris, Austin Hunt, Darryl Taylor, Kionte Bacon and Bennett McCallister.

Gifford takes the helm of Pointers’ program Jim Walker jim.walker@irontontribune.com

SOUTH POINT — James Gifford is going from top to bottom. But if he has his way, he’ll go from bottom to top.

Gifford shifts from the successful head coach at Sciotoville East to South Point where he hopes to resurrect the Pointers’ struggling program.

East was 25-8 during Gifford’s four seasons including a 10-0 campaign.

East was 9-3 last year and has reached the playoffs in each of the last three seasons.

“It’s been a great experience. The kids here are awesome. They are hungry

to win. The community is hungry to win. And it’s not even winning so much as in the win column as having a solid, successful program that the community and the team can come out on Friday night and be proud of the product,” said Gifford.

“Sometimes you just need change. It’s not a discredit to the coaching staff that was here. I feel like the experience I gained at Sciotoville I felt like is very similar as the program when I first took over. I was able to incorporate the things that were successful there and bring and incorporate here.”

PLEASE SEE “GIFFORD,” PAGE 46

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46

SOUTH POINT DEPTH CHART DEFENSE 1 - MORRISON 11 - TAYLOR

FS

7 - DILLON 23 - RIGNEY

6 - PERRY 15 - JOHNSON

CB

CB

5 - M. MCCALLISTER 13 - LAMBERT

29 - PIERSON 5 - M. MCALLISTER

33 - BURRIS 21 - CLAY

21 - CLAY 22 - MOORE

LB

LB

LB

CB

55 - BRADLEY 71 - NICELY

85 - FOX 70 - B. MCCALLISTER

62 - DUNA 6070 - B. MCCALLISTER

DE

76 - HARDY 71 - NICELY

DT

DT

DE

OFFENSE

LT

LG

C

RG

RT

78 - THOMPSON 72 - BACON

62 - DUNA 61 - FLOWERS

70 - B. MCCALLISTER 61 - FLOWERS

76 - HARDY 50 - GIFFORD

71 - NICELY 55 - BRADLEY

TE

QB

WR

24 - MALONE 85 - FOX

1 2 - BLACKWELL 13 - LAMBERT

1 - MORRISON 8 - GUNTHER

PK

WR 6- PERRY 15 - JOHNSON

RB

FB

33 - BURRIS 21 - CLAY

29 - PIERSON 21 - CLAY

12 - BLACKWELL

P 85 - FOX 29 - PIERSON

Gifford CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45 OFFENSIVE LINE Sophomore Bennett McCallister looks to be the center but freshman Vaugn Flowers could be in the mix.

Sophomore Kameron Hardy has moved to right guard but junior Grant Gifford – son of the head coach – will take over when he becomes eligible after the first five games.

Grant Gifford moved prior to the new OHSAA rule that says transfer can play the first five games before having to sit out the rest of the season Grant Gifford was a twoyear starter at Sciotoville East.

Senior and four-year starter Seth Nicely will be the right tackle but he is

FOOTBALL 2018

versatile enough to shift to another position if needed.

The left guard is junior Thomas Duna with junior Brody Thompson the left tackle. Thompson transferred from Chesapeake and can only play the first five games.

“Grant and Nicely will anchor the line,” said Gifford.

RECEIVER Senior Marcus Malone and junior Larry Fox have been rotating at tight end.

Senior Joel Morrison will be the split end after playing quarterback last year before an injury ended his season prematurely.

Junior Chance Gunther will also be in the mix at split end.

PLEASE SEE “POINTERS,” PAGE 49

FOOTBALL 2018

47

SOUTH POINT POINTERS

SOUTH POINT ROSTER No. Player 1 Morgan Schultz 2 Evan Holmes 3 Cory Borders 5 Jaylen McKenzie 8 Nate Harmon 10 Austin Stormes 12 Kyle Sites 13 Brady Doyle 14 Clay Ferguson 15 Malachi Wheeler 18 Christian Workman 20 Greg Keeney 21 Frankie McQuay 22 Trey Hunt 23 Aaron Music 24 Joe Strange 28 Trevor Carey 30 Austin Stapleton 32 Ethan Short 34 Dylan Goad 42 Nathan McMahan 43 Landon Johnson 50 Evan Gannon 53 Reece York 54 Seth Little 55 Stevie Easterling 56 Justin Castle 57 Kye Robinson 58 Ben Compliment 60 Chris Wilson 61 Payten Smith 62 Jeremiah Rice 63 Justin Newcomb 65 Graham Hanshaw 68 Logan Sizemore 72 Garrett Dillon

Pos. RB/LB RB/LB QB/SE/DB RB/DB QB/DB RB/LB RB/DB RB/LB QB/LB RB/DB RB/DB TE/LB RB/DB RB/LB SE/DB TE/DB SE/DB RB/LB SE/LB TE/LB SE/DB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL

Ht. 5-7 5-11 5-10 5-10 6-2 5-11 5-8 5-10 5-11 5-6 5-10 5-10 5-6 5-10 6-1 5-11 5-8 5-10 6-1 5-9 5-9 5-8 5-11 5-9 6-1 5-7 5-8 6-0 6-2 5-8 5-10 5-7 5-8 5-7 5-8 6-2

Wt. 145 170 160 170 190 175 160 170 155 145 150 170 145 190 185 165 140 220 160 155 160 155 190 245 230 160 215 220 240 270 185 185 170 170 155 205

Gr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Fr. So. Sr. Fr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Fr. So. Fr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Jr. So. So. So. Jr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr.

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Head Coach: Chase Kratzenberg (25-8 overall, 4th season; 0-0 at South Point, 1st season)

Assistant Coaches: Bryan Hoover, Chris Davis, Nick Bazell, Dave McCallister Manager: Zach Miller.

Trainer: John France. Stats: Tom Rayburn.

Key Returnees: Joel Morrison, Seth Nicely, Brad Perry, Walker Clay, Bennett McCallister, Larry Fox, Thomas Duna, Brandon Pierson.

Key Losses: Donte Wright, Timmy O’Neill, John Kuhn, Kyle Smith, Jiri Vacha, Caleb Eplion, Kenny Cooper.

2017 Record: 2-8 (0-7 OVC, eighth) Offense: Pro-I, Multiple Defense: 4-4, Multiple Offensive Starters Returning: 6 Defensive Starters Returning: 6

Pointers

SOUTH POINT POIN 2018 Schedule

QUICK HITTER

49

South Point Pointers August 24 PORTSMOUTH WEST 7:00 31 at Boyd County, Ky. 7:00 September 7 ALEXANDER 7:00 14 at Coal Grove# 7:00 21 at Ironton# 7:00 28 ROCK HILL# 7:00 October 5 at Fairland# 7:00 12 CHESAPEAKE# 7:00 19 PORTSMOUTH# 7:00 26 at Gallipolis# 7:00 #-Denotes OVC game Coach: James Gifford

2017 Results

FOOTBALL 2018

South Point Pointers So. Point 18 Roane County So. Point 20 Boyd Co., Ky. So. Point 8 River Valley So. Point 0 Coal Grove So. Point 0 Ironton So. Point 16 Rock Hill So. Point 0 Fairland So. Point 0 Chesapeake So. Point 0 Portsmouth So. Point 0 Gallipolis Record: 2-8 (0-7 OVC)

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 46 The wide receivers will be seniors Brad Perry – a returning starter – and Adrien Johnson.

“Fox has done a really good job catching the ball. We like to throw to our tight end.

Joel with his leadership and Gunther with his athleticism and Perry with his toughness give us a lot of guys out there we can throw to. Hopefully, we’ll create some mismatches where teams won’t be able to just key on one or two guys. They’ll have to respect all of them,” said Gifford.

QUARTERBACK Junior Brody Blackwell and freshman Alex Lambert are in a battle for the quarterback job. Blackwell hasn’t played since junior high.

“Brody is doing really well. He’s going to make some mistakes early, but he has a really nice, solid arm. He’s an athlete. He’s very smart. He’s going to get better each and every week.

RUNNING BACK

PLEASE SEE “BACKFIELD,” PAGE 50

SOUTH POINT POIN

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Backfield

CTE

other side.

SECONDARY Perry and sophomore Brenden The tailback is junior JoJo Burris with the fullback job being split Dillon look to be the corners but between junior Brandon Pierson in the mix are Johnson and junior and sophomore Walker Clay who Josh Rigney.

Morrison will share the free safeplay extensively last season.

“That rotation between those ty job along with sophomore Darryl three will get them all their carries Taylor.

“I feel that we have a great attiand have their opportunities,” said Gifford. “Right now, JoJo has really tude and effort. With that you can done a great job carrying the ball. build from. Fundamentally, we’re way behind, especially at linebackHe leads the pack right now.” er and defensive ends. Your DBs can DEFENSE Gifford will utilize the 4-4 look on be athletes. Your linebackers need defense but will jump into a five- to be solid. You need to respect pass and run and cover that off-tackle,” man front. said Gifford.

DEFENSIVE LINE “But the kids are eager to learn Junior Brock Bradley and Hardy should be the tackles with Fox at and very coachable, so we’ll get one end Experienced, Convenient, and Personalized Care for while Duna and McCallister better quick. As far as aggressiveness, I feel really good about our will share duties on the other side. improving the quality of life for you and your family. defense.”

LINEBACKERS KICKING GAME Burris and Pierson are the inside Blackwell is expected to handle linebackers with Clay and either Lambert or freshman Maddox the placements with either Fox or McCollister vying for the job on the Pierson the punter.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 49

What are you missing?

Dr. Joseph R. Leith

The CCC has a working agreement with the Canadian Football League Alumni Association and the former players have agreed to donate their brains to research at the time of death.

In the brains examined so far, most have had CTE but not every former football player who underwent an autopsy had CTE. This discovery has opened up a new understanding of this disease according to CCC director Dr. Charles Tator who is Canada’s leading authority on brain injuries.

Tator said “the more we know about this disease, the more likely we’ll be able to figure out how to treat it and perhaps eventually prevent it.”

Although football and hockey take the forefront when there are discussions about concussions, women’s sports such as volleyball and soccer have high concussion cases as does men’s soccer and lacrosse. Girls’ soccer has a higher number of concussions than boys.

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FOOTBALL 2018

FOOTBALL 2018

51

2017 Area AP All-District Football Selections 2017 All-Southeast Ohio District Football Team

By The Associated Press Area Player Selections Division V First Team Player, School Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr. Garrett Carrico, Ironton DB 5-11 185 Sr. Ethan Duncan, Ironton LB 5-10 205 Jr. Seth Fosson, Ironton RB 6-01 225 So. Cameron Barnette, Rock Hill LB 5-11 205 Sr. Zak Adkins, Rock Hill RB 5-10 165 So. Keedrick Cunningham, Fairland RB 6-01 195 Sr. Chase Fisher, Fairland LB 5-11 225 Sr. Ty Wilcoxon, Fairland All-Purpose 6-03 205 Jr. Joel Lambiotte, Fairland QB 6-02 170 Jr. Austin Browning, Chesapeake RB 6-00 175 Jr. Brevin Webb, Chesapeake OL 6-02 270 Sr. Dalton Nida, Chesapeake PK 6-03 180 Sr. Caleb Eplion, South Point OL 6-02 260 Sr. Special Mention Player, School Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr. Trent Klaiber, Ironton OL 6-00 240 Sr. Tanner Wilson, Ironton LB 6-01 220 Jr. Gage Salyers, Ironton QB 6-01 185 So. Jaret Bacorn, Rock Hill TE 6-04 190 Sr. T.J. McGinnis, Rock Hill OL 6-01 233 So. Greg Keeney, Fairland RB 5-10 165 Jr. Kobe Newman, Fairland DL 6-04 225 So. Zach Wright, Chesapeake DL 6-04 220 Sr. Offensive Player of the Year: Tanner Holden, Wheelersburg Defensive Player of the Year: Xander Charmichael,

Wheelersburg Coach of the Year: Rob Woodward, Wheelersburg Division VI First Team Player, School Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr. Kimo Baldwin, Coal Grove LB 6-01 230 Sr. Sam Angelo, Coal Grove LB 6-04 205 Sr. Jeb Jones, Coal Grove TE 6-03 210 Sr. Nate Harmon, Coal Grove QB 6-02 185 Jr. Darin Bloomfield, Coal Grove OL 6-00 220 Sr. Special Mention Player, School Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr. Josh Waulk, Coal Grove DL 5-10 360 Sr. Kyle Sites, Coal Grove RB 5-08 160 Jr. Offensive Player of the Year: Garrett Maiden, NelsonvilleYork; Carson Stauffer, Chillicothe Southeastern Defensive Player of the Year: Kimo Baldwin, Coal Grove Coaches of the Year: Rusty Richards, Nelsonville-York; Evan Ferguson, Coal Grove; Evan Gallaugher, Chillicothe Southeastern Division VII First Team Player, School Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr. Brock Carpenter, Symmes Valley LB 6-02 210 Sr. Layken Gothard, Symmes Valley RB 5-08 160 Sr. Special Mention Player, School Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr. Keifer Wilson, Symmes Valley LB 5-11 160 Jr. Ian McClease, Symmes Valley OL 5-11 275 Sr. Offensive Player of the Year: Braden Belville, Waterford Defensive Player of the Year: Teddy Smith, Waterford Coach of the Year: Eric McCutchen, Waterford

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52

FOOTBALL 2018

Veteran Blue Devils eye OVC title

Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

GALLIPOLIS — The Gallipolis Blue Devils hope a strong finish last season will help jump start this season.

Gallipolis won its final two games to finish 5-5 on the season and create some promise for the bright future.

One look at the roster and depth chart help make that bright light shine even brighter.

“The first year is always the toughest for a new coach coming in, mainly because it takes some time to get the kids comfortable with what you are trying to accom-

plish,” said Gallipolis second-year head coach Alex Penrod.

“Now, headed into the second year, the kids know what to expect and there is a lot more familiarity between the coaches and players. Everything just seems a lot more comfortable for everyone headed into this season.”

The Blue Devils have eight starters returning on offense led by senior quarterback Justin McClelland (6-1, 205) and senior running back Jacob Campbell (5-11, 225).

Campbell was hurt late last season and missed the final three games.

PLEASE SEE “GALLIPOLIS,” PAGE 52

QUICK HITTER

Head Coach: Alex Penrod (5-5 at Gallipolis, second season; 21-21 overall, fifth season)

Assistant Coaches: Cody Call, Scott Cooper, Jared McClelland, Briggs Shoemaker, Ty Warnimont, Drew Young, Justin Bailey, Josh Eddy, Chad Shamblin, Brad Swisher.

Key Returnees: Cory Call, Caleb Henry, Justin McClelland, Jacob Campbell, Colton Russell, Mason Angel, Boo Pullins, Brendan Carter, Cade Roberts, James Armstrong, Riley Starnes, Logan Rose, Carter Campbell.

Key Loses: Garrett Burns, John Stout, Tanner Allen, Matt Moreaux, Nathan Mitchell, Jonas McCreedy.

2017 Record: 5-5 (4-3 OVC, tied for third) Offense: Spread, Multiple Defense: 4-3, Multiple Offensive Starters Returning: 8 Defensive Starters Returning: 5

Gallipolis Blue Devils Football Roster 2018 Gallipolis Blue Devils Football Roster No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. 1 Briar Williams WR-LB 5-08 140 2 Ben Cox

WR-LB 6-00 195 3 James Armstrong WR-DB 5-11 175 4 Jacob Campbell RB-LB 5-11 225 5 Noah Vanco QB-DB 5-11 160 6 Ryan Donovsky WR-LB 6-00 170 7 Justin McClelland QB-DB 6-01 205 9 Blake Skidmore WR-DB 5-10 140 10 Cory Call

WRDB 6-02 170 11 Colton Caldwell TE-LB 5-11 180 12 Trenton Johnson RB-LB 5-10 165 13 Zach Belville WR-DB 5-10 160 14 Grant Bryan WR-DB 5-09 135 15 Evan Rodgers WR-DB 6-03 155 16 Caleb Geiser RB-LB 5-09 160 17 Trentin Waller TE-LB 5-10 190 20 Michael Beasy WR-DB 5-10 160 21 Chris Valentine WR-DB 5-07 145 22 Carson Call RB-LB 5-08 145 23 Dakota McCoy RB-DL 5-07 140 24 Daneuvyn Woodson WR-DB 5-09 145 25 Jacob Hill

WR-DB 5-09 150 28 Boo Pullins RB-LB 5-11 195

Gr. Fr. Jr. So. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Jr. So. So. So. So. Fr. Sr. So. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Sr.

32 33 34 40 44 45 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 58 59 61 63 64 67 69 70 73 74 77 88

Melvin Valentine Jarrell Scott Cade Roberts Adam Stout Cole Davis

Andrew Toler Riley Starnes Garrison Garnes Shane Stroud C.J. Northup Brant Rocchi Yashua Peaks Cole Rose

Trent Meadows Carter Campbell Coen Duncan Colin Watson Brayden Easton Colton Russell Mason Angel Logan Rose Zach Canaday Christian Mayse Connor Jeffers Isaac Walker

WR-DB RB-DB RB-LB WR-DB WR-DB PK OL-DL OL-LB OL-DL OL-DL OL-DB OL-DL OL-DL TE-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL WR-DB

5-11 5-08 5-10 5-08 5-11 6-01 6-04 5-09 5-06 5-09 5-10 6-03 6-00 5-11 6-02 6-00 5-08 6-01 5-11 6-00 5-11 5-11 6-02 5-09 5-09

140 150 215 125 165 185 290 175 150 165 160 290 225 190 210 185 180 180 280 270 215 235 195 280 110

Fr. So. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. So. Fr. Fr. So. So. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Fr. Fr. Sr Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Fr.

FOOTBALL 2018

53

Gallipolis Russell 5-11, 280) helps give Gallipolis a huge offensive line.

“Honestly, I don’t know the last time that a Gallia Academy football team has been blessed to have the athletes and weapons on a roster like we have this year,” said Penrod.

“This senior class has played a lot of games together, rather it be football, basketball, baseball or track. They are a closeknit group, and I honestly want this year to be as special as it can be for those upperclassmen.”

The defense has just five returnees to the lineup and four are linebackers.

Jacob Campbell at inside linebacker is the Blue Devils’ best defensive play-

er and his running mate is junior Cade Roberts (5-10, 215) who has added 15 pounds this season.

Pullins and Carter Campbell are back on the outside.

The other returning starter is Starnes at defensive end.

The secondary lost both cornerbacks and the free safety.

Gallipolis is one of the favorites in the Ohio Valley Conference race along with Ironton and Rock Hill.

The Blue Devils would like a league title but they also want a chance at the playoffs. They have only one playoff appearance since 2006 and no league titles heading into their fourth season in the OVC.

2018 Schedule

Senior Boo Pullins (5-11, 195) joins Campbell in the backfield. Pullins and Campbell both can run and catch the football.

Speaking of catching, McClelland’s favorite receiver is senior Cory Call (6-2, 170) who has been a four-year starter like his quarterback.

Sophomore James Armstrong (5-11, 175) is a speedster and will give the Blue Devils a deep threat.

Another speedster is freshman Daneuvyn Woodson (5-9, 145).

Three offensive linemen are back led by sophomore Riley Starnes (6-4, 290) at right tackle. Next to Starnes is junior veteran Mason Angel (6-0, 270) and senior center Colton

Gallipolis Blue Devils August 24 MEIGS 7:00 September 1 RIVER VALLEY 7:00 7 at Jackson 7:00 14 at Chesapeake# 7:00 21 at Portsmouth# 7:00 28 FAIRLAND# 7:00 October 5 at Coal Grove# 7:00 12 ROCK HILL# 7:00 19 at Ironton# 7:00 26 SOUTH POINT# 7:00 #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Alex Penrod

2017 Results

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 52

Gallipolis Blue Devils Gallipolis 8 Meigs Gallipolis 43 River Valley Gallipolis 0 Jackson Gallipolis 34 Chesapeake Gallipolis 36 Portsmouth Gallipolis 32 Fairland Gallipolis 20 Coal Grove Gallipolis 54 Rock Hill Gallipolis 38 Ironton Gallipolis 47 South Point Record: 5-5 (4-3 OVC)

14 7 34 21 35 49 33 56 20 0

54

FOOTBALL 2018

KENT SANBORN OF SOUTHERN OHIO SPORTS PHOTOS.COM

Members of the 2018 Symmes Valley Vikings’ football team are: front row from left to right, coach John Coriell, Levi Niece, Seth Ulery, Derek Crum, T.J. Wong, Mickey Gannon, Layne Bell, Gabe Smith and coach Eric Holland; second row from left to right, Ethan Patterson, James Newcomb, Keifer Wilson, Dwayne Eplin, Jacob Sarver, Josh Ferguson, Chad Morris and Zach Boggs; third row from left to right, Tanner McComas, Nick Strow, Preston Counts, Eli Patterson, Johnny Rucker, Kayson Adkins, Trent Turner and coach Ben Ferguson; fourth row from left to right, coach Chad Coffman, Gavan Yates, Luke Leith, Tucker Meadows, head coach Rusty Webb, Jack Leith, Ryan Lewis and coach Brad Nelson.

Vikings must overcome youth & inexperience

Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

WILLOW WOOD — As coach Rusty Webb begins his 18th season as the Symmes Valley Vikings’ head coach, there are times he not sure whether he’s coaching a football team or running a daycare.

To say the Vikings are young and inexperienced would be like saying the sun is hot. They have only four seniors and return just three starters on each

side of the football.

But don’t expect Webb to pass out any pacifiers.

He will still coach the same but with a few minor adjustments.

“Well, we’ve had to go slower and do a lot more teaching, but the kids have handled it very well. We’re very pleased with what we’ve seen,” said Webb.

“From our first 7-on-7, we’ve watched our kids get better.

PLEASE SEE “YOUTH,” PAGE 55

QUICK HITTER

Head Coach: Rusty Webb (112-68 overall and at Symmes Valley, 18th season)

Assistant Coaches: John Coriell, Brad Nelson, Eric Holland, Kyle Meadows, Ben Ferguson, Kyle Wells. Stats: Cameron Meadows. Film: John Sharp.

Key Returnees: Keifer Wilson, Chad Morris, Derek Crum, James Newcomb, Jack Leith, Chris Strow, Derek Crum, Tucker Meadows, Dillon Reed, Kayson Adkins, T.J. Wong, Ryan Lewis, Gabe Smith.

Key Loses: Layken Gothard, Austin Waugh, Ethan Stapleton, Derik Brace, Austin Mannon, Frankie Hunter, Brock Carpenter, Nick Landers, Ian McCleese.

2017 Record: 6-4 (2-3 SOC, fourth) Offense: Wing-T, Wishbone, Multiple Defense: 4-4, Multiple Offensive Starters Returning: 3 Defensive Starters Returning: 3

FOOTBALL 2018

55

Youth

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 54 “The only way you get better is by getting the (repetitions). That has been the really enjoyable part of this, watching them grow.”

With so few veterans, Webb said the senior group is small but has proved to be good leaders for the young team.

“Three of our seniors started last year. We have four seniors. They have provided outstanding senior leadership for these kids. They’ve had to take on different roles this year,” said Webb.

“We’ve talked to them about how the young kids are going to watch what they are doing. I’ve been very pleased with what I’ve seen.”

Being so young and inexperienced has slowed down the offensive progress.

“We’re still in the thinking stage on offense even though our junior high runs the same system that we do. Obviously, our playbook is a little bigger. Things aren’t slowing down, they’re actually speeding up. We’re so young, we still don’t know the playbook yet,” said Webb.

If the offense can gel quickly, Webb is hopeful

that the team speed will help generate some success.

“We don’t have what you would call a home run hitter who can take it (for a touchdown) from anywhere on the field, but we have good team speed. We look like we move better,” said Webb.

“After we get hit in the mouth, we’ll see how well we move. And after we hit someone in the mouth, we’ll see how well they want to move.”

QUARTERBACK Senior Keifer Wilson (5-11, 160) returns at quarterback but can also play running back.

The backup will be junior Jack Leith (6-3, 170) who will start at split end.

“Keifer (Wilson) has played quarterback off and on in a backup role and he had to start his junior year.

Jack’s just a good athlete.

He has to be on the field,” said Webb.

RUNNING BACK Senior James Newcomb (5-9, 160) is a returning starter but he is moving from split end to fullback.

The halfbacks are sophomores Josh Ferguson (5-10, 175) and Derek Crum (5-7, 160).

PLEASE SEE “VIKINGS,” PAGE 57

SYMMES VALLEY VIKINGS FOOTBALL ROSTER No. Player 1 Josh Ferguson 3 Luke Leith 4 Derek Crum 7 Jack Leith 8 Layne Bell 9 Levi Niece 15 Gabe Smith 21 Gavin Payne 22 Seth Ulery 23 Keifer Wilson 24 T.J. Wong 27 James Newcomb 29 Ethan Patterson 34 Nick Strow 44 Trent Turner 45 James Ferris 50 Mickey Gannon 51 Gavin Yates 54 Eli Patterson 56 Tucker Meadows 58 Jacob Sarver 63 Johnny Rucker 65 Dwayne Eplin 72 Tanner McComas 75 Kayson Adkins 78 Preston Counts 80 Ryan Lewis 81 Zach Boggs 82 Christian Gilbert 85 Dillon Reed

Pos. RB-LB TE-DB RB-LB RB-LB TE-DB RB-LB TE-DB RB-LB TE-DB RB-DB RB-LB TE-DB RB-DB RB-LB RB-DB RB-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-LB OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL TE-DL OL-DL TE-DB

Ht. Wt. Gr. 5-10 175 So. 6-01 160 So. 5-07 160 So. 6-03 170 Jr. 5-04 135 Fr. 5-06 155 Fr. 5-8 155 Jr. 5-06 160 Fr. 5-04 135 Fr. 5-11 160 Sr. 5-06 140 So. 5-09 160 Sr. 5-07 140 Fr. 5-10 160 Fr. 6-01 175 Sr. 5-07 165 So. 5-06 175 Fr. 6-00 275 Fr. 5-08 160 Fr. 6-04 230 So. 5-10 185 Jr. 5-09 225 Fr. 5-09 185 Fr. 5-11 245 Fr. 5-10 205 So. 5-10 235 Fr. 5-10 180 So. 5-10 185 So. 5-07 155 Jr. 5-07 140 Jr.

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643-2542 Owners - Donnie and Rhonda Rigney Good Luck To Our Football Team and Cheerleaders PLEASE SEE “SHOW,” PAGE XX

SYMMES VALLEY VIKING FOOTBALL 2018

tradition

NEVER graduates

FOOTBALL 2018

SYMMES VALLEY Vikings DEPTH CHART CONTINUED FROM PAGE 57

DEFENSE 3 - L. LEITH 44 - TURNER 27 - NEWCOMB 85 - REED

23 - WILSON 29 - ET. PATTERSON

FS

CB

CB

9 - NIECE 34 - STROW

1 - FERGUSON 58 - SARVER

4 - CRUM 54 - ELI PATTERSON

7 - J. LEITH 21 - PAYNE

LB

LB

LB

LB

77 - YATES 56 - MEADOWS

80 - LEWIS 24 - WONG

75 - ADKINS 72 - MCCOMAS

15 - SMITH 82 - GILBERT

DE

DT

DT

DE

OFFENSE

LT

LG

C

RG

RT

77 - YATES 78 - COUNTS

56 - MEADOWS 54 - ELI PATTERSON

79 - MORRIS 72 - MCCOMAS

65 - EPLIN 58 - SARVER

75 - ADKINS 63 - RUCKER

TE

QB

SE

80 - LEWIS 82 - GILBERT X81 - BOGGS

23- WILSON 7 - J. LEITH

7 - J. LEITH 85 - REED

PK

RB FB WB 4 - CRUM 34 - STROW 24 - WONG

27 - NEWCOMB 9 - NIECE

1 - FERSUON 44 - TURNER 15 - SMITH

77 - YATES 23- WILSON

P 23 - WILSON 9 - NIECE

Freshman Levi Niece (5-6, 155) is listed behind Newcomb at fullback while junior Gabe Smith (5-8, 155), senior Trent Turner (6-1, 175), sophomore T.J. Wong (5-6, 140) and freshman Nick Strow (5-10, 160) will provide backup help at running back.

“We’re so inexperienced at every position. Probably the most experience that we’ve got is in the backfield with our quarterback and fullback even though our fullback played split end last year. He’s still seen varsity action,” said Webb.

OFFENSIVE LINE Senior Chad Morris (5-9, 200) is the only returning starter on the offensive line and he will be the center. Freshman Tanner

57

McComas (5-11, 245) provides backup.

Junior Dwayne Eplin (5-9, 185) should be the right guard. He earned some playing time last season. Behind him will be junior Jacob Sarver ()5-10, 185) and freshman Mickey Gannon (5-6, 175).

The right tackle looks to be sophomore Kayson Adkins (5-10, 205) who played some last year. Also in the mix is freshman Johnny Rucker (59, 225).

The left guard will be either freshman Gavan Yates (6-0, 275) or freshman Preston Counts (5-10, 235). The left tackle will be either sophomore Tucker Meadows (6-4, 230) or freshman Eli Patterson (5-8, 160).

PLEASE SEE “O-LINE,” PAGE 58

58

FOOTBALL 2018

“We’ve only got one senior and one junior lineman. We are very young on the offensive line,” said Webb.

“We’re so young that we can actually go full-go in practice and there are guys pushing each other for jobs. We don’t have our starters decided yet. There are still many, many battles to be decided.”

RECEIVERS Leith leads a trio of candidates at split end along with junior Dillon Reed (5-7, 140) and his brother, sophomore Luke Leith (6-1, 160).

Another trio is vying for the tight end job with sophomore Ryan Lewis (5-10, 180), junior Christian Gilbert (5-7, 155) and sophomore Zach Boggs (5-10, 185) the candidates.

“We are always going to be a run-first team. We’ve switched to the wing-T from our wishbone. We were always compact in there, but now the field is spread a little more. It forces the defense to loosen up a little more,” said Webb.

“We have some guys on the outside you’re

going to have to pay attention to. They’re not out there just to widen the field. If you don’t pay attention, we can make some teams pay.

Loading the box is something we’re trying to get teams away from.”

DEFENSIVE LINE Yates and Meadows are listed as the top candidates at left tackle while Adkins — who had some playing time last season — and McComas are the top players at right tackle.

Lewis and Wong are battling for time at left end. Smith had some playing time at right end last year and he is battling Gilbert for the other end position.

“We’re an undersized defense. We’ll have to rely on speed and technique. We can’t sit, hold and play our position like in years past. We’ll have to be a very active defense,” said Webb.

LINEBACKERS Crum had playing time last season inside and is the leading candidates for a job along with Ferguson. Also in the mix will be Patterson and Sarver.

PLEASE SEE “LINEBACKERS,” PAGE 59

2017 Schedule

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 58

Symmes Valley Vikings August 24 SOUTH GALLIA 31 at Fairfield Christian September 7 at Chesapeake 14 OAK HILL 21 at Green# 28 BEAVER EASTERN# October 5 at Ports. Notre Dame# 12 MANCHESTER 19 at Sciotoville East# 26 NORTHWEST# #-Denotes SOC game Head coach: Rusty Webb

2016 Results

D-Line

Symmes Valley Vikings Sym. Valley 39 Paden City Sym. Valley 43 Fairfield Christian Sym. Valley 0 Chesapeake Sym. Valley 0 Oak Hill Sym. Valley 40 Green Sym. Valley 33 Eastern Sym. Valley 51 Notre Dame Sym. Valley 49 Manchester Sym. Valley 7 Sciotoville Sym. Valley 6 Northwest Record: 6-4 (2-3 SOC)

7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00

16 0 38 41 0 20 20 14 38 28

FOOTBALL 2018

59

Linebackers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 58 On the outside, Leith is a returning starter and will be backed up by freshman Gavin Payne (5-6, 160). The other outside linebacker will be either Niece or Strow.

“Jack Leith is the only player among the front eight who is a returning starter,” said Webb. “We feel really good about (the linebackers), we just don’t have a lot of experience. We feel we’re fairly quick and very athletic. They just need time.”

SECONDARY Wilson is a returning starter at cornerback and his backup will be freshman Ethan Patterson (5-7, 140).

Newcomb — another returning starter in the secondary — will be the other corner and Reed should provide depth.

Luke Leith is expected to be the free safety but Turner is in the mix.

“The strength and depth is the secondary. That’s where we have most of the guys returning. We think we have some depth up front where we can run several guys at you. We feel that’s something we’ve built so far,” said Webb.

KICKING GAME Yates and Wilson are the placekicking candidates with Niece and Wilson battling for the punting duties.

Morris and Strow are listed as the longsnappers while Wilson and Ferguson should be the holder.

SOC In the Southern Ohio Conference, Webb sees defending champion Oak Hill as the odds-on favorite, but overall “the league should be interesting.”

NFHS says officials shortage having impact in many states Staff Report INDIANAPOLIS, IN — he National Officials Recruitment Campaign has proven effective in heightening awareness of the country’s shortage of licensed officials since being introduced by the NFHS in April.

Incorporating a year-long social media campaign and a website (www.HighSchoolOfficials.com), as well as a poster titled “The Final Whistle? – Not So Fast,” the campaign has earned more than 1.7 million unique impressions (number of views via email, Facebook or Twitter) and received more than 1,200 requests from individuals for more information about becoming an official.

In helping the campaign become more effective, athletic directors and coaches can post or repost each NFHS message on Facebook or Twitter with #BecomeAnOfficial.

Individuals interested in becoming an official can visit www.HighSchoolOfficials.com. Submitted information is directed to the applicable state high school association, which then provides prospective officials the necessary steps to begin officiating in his or her state.

“As we met at the 98th Annual Summer Meeting in Providence with our member executive directors, the group had really positive feedback on the campaign as a whole,” said Bob Gardner, NFHS executive director.

Wilson

Morris

Newcomb

Turner

J. Leith

L. Leith

Adkins

Eplin

Sarver

Smith

Strow

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FOOTBALL 2018

SENIOR SHOWCASE

The Ironton Tribune / Kent Sanborn of Southern Ohio Sports Photos.com

Senior members of the 2018 Ironton Fighting Tigers are,: front row from left to right, Justin McSorley, Brycen Thomas and Ethan Duncan; second row from left to right, Hunter Humphreys, Brady Rowe, Ayden Barnes and Chanston Bryant.

Kent Sanborn of Southern Ohio Sports Photos.Com

Senior members of the 2018 Coal Grove Hornets are: from left to right, Caleb Cecil, Aaron Music, Nate Narmon, Kyle Sites, Jalen McKenzie, Greg Keeney and Evan Holmes.

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SENIOR SHOWCASE Robert S. Stevens of The Gold Studio in Ironton

Senior members of the 2017 Rock Hill Redmen are: front row from left to right, Victor Aguilera, David Grant, Quinn Depriest and Zach Dempsey; second row left to right, Dylan Branam, Tyler fields, Jake Bevins and Wyatt Brammer.

Kent Sanborn of Southern Ohio Sports Photos.com

The Chesapeake Panthers’ 2018 senior team members are, from left to right, Tyler Eddy, Dillon Lunsford, Isaiah Pinkerman, Austin Browning, Max Allen, Matt Cremeans and Isaiah White.

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FOOTBALL 2018

SENIOR SHOWCASE Kent Sanborn of Southern Ohio Sports Photos.com

South Point Pointers’ 2018 senior players are: front row from left to right, Adrien Johnson, Brad Perry, Joel Morrison and Kionte Bacon; standing left to right, Gabe Pettyjohn, Seth Nicely and Marcus Malone.

Kent Sanborn of Southern Ohio Sports Photos.com

Senior members of the 2018 Fairland Dragons are: front row left to right, Zeke Ramey, Blaine Cremeans and Tucker Adkins; standing left to right, Robbie McFarland, Josh Brewer, Joel Lambiotte, Jacob Rankin and Seth McLain.

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SENIOR SHOWCASE Symmes Valley Vikings 2018 seniors are: from left to right, Chad Morris, Keifer Wilson, Trent Turner and James Newcomb.

Kent Sanborn of Southern Ohio Sports Photos.com

The Ironton Tribune / Kent Sanborn of Southern Ohio Sports Photos.com

Senior members of the 2018 Green Bobcats are, from left to right, Tyler Roberts, Bryce Ponn, Steve Smith, Mackie Kingery, James Laber and Garrett Daniels.

Senior members of the 2018 Portsmouth Trojans are: from left to right, Patrick Varela, Stefan Johnson, Zach Wagner, Danny Lattimore, Parker Johnson, Bryson Morrow, Tyriek Carr, Brian Knipp and Colin Boehm.

Courtesy of Tim Gearhart

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FOOTBALL 2018

Some area teams change regional assignments Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

There’s some changes in field position before the high school football season ever gets underway.

The Ohio High School Athletic Association announce this fall’s playoff schedule and state championship site, but more importantly was the division and region assignments that will affect area teams.

The state finals will against be played in Canton. The playoffs begin on Friday, Nov. 2, with divisions I, II III and IV, and on Saturday, Nov. 3, for divisions IV, V and VII. The state championship games will be played Nov. 29-30 and Dec. 1-2.

A final schedule of which divisions play on certain days will be released at a later date.

As for regional and division assignments, there was plenty of moving in the Southeast area.

Fairland moves up to Div. IV while Ironton, Rock Hill, Chesapeake, South Point, Portsmouth, Minford, Portsmouth West, Wheelersburg, Oak Hill, Northwest, Wellston, Alexander and River Valley remain in Div. V. Ironton, Rock Hill, Chesapeake and South Point will remain in Region 19 but the Scioto County teams of Portsmouth, Portsmouth West, Northwest, Wheelersburg and Minford will move west to Region 20.

The area teams in Div. VI are Coal Grove, Lucasville Valley, Beaver Eastern, Chillicothe Southeastern, Nelsonville-York, Paint Valley, Newark Catholic, Belpre and Federal Hocking.

Coal Grove stays in Region 23 along with the same teams as last season.

Symmes Valley, Green, Portsmouth Notre Dame, Sciotoville East, Trimble, Manchester, Reedsville East, South Gallia, Racine Southern, Miller, Waterford and Lancaster Fisher Catholic are all Div. VII. Symmes Valley and Green will also remain steadfast in Region 27 along with the same teams as last season.

Fairland will play in Region 15 along with many Central Ohio teams as well as Gallipolis, Meigs, Chillicothe Unioto, Vinton County, Circleville, Fairfield Union, Circleville Logan Elm, Westfall and Zane Trace.

The playoffs begin on Friday, Nov. 2, with the regional quarterfinals involving Divisions I, II, III and VI. Divisions IV, V and VII will begin playoffs on Saturday, Nov. 3.

The playoffs will culminate with the state finals the weekend of Nov. 29 through Dec. 2. All games will be at Canton’s Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

2018 OHSAA Division & Regional Assignments Ohio High School Athletic Association 2018 Football Playoffs Division & Region Assignments Division IV Region 15 School Boys Bexley 259 Bloom-Carroll 265 Cambridge 245 Circleville 256 Claymont 252 Columbus East 269 Fairfield Union 261 Fairland 213 Gallipolis 238 Harrison Central 246 Indian Valley 227 John Glenn 267 Lakewood 250 Licking Valley 266 Linden McKinley 257 Logan Elm 253 Meigs 213 Morgan 220 New Lexington 233 Philo 253 River View 272 St. Clairsville 241 Unioto 263 Utica 212 Vinton County 252 Westfall 218 Zane Trace 240 Division V Region 19 School Boys Alexander 210

Amanda-Clearcreek 210 Bellaire 168 Bishop Ready 176 Buckeye Local 178 Chesapeake 198 Columbus Academy 187 Coshocton 173 Edison 184 Fredericktown 160 Heath 201 Ironton 169 Johnstown Monroe 201 Liberty Union 189 Martins Ferry 185 Meadowbrook 210 Northridge 181 Oak Hill 172 Ridgewood 167 River Valley 203 Rock Hill 192 South Point 180 Tuscarawas Valley 180 Union Local 173 Wellston 176 West Muskingum 182 Division V Region 20 School Boys Bethel-Tate 201 Blanchester 203 Carlisle 184 Cin. Hills Christian 193 Clark Montessori 191 Clermont NE 187 East Clinton 182 Finneytown 178 Greeneview 173 Madeira 178

Middletown Madison 190 Madison Plains 167 Mariemont 197 Minford 160 North College Hill 185 McDermott Northwest 184 Piketon 183 Portsmouth 173 Portsmouth West 193 Preble Shawnee 175 Purcell Marian 179 Cin. Reading 170 Summit Country Day 204 Waynesville 197 West Jefferson 165 Wheelersburg 205 Division VI Region 23 School Boys Adena 153 Africentric 147 Barnesville 151 Belpre 125 Bridgeport 124 Buckeye Trail 137 Centerburg 120 Crooksville 146 Coal Grove 122 East Knox 140 Beaver Eastern 129 Marion Elgin 157 Fairbanks 156 Federal Hocking 119 Fort Frye 148 Grandview Heights 146 Huntington Chillicothe 130 Mount Gilead 156 Nelsonville-York 147

Newark Catholic 131 Northmor 151 Paint Valley 134 Shadyside 119 Shenandoah 118 Southeastern 137 Lucasville Valley 137 Worthington Christian 154 Division VII Region 27 School Boys Beallsville 36 Berne Union 111 Bishop Rosecrans 60 Caldwell 83 Cardington Lincoln 109 Danville 88 Reedsville Eastern 102 Fairfield Christian 66 Fisher Catholic 81 Frontier 80 Franklin Furnace Green 86 Grove City Christian 110 Harvest Prep 99 Lucas 78 Manchester 111 Corning Miller 82 Millersport 75 Woodsfield Monroe 93 Ports. Notre Dame 44 Morral Ridgedale 83 Hannibal River 86 Sciotoville East 109 South Gallia 91 Racine Southern 91 Symmes Valley 96 Glouster Trimble 105 Waterford 78

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2018 Schedules SOC I Beaver Eastern Eagles August 25 at Linsly, W.Va. 31 NORTHEASTERN September 7 at Southeastern 7:00 14 PRTS. NOTRE DAME# 7:00 21 at Northwest# 7:00 28 at Symmes Valley# 7:00 October 5 SCIOTOVILLE EAST# 7:00 12 GREEN# 7:00 19 at Oak Hill# 7:00 26 MANCHESTER 7:00 #-Denotes SOC game Northwest Mohawks August 24 SOUTHEASTERN 7:00 31 ROCK HILL 7:00 September 7 at Chillicothe Huntington 14 MINFORD 7:00 21 BEAVER EASTERN# 7:00 28 at Sciotoville East# 7:00 October 5 at Oak Hill# 7:00 12 PORTS. NOTRE DAME# 7:00 19 GREEN# 7:00 26 at Symmes Valley# 7:00 #-Denotes SOC game

of Interest

Oak Hill Oaks August 24 CHESAPEAKE 7:00 31 at Minford 7:00 September 7 at Rock Hill# 7:00 14 at Symmes Valley# 7:00 21 PORTS. NOTRE DAME# 7:00 28 WHEELERSBURG 7:00 October 5 NORTHWEST# 7:00 12 at Sciotoville East# 7:00 19 BEAVER EASTERN# 7:00 26 GREEN# 7:00 #-Denotes SOC game

Sciotoville East Tartans August 24 at Waterford 7:00 31 Chillicothe Huntington 7:00 September 7 OPEN 14 at Green# 7:00 21 at Manchester 7:00 28 NORTHWEST# 7:00 October 5 at Beaver Eastern# 7:00 12 OAK HILL# 7:00 19 SYMMES VALLEY# 7:00 26 at Ports. Notre Dame# 7:00 #-Denotes SOC game

Minford Falcons August 24 at Rock Hill 7:00 31 OAK HILL 7:00 September 7 NELSONVILLE-YORK 7:00 14 at Northwest 7:00 21 at Williamsburg 7:00 28 PORTSMOUTH WEST# 7:00 October 5 at Vinton County 7:00 12 at Wheelersburg# 7:00 19 WAVERLY# 7:00 26 at Lucasville Valley# 7:00 #-Denotes SOC game

Waverly Tigers August 24 at Piketon 7:00 31 ZANE TRACE 7:00 September 7 at Chillicothe Unioto 7:00 14 FAIRLAND 7:00 21 NELSONVILLE-YORK 7:00 28 at Lucasville Valley# 7:00 October 5 WHEELSBURG# 7:00 12 PORTSMOUTH WEST# 7:00 19 at Minford# 7:00 26 OPEN #-Denotes SOC game

Ports. Notre Dame Titans August 24 at Racine Southern 7:00 31 MILLERSPORT 7:00 September 7 at Fayetteville 7:00 14 at Beaver Eastern# 7:00 21 at Oak Hill# 7:00 28 GREEN# 7:00 October 5 SYMMES VALLEY# 7:00 12 at Northwest# 7:00 19 MANCHESTER 7:00 26 SCIOTOVILLE EAST# 7:00 #-Denotes SOC game

SOC II Lucasville Valley Indians August 24 PORTSMOUTH 7:00 31 COAL GROVE 7:00 September 7 at Piketon 7:00 15 at Raceland, Ky. 7:30 21 FAIRVIEW, Ky. 7:00 28 WAVERLY# 7:00 October 5 at Portsmouth West# 7:00 12 BELPRE 7:00 19 at Wheelersburg# 7:00 26 MINFORD# 7:00 #-Denotes SOC game

Portsmouth West Senators August 24 at South Point 7:00 31 at Portsmouth 7:00 September 7 COAL GROVE 7:00 14 WELLSTON 7:00 21 RACELAND, Ky. 7:00 28 at Minford# 7:00 October 5 LUCASVILLE VALLEY# 7:00 12 at Waverly# 7:00 19 OPEN 26 WHEELERSBURG# 7:00 #-Denotes SOC game

Wheelersburg Pirates August 24 IRONTON 31 at Bishop Hartley September 7 HEATH 14 at Bishop Watterson 21 JACKSON 28 at Oak Hill October 5 at Waverly# 12 MINFORD# 19 VALLEY# 26 at Ports. West# #-Denotes SOC game

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