The Ironton Tribune • Pigskin Preview 2021

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6

FOOTBALL 2021

Members of the 2021 Ironton Fighting Tigers’ football team are front row from left to right: Nathan McDade, Austin Bump, Wesley Neal, Matt Sly, Caleb Dickerson, Anthony Bell, Grant Day, Peyton McKnight, Shaun Terry, Barkley Litton, Bowen Gossett, Braden Schreck, Nick Sites, Levi Joseph, Dagan Bryant, Tyler Roach, Jaxon Johnson, Bryson Blankenship, Darryn Harvey, Morgan Gleichauf, Aiden Layne and Braylon Sturgill; second row from left to right: Aiden Easterling, Wyatt Bumgardner, Creighton Bryant, Connor Lowe, Ethan Hellyer, Tatum Moore, Ben Sloan, Devon Thompson, Matt Sheridan, Tanner Moore, Landon Wilson, Tayden Carpenter, Cole Freeman, Aaron Masters, Blake Porter, Amar Howard, DeAngelo Weekly, Austin Linn, Terrell Mize, Holden Harmon, Phil Bowman, Aiden Young, Brock Freeman and Bryson Hayes; third row from left to right Isaac Fitzpatrick, Kaden Cleary, Hunter Moore, Anthony Kirk, Riley Boggs, Angelo Washington, Blake Murrell, Trevor Carter, Nate Cochran, Braxton Pringle, Ashton Duncan, Jake Sloan, C.J. McCall, Ty Perkins, Jon Wylie, Lincoln Barnes, Rylan Cecil, Noah Patterson, C.J. Martin and Jaquez Keyes.

(Photo By Tim Gearhart)

Ironton still has ‘great expectations’ Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

“Great Expectations” was a critically acclaimed novel by Charles Dickens about a young orphan Pip who comes of age.

Despite some key losses including now-Ohio State Buckeyes freshman linebacker Reid Carrico, the Ironton Fighting Tigers still maintain great expectations following back-toback Division 5 state runners-up trophies.

Fourth-year Ironton head coach Trevon Pendleton said the team doesn’t change its goals regardless of the number of player who graduate each season.

“I think anytime you

so close to your goals but come up a little short of your goals it hungers you and drives you,” said Pendleton.

“Our kids have demonstrated that. We’ve had great numbers in the weight room all year, great numbers through camp, great energy, lot of guys stepping up, lot of guys taking charge.”

The biggest way Ironton can reach its expectations is replacing as best as they can the impact of Carrico.

Among his many accolades, Carrico was the first player ever named the Southeast District Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year last season. He was named

the Ohio High School Sports Writers’ Division 5 Defensive Player of the Year for the second straight season and was runner-up for the Mr. Football award.

But it may be on defense where Ironton will miss Carrico and others like AllOhio linebackers Cameron Deere and Dalton Crabtree, defensive backs Trent Hacker and Kyle Howell along with defensive lineman Gunner Crawford.

LINEBACKER “Linebacker and secondary you’ve got to replace a lot of guys and a lot of experience and a lot of guys who played a lot of football for us,” said Pendleton.

“I definitely think we’ve

got guys who are capable and guys who are talented.

The guys who have played football for us have to do it more regularly and they have to be prepared to do it for four quarters of battle and hopefully 16 games this year.”

Senior Angelo Washington (6-1, 225) played defensive end last season but will return to his natural position of linebacker. The other linebacker will probably come from either senior Jacob Sloan (6-0, 200), sophomore Noah Patterson (6-2, 225) or junior DeAngelo Weekly (5-10, 205).

PLEASE SEE “EXPECTATIONS,” PAGE 7

FOOTBALL 2021

7

Duncan

Cochran

McCall

Washington

Boggs

Cecil

Murrell

Sloan

Masters

Carpenter

Perkins

Barnes

Keyes

Howard

C.Freeman

Mize

Expectations

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Returning on the outside is junior Lincoln Barnes (6-0, 200) with junior Trevor Carter (6-2, 205) moving from defensive back to fill the void on the outside.

The other outside backer will come from whomever doesn’t play inside.

Barnes had 51 tackles and Cochran 50 to lead the returning tacklers.

DEFENSIVE LINE The defensive line will be solid with senior Nate Cochran (6-3, 300) returning in the middle for a fourth year and flanked on one side by senior Ashton Duncan (6-2, 245) who is a

Miami (Ohio) commit.

Cochran had four quarterback sacks and Duncan three last season. Only Gunnar Crawford with five sacks had more.

“Our defensive style allows them to pin their ears back and play pretty aggressive,” said Pendleton.

Senior Blake Murrell (6-0, 220) should get some playing time based on the defensive front with backup help coming from seniors Riley Boggs (6-2, 305) and Rylan Cecil (6-2, 250).

SECONDARY The lone returning player is junior cornerback

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

Landon Wilson (5-10, 160).

Senior Aaron Masters (5-11, 160) saw some playing time and should be a starter at safety. Sophomore Jon Wylie (6-0, 175) may get the starting call at safety.

The other candidates in the secondary are senior Braxton Pringle (6-1, 175), junior Terrell Mize (5-10, 165) and junior Cole Freeman (5-10, 165).

RUNNING BACK Carrico rushed for 1,544 yards as he averaged 9.4 yards a carry. He scored 25 touchdowns and had seven 100-yard rushing games despite the abbreviated regular season.

The running game may

be done by committee led by a couple of speedy running backs in junior Jaquez Keyes (6-1, 210) and Mize with senior Amar Howard (5-9 205) at fullback. Duncan can also play fullback if needed.

“Jaquez Keyes, Amar Howard, and we have some other guys back there.

Terrell Mize didn’t play football last year but he’s back with us and he’s an elusive guy. You get the ball in his hands and get him in space, he can do a lot of really good things the football,” said Pendleton.

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PLEASE SEE “IRONTON,” PAGE 8

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8

FOOTBALL 2021

Wilson

Weekly

Pringle

Patterson

T. Moore

Wylie

H. Moore Sheridan

Expectations CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 Junior Tayden Carpenter (6-0, 190) had an impressive rookie season as he threw for 1,331 yards last season as he completed 79-of-134 passes with just six interceptions while throwing for 19 touchdowns.

But Pendleton said Ironton has plenty of talented depth with Wylie, freshman Braden Schreck (6-1, 160) and possible Masters who was a quarterback before being moved to wide receiver last season. “(Carpenter) played a lot of football for us. We have some guys who are chomping at the bit. You’ve got Jon Wylie who has played receiver also. He can step in and play quarterback. Very athletic, very smart kid,” said Pendleton.

“Braden Schreck is a freshman with good size. He’s

QUICK HITTER

Head Coach: Trevon Pendleton (30-8, fourth year at Ironton and overall)

Assistant Coaches: Jerrod Pendleton, Merril Triplett, Walt DeLong, Trent Carpenter, Terry Miller, Mike Freeman, Brandon Walker, Daniel Murphy, Jermaine Keyes, Keith Wetzel, Brett Thomas, Todd Deere.

Key Returnees: Ashton Duncan, Angelo Washington, Blake Murrell, Riley Boggs, Nate Cochran, C.J. McCall, Jon Wylie, Tayden Carpenter, Aaron Masters, Landen Wilson, Lincoln Barnes, Rylan Cecil, Jaquez Keyes, Jacob Sloan, Noah Patterson.

Key Losses: Reid Carrico, Trent Hacker, Matt Davis, Cameron Deere, Gunnar Crawford, Dalton Crabtree, Kyle Howell, Will York, Uriah Meadows, Rocky White, Jimmy Mahlmeister.

2020 Record: 11-1 (D5 state runners-up; 5-0 OVC, first) Offense: Pro I, Spread, Multiple Defense: 4-4, 3-4, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 6 Returning Defensive Starters: 5

learning the offense and getting better every day. Aaron Masters has played a lot of quarterback. Since he’s been with us he’s been a receiver the majority of the time but he’s capable of playing quarterback so he’s going to get some reps.”

TIGHT END Look for Duncan to play tight end if he’s not the fullback and Washington also saw some time at tight end last season. Barnes could be in the mix as well.

WIDE RECEIVER The receiving corps lost All-Ohio wide receiver Trent Hacker who had 18 catches for 405 yards for an average of 22.5 yards a reception. He scored four TDs. Masters caught 10 passes for 231 yards and three scores.

PLEASE SEE “FIGHTING TIGERS,” PAGE 9

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FOOTBALL 2021

IRONTON

DEPTH CHART OFFENSE TE

RT

RG

C

LG

LT

WR

WR

QB

FB

RB

WR

PK

24 25 70 75 52 71 63 52 56 64 78 76 10 18 20 32 4 9 5 24 7 27 9 32 19

Ashton Duncan Angelo Washington Rylan Cecil C.J. McCall Blake Murrell Hunter Moore C.J. McCall Blake Murrell Nate Cochran Noah Patterson Riley Boggs Nate Cochran Ty Perkins Landen Wilson Cole Freeman Lincoln Barnes Tayden Carpenter Jon Wylie Amar Howard Ashton Duncan Jaquez Keyes Terrell Mize Jacob Sloan Lincoln Barnes Matt Sheridan

Fighting Tigers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 “We have some receivers back and we have some guys who are going to step up who have been waiting their turn and they’re ready for their opportunity,” said Pendleton.

One player who is expected to step up is junior Ty Perkins (6-3, 185) who played at Lucasville Valley last season. Perkins has the size, speed and gifted hands to become an impact player.

There are other receiving candidates that include Sloan, Wilson, Freeman and Pringle.

“Our offense is clicking.

We’re doing some new things this year that look pretty good. It’s been pretty competitive throughout camp,” said Pendleton.

OFFENSIVE LINE On the offensive line, Ironton will have Boggs at left tackle for the third straight season after playing some as a freshman, too. Cecil is a three-year starter and should be the right tackle.

Senior C.J. McCall (6-2 320) started last season and will move from guard to center. Cochran will be the left guard with Patterson or Murrell at right guard.

“Nate Cochran has played some offense for us, Blake Murrell has worked his tail off and put himself in a position to play and he’s going to take full advantage of it,” said Pendleton.

PLEASE SEE “OFFENSIVE LINE,” PAGE 13

DEFENSE DE

DT

DT

DE

ILB

ILB

OLB

OLB

CB

CB

S

P

24 56 76 78 36 71 64 56 25 64 33 9 32 24 9 18 27 40 14 7 8 18 24

Ashton Duncan Blake Murrell Nate Cochran Ryan Cecil Riley Boggs Hunter Moore Noah Patterson Blake Murrell Angelo Washington Noah Patterson DeAngelo Weekly Jacob Sloan Lincoln Barnes Ashton Duncan Jacob Sloan Braxton Pringle Terrell Mize Cole Freeman Aaron Masters Jaquez Keyes Jon Wiley Braxton Pringle Ashton Duncan

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FOOTBALL 2021

Ironton’s Duncan taking his love of football to next level

Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

Ashton Duncan didn’t have a chance.

Playing football was in Duncan’s future from almost the day he was born due in part that he was born into a football family.

The Ironton Fighting Tigers’ senior defensive lineman and tight end/ fullback began his playing days early and was surrounded by family members who played football including his father Kevin, his bother Ethan, his uncle Shane Salyers and his cousin and current Youngstown State defensive back Gage Salyers.

Duncan said he began playing football at the age of six and he got a big introduction to the game.

Most teams have a C-team for the youngest players, a B-team for the middle ages and the A-team for the oldest players.

“We didn’t have a C-team so I had to play up with the A-team. I played with my brother. It was hard, but it was fun,” said Ashton, who is three years younger than Ethan who was the Division 5 district Defensive Player of the Year and signed with Georgetown (Ky.) College.

Ashton said his brother has been a huge help in his development.

“He’s helped me a tremendous amount. He takes me

and we do drills all the time.

He’s done a ton for me. He’s taught me different ways to block, different ways to pass rush. He’s really helped out,” said Ashton.

All that work has paid dividends with Ashton giving a verbal commitment to play for the Division 1 Miami (Ohio) RedHawks.

“I just felt like when I went there to visit, it felt like home,” said Duncan.

“The history behind Miami and the history behind Ironton was all very similar.

The campus and the facilities were beautiful.

The coaches were great.

It seemed like they really wanted me, so I thought it was the right place.”

The Fighting Tigers’ 6-foot-3, 240-pound senior tight end and defensive lineman made his decision among more than a dozen other Division 1 programs.

Besides Miami, Duncan had Division I offers from Ohio, Marshall, Toledo, Eastern Michigan, Bowling Green, Colorado State, Ball State, Kent State, Coastal Carolina, Illinois State along with I-AA Youngstown State.

Duncan said there were several reasons for his decision that came down to Miami, Marshall and Ohio. One centered around players who were given an extra year of eligibility due to the COVID restrictions last season.

“It’s good signing early.

Duncan

Ironton’s Ashton Duncan waits at the line of scrimmage for the next play on defense. (Kent Sanborn/SouthernOhioSportsPhotos. com) I was wanting to wait, but our class (2022 recruits) and COVID going on and the extra scholarships they have are going to guys who are staying for another year of eligibility. So, it’s kind of first come, first serve, so you kind of have to commit early. But Miami felt like the place.”

With his future secure, Duncan said he can focus all his attention on the upcoming season and a possible third straight trip to the Division 5 state championship game.

“I think we’re going to be pretty good. We lost a lot of people, but I think we’re going to rebuild and have a great season. I think we’ve got a chance to run for state,” said Duncan.

“That 2021 class was pret-

ty, pretty good. Our recent classes were very good, so we’re going to have to live up to expectations.”

As a senior, Duncan knows his role adds more than just being a player, especially with the heavy losses from last year’s team that included current Ohio State linebacker Reid Carrico.

“Being a senior this year sucks because (football at Ironton) is going away.

You’re ending football, but, also, I’m going to the next level and I’m grateful for that. This year, I just want to be a leader and do everything I can for our team to be great. I just want to make a run at it again,” said Duncan.

PLEASE SEE “DUNCAN,” PAGE 12

FOOTBALL 2021

11

IRONTON FIGHTING TIGERS FOOTBALL ROSTER Ironton Fighting Tigers 2021 Football Roster No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr. 3 Ty Perkins WR-DB 6-03 185 Jr. QB-DB 6-00 190 Jr. 4 Tayden Carpenter 5 Amar Howard RB-DB 5-09 205 Sr. 7 Jaquez Keyes RB-DB 6-01 210 Jr. 8 Aiden Young QB-CB 5-11 165 Jr. 9 Jacob Sloan QB-WR-S 6-00 200 Sr. QB-DB 6-00 175 So. 10 Jon Wylie 11 Blake Porter WR-CB 5-10 160 So. 12 Braden Schreck QB-S 6-01 160 Fr. 13 Phil Bowman QB-DB 5-09 155 So. 14 Aaron Masters WR-S 5-11 160 Sr. 15 Landon Wilson WR-CB 5-10 160 Jr. WR-S 6-01 175 Sr. 18 Braxton Pringle 19 Matt Sheridan PK 5-09 160 Sr. 20 Braylon Sturgill RBDB 5-09 165 Fr. RB-DB 5-10 155 Fr. 21 Tyler Roach 22 C.J. Martin QB-CB 6-00 160 Jr. TE-DE 6-02 245 Sr. 24 Ashton Duncan 25 Angelo Washington TE-LB 6-01 225 Sr. 26 Shaun Terry RB-DB 5-09 150 Fr. RB-DB 5-10 165 Jr. 27 Terrell Mize 29 Nick Sites RB-DB 5-11 160 Fr. 30 Ben Sloan RB-LB 5-10 170 So. 32 Lincoln Barnes TE-LB 6-00 200 Jr. 33 DeAngelo Weekly FB-LB 5-10 205 Jr. RB-S 6-00 165 So. 34 Tatum Moore 35 Matt Sly RB-DB 5-10 160 Fr. RB-LB 6-00 175 Fr. 36 Wesley Neal 37 Ethan Hellyer RB-LB 5-07 155 So. 38 Anthony Bell RB-DB 5-08 150 Fr. 40 Cole Freeman WR-S 5-10 165 Jr. 45 Holden Harmon RB-DB 5-10 170 So.

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50 Bryson Blankenship FB-LB 51 Morgan Gleichauf TE-DL 52 Aiden Layne RB-LB 53 Austin Linn OL-DL 54 Jaxon Johnson OL-DL OL-DL 55 Austin Bump 56 Blake Murrell G-NG 57 Brock Freeman OL-DL 58 Peyton McKnight OL-DL 59 Levi Joseph OL-LB OL-DL 60 Anthony Kirk 61 Nathan McDade OL-DL 63 Creighton Bryant T-DT 64 Noah Patterson T-LB 65 Wyatt Bumgardner G-NG 66 Tanner Moore T-DT G-NG 67 Devon Thompson 68 Dagan Bryant OL-DL 69 Grant Day OL-DL OL-DL 70 Riley Boggs 71 Hunter Moore G-DT OT-DT 72 Kaden Cleary 74 Bryson Hayes TE-DL 75 C.J. McCall OL-DL T-DT 76 Nate Cochran 77 Bowen Gossett OL-DL 78 Rylan Cecil OL-DL 79 Caleb Dickerson OL-DL 81 Isaac Fitzpatrick TE-DE TE-DE 82 Darryn Harvey 85 Barkley Litton WR-DB 87 Aiden Easterling TE-DE 88 Connor Lowe WR-DB Head coach: Trevon Pendleton

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FOOTBALL 2021

Ironton Fighting Tigers’ defensive end Ashton Duncan (24) battles a Kirtland offensive lineman during the Division 5 state championship game in Massillon last season. Duncan has verbally committed to play at Miami (Ohio) University next fall. (Kent Sanborn/ SouthernOhioSportsPhotos. com)

Duncan CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

Despite all the losses from last season, Duncan said there is still a lot of talent returning. With the shift in talent, Duncan expects a more balanced offensive attack this season.

“I think we’ll do a little more of (running and passing). Last year, we really ran a lot because Reid was a powerhouse. I think we’ll pass a little more. We’ve got some tall, lanky wide receivers and we also have most of our offensive linemen back so we’ll be able to pass more. They’ve been working hard this off-season with pass drops and pass steps and blocking, so we’ll be good at that.”

Duncan is expecting to play defensive end again but split his time on offense between tight end and fullback which are the positions that have been projected for him at Miami.

Duncan played against

Gallipolis offensive tackle Riley Starnes who signed with Toledo. That taste of talent will help Duncan when he steps up to the next level.

“It’s going to be tough.

Those guys are completely different. They’re way stronger, way faster, but I will be, too. It’s going to be hard and different, but I can do it.”

Obviously, college football is another chance he wants to take.

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FOOTBALL 2021

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The 2021 Gallipolis Blue Devils football team. (Photo Courtesy of Bryan Walters of The Gallipolis Tribune)

Blue Devils must battle foes with low numbers

Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

GALLIPOLIS — There’s an old saying that “if you have your health, you have everything.”

The Gallipolis Blue Devils will certainly attest to that.

Gallipolis — 6-2 last season and runners-up in the Ohio Valley Conference race along with Fairland — have just 27 players on the roster this season which leaves little to no margin for injuries.

Yeah. No injuries in football.

Head coach Alex Penrod said the small numbers has been a unique and difficult situation for him and his coaching staff.

“We need to stay as healthy as we possibly can,” said Penrod. “We’re going to have low numbers below 30 this year and next year. Our seventh grade has about 30 kids and our youth program is starting to get kids. It’s just one of those weird cycles.”

PLEASE SEE “LOW NUMBERS,” PAGE 19

“And we have some others. Noah Patterson had a great off-season. You’ll see a lot of that come to fruition this year.”

KICKING GAME Ironton lost first team All-Ohio placekicker Jimmy Mahlmeister but Matt Sheridan should help fill that void.

“Matt Sheridan is a firstyear kid but he has a very strong leg, very consistent,

very accurate. We’re really excited. We think he’s going to have a great year,” said Pendleton.

“Jimmy (Mahlmeister) has worked a lot with him.

Jimmy was such a vital piece of that run last year and Avery (Book) the year before. People don’t realize how important they was.”

Duncan is one of the top candidates to handle the punting duties.

2021 Schedule

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

Ironton Fighting Tigers August 20 WHEELERSBURG 7:00 27 JACKSON 7:00 September 3 FAIRLAND# 7:00 10 CIN. MOELLER 7:00 17 at South Point# 7:00 24 at Chesapeake# 7:00 October 1 ROCK HILL# 7:00 8 at Coal Grove# 7:00 15 at Gallipolis# 7:00 22 PORTSMOUTH# 7:00 #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Trevon Pendleton

2020 Results

Offensive Line Ironton Fighting Tigers Ironton 50 at Portsmouth 9 Ironton 55 Gallipolis 7 Ironton 71 Coal Grove 0 Ironton 41 at Rock Hill 0 Ironton 54 at Chesapeake 10 Ironton DNP So. Point canceled Ironton 33 Cin. Sycamore 11 Playoffs Ironton 49 New Lexington 3 Ironton 42 Johnstwn-Monroe 0 Ironton 21 World Harvest 14 Ironton 17 W. Lafayette 7 State Semifinals Ironton 22 Cin. Roger Bacon 19 State Championship Ironton 0 Kirtland 38 Record: 11-1

14

FOOTBALL 2021

This Preview Dedicated To The Man Behind The Camera

Kent Sanborn

April 3, 1958-March 4, 2021 Husband, Photographer Co-Worker, And My Friend 2021 Schedules Ports. Notre Dame Titans August 20 GROVE CITY CHRISTIAN 27 FAIRFIELD CHRISTIAN September 4 at Fisher Catholic 10 FAYETTEVILLE 18 BISHOP ROSECRANS 24 NORTHWEST# October 1 at Green# 8 BEAVER EASTERN# 15 at Symmes Valley# 22 at Sciotoville East# Sciotoville East Tartans August 20 at Bishop Rosecrans 27 MANCHESTER September 3 at South Gallia 10 LEWIS COUNTY, Ky. 17 HILLCREST TRAINING 24 Beaver Eastern# October 1 at Northwest# 8 at Symmes Valley# 15 GREEN# 22 PORTS. NOTRE DAME# #-Denotes SOC1 game

Beaver Eastern Eagles 2021 Schedule August 20 PAINT VALLEY 27 at Huntington Ross September 4 at Southeastern 11 MANCHESTER 18 at Greenfield McClain 25 SCIOTOVILLE EAST# October 9 at Symmes Valley# 16 PORT. NOTRE DAME# 23 at Northwest# 30 GREEN# #-Denotes SOC 1 game Northwest Mohawks 2021 Schedule August 20 at Southeastern 27 GREENFIELD McCLAIN September 3 HUNTINGTON ROSS 10 at Oak Hill 17 LUCASVILLE VALLEY 24 at Prts. Notre Dame# October 1 SCIOTOVILLE EAST# 8 at Green# 15 at Beaver Eastern# 22 SYMMES VALLEY#

of Interest

#-Denotes SOC1 game Ports. West Senators August 21 FAIRLAND 27 PORTSMOUTH September 3 at Adena 10 at Wellston 17 at KIPP Columbus 24 WAVERLY# October 1 MINFORD# 8 at Lucasville Valley# 15 OAK HILL# 22 at Wheelersburg# #-Denotes SOC2 game Wheelersburg Pirates August 20 at Ironton 27 CHILLICOTHE September 3 RUSSELL, Ky. 10 ASHLAND, Ky. 17 at Jackson 24 at Minford# October 1 at Oak Hill# 8 WAVERLY# 15 at Lucasville Valley# 22 PORTSMOUTH WEST# #-Denotes SOC2 game

Waverly Tigers August 20 MIAMI TRACE 27 JOHNSTOWN-MONROE September 3 at Chillicothe Unioto 10 at Chillicothe 17 at Wash. Court House 24 at Portsmouth West# October 1 LUCASVILLE VALLEY# 8 at Wheelersburg# 15 MINFORD# 22 at Oak Hill# #-Denotes SOC2 game Oak Hill Oaks August 20 at Wellston 27 FAIRLAND September 3 ROCK HILL 10 NORTHWEST 17 at Nelsonville-York 24 at Lucasville Valley# October 1 WHEELERSBURG# 8 at Minford# 15 at Portsmouth West# 22 WAVERLY# #-Denotes SOC2 game

Lucasville Valley Indians August 19 at Portsmouth 27 COAL GROVE September 3 PIKETON 10 at Beaver Eastern 17 at Northwest 24 OAK HILL# October 1 at Waverly# 8 PORTSMOUTH WEST# 15 WHEELERSBURG# 22 at Minford# #-Denotes SOC2 game Minford Falcons August 20 ROCK HILL 27 at Chesapeake September 3 WELLSTON 10 at Wash. Court House 17 at East Clinton 24 WHEELERSBURG# October 1 at Portsmouth West# 8 OAK HILL# 15 at Waverly# 22 LUCASVILLE VALLEY# #-Denotes SOC2 game

SYMMES VALLEY s g n i Vik

16

FOOTBALL 2021

Members of the 2021 Symmes Valley Vikings’ football team are: front row from left to right, ball girls Isabelle Pancake, Kylee Thompson and Lydia Saunders; second row left to right, Colt Pancake, Josh Saunders, Jacob Callicoat, Grayson Walsh, Levi Niece, Sam McCleese and Levi Ross; third row left to right, coach Eric Holland, Austin Dement, Caiden Mount, Kingston Fields, Will Jones, Alex Adkins, Ethan Schafer, Wes Porter and coach Nathan Colegrove; fourth row from left to right, coach Seth Jones, Gary Combs, Joey Dillion, Eli Hayden, Branson Edwards, Wyatt Owens, Isaac Ross, Nick Strow and coach Ben Ferguson; fifth row from left to right, Tanner McComas, Eli Patterson, Aleck Beckett, Jacob Cade, head coach Rusty Webb, Brayden Webb, Ethan Patterson, Levi Best and Gavan Yates. (Photo By Tim Gearhart)

Vikings looking to take advantage of experience Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

WILLOW WOOD — Don’t be surprised if Rusty Webb is wearing a hat with and “E” on the front instead of an “SV.” The “E” in this case stands for experience which is something the Symmes Valley Vikings have to lean on this season.

“We have a lot of experience which is something we don’t usually get to hang our hat on,” said Webb.

“We also have playoff experience which helps us and we’ve played in a couple of SOC championship games the last two years. We take no one for granted but we hope the experience will help us.”

PLEASE SEE “EXPERIENCE,” PAGE 17

QUICK HITTER

Head Coach: Rusty Webb (130-79 at Symmes Valley and overall, 21st season)

Assistant Coaches: Kyle Meadows, Ben Ferguson. Stats: Cameron Meadows. Film: John Sharp.

Key Returnees: Grayson Walsh, Levi Niece, Ethan Petterson, Eli Patterson, Nick Strow, Brayden Webb, Gavan Yates, Isaac Ross, Gary Cremeans, Tanner McComas, Aleck Beckett, Levi Ross, Seth Ulery.

Key Loses: Luke Leith, Caleb Mullens, Derek Crum, Josh Ferguson, Drew Scherer, Hunter Shepherd, Houston Bennett, Kayson Adkins.

2019 Record: 5-3 (5-0 SOC, second; Division 6 playoffs) Offense: Wing-T, Wishbone, Multiple Defense: 4-4, Multiple Offensive Starters Returning: 8 Defensive Starters Returning: 9

FOOTBALL 2021

17

SYMMES VALLEY VIKINGS 2021 FOOTBALL ROSTER No. Player 4 Levi Best 7 Grayson Walsh 8 Sam McCleese 9 Levi Niece 12 Aleck Beckett 13 Levi Ross 18 Josh Saunders 21 Jacob Cade 22 Seth Ulery 25 Will Jones 29 Ethan Patterson 32 Kingston Fields 33 Wyatt Owens 34 Nick Strow 44 Caiden Mount 45 Colt Pancake 50 Eli Patterson 51 Gavan Yates 52 Jacob Callicoat 53 Brayden Webb 54 Isaac Ross 57 Eli Hayden 58 Gary Combs 60 Wes Porter 65 Alex Adkins 70 Joey Dillion 72 Tanner McComas 79 Austin Dement 80 Ethan Schafer 88 Branson Edwards

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

Ht. Wt. Gr. 6-01 170 Sr. 5-10 185 Sr. 5-08 155 So. 5-07 180 Sr. 6-01 175 Jr. 5-06 155 Jr. 5-08 180 Jr. 6-04 180 So. 5-06 145 Sr. 5-10 150 Fr. 6-02 165 Sr. 5-08 155 Fr. 6-00 155 Jr. 5-10 170 Sr. 5-09 170 Fr. 5-07 140 Fr. 6-01 205 Sr. 6-00 290 Sr. 5-10 205 So. 6-04 225 So. 6-00 240 Jr. 5-11 235 So. 5-09 160 So. 5-10 205 So. 5-10 210 So. 5-10 190 Fr. 6-00 265 Sr. 6-00 175 Fr. 5-08 160 Fr. 6-00 175 Fr.

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Experience CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 The Vikings are two years removed for a Southern Ohio Conference championship and were 5-3 last season as they finished third in the league race during the COVID-19 marred season.

But Webb noted that the abbreviated season still enabled his players to gain some valuable experience, especially when ravaged by injuries that forced some younger players to step in and fill the voids.

Webb said that experience is paying off early.

“We’re a little ahead of where we’ve been the last couple of years. Staying healthy will be the key, just like for every team,” said Webb.

“We’ve been very happy with our young kids. They don’t have a lot of experience but they’ve been giving us great effort.”

OFFENSIVE LINE

The offensive line is an area of strength with a senior-laden group.

Returning at center will be senior Tanner McComas (6-0, 265) who has the versatility to play guard or tackle if needed.

Isaac Ross — who missed last season with an ACL injury as well — will be one tackle with senior Gavan Yates (6-0, 290) his running mate. Yates also suffered an ACL injury last season but Webb said “he’s 100 percent healthy.”

Senior Eli Patterson (6-01, 205) is back at guard and will be a three-year starter.

“All these kids started when they were sophomores, so we have some experience there,” said Webb. “If we stay healthy, we’re hoping our offensive line will be a strength.”

PLEASE SEE “VIKINGS,” PAGE 18

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18

FOOTBALL 2021

SYMMES VALLEY DEPTH CHART Strow

Beckett

Best

Ross

Vikings

Niece

McCleese

Walsh

Webb

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 ENDS Sophomore Brayden Webb (6-4, 225) and junior Alec Beckett (6-1, 175) will play at tight end and Beckett can split out wide. Webb has also played at the three inside line positions.

Senior Nick Strow (5-10, 170) is expected to get plenty of playing time at tight end and also play some in the backfield.

“Last year we had two good sized tight ends. We normally don’t have that and this year we have two who are 200-pounds plus and both of them can catch the ball,” said coach Webb.

“We don’t throw a lot but we’ve been able to throw effectively. If people crowd the box, we can throw the ball.”

QUARTERBACKS Senior Grayson Walsh (5-10, 185) and senior Levi Best (6-1, 170) are in a battle to replace All-Ohio standout Luke Leith who is now at Centre College.

“One is faster and one has a better arm. They both bring something to the table. There are certain things we can do depending on which one is the quarterback,” said Webb.

RUNNING BACKS The Vikings have a solid stable of running backs led by senior Ethan Patterson (6-2, 165), senior Levi Niece (5-7, 180), junior Levi Ross (5-6. 165) and sophomore Sam McClease (5-8, 155). All are expected to see time at running back.

Niece should be the fullback with the versatile Strow also a possibility. Walsh and Best can also play as running back when not playing quarterback.

DEFENSIVE LINE Yates, McComas and Ross will rotate at the defensive tackle spot. Niece and Eli Patterson should be the ends.

PLEASE SEE “DEFENSIVE LINE,” PAGE 19

OFFENSE TE

RT

RG

C

LG

LT

TE

QB

FB

RB

RB

PK

35 Brayden Webb 34 Nick Strow 51 Gavan Yates 57 Eli Hayden 57 Eli Hayden 79 Austin Dement 72 Tanner McComas 50 Eli Patterson 50 Eli Patterson 79 Austin Dement 54 Isaac Ross 52 Jacob Callicoat 12/55 Aleck Beckett 34 Nick Strow 7 Grayson Walsh 4 Levi Best 9 Levi Niece 29 Ethan Patterson 13 Levi Ross 8 Sam McCleese 9 Levi Niece 29 Ethan Patterson 13 Levi Ross 7 Grayson Walsh 51 Gavan Yates DEFENSE

DE

DT

DT

DE

ILB

ILB

OLB

OLB

CB

CB

S

P

50 35 51 54 72 54 9 57 7 44 35 44 34 25 8 25 4 22 29 22 13 25 13

Eli Patterson Brayden Webb Gavan Yates Isaac Ross Tanner McComas Isaac Ross Levi Niece Eli Hayden Grayson Walsh Caiden Mount Brayden Webb Caiden Mount Nick Strow Will Jones Sam McCleese Will Jones Levi Best Seth Ulery Ethan Patterson Seth Ulery Levi Ross Will Jones Levi Niece

FOOTBALL 2021

19

placekicking again with Niece the punter.

Gavan has had 10 to 12 touchbacks with his kickoffs and Niece averaged 38 yards a kick so we feel our kicking game will be a strength,” said coach Webb.

Brayden Webb will be the long-snapper with Walsh the holder.

SOUTHERN OHIO CONFERENCE Webb expects Northwest to defend its title from last season.

“Northwest has to be the favorite. Eastern lost some guys but they’ll be up there. The rest of the league will be a dogfight,” said Webb.

2021 Schedule

Symmes Valley Vikings August 20 at South Gallia 7:00 27 EASTERN MEIGS 7:00 September 3 CHESAPEAKE 7:00 10 at Tug Valley 7:00 17 at Fayetteville 7:00 24 GREEN# 7:00 October 1 at Eastern# 7:00 8 EAST# 7:00 15 NOTRE DAME# 7:00 22 at Northwest# 7:00 #-Denotes SOC game Head coach: Rusty Webb

2020 Results

Defensive Line

Symmes Valley Vikings Sym. Valley 44 South Gallia 6 Sym. Valley 51 Green 0 Sym. Valley 22 Eastern 50 Sym. Valley 34 Sciotoville East 6 Sym. Valley 24 Notre Dame OT 16 Sym. Valley 8 Northwest 10 Playoffs Sym. Valley 36 Southeastern 14 Sym. Valley 6 Nelsonville-York 41 Record: 5-3 (3-2 SOC) (NOTE: Shortened season due to COVID19 restrictions)

group to coach. We’ve shown a lot of progress.

The health of our team will dictate how much we can compete.”

RUNNING BACK The Blue Devils lose four-year starter James Armstrong and they will replace him with sophomore Hunter Shamblin.

“You don’t really replace

a James Armstrong and the kid we’re putting there is a sophomore,” said Penrod. “Now, he’s a great athlete. He’s got great vision and great speed and all those things you look for in a back, but at the end of the day he’s still a sophomore.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 “Those guys are really interchangeable,” said coach Webb.

LINEBACKERS Inside linebackers will be Walsh and Brayden Webb along freshman upstart Caiden Mount (5-9, 170).

On the outside will be Strow and McClease with freshman Will Jones in the mix.

“We’re a little young at the linebacking corps.

Three of the four are at different spots than last year. The only one in the same position is Strow,” said coach Webb.

“Walsh was outside last year and this will be a new spot for Webb and

McClease.”

McClease played in the secondary last season but has added weight and strength.

SECONDARY Ethan Patterson, Best and Ross will comprise a veteran group.

“Patterson is in his third year starting and brings a lot of experience. Best started last year and has experience and Ross didn’t start but played a lot,” said coach Webb.

Jones will also help in the secondary along with junior Wyatt Owens (6-0, 155) and senior Seth Ulery (5-6, 145).

KICKING GAME Yates will handle the

Low Numbers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 “We’ve got a good core but we got no depth. I would love to say we’re going to be healthy for the whole time, but I’m realistic.”

The Blue Devils have some veteran players and excellent skilled personnel with good speed and quickness.

But low numbers has

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made even practice a challenge.

“It’s different,” Penrod said about practicing.

“Everything is going to be different, but we’re still going to throw it around.

We’re happy where we’re at right now. It’s just a matter of health-wise and depth-wise.

“We have a really fun

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PLEASE SEE “BLUE DEVILS,” PAGE 20

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FOOTBALL 2021

Blue Devils

GALLIPOLIS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 QUARTERBACK Gallipolis must replace All-Ohio quarterback Noah Vanco and the job will go to junior Brody Fellure (6-1, 175) who was the backup as a freshman.

Behind Fellure is Hudson Shamblin, twin brother of Hunter, the running back.

“Brody is our number one but we’re going to play both of them,” said Penrod. “We’ll look a little different at quarterback because we’ve got athletes there. We’ll look more like we did in 2018 with the McClelland kid. We’re not going to stand there and be a gunslinger.”

WIDE RECEIVER Senior Briar Williams (5-10, 146) is back at wide receiver and can play the slot as well. The slot back will be another returning starter “Briar is one of those dynamic special kids for

us. He didn’t play much defense for us last year but he’s one of those guys who is penciled in on the defensive side, too. We’re trying to utilize his speed as much as we can. He’s one of those home run hitters for us,” said Penrod.

Another returning starter with great speed is senior Daunevyn Woodson who will play wide receiver and even some tailback.

Penrod said Woodson “is another electrifying player for us. We’re trying to get the ball in his hands as much as possible.”

Williams and Woodson will also be return members.

OFFENSIVE LINE The offensive line took a hit with graduation as AllOhio tackle Riley Starnes graduated along with guard Yashua Peaks.

DEPTH CHART OFFENSE WR

WR

LT

LG

C

RG

RT

WR

QB

RB

SB

PK

1 6 4 9 77 52 63 61 69 58 58 52 67 52 9 8 10 8 5 4 8 1 6

PLEASE SEE “GALLIPOLIS,” PAGE 21

QUICK HITTER

Head Coach: Alex Penrod (29-11 at Gallipolis, fifth season; 45-27 overall, eighth season)

Assistant Coaches: Jared McClelland, Colton Russell, Jordan Deel, Larry Carter, Kole Carter, Justin Bailey, Wade Jarrell, Michael Scott.

Key Returnees: Daunevyn Woodson, Briar Williams, Mason Smith, Brody Fellure, Mason Skidmore, Jarrell Scott, Gabe Raynor, Kenyon Franklin, Matt Liberati, Brayden Easton, Isaac Clary, Hudson Shamblin, Hunter Shamblin.

Key Loses: James Armstrong, Noah Vanco, Zack Hemby, Trent Johnson, Michael Beasy, Adam Stout, Riley Starnes, Yashua Peaks, Coen Duncan, Brant Rocchi, Cameron Webb.

2020 Record: 6-2 (4-1 OVC, tied 2nd; Division IV playoffs) Offense: Spread, Multiple Defense: 4-3, Multiple Offensive Starters Returning: 6 Defensive Starters Returning: 5

Briar Williams Caleb Stout Daunevyn Woodson Kenyon Franklin Isaac Clary Gabe Raynor Collin Watson Cole Hines Travis Chapman Matt Liberati Matt Liberati Gabe Raynor Mason Smith Gabe Raynor Kenyon Franklin Hudson Shamblin Brody Fellure Hudson Shamblin Hunter Shamblin Daunevyn Woodson Hudson Shamblin Brian Williams Caleb Stout DEFENSE

DE

DT

DT

DE

LB

LB

OLB

OLB

CB

CB

FS

P

58 1 52 69 77 69 63 25 61 25 5 25 8 11 10 3 4 2 9 3 11 2 6

Matt Liberati Briar Williams Gabe Raynor Travis Chapman Isaac Clary Travis Chapman Collin Watson Stephen Davis Cole Hines Stephen Davis Hunter Shamblin Stephen Davis Hudson Shamblin Mason Skidmore Brody Fellure Paolo Jones Daunewvyn Woodson Ashton Janey Kenyon Franklin Paolo Jones Mason Skidmore Ashton Janey Caleb Stout

FOOTBALL 2021

21

2021 Gallipolis Blue Devils Football Roster No. Player 1 Briar Williams 2 Ashton Janey 3 Paolo Jones 4 Daunevyn Woodson 5 Hunter Shamblin 6 Caleb Stout 8 Hudson Shamblin 10 Brody Fellure 11 Mason Skidmore

Pos. WR-DE WR-DB WR-DB WR_DB RB-LB WR-LB-K QB-DB QB-DB WR-DB

Gallipolis CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

But 6-foot-8, 305-pound junior Isaac Clary is back for a third season at left tackle and his running mate is senior Collin Watson at guard.

“The strength of our line will be to the left where we have Isaac Clary and

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

13 14 15 17 20 21 24 25 52 56

Kenyon Franklin Josh Watts Jacob Redlinski Wyatt Webb Bray Rathburn Joey Darnbrough Preslee Reed Stephen Davis Gabe Raynor Dakota Siders

Collin Watson. Those are our two main guys. We’re still going to be a power offense and obviously, our read-type game and RPO stuff,” said Penrod.

The center will be freshman Travis Chapman whom Penrod said “has made a lot of growth. It’s a tough position to throw a

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

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

58 59 60 61 63 65 69 70 76 77

Matt Liberati Michael Henry Jack Rathburn Cole Hines Collin Watson Mason Smith Travis Chapman Quentin Van Meter Nikoli Robertgs Isaac Clary

freshman in but he has the physical tools to be able to handle it.”

Sophomore Matt Liberati and junior Mason Smith will be on the right side at guard and tackle, respectively.

Liberati will be the backup center with junior Gabe Raynor the backup at

OL-DL So. OL-DL So. OL-DL Fr. OL-LB So. OL-DL Sr. OL-DL Jr. OL-DL Fr. OL-DL Fr. OL-DL Fr. OL-DL Jr.

guard or tackle.

DEFENSIVE LINE Watson is one end with either Williams. Liberati and Stephen Davis will rotate on the other side.

Clary and Chapman and Raynor will rotate at tackle.

PLEASE SEE “DEFENSE,” PAGE 22

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FOOTBALL 2021

Members of the 2021 Portsmouth Trojans’ football team are: front row from left to right, Cooper Maxie, Noah Carver, Jalen Jones, James Thurman, Trey Williams, Alberto Poxes, Jayvon Zurborg, Amare Johnson, Dante Hamrick, Hayden Griffith, Donavan Carr, Dariyonne Bryant and Drew Roe; second row from left to right, Curtis Kearns, Jayden Duncan, Jesse Mitchel, Amari Harmon, Beau Hammond, Reade Pendleton, Ethan Wallace, Tyler Duncan and Brenden Truett; third row from left to right, Leo Poxes, Kewan Lett, Zach Roth, Emily Cheatham, Noah Livingston, Nathaniel Berry, Levaughn Cobb, Deandre Berry, Devon Lattimore and Ethan Scott; fourth row from left to right, Jaylon Ball, Will Dunn, Landen Boren, Alex Howard, Gabriel Dickerson, Dylan Sanderlin, Nick Copley, Kyo Sowards, Colin Perry, Lukas Bradley, Zion Froe, Chase Heiland and J.T. Williams; fifth row from left to right, coaches Chad Hammond, Aaron Duncan Gerald Cadogan, Dave Boren, Bob Waughtel, Mark Aeh, Dave Malone, Nate Cadogan and Jayln Kennedy.

Portsmouth pushing defense to match offense jim.walker@irontontribune.com

PORTSMOUTH — If it worked for the offense, maybe it’ll do the same for the defense.

Last season, head coach Bruce Kalb installed a new offense that led to an explosion of points.

However, the defense struggled so Kalb and his staff have switched up their defensive approach as they look to improve on last season’s 2-7 record.

“We decided we needed to be much more aggressive and we’ve taken that mentality and ran with it this past off-season,” said Kalb.

“We’re seeing some positive strides in that direction. Our linebackers are playing a little tighter to stop (runners) in the box. The thing we’ve seen so far is our defensive line is attacking.

It’s something we’ve committed to this year.”

Gallipolis Senior Brayden Easton suffered two labrum tears and is lost for the season. Easton was projected to be a twoway starter.

“That was a big loss for us,” said Penrod.

LINEBACKERS Cole Hines (5-7, 155) was an All-OVC player as a freshman and heads up the linebacker corps. He will be joined

by Hunter Shamblin and Davis.

The outside backers are Hudson Shamblin and Fellure.

SECONDARY Junior Mason Skidmore (5-10, 165) will be the free safety and can provide help at outside linebacker in an injury situation.

The cornerbacks will be Woodson and sophomore Kenyon Franklin (6-1, 180) with senior Ashton Janey (6-2, 160) and sophomore Paolo Jones the backups.

2020 Results

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

Gallipolis Blue Devils Gallipolis 41 So. Point 0 Gallipolis 7 Ironton 55 Gallipolis 47 Rock Hill 6 Gallipolis DNP Coal Grove cancelled Gallipolis 19 Wellston 14 Gallipolis 47 Fairland 43 Gallipolis 18 Portsmouth OT 12 Playoffs Gallipolis 46 Vinton County 8 Gallipolis 40 Meadowbrook 58 Record: 6-2 (4-1 OVC, tied second) (NOTE: Limted number of games due to COVID-19 restrictions)

PLEASE SEE “DEFENSE,” PAGE 24

2021 Schedule

Jim Walker

Gallipolis Blue Devils August 20 MEIGS 7:00 27 at Athens 7:00 September 3 OPEN at Point Pleasant 7:30 10 CHESAPEAKE# 7:00 17 PORTSMOUTH# 7:00 24 at Fairland# 7:00 October 7:00 1 COAL GROVE# 8 at Rock Hill# 7:00 15 IRONTON# 7:00 22 at South Point# 7:00 #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Alex Penrod

Any of the cornerbacks can backup Skidmore at safety.

KICKING GAME Sophomore Caleb Stout (5-6, 146) has trained all summer and will handle all placements and Penrod said “we feel very confident with him.”

FOOTBALL 2021

23

PORTSMOUTH

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DEPTH CHART

OFFENSE WR

WR

LT

LG

C

RG

RT

TE

QB

RB

WR

PK

3 6 40 80 71 76 60 52 59 56 53 52 50 76 45 40 2 12 11 15 4 12 42

Dariyonne Bryant Hayden Griffith Reade Pendleton Jayden Duncan Noah Carver Jesse Mitchell Leo Poxes Trey Williams James Thurman Chance Tener Amari Harmon Trey Williams Alberto Poxes Jesse Mitchell Beau Hammond Reade Pendleton Drew Roe Tyler Duncan Amare Johnson Beau Hammond Donovan Carr Tyler Duncan Zach Roth DEFENSE

DE

DT

DT

DE

ILB

ILB

OLB

OLB

CB

CB

S

P

50 76 60 53 69 71 81 59 5 28 59 28 40 2 53 2 4 3 6 3 11 2 9

Alberto Poxes Jesse Mitchell Leo Poxes Amari Harmon Jalen Jones Noah Carver Cooper Maxie James Thurman Brenden Truett Noah Livingston James Thurman Noah Livingston Reade Pendleton Drew Roe Amari Harmon Drew Roe Donovan Carr Dariyonne Bryant Hayden Griffith Dariyonne Bryant Amare Johnson Drew Roe Devon Lattimore

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24

FOOTBALL 2021

2021 Schedule

Portsmouth Trojans August 19 LUCASVILLE VALLEY 27 at Portsmouth West September 3 CIN. DEER PARK 10 at Rock Hill# 17 at Gallipolis# 24 COAL GROVE# October 1 CHESAPEAKE# 8 at Fairland# 15 SOUTH POINT# 22 at Ironton# #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Bruce Kalb

2020 Results

PORTSMOUTH TROJANS FOOTBALL ROSTER

Portsmouth Trojans Portsmouth 9 Ironton Portsmouth 31 South Point Portsmouth 6 Fairland Portsmouth 38 Chesapeake Portsmouth 63 Coal Grove Portsmouth 12 Gallipolis OT Portsmouth 34 Marietta Portsmouth 24 Ports. West Playoffs Portsmouth 20 Northwest Record: 2-7 (1-5 OVC, seventh)

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

50 14 34 49 68 18 28 37 21

2021 Portsmouth Trojans Football Roster No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr. 2 Drew Roe QB-DB 5-07 151 Sr. 3 Dariyonne Bryant WR-DB 6-02 165 Sr. 4 Donavan Carr WR-DB 5-09 182 Sr. 5 Brenden Truett RB-LB 5-06 196 Jr. 6 Hayden Griffith WR-DB 6-00 178 Sr. 8 Ethan Scott WR-DB 5-08 132 So. 9 Devon Lattimore WR-DB 5-10 146 So. 10 Dante Hamrick WR-DB 5-06 136 Sr. 11 Amare Johnson RB-DB 5-06 150 Sr. 12 Tyler Duncan QB-DB 5-10 130 Jr. 13 J.T. Williams QB-LB 5-06 136 Fr. 14 Alex McKenzie RB-LB 5-07 153 Fr. 15 Ethan Wallace WR-DB 6-01 165 Jr. 16 Deandre Berry QB-LB 5-09 182 So. 17 Levaughn Cobb RB-LB 5-09 190 So. 18 Nathaniel Berry WR-LB 6-01 162 So. 20 Chase Heiland WR-DB 5-07 150 Fr. 21 Zion Froe RB-DB 5-05 130 Fr. 23 Lukas Bradley WR-DB 5-06 118 Fr. 24 Colin Perry WR-DB 5-11 130 Fr. 25 Kyo Sowards WR-DB 5-08 140 Fr. 28 Noah Livingston WR-DB 6-01 170 So. 31 Nick Copley RB-LB 5-07 168 Fr.

Defense CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22 If the defensive scheme works as well as the offensive system last season, the Trojans could be a dangerous team, especially with senor Drew Roe back at quarterback and his array of skilled backs and receivers.

“We put in a new system last year and the more Drew understands that and our receivers understand that, we’ll have a chance to be more successful on the offensive side of the ball,” said Kalb.

“Putting in a completely new system last year gives us a leg up on it this year. Our offensive scheme is built around taking what the defense gives us. The more Drew understands it and the more the receivers understand that, the better we are to execute.”

“We’ll have a chance to be more successful on the offensive side of the ball than last year, but at the same time we were pretty darn successful as least from a statistic standpoint.”

QUARTERBACK

32 35 38 40 41 42 45 47 50 52 53 55 54 58 59 60 63 69 71 75 76 77 80 81 82

Jayvon Zuborg Dylan Sanderlin Gabriel Dickerson Reade Pendleton Emily Cheatham Zach Roth Beau Hammond Alex Howard Alberto Poxes Trey Williams Amari Harmon Kewan Lett Landen Born Jaydon Block James Thurman Leo Poxes Caden Scott Jalen Jones Noah Carver Will Dunn Jesse Mitchell Jaylon Ball Jayden Duncan Cooper Maxie Curtis Kearns

RB-B RB-LB RB-LB WR-LB PK PK RB-LB RB-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-LB OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DO WR-DB WR-DL O-DL

5-05 5-10 5-09 5-08 5-07 5-08 5-07 5-09 5-10 5-07 5-07 5-08 5-10 5-07 5-09 6-021 6-01 6-00 6-02 5-07 6-03 5-09 5-10 6-06 5-09

195 177 182 157 140 158 171 145 230 150 217 180 238 207 190 290 223 265 295 143 201 240 168 195 196

QUICK HITTER

The Trojans’ offense starts with Roe who proves big things come in small packages.

The 5-foot-7, 151-pound threeyear starter threw for more than 2,500 yards last season and 29 touchdowns. He threw for 1,336 yards his sophomore year.

Although Roe is not big by any standards, Kalb said “he’s very strong, very athletic, very accurate. His ability to extend plays is amazing. He can expand the plays with his legs.”

“We’ll have a chance to be more successful on the offensive side of the ball than last year, but at the same time we were pretty darn successful as least from a statistic standpoint.”

RUNNING BACKS Returning at running back is senior Amare Johnson (5-6, 150) with his backup junior Beau Hammond (5-7, 171) who can also be a receiver.

PLEASE SEE “TROJANS,” PAGE 61

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

Head Coach: Bruce Kalb (10-10 at Portsmouth and overall, third season) Assistant Coaches: Bo Mayo, Gerald Cadogan, Nate Cadogan, John Walker, Dave Malone.

Key Returnees: Drew Roe, Dariyonne Bryant, Jesse Dixon, Amare Johnson, Aleberto Poxes, Reade Pendleton, Beau Hammond, Hames Thurman, Brendan Truett, Tyler Duncan, Noah Carver.

Key Losses: Chris Duff, Mike Duncan, Christian Keys, Omarion Martin, Jay-Lind Thomas, Mylan Brown, Rex Smith, Jaquan Pearsall, Chance Tener, Hayden Yerardi, Joel Bowling.

2020 Record: 2-7 (1-5 OVC, seventh) Offense: Pro, Slot, Multiple Defense: 4-4, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 7 Returning Defensive Starters: 7

DAWSON-BRYANT LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hornets Football Supporting t Dawson-Bryan Athletes. d Have a safe an memorable season!

26

FOOTBALL 2021

Members of the 2021 Coal Grove Hornets football team are: front row from left to right, C.J. Pemberton, Drew Schug, Braiden Huff, Wade Hankins, Joe Scarberry, Travis Markel, Bradon Carpenter, Ethan Simpkins, Damien Price; second row from left to right, coach Jarrod Keaton, Caleb Huff, Clay Ferguson, Perry Kingrey, Drew Fields, Jarren Hicks, Jeffrey Sparks, Brad Wheeler, Bob Lucas, Stevie Easterling, Justin Newcomb, Wesley Runyon, Whyatt Mannon and coach James Gifford; third row from left to right, coach Jordan Lucas, Steven Simpson, Brennan Meadows, Camron Robinson, Luke Jenkins, Brayden Wilson, Chase Hall, Dustin Lunsford, Elias Bazell, Garrin Yates, Kaleb Sullivan, Dylan Collins, Wyatt Dement and coach Chuck Price; fourth row from left to right, coach Alex Bare, Wyatt Wray, Brett Klaiber, Zach Delawder, Gavin Gipson, Jake Stephens, Landon Roberts, Tyler Earnest, Matt McQuay, Devin Bloomfield, Garrett Hankins, Drew Baker and head coach Jay Lucas. (Photo By Tim Gearhart)

Coal Grove will have to ‘mix it up’ to succeed Jim Walker jim.walker@irontontribune.com

COAL GROVE — Head coach Jay Lucas likes for his team to “mix it up” when it comes to playing football. This season, his team is mixing it up before the action even begins.

With a good mix of returning players and rookie starters, Lucas sees a team that could see some success if that mix meshes together.

“We feel good about the work that the kids have put in this past offseason. We

have a good balance of veterans and newcomers. We’re very pleased with the seniors and how they are leading the group,” said Lucas.

But there were some key losses from last season’s team that went 6-3 and reached the Division 6 regional semifinals. Lucas is hoping that the players who are returning can help fast track the new starters.

“We return a lot of kids on the line of scrimmage and that’s really helped us,” said Lucas.

PLEASE SEE “MIX IT UP,” PAGE 27

QUICK HITTER

Head Coach: Jay Lucas (8-11 at Coal Grove, 3rd season; 24-35 overall, seventh season).

Assistant Coaches: Jarrod Keaton, Alex Bare, Chuck Price, Jordan Lucas, James Gifford

Key Returnees: Jarren Hicks, Clay Ferguson, Chase Hall, Steve Easterling, Brad Wheeler, Logan Sizemore, Perry Kingery, Jeffrey Sparks, Caleb Huff, Dustin Lunsford, Eli Basell, Jon Townsend, Zach Delawder, Chris Lowe, Landon Johnson, Steven Simpson, Matt McQuay, Whyatt Mannon, Hunter Staton.

Key Losses: Austin Stapleton, Ben Compliment, Morgan Schultz, Trey Hunt, Tucker Meadows, Kye Robinson, Chris Wilson, Malachi Wheeler (injury).

2020 Record: 6-3 (3-2 OVC, fourth) Offense: Wing-T, Spread, Multiple Defense: 4-4, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 7 Returning Defensive Starters:

FOOTBALL 2021

27

COAL GROVE HORNETS FOOTBALL ROSTER Coal Grove Hornets 2021 Football Roster No. Player Pos. 1 Whyatt Mannon QB-DB 2 Andrew Fields RB-DB 3 Kaleb Sullivan RB-DB 4 Wesley Runyon OL-DL 5 Jarren Hicks RB-DB 7 Wade Hankins RB-DB 8 Steven Simpson RB-DB 9 Dylan Collins RB-DL 10 Jeffrey Sparks OL-DB 12 Landon Roberts RB-DB 14 Clay Ferguson QB-DB 15 Damien Price RB-DB 17 Bradon Carpenter RB-DB 18 Luke Jenkins OL-DL

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

20 21 22 23 24 27 28 30 32 33 42 44 50 52 55 56 57

Justin Newcomb Chase Hall Mathew McQuay Devin Bloomfield Gavin Gipson Brayden Wilson Jake Stephens Joe Scarberry Tyler Earnest Derek Lucas Drew Baker Steve Easterling Garrett Hankins Brad Wheeler Elias Bazell Brett Klaiber Camron Robinson

RB-DB RB-DL RB-DB OL-DL RB-DL RB-DL OL-DL RB-DL OL-DB RB-DB RB-DL TE-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL

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

58 Garrin Yates 59 Jake Stephens 60 Wyatt Dement 62 Ian Davis 63 Dustin Lunsford 64 Brennan Meadows 65 Caleb Huff 67 Braiden Huff 68 Travis Markel 70 Zach Delawder 72 C.J. Pemberton 74 Ethan Simpkins 75 Wyatt Wray 84 Perry Kingery 88 Drew Schug Head coach: Jay Lucas

OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL TE-DL OL-DL

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

Mix It Up CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26 “Three of our backs return and they have been a big help so far.”

The area that is of the most concern is the defense where the Hornets must replace linemen and linebackers who were the heart of that unit last season.

So far, Lucas said the players have responded well to the coaching and he hopes it will transition into success for his young group.

“These kids are aggressive and they play hard.

Their speed is a little bit

better than what it has been. They really want to be good. Coach (Jarrod) Keaton does a good job and if they keep working hard and keep improving, we can have a good defense.”

QUARTERBACK Pulling the trigger on the offense for the second straight season will be senior Clay Ferguson who gives the Hornets run-oriented offense a passing threat.

“He’s improved. He’s a senior and he’s grown up quite a bit. He’s grown into a really good leader.

He’s a pretty special kid and an excellent athlete,” said Lucas. “He’s got good quickness, he’s fast, he’s strong, he’a an all-around nice player.”

The backup will be sophomore Whyatt Mannon.

“He’s going to be a really good one before he’s finished. He’s really developed and he throws a really nice ball,” said Lucas.

RUNNING BACK This is the area that took a major hit with the graduation of the program’s all-time touchdown leader Austin Stapleton who

was the Southeast District Division 6 Co-Offensive Player of the Year along with running back Malachi Wheeler who suffered an ACL injury at the end of basketball season and will miss his senior season.

But there is some good news. Returning is starter Chase Hall and wingback Jarren Hicks, both seniors.

Hall had three consecutive 100-yard rushing games while Hicks made some key plays as a runner and receiver.

PLEASE SEE “HORNETS,” PAGE 28

28

FOOTBALL 2021

COAL GROVE DEPTH CHART Ferguson

Hicks

Wheeler

Kingery

Newcomb

Hall

Easterling

Lunsford

Bazell

Simpson

Gipson

Klaiber

Hornets

OFFENSE TE

WB

LT

LG

C

RG

RT

TE

QB

FB

RB

PK

44 28 5 8 63 64 56 55 64 65 52 56 70 56 84 28 14 1 8 24 22 21 5 20

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

Steve Easterling Jake Stephens Jarren Hicks Steven Simpson Dustin Lunsford Brennan Meadows Brett Klaiber Eli Bazell Brennan Meadows Caleb Huff Brad Wheeler Brett Klaiber Zach Delawder Brett Klaiber Perry Kingery Jake Stephens Clay Ferguson Whyatt Mannon Steven Simpson Gavin Gipson Matthew McQuay Chase Hall Jarren Hicks Justin Newcomb DEFENSE

“Hall added 30 pounds of good weight. He was one of our ‘go to’ backs. He was a special athlete. He’s a nice player, he runs hard and he’s aggressive and we expect big things from him on both sides of the ball,” said Lucas.

“Jarren is a fantastic athlete. He’s a kid who makes plays on both sides of the ball. He the kind of guy who goes under the radar. He’s a very special talent.”

The fullback position figures to be a collective effort by sophomores Steven Simpson, Gavin Gipson and Matt McQuay.

“You can’t replace a back like Austin Stapleton. We don’t have that one kid who is a banger. We have several kids who can go in there. All three are good athletes who can run the ball effectively. We’re very pleased with each one of those guys,” said Lucas.

“We have a good nucleus of backs. They can all go in there and be productive.”

TIGHT END Senior Perry Kingery is a three-year starter and will led a trio of players who will share the tight end spots.

Senior Steve Easterling played last season and Lucas said sophomore Jake Stephens “is a good athlete.”

OFFENSIVE LINE

PLEASE SEE “COAL GROVE,” PAGE 30

DE

DT

DT

DE

ILB

ILB

OLB

OLB

CB

CB

S

P

84 55 63 64 56 42 52 44 21 9 28 9 8 24 20 27 14 10 22 2 5 1 20

Perry Kingery Eli Bazell Dustin Lunsford Brennan Meadows Brett Klaiber Drew Baker Brad Wheeler Steve Easterling Chase Hall Dylan Collins Jake Stephens Dylan Collins Steven Simpson Gavin Gipson Justin Newcomb Brayden Wilson Clay Ferguson Jeffrey Sparks Matt McQuay Andrew Fields Jarren Hicks Whyatt Mannon Justin Newcomb

FOOTBALL 2021

29

OVC one of Ohio’s oldest prep athletic leagues Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

Coal Grove Hornets Coal Grove 20 Rock Hill 6 Coal Grove 21 Fairland 27 Coal Grove 0 Ironton 71 Coal Grove DNP Gallipolis cancelled Coal Grove 66 Portsmouth 63 Coal Grove 42 Chesapeake 35 Playoffs Coal Grove 57 Grandview Hts. 6 Coal Grove 41 Shenandoah 38 Coal Grove 35 Loudonville 28 Coal Grove 12 Fairland 27 Record: 6-3

2021 Schedule

2020 Results

Just as offenses and defenses have changed through the years, so has the Ohio Valley Conference.

Founded in 1954, the OVC has had a variety of schools as members of one of Ohio’s oldest high school athletic conferences.

Former Coal Grove Hall of Fame football coach James “Red” Dutey and Chesapeake icon Dave Smith were the two key figures in organizing the conference.

A meeting was held on Dec. 3, 1953 at Deon Keyes Restaurant in Coal Grove.

Tommy Hairston of Coal Grove was the first president of the league with John Miller of Oak Hill the vice-president.

Former Marshall head football coach and athletic director Charlie Kautz was the first secretary-treasurer with Smith taking over in 1955 and he held the position for the next 40 years.

Dutey later served as the league president for 15 years.

The six charter members were Coal Grove, Chesapeake, Rock Hill, South Point, Oak Hill and Wheelersburg.

Coal Grove, Rock Hill, Chesapeake and South Pointers were members of the Lawrence County League.

A second meeting was held on Dec. 9 in Oak Hill to establish bylaws and the league officially began with the 1954 football season.

Fairland entered the league in 1956 and Wheelersburg exited in 1957.

Former Lawrence County League member Ironton St. Joseph joined the conference in 1962 and Symmes Valley — a consolidation of four smaller

schools — joined the in 1963.

St. Joseph left the OVC in 1979 and later joined the Southern Ohio Conference small school division.

Symmes Valley and Oak Hill both left the league after the 1984 season to join the now defunct Southern Valley Athletic Conference.

West Virginia became involved in 1986 with Ceredo-Kenova joining to make a six-team league. Buffalo and Wayne came into the league the following season and the OVC was back

Coal Grove Hornets August 20 BERNE UNION 7:00 27 at Lucasville Valley 7:00 September 3 at Meigs 7:00 10 SOUTH POINT# 7:00 17 CHESAPEAKE# 7:00 24 at Portsmouth# 7:00 October 1 at Gallipolis# 7:00 8 IRONTON# 7:00 15 FAIRLAND# 7:00 22 at Rock Hill# 7:00 #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Jay Lucas

B

f o t es te

ri-Sta the T

at eight teams.

But Wayne left in 1988, C-K in 1991 and Buffalo in 1992.

River Valley joined the league in 2002 to make a six-team league but left a few years later to join the Tri-Valley Conference.

The OVC expanded once again in 2014 with the addition of Ironton, Portsmouth and Gallipolis Gallia Academy and remain a part of the current eight-team conference alignment.

Get in the game and take a bite out of Coal Grove’s #1 pizza!

631 High St. • Coal Grove • 532-8294 “Good Luck, Hornets!”

30

FOOTBALL 2021

Coal Grove CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 The Hornets lost All-Ohio two-way lineman Ben Compliment as well as veteran center Kye Robinson to graduation, but Lucas said the offensive line has several returning players along with others who are developing into quality starters.

The center job has sophomores Brennan Meadows and Caleb Huff along with junior Elias Bazell vying for the starting job.

“Brennan has come a long way this offseason. Caleb is a big, strong kid and Elias has really stepped up and is doing a good job,” said Lucas.

Senior Brad Wheeler is a threeyear starter and will anchor the line on the right side at guard with sophomore Brett Klaiber, Bazell, Huff and Stephens all in the running for the left guard position.

“Brad is a really solid offensive lineman and a fantastic leader,” said Lucas.

Junior Dustin Lunsford is back at one tackles where he started every game. Sophomores Zach Delawder, Meadows and Klaiber are in a fight for the other tackle job.

Lunsford is a returning starter and Lucas said “he’s a year older and he’s

a force.”

“We feel pretty good about those young linemen,” said Lucas. “We got to figure out who fits best at each spot.”

Another possibility is junior Garin Yates whom Lucas said “is a big, strong kid who has lost 15 or 20 pounds and is going a good job.”

DEFENSIVE LINE The Hornets will set up in a 4-4 but adjust depending on the opposition’s offensive scheme.

Lunsford and Klaiber have the inside track on the tackle positions with Meadows and sophomore Drew Baker are in the mix.

The end positions will probably see both sides rotate with Wheeler and Kingery on one side while Bazell and Easterling handle the duties on the other side.

LINEBACKER The top three linebackers — Compliment, Stapleton and Trey Hunt — have all graduated leaving some big holes to fill.

Hall and Stephens should be the starters inside with sophomore Dylan Collins in the mix.

On the outside will be Simpson and

Gipson on one side while Newcomb and junior Brayden Wilson are sharing the job on the other side.

SECONDARY Hicks is a returning starter at free safety while Ferguson is back at one corner position.

The other cornerback job along with adding depth will be McQuay, seniors Jeffrey Sparks and Andrew Fields, sophomore Landon Roberts and Mannon.

“We have some veteran guys and some young guys who are all athletes,” said Lucas. “They’re all going to play.”

KICKING GAME Senior Justin Newcomb had a solid season last year as the placekicker and gives the Hornets a field goal threat as well as touchdown conversions.

Newcomb also doubles as the team’s punter.

OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE Lucas said Ironton will be the favorite again, but he said it will be a tougher road throughout the season for every team.

“The conference is much improved.

The league will be balanced from top to bottom,” said Lucas.

All-Ohio Valley Conference 2020 Football Team Ohio Valley Conference 2020 All-OVC Football Team First Team Player, Team Pos. Ht. Cameron Deere, Ironton FB-LB 5-11 Trent Hacker, Ironton WR-DB 6-02 Matthew Davis, Ironton OL-DL 6-00 Dalton Crabtree, Ironton DL-TE 5-10 Rocky White, Ironton OL-DL 5-11 WR-DB 5-10 Kyle Howell, Ironton Gavin Hunt, Fairland WR-DB 6-00 LB-RB 6-00 J.D. Brumfield, Fairland WR-DB 6-00 Zander Schmidt, Fairland Max Ward, Fairland QB-DB 6-02 RB-DB 6-01 James Armstrong, Gallipolis OL-DL 6-06 Riley Starnes, Gallipolis Brayden Easton, Gallipolis OL-DL 6-01 LB-OL 5-10 Cole Hines, Gallipolis QB-DB 6-02 Noah Vanco, Gallipolis Austin Stapleton, Coal Grove FB-LB 5-10 OL-DL 6-03 Ben Compliment, Coal Grove Malachi Wheeler, Coal Grove RB-DB 5-10 Donald Richendollar, Chesapeake QB-DB 5-09 WR_DB 5-09 Thomas Sentz, Chesapeake Nick Burns, Chesapeake DL-OL 6-02

Wt. 185 175 210 190 235 170 165 205 160 170 210 295 190 170 205 235 260 175 175 150 280

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

RB-DE Hayden Harper, Rock Hill OL-DL Jacob Schwab, Rock Hill Brayden Malone, Rock Hill DE-TE Drew Roe, Portsmouth QB-DB WR-DB Reade Pendleton, Portsmouth Darryl Taylor, South Point RB-DB Bennett McCallister, South Point OL-DL Honorable Mention DL-OL Gunner Crawford, Ironton Uriah Meadows, Ironton WR-DB Tevin Taylor, Fairland WR-DB Steeler Leep, Fairland DB-WR Trent Johnson, Gallipolis LB-RB Isaac Clary, Gallipolis OL-DL Morgan Schultz, Coal Grove DB-WB Kye Robinson, Coal Grove OL-DL Ben Bragg, Chesapeake RB-DB Ian Hicks, Chesapeake RB-DB RB-DB Brayden Friend, Rock Hill Owen Hankins, Rock Hill RB-LB RB-DB Amare Johnson, Portsmouth LB-RB Christian Keys, Portsmouth Nakyan Turner, South Point WR-DB WR-DB Cody Brant, South Point Coach of the Year: Trevon Pendleton, Ironton

5-11 6-03 6-02 5-08 5-09 6-02 6-00

205 225 215 145 153 165 235

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

5-10 5-05 5-09 5-09 5-10 6-07 5-08 6-02 6-00 5-08 5-08 6-02 5-06 5-08 5-08 6-03

225 145 165 155 185 315 155 250 160 125 195 205 126 173 150 185

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

FOOTBALL 2021

31

Members of the 2021 Chesapeake Panthers football team are: front row from left to right, Lucas Shepherd, Bryce Mount, Nick Burns, Hunter Livingston, Hayden Blankenship, Dilen Caldwell, Ben Bragg, Levi Blankenship and Landon Preston; second row from left to right, Jacob Harris, Zack Chafin, Camron Shockley, Mason Giles, Dannie Maynard, Sam Bevans, Julian Pennington, Jaxon Atteberry and Jordan Mullins; third row from left to right, Will Schwamberger, Avan Booker, Eli Jenkins, Nick Wright, Kaleb Stepp, Lucian Watts, Cameron Lambert, Alex Plummer and Jadon Brandenburg; fourth row from left to right, Andrew Ellis, Garrett Napier, Jack Blankenship, Drew Pantz, Mikey Rose, Curtis Brandenburg, Spencer Wright, Landin Stanley and Marcus Burnside. (Photo By Tim Gearhart)

Panthers to rely on chemistry, ground game Jim Walker

QUICK HITTER

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

CHESAPEAKE — Chemistry is not just a subject for the classroom.

As far as Chesapeake head coach Todd Knipp is concerned, the chemistry within his team might be its biggest asset this season as the Panthers attempt to rebound from last year’s 2-5 COVID marred season.

“This is the closest-knit group we’ve had since I’ve been at Chesapeake. These kids work well together, they work hard together, they feed off each other,” said Knipp.

“Their cohesion is probably the biggest thing right now.”

The players may work well together, but lack of experience is the wrong alloy in the football equation. The Panthers have suffered a lot of personnel losses and that is a bad ingredient for any formula.

“We’re going to be pretty young. We’re going to have a lot of new faces playing new positions, so we’re making sure we bring them along slowly and make sure we get them up to game speed at the start of the season,” said Knipp.

PLEASE SEE “CHEMISTRY,” PAGE 32

Head Coach: Todd Knipp (6-11 at Chesapeake, third season; 52-87 overall, 14th season overall).

Assistant coaches: Rick Clark, Bob McCollister, Ryan Summers, Will McCollister, Chris Ball, George Long, Tim Boggs. Video: Kerry Tutt.

Key Returnees: Nick Burns, Hayden Blankenship, Bryce Mount, Marcus Burnside, Ben Bragg, Dilen Caldwell, Jordan Phillips, Hunter Livingston, Ethan Taylor, Landon Preston, Ryan Martin.

Key Losses: Jacob McCloud, Ian Hicks, Nick Ferguson, Thomas Sentz, Donald Richendollar, Blake Thompson, Hunter Blackburn.

2020 Record: 2-5 (2-4 OVC, tied fifth) Offense: Double Slot, Multiple Defense: 4-4, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 6 Returning Defensive Starters: 5

32

FOOTBALL 2021

2021 Schedule

Caldwell

Chesapeake Panthers August 20 at Southern 7:00 27 MINFORD# 7:00 September 3 at Symmes Valley 7:00 10 at Gallipolis# 7:00 17 at Coal Grove# 7:00 24 IRONTON# 7:00 October 1 at Portsmouth# 7:00 8 SOUTH POINT# 7:00 15 ROCK HILL# 7:00 22 FAIRLAND# 7:00 #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Todd Knipp

2020 Results

Bragg

Chesapeake Panthers 2020 Results 28 Chesapeake 13 Fairland Chesapeake 10 Rock Hill 14 Chesapeake 42 South Point 0 Chesapeake 49 Portsmouth 38 Chesapeake 10 Ironton 58 Chesapeake 35 Coal Grove 42 Playoffs Chesapeake 14 Portsmouth West 34 Record: 2-5 (2-4 OVC, tied 5th) (NOTE: Shortened season due to COVID19 restrictions)

Burns

Mount

Preston

H.Blankenship

Burnside

Chemistry CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31 OFFENSIVE LINE The strength of the Panthers’ offense will be on the offensive line led by senior tackles Nick Burns (6-2, 280) and Bryce Mount (6-6, 305).

“The offensive line is starting to jell. Both our tackles are strong leaders.

They’re doing a good job helping the young guys along,” said Knipp.

Burns will be the left tackle with Mount on the right side. Both are fouryear lettermen.

The guards figure to be sophomores Jadon Brandenburg (5-9, 275) and Will Schwamberger (5-11, 180) with freshman Spencer Wright (5-10, 245) in the mix.

Ronald L. Eastham, PLS Managing Partner 3992 State Route 7 Chesapeake, Ohio 45619

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Voice (740) 867-8369 (800) 424-5258 Cell (304) 633-4025 Fax (740) 867-8146

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The center is expected to be junior Nick Wright (6-0, 185) with freshman Garrett Napier (5-10, 240) the backup.

ENDS The tight end will be either senior Hunter Livingston (5-10, 155) or junior Sam Bevans (6-0, 155).

Levi Blankenship (6-0, 160) was an All-Ohio basketball standout last season and has elected to play football. Knipp said the senior wide receiver has “been a nice, pleasant surprise.”

Sophomore Dannie Maynard (5-3, 125) can also play at wide receiver.

“We’ve got a good group of receivers. We’ll try to get them in space and make people miss. They add a

dimension to our offense,” said Knipp.

RUNNING BACK There is a stable of running backs that includes senior Landon Preston (5-7, 150), sophomore Camron Shockley (5-7, 125), senior Dilen Caldwell (5-10, 140), junior Ryan Martin (6-0, 145) and junior Kaleb Stepp (6-0, 135).

Caldwell saw action last season as several backs rotated as well.

“We rotate wingbacks like crazy,” said Knipp.

The fullback will be returning starter Marcus Burnside, a 5-7, 215-pound power runner. Backup help will come from freshman Curtis Brandenburg (5-10, 200) and Preston.

PLEASE SEE “PANTHERS,” PAGE 34

FOOTBALL 2021

33

CHESAPEAKE PANTHERS FOOTBALL ROSTER 2021 Chesapeake Panthers Football Roster No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. 2 Ben Bragg QB-DB 6-00 160 3 Marcus Burnside RB-LB 5-07 215 4 Levi Blankenship WR-DB 6-00 160 5 Dilen Caldwell RB-DB 5-10 140 PK 5-10 145 6 Lucas Shepherd 7 Xavier Brewer RB-DB 5-04 115 11 Mason Giles WR-DB 5-08 125 12 Camron Shockley RB-DB 5-07 125 15 Jacob Harris QB-DB 5-11 150 16 Kaleb Stepp QB-DB 6-00 135 20 Dannie Maynard RB-DB 5-03 125 21 Sam Bevans TE-DB 6-00 155 22 Hunter Livingston TE-LB 5-10 155 28 Curtis Brandenburg RB-LB 5-10 200 32 Zack Chafin RB-DB 5-06 135 33 Landon Preston RB-DB 5-07 150 34 Cameron Lambert WR-DB 5-04 110 35 Jordan Mullins WR-DB 5-08 125

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

44 Mikey Rose 45 Julian Pennington 50 Alex Plummer 51 Landin Stanley 53 Lucian Watts 54 Nick Wright 55 Hayden Blankenship 56 Nick Burns 58 Spencer Wright 62 Jadon Brandenburg 64 Eli Jenkins 65 Avon Booker 70 Jaxon Atteberry 71 Bryce Mount 72 Jordan Mullins 74 Will Schwamberger 78 Garrett Napier 79 Andrew Ellis 88 Jack Blankenship Head coach: Todd Knipp

RB-DB RB-LB OL-DL OL-DL OL-DB OL-DB OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL TE-DB OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL TE-DL

5-06 5-06 6-00 5-11 5-08 6-00 6-00 6-02 5-10 5-09 5-10 5-08 6-04 6-06 5-04 5-11 5-10 6-04 5-05

145 135 235 230 135 185 210 280 245 275 210 185 250 305 115 180 240 285 160

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

34

FOOTBALL 2021

Panthers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32

“Collectively, it’s a good group,” said Knipp.

QUARTERBACK Senior Ben Bragg (6-0, 160) was a running back last season but will shift back to his original position of quarterback to replace AllOhio quarterback Donald Richendollar.

“He’s coming along nice.

He’s getting better over the last three weeks. He’s starting to grasp the offense and doing some nice things for us,” said Knipp.

Caldwell and Stepp will be the backups.

DEFENSIVE LINE The Panthers are switching their defense this season and the base will come from a 3-3 stack according to the personnel and the opposition which means a different front line than the usual 4-3 and 4-4 look.

“We had to just because of personnel. We’re trying to get our best tacklers on the field. This probably fit us better than anything,” said Knipp. “We can still jump into our 4-4, but I have to figure out who that adjustment guy is.”

The defensive ends will be Burns and Mount with backup coming from junior Jaxon Atteberry (6-4, 260), Spencer Wright, Napier and Brandenburg.

The nose guard figures to be Schwamberger with Brandenburg the backup.

LINEBACKERS Burnside will be in the

Atteberry

middle with Nick Wright, Livingston, freshman Curtis Brandenburg (5-10, 200) and junior Julian Pennington (5-6, 135) battling for the other outside linebacker spot.

SECONDARY The strong safety will be with Martin and Caldwell with Stepp as the backup.

The free safety should be Blankenship with sophomore Mason Giles (5-8, 125) his backup.

Filling the cornerback spots will be Bragg on one side and either Maynard or Shockley on the flip side.

Stepp will be the backup.

“Stepp is going to find his way on the field somewhere,” said Knipp.

Overall, Knipp is pleased with the defense so far.

“We’re running to the football and understanding team defense. We tackled well in our first scrimmage.

We’ve got a lot to improve on so I think we can get better as the season progresses,” said Knipp. “We’ve been physical and rallied to the ball.”

KICKING GAME Senior Lucas Shepherd (5-10, 145) will handle both the punting and placekicking.

“He’s a little bigger and stronger, so he’s kicking the ball really well for us right now,” said Knipp.

OVC Knipp didn’t vary from the consensus pick of Ironton as the league favorite.

N. Wright Pennington

L.Blankenship

CHESAPEAKE DEPTH CHART OFFENSE WR

LT

LG

C

RG

RT

TE

QB

RB

WB

WB

PK

4 20 56 55 74 58 54 78 62 58 71 70 22 21 2 5 11 3 28 5 16 33 8 12 6

Levi Blankenship Dannie Maynard Nick Burns Hayden Blankenship Will Schwamberger Spencer Wright Nick Wright Garrett Napier Jadon Brandenburg Spencer Wright Bryce Mount Jaxon Atteberry Hunter Livingston Sam Bevans Ben Bragg Dilen Caldwell Kaleb Stepp Marcus Burnside Curtis Brandenburg Dilen Caldwell Kaleb Stepp Landon Preston Ryan Martin Camron Shockley Lucas Shepherd DEFENSE

DE

NG

DE

OLB

ILB

OLB

CB

CB

SS

SS

FS

P

56 70 74 62 71 58 78 54 28 3 22 45 28 2 16 20 12 8 16 5 16 4 11 6

Nick Burns Jaxon Atteberry Will Schwamberger Jadon Brandenburg Ryan Mount Spencer Wright Garrett Napier Nick Wright Curtis Brandenburg Marcus Burnside Hunter Livingston Julian Pennington Curtis Brandenburg Ben Bragg Kaleb Stepp Dannie Maynard Camron Shockley Ryan Martin Kaleb Stepp Dilen Caldwell Kaleb Stepp Levi Blankenship Mason Giles Lucas Shepherd

chesapeake

Panthers

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football 2021

36

FOOTBALL 2021

Members of the 2021 Green Bobcats football team are: front row from left to right, Austin Summer, Joe Gallagher, Ethan Haslip, Kaleb LaFollette, Austin Ray and Hayden Plymale; second row from left to right, Levi Waddell, Tyler Blanton, Landan Lodwick, Andy Runyon, Daylan Mollett, Isaiah Runyon Chais Lavender and Seth Sowards; third row from left to right, Trevor Sparks, Brett Chaney, Beraxton Conschafsky, Nathaniel Brannigan, Abe McBee, Derek Salyers, Ace Thompson and Ethan Blevins; fourth row from left to right, Levi Botkins, Sean Davis, Landon Lewis, Eli Wheeler, Cole Maynard, Blake Smith, Jonathan Bailey and Merrill Quincy; back row are coaches Pat McDavis, head coach Chad Coffman and Bill Claxon. (Photo By Tim Gearhart)

Bobcats feeling good as life gets normal Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

FRANKLIN FURNACE — There was a song by the late B.J. Thomas called “I’m Hooked On A Feeling.”

Green second-year head coach Chad Coffman is hooked on what might be a good feeling about the status of the Bobcats’ football program coming off the COVID marred season in 2020.

“It feels like we’re back to normal,” said Coffman, whose team was 1-6 last season.

“We couldn’t start lifting until February because of COVID quarantine. But

we’ve been able to get in the weight room now, we have 30 kids and our smallest group is our seniors and we’ve been able to practice a lot better. It feels like we’re starting to build something.”

The Bobcats will have five seniors left by fouryear starter Ethan Hayslip and Kaleb LaFollette as well as Austin Ray, Colin Corey and Lethan Poe. “Those guys will be good contributors for us and you need leaders,” said Coffman.

“Our freshmen have some nice pieces and good freshmen can play in our league.

PLEASE SEE “NORMAL,” PAGE 37

QUICK HITTER

Head Coach: Chad Coffman (1-6 at Green, second season; 29-45 overall, seventh season)

Key Returnees: Austin Ray, Levi Waddell, Derek Salyers, Kaleb LaFollette, Nathaniel Brannigan, Ethan Blevins, Chais Lavender, Ethan Hayslip, Cole Maynard, Lethan Poe, Ace Thompson, Collin Corey, Daylan Mollett, Tyler Blanton, Landan Lodwick.

Key Losses: Ethan Huffman, D.J. Barker, Lonnie Smith, Ricky Nash.

2019 Record: 1-6 (0-5 SOC, sixth) Offense: Veer, Multiple Defense: 50, Multiple Offensive Starters Returning: 7 Defensive Starters Returning: 7

GREEN BOBCATS ROSTER 2021 Green Bobcats Football Roster No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. 1 Trevor Sparks RB-OLB 5-10 150 2 Landan Lodwick RB-DB 5-08 150 3 Austin Ray TE-DB 5-10 170 4 Austin Summers WR-OLB 5-08 150 5 Hayden Plymale WR-DB 5-11 150 6 Levi Waddell WR-DB 5-10 145 7 Derek Salyers QB-DB 5-11 10 8 Abe McBee RB-DB 5-10 175 9 Andy Runyon RB-OLB 5-07 150 10 Quincy Merrill RB-LB 5-06 130 12 Brett Chaney RB-LB 5-09 185 15 Blake Smith RB-DB 5-09 150 16 Kaleb LaFollette WR-DB 6-00 165 RB-DB 6-00 165 22 Nathaniel Brannigan 23 Jonathan Bailey TE-DE 5-09 175 25 Ace Thompson TE-DB 6-00 170 45 Cole Maynard TE-DE 5-09 180 50 Sean Davis G-DT 5-07 150 G-DT 5-09 195 51 Isaiah Runyon 52 Tyler Blanton G-DE 6-01 230 54 Ethan Blevins T-DT 5-11 170 55 Chais Lavender G-LB 5-09 230 60 Braxton Conschafsky C-LB 5-08 180 T-DT 5-08 170 61 Levi Botkins 66 Ethan Hayslip T-LB 6-00 260 68 Seth Sowards T-DT 5-09 210 70 Daylan Mollett T-DE 6-04 240 72 Eli Wheeler T-DE 5-11 220 C-DT 6-03 285 73 Landon Lewis 77 Joe Gallagher T-DT 6-00 285

Ray

LaFollette

Gallagher

Lavender

Mollett

Normal CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36

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

“The kids got better from last year. It may not seem that way in the results, but we really did make some strides. We’re getting older and it will help. The sophomore year is your biggest leap and our biggest group is our sophomores.”

Besides feeling good about his team, Coffman and his team are starting to feel good about the future of the school’s facilities. Green is building a new high school and the new football field is currently under construction.

Coffman said the hopes are to be able to play by the final game of the regular season with Green host Beaver Eastern. In the meantime, the Bobcats will play their home games at Wheelersburg High School with some games on Friday and others on Saturday.

“Instead of playing on a field that’s really old, we’re going to play on a field that is among the better facilities around. It’s pretty exciting. We’re hoping to be on the field this year,” said Coffman.

QUARTERBACK “He has gotten better he’s gotten more comfortable,” said Coffman

McBee

Blanton

2020 Results

Hayslip

37

Green Bobcats Green 8 Fairfield Christian Green 0 Sym. Valley Green 0 Notre Dame Green 0 Northwest Green 14 Sciotoville East Green 6 Eastern Green 40 Fed. Hocking Record: 1-6 (0-5 SOC)

39 51 35 55 22 40 14

(NOTE: Shortened season due to COVID19 restrictions)

of Derek Salyers. “Early in the season, we were kind of overwhelmed and Derek carried the ball 15 times. He had the toughness to do that.

“He’s just a sophomore and he’s only in his third year of playing football.

He went from 140 to 165 (pounds). He should be a weapon.”

Austin Ray and Quincy Merrill are possible backups and newcomer Aiden McBee could be in the mix.

RUNNING BACK The Bobcats will utilize the spread and the wing-T offenses as they adapt to their personnel.

“We’ll have some twoback set with a wingback fullback and a halfback,” said Coffman. “With our experience situation. We’ll have a lot of guys who will carry the ball. If you’re out there, you better block, too.”

The stable of running back candidates include senior Kaleb LaFollette (6-0, 165), juniors Landon Lodwick (5-6, 160) and Andy Runyon (5-7, 150), sophomores Nathaniel Brannigan (6-0, 165), Abe McBee (5-10, 175), Trevor Sparks (5-10, 150) and Brett Chaney (5-9, 185) along with freshman Blake Smith (5-9, 150).

PLEASE SEE “BOBCATS,” PAGE 38

2021 Schedule

FOOTBALL 2021

Green Bobcats August 20 at Meigs Eastern 27 at Fisher Catholic September 4 RIDGEDALE 10 at Manchester 18 FAIRVIEW, Ky. 24 at Symmes Valley# October 1 PRTS. NOTER DAME# 8 NORTHWEST# 15 at Sciotoville East# 22 BEAVER EASTERN# #-Denotes SOC game Head coach: Chad Coffman

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

38

FOOTBALL 2021

Bobcats CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37 “Nathaniel Braningan is bigger, stronger and faster. Kaleb LaFollette and Landon Lodwick ran some last season,” said Coffman.

“Brett Chaney is out this season and has good size and strength and will compete for playing time.

Andy Runyon is small but strong and he’s a little raw but he has potential.

Trevor Sparks isn’t as big but is physical and will carry the ball for us.”

Coffman said Smith is just a freshman but “he’s fast and I like him a lot.”

ENDS The tight end will come from an array of candidates that include senior Austin Ray (5-10, 170), sophomore Ace Thompson (6-0, 170) and freshman Jonathan Bailey (5-9, 175) or possibly one of the running backs or wide receivers.

The wide receivers are expected to be Branningan and Lodwick but Coffman said senior Hayden Plymale (5-11, 150), sophomore Cole Maynard (5-9, 180), freshman Jonathan Bailey (5-9, 175) as well as McBee are all in the mix.

“Austin Ray is experienced and Ace Thompson is bigger and stronger and has caught the ball well.

McBee has good hands and runs good routes,” said Coffman.

“Cole Maynard is an athlete. Jonathan Bailey is a freshman and could play some tight end. LaFollette and Levi Waddell both played some tight end last season and may figure in the mix. Hayden Plymale has shown good speed and has been physical and could play either tight end or wide receiver.”

OFFENSIVE LINE

Sophomore Braxton Conschafsky (5-8, 180) took over the center position at the middle of last season and should be solid this season.

“He was a building block who made us better. He’s a hard-working kid and he’s gotten a lot stronger,” said Coffman.

Freshman Landon Lewis (6-3, 285) is a freshman “who has always played center” and senior Ethan Hayslip (6-0, 260) could play the position if needed.

Junior Chaise Lavender (5-9, 230) is back at one guard and Coffman said “He’s a strong kid and if he steps up he can be a nice player.”

Junior Isaiah Runyon (5-9, 195) is playing football for the first time but has been impressive and could be the left guard. “(Runyon) wrestled and liked it and he likes to lift and is strong and quick.

We think he can be successful,” said Coffman.

Maynard could play guard if needed along with junior Tyler Blanton (6-1, 230).

“We have to be a little versatile on the offensive line,” said Coffman.

Hayslip will be back at tackle and Coffman said “he’s our best lineman.

His weight is down, he’s stronger and moving better. He has the experience and he can play anywhere on the offensive line. It’s nice to have a luxury like him.”

Junior Daylan Mollett (6-4, 240) will be the other tackle and Coffman said “He’s gotten stronger. He got his feet wet last season.”

PLEASE SEE “GREEN,” PAGE 39

GREEN

DEPTH CHART OFFENSE WR

WR

LT

LG

C

RG

RT

TE

QB

RB

RB

PK

45 23 8 6 70 72 51 45 60 73 55 52 66 52 25 3 7 3 16 2 22 1 12 55

Cole Maynard Jonathan Bailey Abe McBee Levi Waddell Daylan Mollett Eli Wheeler Isaiah Runyon Cole Maynard Braxton Conschafsky Landon Lewis Chais Lavender Tyler Blanton Ethan Hayslip Tyler Blanton Ace Thompson Austin Ray Derek Salyers Austin Ray Kaleb Follette Landon Lodwick Nathaniel Brannigan Trevor Sparks Brett Chaney Chais Lavender DEFENSE

DE

DT

DT

DE

ILB

ILB

OLB

OLB

CB

CB

S

P

70 52 51 52 72 55 45 23 12 55 66 55 60 8 1 51 5 8 6 2 10 22 3 66

Daylan Mollett Tyler Blanton Isaiah Runyon Tyler Blanton Eli Wheeler Chais Lavender Cole Maynard Jonathan Bailey Brett Chaney Chais Lavender Ethan Hayslip Chais Lavender Braxton Conschafsky Abe McBee Trevor Sparks Isaiah Runyon Hayden Plymale Abe McBee Levi Waddell Landan Lodwick Quincy Merrill Nathaniel Brannigan Austin Ray Ethan Hayslip

FOOTBALL 2021

39

Green

NFHS study reveals drop of concussions in football

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38 Junior Tyler Blanton (6-1, 230) is in the mix at tackle with freshman Eli Wheeler (5-11, 220) another backup.

Joe Gallagher (6-0, 285) is a sophomore who played some as a freshman and could be another candidate at guard or tackle.

DEFENSIVE LINE The Bobcats have some versatility on the defensive line. Coffman said “We have a lot of guys at tackle we can play.”

Runyon and Wheeler should be the tackles with Blanton and Lavender also in the rotation.

The ends will be Maynard and Mollett while Blanton and Bailey could also play at end.

“We can move them all around,” said Coffman.

LINEBACKER Hayslip has moved from the defensive line to inside linebacker along with Chaney. Lavender will be the backup.

Conschafsky has moved to the outside but Coffman said “he can play on the outside but could end up on the inside. We have a lot of options on the outside.”

Sparks will be on one side with Conschafsky. McBee has been with the outside backers and secondary.

Runyon could play outside along with Plymale.

SECONDARY Brannigan is back at safety and possible backups are Ray and McBee.

Salyers

Conschafsky

Lodwick is expected to play at corner along with McBee. Ray should be in the mix at corner as well.

Junior Levi Waddell (5-10, 145) is capable of playing corner while freshman Quincy Merrill (5-6, 130) could see time at safety.

Freshman Blake Smith (5-9, 150) could play corner but could also play outside linebacker.

KICKING GAME Lavender kicked some last season and will battle Hayslip for the punting job.

Both will work for the kickoff job.

Hayslip will be the placekicker.

SOUTHERN OHIO CONFERENCE Coffman said that Northwest is the favorite to repeat.

“It’s Northwest’s to lose.

They have so many more kids than the rest of the league. Symmes Valley has a good senior group and should be pretty good,” said Coffman.

“Eastern lost a lot of skilled kids but they still have potential. Notre Dame got better last season and they’re well-coached. East and us didn’t lose much and we’re similar teams.”

Brannigan

Lodwick

The NFHS and its member associations’ attempts to further minimize the risk of head trauma and concussion in football have proven effective, according to data of individual studies prepared by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Dr. R. Dawn Comstock, director of the National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance System and associate professor of epidemiology at Colorado Children’s Hospital.

Comstock’s study revealed a notable decline in sports-related concussion rates during football practice. Although the overall rate and number of competition-related concussions increased during the 2015-16 season, Comstock found that the rate of concussions during practice dropped below 5.0 per 1,000 athletic exposures to 4.77 for the first time since 2010-11, when it was 3.11.

“Clearly, if there’s less opportunity for injury as a result of limiting total contact time, we will see less concussions, as well as other injuries,” said Michael Koester, M.D., Chair, NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC). “However, some of the decrease in the concussion rate is also likely coming from coaches teaching and enforcing proper blocking and tackling techniques.”

In July 2014, at the request of the NFHS Board of Directors, a task force on concussion management was organized to discuss strategies geared towards reducing head impacts and minimizing concussion risk in high school football players. The strategies discussed were to limit the participation of student-athletes during contests and practices, as well as during activities conducted outside of the fall football season, namely during spring and summer practices.

The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) implemented new contact-reduction rules for the 2014 season that prohibited full contact during the first week of practice, limited full contact to 75 minutes during week two, and capped it at 60 minutes for each week thereafter.

A 2015 study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference and Exhibition in Washington, D.C., revealed that the rate of concussions during the 2014 season was reduced by more than 50 percent from the previous two seasons.

“This study confirms what athletic trainers who work with high school football programs have long believed regarding the association of full contact drills or practices and the likelihood a player will sustain a concussion,” said Wisconsin-Madison senior scientist Timothy A. McGuine, PhD, ATC.

PLEASE SEE “CONCUSSIONS” PAGE 48

40

FOOTBALL 2021

SOUTH POINT POINTERS SOUTH POINT POINTERS Members of the 2021 South Point Pointers football team are: front row from left to right, Rece Craft, Damon Barker, Corey Renn, Blaine Freeman, Austin Hunt, Luke Byrd, JT Morrison, Malik Pegram, Josiah Martin, Mason Kazee, Alex Lambert, Maddox McCallister, Christian Webb, Owen Barker, Dontae Harris, Cody Layman-Spurlock and Anna Fahey; second row from left to right, Not sure who, Dazvon Jones, Trey Rutherford, Marquise Young, Elijah Wilburn, Xavier Haney, Owen Fredrick, Anthony burks, Maurice Long, Jalyn Anderson, Jordan Ermalovich, Gage Chapman, Kamren Wilkerson, Brayden Hanshaw, Owen Barker, Ryan Jeffers and Eli Crager. (Photo By Tim Gearhart)

Pointers hoping to be more potent on offense Jim Walker

QUICK HITTER

PLEASE SEE “POTENT,” PAGE 42

Head Coach: Chris Davis (1-8 at South Point and overall, second season)

Assistant Coaches: Dave McCallister, Brandon Haynes, Darren Baker, Bob Holcombe.

Key Returnees: Maddox McCallister, Malik Pegram, Jordan Ermalovich, J.T. Morrison, Dontae Harris, Alex Lambert, Austin Hunt, Maurice Long, Josiah Martin, Blaine Freeman, Gage Chapman, Anthony Burks, Luke Byrd.

Key Losses: Bennett McCallister, Darryl Taylor, Cody Brandt, Justin Collins, Brendan Dillon, Josh Jackson, T.J. Wong.

2019 Record: 1-8 (0-5 OVC, eighth) Offense: Spread, multiple Defense: 4-3, multiple Offensive Starters Returning: 8 Defensive Starters Returning: 5

SOUTH POINT POINT 2021 Schedule

SOUTH POINT — Chris Davis may not play the stock market, but he made a few calculated moves this season that could pay dividends.

A change at quarterback to bolster the receiving corps and a blitz in the weight room could have the South Point Pointers on the rebound from last season’s COVID marred schedule that left them with a 1-9 record.

“I think we’re going to be a little more potent on offense,” Davis said about the effect of the preseason moves.

But a big plus was the team’s ability to return to the weight room that will add to the valuable lessons learned from a year of experience last season.

“Our linemen have a season under their belt and now they know what’s going on.

Those freshmen were kind of green and got some experience. With those big linemen, we’re going to try to run the ball a lot,” said Davis.

“The lifting of the COVID restrictions allowed us back in the weight room in the spring and we had a good offseason of lifting that has really helped.”

South Point Pointers August 20 at Boyd County 7:30 27 at Alexander 7:30 September 3 RIVER VALLEY 7:00 10 COAL GROVE# 7:00 17 IRONTON# 7:00 24 at Rock Hill# 7:00 October 1 FAIRLAND# 7:00 8 at Chesapeake# 7:00 15 at Portsmouth# 7:00 22 GALLIPOLIS# 7:00 #-Denotes OVC game Coach: Chris Davis

2020 Results

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

South Point Pointers So. Point 0 Gallipolis 41 So. Point 14 Portsmouth 31 So. Point 0 Chesapeake 42 So. Point 7 Fairland 47 So. Point 28 Rock Hill 34 So. Point DNP Ironton cancelled So. Point 7 Zane Trace 56 So. Point 0 Huntington Ross 13 So. Point 10 River Valley 9 Playoffs 42 So. Point 8 Wellston Record: 1-8 (0-5 OVC)

SOUTH POINT POINT

FOOTBALL 2021

41

2021 South Point Pointers Football Roster 2021 South Point Pointers Football Roster No. Player Pos. Gr. 5 Maddox McCallister RB-OLB Sr. 7 Malik Pegram RB-WR-CB Sr. 13 Alex Lambert TE-DE Sr. 22 Josiah Martin WR-DE Sr. 25 Austin Hunt WR-LB Sr. 41 J.T. Morrison RB-CB Sr. 52 Christian Webb OL-DL Sr. 66 Luke Byrd OL-DE Sr. 1 Jordan Ermalovich QB-S Jr. 23 Marquise Young RB-CB Jr. 35 Trey Rutherford WB-LB Jr. 63 Ryan Jeffers OL-DL Jr. 65 Xathan Haney OL-DE Jr. 72 Maurice Long OL-DL Jr. 75 Owen Barker OL-DL Jr. 76 Cagen Rowe OL-DL Jr.

3 Owen Fredrick 9 Xavier Haney 10 Cody Layman-Spurlock 11 Rece Craft 21 Blaine Freeman 29 Gage Chapman 30 Elijah Wilburn 60 Anthony Burks 78 Dontae Harris 87 Jalyn Anderson 6 Corey Renn 12 Brayden Hanshaw 15 Kamren Wilkerson 40 Anna Fahey 50 Damon Barker 53 Eli Crager 62 Dazvon Jones Head coach: Chris Davis

WB-DE QB-LB WR-DE WR-S RB-LB WR-LB WR-CB OL-DL OL-DL TE-DE RB-CB WR-DB WR-DB RB-LB OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL

So. So. So. So. So. So. So. So. So. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr.

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42

FOOTBALL 2021

SOUTH POINT DEPTH CHART McCallister

Pegram

Morrison

Byrd

Hunt

Lambert

Martin

Ermalovich

Potent CONTINUED FROM PAGE 40 QUARTERBACK What may be the key move for the Pointers was Davis inserting junior Jordan Ermalovich (6-0, 161) at the helm after being the backup the past two seasons.

The move was possible because senior Malik Pegram (5-10, 160) was able to shift to wide receiver and slot back.

“Ermalovich a very, very smart kid. Athletic, good at reading the defense and has a command of the offense,” said Davis. “He played jayvee ball the last two years and learned. He can do a lot of stuff.”

Sophomore Xavier Haney (5-8, 155) and Pegram will the backups.

RUNNING BACK Sen i o r M addox McCallister (5-9, 185) was a big weapon in the Pointers’ offense last season and will be counted on to be a threat once again.

Joining McCallister in the backfield will be senior J.T. Morrison. Another candidate is sophomore Blaine Freeman (5-6, 160).

“Freeman is going to be a good one,” said Davis.

“Morrison just came out last year and he’s a senior who will play. J.T. is my speed guy and the other two are up the middle.

Maddox is versatile. I can put him out in the slot if we need.”

TIGHT TEND Senior Alex Lambert (5-11, 175) is back at tight end. Lambert has good size, experience and is a good athlete at the position.

Senior Austin Hunt (6-2, 190) will provide depth and could see some playing time.

WIDE RECEIVERS Pegram will use his athletic skills as a slot back to catch the ball and run. He can sometimes play wide receiver.

Senior Josiah Martin (6-1, 195) will play wide receiver. Martin played mostly on the defensive side.

Sophomore Elijah Wilburn (5-7, 135) can also play and Davis said “he has some speed.’

PLEASE SEE “POINTERS,” PAGE 44

OFFENSE WR

WR

LT

LG

C

RG

RT

TE

QB

RB

RB

PK

7 30 22 30 78 75 66 65 65 66 66 52 72 75 13 25 1 9 5 21 41 21 16

Malik Pegram Elijah Wilburn Josiah Martin Elijah Wilburn Dontae Harris Owen Barker Luke Byrd Xavier Haney Xathan Haney Luke Byrd Luke Byrd Hunter Berry Maurice Long Owen Barker Alex Lambert Austin Hunt Jordan Ermalovich Xavier Haney Maddox McCallister Blaine Freeman J.T. Morrison Blaine Freeman Mason Kazee

DEFENSE DE

DT

NG

DT

DE

LB

LB

CB

CB

S

S

P

22 66 60 75 75 52 72 75 13 66 5 25 29 25 7 1 6 12 1 5 5 12 78

Josiah Martin Luke Byrd Dontae Harris Owen Barker Owen Barker Hunter Berry Maurice Long Owen Barker Alex Lambert Luke Byrd Maddox McCallister Austin Hunt Gage Chapman Austin Hunt Malik Pegram Jordan Ermalovich J.T. Morrison Braden Hanshaw Jordan Ermalovich Maddox McCallister Maddox McCallister Braden Hanshaw Dontae Harris

SOUTH POINT

Pointers

Some teams play football.

At South Point... we live it!

FOOTBALL 2021

44

OHSAA Football Region Assignments Division 7 ID School City Division Region 172 BEALLSVILLE BEALLSVILLE VII 27 204 BERNE UNION SUGAR GROVE VII 27 222 BISHOP ROSECRANS ZANESVILLE VII 27 250 BRIDGEPORT BRIDGEPORT VII 27 296 CALDWELL CALDWELL VII 27 314 CARDINGTON-LINCOLN CARDINGTON VII 27 418 CONOTTON VALLEY BOWERSTON VII 27 454 DANVILLE DANVILLE VII 27 498 EAST KNOX HOWARD VII 27 494 EASTERN REEDSVILLE VII 27 553 FAIRFIELD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY LANCASTER VII 27 594 FISHER CATHOLIC LANCASTER VII 27 618 FRONTIER NEW MATAMORAS VII 27 681 GROVE CITY CHRISTIAN GROVE CITY VII 27 1036 MILLER CORNING VII 27 1040 MILLERSPORT MILLERSPORT VII 27 1063 MONROE CENTRAL WOODSFIELD VII 27 1090 NEWARK CATHOLIC NEWARK VII 27 1296 RIDGEDALE MORRAL VII 27 1306 RIVER HANNIBAL VII 27 1406 SHADYSIDE SHADYSIDE VII 27 1453 SOUTH GALLIA CROWN CITY VII 27 1454 SOUTHERN RACINE VII 27 1494 STRASBURG-FRANKLIN STRASBURG VII 27 1540 TRIMBLE GLOUSTER VII 27 1556 TUSCARAWAS CENTRAL CATHOLIC NEW PHILADELPHIA VII 27 1628 WATERFORD Waterford VII 27

Pointers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 42

OFFENSIVE LINE With the loss of All-Ohio center Bennett McCallister, junior Xathan Haney (5-10, 190) will take over the center position.

“He’s a very, very smart kid.

He’s play center for the jayvees the past two years, so he’s worked his way up,” said Davis.

The guards will be sophomore Anthony Burks (5-9, 265) who started as a freshman and his running mate on the other side will be Luke Byrd (6-0, 190) who is the only senior on the offensive line.

At tackle will be veteran sophomore Dantae Harris (5-11, 315) and massive junior Maurice Long who stands 6-foot-6, 285 pounds.

“Long wrestled and lost about 30 pounds. He moved good them and he’s even quicker now,” said Davis.

Byrd will also serve as the

122 ANSONIA ANSONIA VII 28 246 BRADFORD BRADFORD VII 28 324 CATHOLIC CENTRAL SPRINGFIELD VII 28 328 CEDARVILLE CEDARVILLE VII 28 9272 CINCINNATI COLLEGE PREPARATORY ACADEMY Cincinnati VII 28 492 EASTERN BEAVER VII 28 576 FAYETTEVILLE-PERRY FAYETTEVILLE VII 28 602 FORT LORAMIE FORT LORAMIE VII 28 668 GREEN FRANKLIN FURNACE VII 28 715 HILLCREST TRAINING SCHOOL CINCINNATI VII 28 776 JEFFERSON TWP DAYTON VII 28 852 LEHMAN CATHOLIC SIDNEY VII 28 886 LOCKLAND LOCKLAND VII 28 938 MANCHESTER MANCHESTER VII 28 958 MARION LOCAL MARIA STEIN VII 28 1023 MIAMI VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY CINCINNATI VII 28 1054 MISSISSINAWA VALLEY UNION CITY VII 28 1092 NEW BREMEN NEW BREMEN VII 28 1104 NEW MIAMI Hamilton VII 28 1178 NOTRE DAME Portsmouth VII 28 1298 RIDGEMONT Mt. Victory VII 28 1310 RIVERSIDE DE GRAFF VII 28 484 SCIOTOVILLE COMMUNITY PORTSMOUTH VII 28 1452 SOUTHEASTERN LOCAL SOUTH CHARLESTON VII 28 1352 ST HENRY ST HENRY VII 28 1562 TRI-COUNTY NORTH LEWISBURG VII 28 1546 TRI-VILLAGE New Madison VII 28 1553 TROY CHRISTIAN TROY VII 28

backup at center. Junior Owen Barker (5-10, 360) is a backup at tackle.

DEFENSIVE LINE The defensive line has plenty of size. Davis said “we’ve got over a thousand pounds on the D-line.”

Barker will be the nose guard with Harris and Long the tackles. The ends will come from Lambert and Martin.

Burk will rotate up front at end.

LINEBACKERS McCallister, Hunt and sophomore Gage Chapman (5-8, 165) head the linebacking corps.

McCallister will play some at safety, too.

“I’m very happy with our defense. I was kind of worried about that,” said Davis.

SECONDARY Pegram and Morrison will be the cornerbacks to give the Pointers good speed.

Wilburn is the backup and possibly freshman Braden Hanshaw (6-2, 150).

Ermalovich will be the free safety with Morrison his backup.

KICKING GAME Harris will be the punter with Mason Kazee from the soccer team handling the placements.

“Kazee has a strong leg on him. He’s done pretty well,” said Davis.

OHIO VA L L E Y CONFERENCE Davis pointed toward a run-oriented conference and the difficulty teams face from week to week.

“It’s going to be tough as always. These are tough, hardnosed teams,” said Davis.

“Ironton’s going to line up and be smashmouth. Coal Grove’s going to be smashmouth, Rock Hill’s going to be smashmouth.

Up and down the league it’s like that.”

Long

Barker

Harris

FOOTBALL 2021

45

Members of the 2021 Fairland Dragons football team are: front row from left to right, J.D. Brumfield, Zander Schmidt, Gavin Davis, Zack Stepp, Riley Kazee, Alec Bruce, Trey Black, Alec Dement, R.J. Ward, and Casey Hudson; second row from left to right, Donnie Nolan, Nate Chianesi, Steeler Leep, Steven Rhodes, Sam Ward, Mason Ward, Justin McKee, Zion Martin, and Copper Cummings; third row from left to right, Dylan Stone, Jentin Padilla, Ryan McLain, Garrett Spence, Peyton Jackson, Brycen Hunt, Christian Collins, AJ McComas, and Ryan Dixon; and fourth row from left to right, Ellias Blankenship, Garrett Cornwell, Spencer Blevins, Diante Bryant, Nate Cox, Dillon Maddox, Kam Kitts, Ethan Wall, and Lucas Bompus; fifth row from left to right, Will Callicoat, Quentin Cremeans, Jack Hayden, Ethan Stewart, Isaiah McNicol, Keegan Smith, CJ Graham and Cooper Charles; not pictured were Harley Porter and Nick Knight. (Photo By Tim Gearhart)

Dragons using last season for motivation

Jim Walker

QUICK HITTER

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

PROCTORVILLE — Fairland Dragons coach Melvin Cunningham was pleased with the results of last season.

But for him, last season is over and it’s only a positive factor if you use it for the current season.

The Dragons reached the regional football finals for the first time in the program’s history last season. But that was the past and Cunningham’s focus has already shifted to the present.

“We’re excited about what we have returning. But just like any other season, you’ve got to play games every Friday night,” said Cunningham.

“But we’re just trying to stay grounded and working in the dark so that no one knows what to attack.

“We’re still growing on offense. We have J.D. Brumfield back, we have Zander Schmidt back. We have Casey Hudson. Obviously, those three are going to lead the way in what we do.”

PLEASE SEE “MOTIVATION,” PAGE 46

Head Coach: Melvin Cunningham (29-31 at Fairland, seventh season; 37-43 overall, ninth season) Assistant Coaches: Jordan Michael, Mark Hinkle, Michael Jackson, Aaron Murray, Woody Kincaid, Chance Short.

Key Returnees: J.D. Brumfield, Zander Schmidt, Riley Kazee, Casey Hudson, Michael Lucas, Justin McKee, Steven Rhodes, Trey Black, Steeler Leep, Peyton Jackson, Brycen Hunt.

Key Losses: Jordan Williams, Gavin Hunt, Max Ward, Logan Hamlin, Emma Marshall.

2020 Record: 8-2 (D6 regional runners-up; 5-1 OVC, tied second) Offense: Pro Set, Multiple Defense: 4-3, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 8 Returning Defensive Starters: 8

46

FAIRLAND

DEPTH CHART OFFENSE WR

WR

LT

LG

C

RG

RT

WR

QB

RB

RB

PK

8 1 27 9 51 62 56 57 52 61 53 59 50 75 10 7 12 15 2 1 3 27 24

Zander Schmidt Kam Kitts Steeler Leep Gavin Davis Steven Rhodes Michael Lucas Casey Hudson Ryan Dixon Mason Ward Corey Newman Alex Dement Cooper Charles Trey Black Justin McKee Brycen Hunt Christian Collins Peyton Jackson Ethan Wall J.D. Brumfield Kam Kitts Zion Martin Steeler Leep Alex Bruce

Motivation CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45 Fairland finished last season 8-2 and Division 6 Region 23 runners-up. Although the Dragons lost 47-7 to Fort Frye in the regional finals, Cunningham said it was a blessing in disguise.

“They made us different. Sometimes your biggest challenge is also your biggest blessing. Fort Frye was definitely our biggest challenge. If you want to be like those type teams, you’ve got to work like them,” said Cunningham.

Last season was just another step in the progression of the program for Cunningham who said today’s youth face a lot of challenges and athletics are ae great way to learn how to deal with their problems.

“In today’s society with all the things going on outside of sports, you’ve got to teach kids to be mentally and physically tough. It’s not something we preach, it’s something we teach,” said Cunningham.

“I don’t believe in slogans on the wall. We teach our kids to handle situations in life.”

RUNNING BACK With the losses of wide receiver Gavin Hunt and quarterback Max Ward, the Dragons’ offense took a big hit.

But all is not lost with the return of senior running back J.D. Brumfield (6-0, 195) who has size, speed and strength and will be the hub of the offense.

Junior Zion Martin (5-10, 204) has been a pleasant addition to give the Dragons a strong second option in the backfield.

PLEASE SEE “DRAGONS,” PAGE 47 DEFENSE DT 56 Casey Hudson

51 Steven Rhodes DT 54 R.J. Ward

74 Nick Knight DT 75 Justin McKee

53 Alec Dement OLB 8 Zander Schmidt

16 Zach Stepp MLB 23 Riley Kazee 21 Quentin Cremeans

MLB 57 Ryan Dixon

11 Cooper Cummings OLB 20 Garrett Spence

22 Sam Ward Zion Martin CB 3

10 Brycen Hunt CB 1 Kam Kitts

26 Jack Hayden S 2 J.D.Brumfield 6 Nate Chianesi

S 27 Steeler Leep

7 Christian Collins P 8 Zander Schmidt

Brumfield

Schmidt

Hudson

Kazee

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FOOTBALL 2021

Fairland Football Roster 2020 Fairland Dragons Football Roster No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. 1 Kam Kitts RB-DB 5-10 150 RB-LB 6-00 195 2 J.D. Brumfield 3 Zion Martin RB-LB 5-10 204 RB-DB 5-07 135 4 Lucas Bompus 5 C.J. Graham WR-DB 5-06 105 6 Nate Chianesi WR-LB 6-04 185 WR-DB 6-00 150 7 Christian Collins 8 Zander Schmidt QB-DB 6-00 185 9 Gavin Davis WR-DB 6-02 185 10 Brycen Hunt WR-DB 6-00 145 11 Cooper Cummings RB-LB 5-10 195 QB-DB 5-11 160 12 Peyton Jackson 13 Keegan Smith WR-DB 5-10 150 14 Nathaneul Cox WR-DB 5-09 140 15 Ethan Wall QB-DB 6-02 181 RB-DL 5-10 165 16 Zack Stepp 17 Jentin Padillia WR-DB 5-09 150 RB-LB 6-00 160 20 Garrett Spence 21 Quentin Cremeans RB-DB 6-00 190 22 Sam Ward WR-LB 5-11 170 RB-LB 5-10 220 23 Riley Kazee 24 Alex Bruce PK 5-09 150 RB-DL 5-07 140 25 Isaiah McNicol 26 Jack Hayden WR-DB 5-07 120 27 Steeler Leep RB-DB 5-09 165 P 6-05 200 28 Sam Dudley 32 Will Callicoat RB-LB 5-07 140 WR-DB 6-00 145 33 Diante Bryant 50 Trey Black OL-DL 5-10 210 51 Steven Rhoades OL-DL 6-00 225 OL-DL 5-10 190 52 Mason Ward 53 Alec Dement OL-DL 5-10 225 54 R.J. Ward OL-DL 5-10 235 55 A.J. McComas OL-DL 5-07 230 56 Casey Hudson OL-DL 6-02 210 57 Ryan Dixon OL-LB 6-01 215 59 Cooper Charles OL-DL 5-10 220 62 Ryan McLain OL-DL 5-08 220 64 Maddox Dillon OL-DL 5-11 200 65 Dylan Stone OL-DL 5-11 200 66 Harley Porter OL-DL 5-10 200 70 Garrett Cornwell OL-DL 6-00 200 72 Spencer Blevins OL-DL 6-02 345 73 Ellias Blankenship OL-DL 5-08 185 74 Nick Knight OL-DL 6-02 400 75 Justin McKee OL-DL 6-00 255 78 Ethan Stewart OL-DL 6-03 300 81 Donnie Nolan TE-DL 5-07 210

Dragons CONTINUED FROM PAGE 46

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

47

QUARTERBACK With Ward taking his 1,000-plus yard passing season with him at graduation, it created a job opening that has been filled by sophomore Peyton Jackson (5-11, 160) who has a solid arm and adds some speed that gives the offense a run-pass option.

“Just seeing his growth process and how he’s able to process information and get acclimated to the speed of the game so quickly has been pleasing to see,” said Cunningham.

“We’re going to be a little bit different because his skill set is a little bit different than quarterbacks we’ve had in the past.”

The backup will be fresh-

man Ethan Wall (6-2, 181) and senior Zander Schmidt (6-0, 185).

WIDE RECEIVER The versatile Schmidt is back at one receiver position and will be joined by Hunt for a speedy and talented one-two punch.

No, not Gavin Hunt.

The Division 6 Southeast District Co-Offensive Player of the Year is gone but his younger brother is set to fill his shoes.

Sophomore Brycen Hunt (6-0, 145) is like his brother as he boasts speed and athleticism.

Another target is junior Steeler Leep (5-9, 165) who adds yet another strong target to make Jackson’s learning season easier.

PLEASE SEE “FAIRLAND,” PAGE 48

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FOOTBALL 2021

Concussions CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39 “This is probably also true for other football injuries such as sprains, fractures and dislocations.”

Wisconsin-Madison’s study employed data from the Wisconsin Interscholastic Sports Injury Research Network, which recruited and enrolled more than 16,000 student-athletes from 103 high schools and sports venues throughout Wisconsin.

When the NFHS released its recommendations and guidelines at the July 2014 NFHS Concussion Summit

Task Force, the Missouri State High School Activities Association’s (MSHSAA) football advisory committee convened to discuss USA Football’s five levels of contact: “Air,” “Bags,” “Control,” “Live Action,” and “Thud.”

The NFHS task force suggested a restriction in practice for the full-contact levels, “Live Action” and “Thud.”

According to recently retired MSHSAA Associate Executive Director Harvey Richards, the MSHSAA opted for a two-year, “methodic” study to

gauge how much contact is actually taking place during a high school football game.

“If we’re looking at an actual football game, how much contact is occurring during that game? About 12 or 14 minutes? It’s not three hours’ worth of contact,” Richards said.

As part of the MSHSAA study, now in its second year, 31 coaches across the state script their practices so the MSHSAA has details on the length, level of contact and how many people are involved in practice activity.

Fairland CONTINUED FROM PAGE 47

McKee

Rhodes

Martin

Jackson

Hunt

Ward

Dement

2021 Schedule

Black

and Rhodes will provide backup help.

LINEBACKERS Senior Riley Kazee (5-10, 220) is back at middle linebacker along with sophomore Ryan Dixon (6-1, 215) his running mate.

Providing backup support will be freshman Quentin Cremeans (6-0 190) and junior Cooper Cummings (5-10, 195).

On the outside will be Schmidt and sophomore Garrett Spence (6-0, 160) with junior Sam Ward (5-11, 170) and senior Zack Stepp (5-10, 165) their backups.

SECONDARY Freshman Kam Kitts (5-10, 150) has impressed so much he’s going to get a chance to start at one cornerback spot while Martin will be on the other side.

The free safety will be Leep with the hard-hitting Brumfield moving from linebacker where he earned All-Ohio honors to take over the strong safety position.

KICKING GAME Schmidt will again handle the punting duties but the Dragons will have a new placekicker as senior Alex Bruce (5-9, 150) takes over for the graduated Emma Marshall who had the job the past two seasons.

Fairland Dragons August 21 at Portsmouth West 7:00 27 at Oak Hill 7:00 September 3 at Ironton# 7:00 10 at Tolsia, W.Va. 7:30 17 ROCK HILL# 7:00 24 GALLIPOLIS# 7:00 October 1 at South Point# 7:00 8 PORTSMOUTH# 7:00 15 at Coal Grove# 7:00 22 at Chesapeake# 7:00 #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Melvin Cunningham

2020 Results

OFFENSIVE LINE Junior Mason Ward (5-10, 190) returns and will be the center. He will be flanked by senior Alec Dement (5-10, 225) at right guard and senior Casey Hudson (6-2, 210) at left guard.

The right tackle will be senior Trey Black (5-10, 210) while junior Steven Rhodes (6-0, 225) is back on the other side.

“I think Casey Hudson is the best lineman in our league. He could very well be the best lineman on both sides of the football. He’s that special,” said Cunningham.

DEFENSIVE LINE Cunningham has shaken up the defensive lineup to put the Dragons in more of an attack mode.

“We have depth. We think depth is going to be the difference in our ball club,” he said.

The three defensive tackles are all returning starters. Junior Justin McKee (6-0, 255) back at left tackle where he is 20 pounds lighter, senior R.J. Ward (5-10, 235) is in the middle with Hudson on the right side.

Junior Nick Knight (6-2, 400), Dement

Fairland Dragons Fairland 28 Chesapeake 13 Fairland 27 Coal Grove 21 Fairland 34 Portsmouth 6 Fairland 47 South Point 7 47 Fairland 43 Gallipolis Fairland 42 Rock Hill 6 Playoffs Fairland 41 Rock Hill 7 Fairland 40 Nelsonville-York 28 Fairland 27 Coal Grove 12 Fairland 7 Fort Frye 47 Record: 8-2 (5-1 OVC)

FOOTBALL 2021

49

OHSAA Football Region Assignments Division 6 2021 OHSAA Division V Football ID School City Division Region 105 AFRICENTRIC EARLY COLLEGE COLUMBUS VI 23 162 BARNESVILLE BARNESVILLE VI 23 194 BELPRE BELPRE VI 23 284 BUCKEYE TRAIL LORE CITY VI 23 334 CENTERBURG CENTERBURG VI 23 442 CROOKSVILLE CROOKSVILLE VI 23 458 DAWSON-BRYANT COAL GROVE VI 23 524 ELGIN MARION VI 23 556 FAIRLAND PROCTORVILLE VI 23 598 FORT FRYE BEVERLY VI 23 614 FREDERICKTOWN FREDERICKTOWN VI 23 664 GRANDVIEW HEIGHTS COLUMBUS VI 23 9592 KIPP Columbus Columbus VI 23 900 LOUDONVILLE LOUDONVILLE VI 23 1072 MOUNT GILEAD MOUNT GILEAD VI 23 1084 NELSONVILLE-YORK NELSONVILLE VI 23 1096 NEWCOMERSTOWN NEWCOMERSTOWN VI 23 1144 NORTHMOR GALION VI 23 1150 NORTHRIDGE JOHNSTOWN VI 23 1318 ROCK HILL IRONTON VI 23 1418 SHENANDOAH SARAHSVILLE VI 23 1450 SOUTHEASTERN CHILLICOTHE VI 23 1514 SYMMES VALLEY WILLOW WOOD VI 23 1586 VALLEY LUCASVILLE VI 23 1682 WEST JEFFERSON West Jefferson VI 23

1740 WORTHINGTON CHRISTIAN Worthington VI 23

102 ADENA FRANKFORT VI 24 110 ALLEN EAST Harrod VI 24 120 ANNA ANNA VI 24 130 ARCANUM ARCANUM VI 24 368 CINCINNATI COUNTRY DAY CINCINNATI VI 24 394 COLDWATER COLDWATER VI 24 430 COVINGTON COVINGTON VI 24 460 DAYTON CHRISTIAN MIAMISBURG VI 24 462 DEER PARK CINCINNATI VI 24 470 DIXIE NEW LEBANON VI 24 544 FAIRBANKS Milford Center VI 24 604 FORT RECOVERY FORT RECOVERY VI 24 672 GREENEVIEW JAMESTOWN VI 24 744 HUNTINGTON CHILLICOTHE VI 24 9461 JAMES N GAMBLE MONTESSORI Cincinnati VI 24 772 JEFFERSON DELPHOS VI 24 1004 MECHANICSBURG MECHANICSBURG VI 24 1018 MIAMI EAST CASSTOWN VI 24 1052 MINSTER MINSTER VI 24 1082 NATIONAL TRAIL NEW PARIS VI 24 JOB # 1136 NORTHEASTERN SPRINGFIELD VI 24 3008 1226 PAINT VALLEY BAINBRIDGE VI 24 1230 PARKWAY ROCKFORD VI 24 area7WIB-n/a-letterhead-12/19/1 1340 ST BERNARD-ELMWOOD PLACE ST BERNARD VI 24 1538 TRIAD NORTH LEWISBURG VI 24 Imprint area/Size: n/

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OHSAA Football Region Assignments Division 5 2021 OHSAA Division V Football ID School City Division Region 1742 WYNFORD BUCYRUS V 18 108 ALEXANDER Albany V 19 114 AMANDA-CLEARCREEK AMANDA V 19 220 BISHOP READY COLUMBUS V 19 362 CHESAPEAKE CHESAPEAKE V 19 410 COLUMBUS ACADEMY GAHANNA V 19 426 COSHOCTON COSHOCTON V 19 1737 HARVEST PREPARATORY Canal Winchester V 19 760 IRONTON IRONTON V 19 794 JOHNSTOWN JOHNSTOWN V 19 866 LIBERTY UNION BALTIMORE V 19 1008 MEIGS POMEROY V 19 1048 MINFORD MINFORD V 19 1068 MORGAN MC CONNELSVILLE V 19 1100 NEW LEXINGTON NEW LEXINGTON V 19 1166 NORTHWEST MC DERMOTT V 19 1186 OAK HILL OAK HILL V 19 1256 PIKETON PIKETON V 19 1268 PORTSMOUTH PORTSMOUTH V 19 1270 PORTSMOUTH WEST WEST PORTSMOUTH V 19 1300 RIDGEWOOD WEST LAFAYETTE V 19 816 RIVER VALLEY BIDWELL V 19 1458 SOUTH POINT SOUTH POINT V 19 1584 UTICA UTICA V 19 1652 WELLSTON WELLSTON V 19 1690 WEST MUSKINGUM ZANESVILLE V 19 1676 WESTFALL WILLIAMSPORT V 19 1696 WHEELERSBURG WHEELERSBURG V 19 1752 ZANE TRACE CHILLICOTHE V 19 206 BETHEL TIPP CITY V 20 228 BLANCHESTER BLANCHESTER V 20 264 BROOKVILLE BROOKVILLE V 20 318 CARLISLE CARLISLE V 20 369 CINCINNATI HILLS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY CINCINNATI V 20 1956 CLARK MONTESSORI CINCINNATI V 20 382 CLERMONT NORTHEASTERN BATAVIA V 20 490 EAST CLINTON SABINA V 20 588 FINNEYTOWN CINCINNATI V 20 676 GREENON SPRINGFIELD V 20 920 MADEIRA CINCINNATI V 20 924 MADISON SENIOR MIDDLETOWN V 20 928 MADISON-PLAINS LONDON V 20 954 MARIEMONT CINCINNATI V 20 1002 MEADOWDALE DAYTON V 20 1134 NORTH COLLEGE HILL CINCINNATI V 20 1272 PREBLE SHAWNEE CAMDEN V 20 1276 PURCELL MARIAN CINCINNATI V 20 1284 READING Reading V 20 1322 ROGER BACON ST BERNARD V 20 1414 SHAWNEE SPRINGFIELD V 20 1504 SUMMIT COUNTRY DAY CINCINNATI V 20 1518 TAFT CINCINNATI V 20 1600 VERSAILLES VERSAILLES V 20 1688 WEST LIBERTY-SALEM WEST LIBERTY V 2

2021 OHSAA Division V Football ID School City Division Region 170 BEACHWOOD BEACHWOOD V 17 182 BELLAIRE BELLAIRE V 17 202 BERKSHIRE BURTON V 17 282 BUCKEYE LOCAL RAYLAND V 17 310 CARDINAL MOONEY YOUNGSTOWN V 17 354 CHAMPION WARREN V 17 416 CONNEAUT CONNEAUT V 17 436 CRESTVIEW COLUMBIANA V 17 440 CRESTWOOD MANTUA V 17 519 EDISON RICHMOND V 17 624 GARAWAY SUGARCREEK V 17 630 GARFIELD GARRETTSVILLE V 17 662 GRAND VALLEY ORWELL V 17 294 HARRISON CENTRAL CADIZ V 17 774 JEFFERSON AREA JEFFERSON V 17 812 KIRTLAND KIRTLAND V 17 860 LIBERTY YOUNGSTOWN V 17 912 LUTHERAN EAST CLEVELAND HTS V 17 936 MANCHESTER New Franklin V 17 968 MARTINS FERRY MARTINS FERRY V 17 1328 ROOTSTOWN ROOTSTOWN V 17 1396 SANDY VALLEY MAGNOLIA V 17 1460 SOUTH RANGE Canfield V 17 1448 SOUTHEAST RAVENNA V 17 1560 TUSLAW MASSILLON V 17 1620 WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS WARRENSVILLE HTS V 17 1630 WATERLOO ATWATER V 17 166 BATH LIMA V 18 198 BENJAMIN LOGAN BELLEFONTAINE V 18 260 BROOKLYN BROOKLYN V 18 366 CHIPPEWA DOYLESTOWN V 18 508 EASTWOOD PEMBERVILLE V 18 530 ELMWOOD BLOOMDALE V 18 534 ELYRIA CATHOLIC ELYRIA V 18 570 FAIRVIEW FAIRVIEW PARK V 18 606 FOSTORIA FOSTORIA V 18 636 GENOA AREA GENOA V 18 754 INDIAN LAKE LEWISTOWN V 18 820 LAKE MILLBURY V 18 834 LAKOTA KANSAS V 18 862 LIBERTY-BENTON FINDLAY V 18 1156 NORTH UNION RICHWOOD V 18 1170 NORTHWESTERN WEST SALEM V 18 1184 OAK HARBOR OAK HARBOR V 18 1210 ORRVILLE ORRVILLE V 18 1212 OTSEGO Bowling Green V 18 1214 OTTAWA-GLANDORF OTTAWA V 18 1260 PLEASANT MARION V 18 1506 SWANTON SWANTON V 18 1640 WAYNEDALE APPLE CREEK V 18 1710 WILLARD WILLARD V 18

FOOTBALL 2021

51

OHSAA Football Region Assignments Division 6 2021 OHSAA Division V Football Division Region ID School City 226 BLACK RIVER SULLIVAN VI 21 256 BROOKFIELD BROOKFIELD VI 21 340 CANTON CENTRAL CATHOLIC CANTON VI 21 308 CARDINAL MIDDLEFIELD VI 21 404 COLUMBIA COLUMBIA STATION VI 21 408 COLUMBIANA COLUMBIANA VI 21 488 EAST CANTON EAST CANTON VI 21 504 EAST PALESTINE EAST PALESTINE VI 21 720 HILLSDALE JEROMESVILLE VI 21 818 LABRAE LEAVITTSBURG VI 21 1010 MEMORIAL CAMPBELL VI 21 1044 MINERAL RIDGE MINERAL RIDGE VI 21 1058 MOGADORE MOGADORE VI 21 1112 NEWTON FALLS NEWTON FALLS VI 21 1174 NORWAYNE CRESTON VI 21 1192 OBERLIN OBERLIN VI 21 1280 PYMATUNING VALLEY ANDOVER VI 21 1304 RITTMAN RITTMAN VI 21 1426 SMITHVILLE SMITHVILLE VI 21 1478 SPRINGFIELD NEW MIDDLETOWN VI 21 1378 ST THOMAS AQUINAS LOUISVILLE VI 21 1542 TRINITY HS GARFIELD HTS. VI 21 1558 TUSCARAWAS VALLEY ZOARVILLE VI 21 1570 UNITED HANOVERTON VI 21 1650 WELLINGTON WELLINGTON VI 21

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1668 WESTERN RESERVE Berlin Center VI 21 1706 WICKLIFFE WICKLIFFE VI 21 134 ARCHBOLD ARCHBOLD VI 22 236 BLUFFTON BLUFFTON VI 22 290 BUCYRUS BUCYRUS VI 22 312 CARDINAL STRITCH CATHOLIC OREGON VI 22 316 CAREY CAREY VI 22 400 COLONEL CRAWFORD North Robinson VI 22 412 COLUMBUS GROVE COLUMBUS GROVE VI 22 434 CRESTVIEW ASHLAND VI 22 466 DELTA DELTA VI 22 542 EVERGREEN METAMORA VI 22 572 FAIRVIEW SHERWOOD VI 22 640 GIBSONBURG GIBSONBURG VI 22 708 HICKSVILLE HICKSVILLE VI 22 864 LIBERTY CENTER LIBERTY CENTER VI 22 950 MARGARETTA CASTALIA VI 22 1066 MONTPELIER MONTPELIER VI 22 1102 NEW LONDON NEW LONDON VI 22 1172 NORTHWOOD NORTHWOOD VI 22 1216 OTTAWA HILLS TOLEDO VI 22 1236 PAULDING PAULDING VI 22 1308 RIVERDALE MT. BLANCHARD VI 22 1400 SENECA EAST ATTICA VI 22 1532 TINORA DEFIANCE VI 22 1592 VAN BUREN VAN BUREN VI 22

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FOOTBALL 2021

OHSAA approves 16-team playoff qualifiers in each region Tim Stried

OHSAA Director of Communications

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio High School Athletic Association Board of Directors approved the 2021 football tournament regulations during its April Board meeting that included proposals from the OHSAA staff to increase the number of playoff qualifiers and change the format of the regional playoffs.

The number of playoff qualifiers will expand to 16 schools per region. In addition, the higher seeded team will host first and second round playoff games, instead of only the first round, before neutral sites are used beginning with the regional semifinals.

In the first round, the No. 16 seed will play at the No. 1 seed, the No. 15 seed will play at the No. 2 seed, etc.

“Last fall we received overwhelmingly positive feedback when we allowed every team to enter the football playoffs due to the shortened season because of COVID-19,” said Doug Ute, OHSAA Executive Director.

“We know there are some who want to keep the football postseason to a smaller number of schools, but the postseason tournament gives such a positive experience for our stu-

dent-athletes, the schools and their communities that we felt strongly about giving that opportunity to more schools to make the playoffs. And football remains the only OHSAA sport in which not every team automatically qualifies for the postseason.”

The OHSAA is also exploring adding a strength of schedule component to the Harbin computer ratings, which are used to determine the playoff qualifiers. A strength of schedule component could be added in 2022.

The site of the state championship games has not yet been determined, but the format will include one game Thursday, December 2, and two games each on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 3-5.

During the regional semifinals and regional finals at neutral sites, the higher seeded team will be the designated home team.

The OHSAA then determines the sites and match-

ups for the state semifinals.

The expansion will increase the number of football playoff qualifiers from 224 to 448.

Last year there were 709 schools in Ohio that played 11-man football. Since 1999, eight schools in each region have qualified for the playoffs. In May 2020, the OHSAA announced that the football playoffs would expand to 12 teams per region in 2021 and the top four seeds in each region would have a firstround bye.

Expanding to 16 schools per region does not add a week to the postseason since it was already now six weeks, it simply eliminates the byes.

During the first five rounds of the playoffs, Division I, II, III and IV schools will play on Friday nights, while Division V, VI and VII schools will play on Saturday nights.

2021 OHSAA Football Playoff Schedule October 29-30 – First Round at Higher Seeded Teams November 5-6 – Regional Quarterfinals at Higher Seeded Teams November 12-13 – Regional Semifinals at Neutral Sites November 19-20 – Regional Finals at Neutral Sites November 26-27 – State

Semifinals at Neutral Sites December 2-5 – State Championships, Site TBD, one game Thursday, two games each day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday The OHSAA football playoffs began in 1972 when only 12 schools qualified for the playoffs (four schools in each of three classes). Expansion first came in 1980 when the OHSAA changed to five divisions with eight teams each (40 total qualifiers).

A sixth division was added in 1994 (96 total qualifiers) and the number of qualifiers was increased to eight schools per region in 1999 (192 total qualifiers). A seventh division was added in 2013 to bring the number of qualifiers to 224.

As a reminder, in January the Board approved the general football regulations, which permit schools to fulfill two of the required five acclimatization days in July in advance of official practice beginning on Sunday, August 1.

Two scrimmages are permitted between August 6-14, with either or both scrimmages permitted to be jamboree games.

The first Friday of the regular-season is August 20, and the regular-season will conclude on Saturday, October 23.

Ohio high school football coaches oppose playoff expansion

The decision by the Ohio High School Athletic Association to expand to a 16-team playoff format was met with complete dismay by the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association.

The OHSAA failed to work in good faith with our association. The OHSFCA worked for over two years to create a viable expansion of the

playoff system.

The OHSFCA proposed the playoff expansion to 12 teams in January of 2020.

The OHSAA approved this expansion in the spring of 2020 for the 2021 season.

We are extremely disappointed in yesterday’s vote by the OHSAA without consulting the OHSFCA. It is

abundantly clear that this decision is financially motivated.

The OHSFCA remains committed to working with the OHSAA and anyone else who is committed to maintaining the high standards of Ohio High School Football.

From: The Ohio High School Football Coaches Board of Directors

he t m o fr n o s a e s rict t t s a i e r D ol ag o e h v c a S H cal o L d n Fairla

r D

n o g a

t o o F

l l a b

54

FOOTBALL 2021

Members of the 2021 Rock Hill Redmen football team are: front row from left to right, Ryan Clement, Wyatt Jenkins, Gabe Clutters, Kris Hill, Brayden Adams, Tyler Depriest, Mason Hanners, Brad Whisman, Ethan Delong, Anthony Stamper and Chase Blevins; second row from left to right, Blake Wilson, Landon Harper, Brice Schob, Logan Short, Trent Williams, Brayden Malone, Chanz Pancake, Levi Jiles, Chase Delong, Skyler Kidd, Tyler Murphy, Logan Moore, Brock Friend and Kordell French; third row from left to right, Braxton Harper, Zach O’Bryant, Ethan Miller, Joe Pierce, Zane Albright, Andrew Medinger, Lane Smith, Owen Hankins, Tristan Pemberton, David Jenkins and Hunter Blagg. Not pictured were Drake Smith, Eli Smith and Grant Bevins. (Photo

By Tim Gearhart)

Rock Hill plans ground attack on opponents

Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

PEDRO — Mark Lutz has a wish list. He also has a regular reality check.

The Rock Hill Redmen head coach knows he has a good running team, but his dream has been to add a passing game to the offense.

“We should be able to run the ball, but we know we have to be able to throw,” said Lutz. “We always work on the passing game and we’ve worked even harder this season and we hope it pays off because it can make our offense a lot tougher to defend.”

The Redmen rushed for 1,722 yards last season in just eight games during

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the COVID marred season. The Redmen had four running backs who averaged more than 4 yards a carry.

The defense played well at times last season but spent too much time on the field as the offense was unable to generate much scoring and couldn’t sustain any time of possession.

PLEASE SEE “GROUND ATTACK,” PAGE 55

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FOOTBALL 2021

55

Ground Attack CONTINUED FROM PAGE 54 OFFENSIVE LINE This could be the strength of the team, no pun intended.

The line was young last season and the only loss was all-district guard Jacob Schwab.

“We’ve got some size, we’re a little stronger and the big thing is we have gained some valuable experience,” said Lutz.

One of the returning starters is junior Andrew Medinger who can almost create an eclipse of the sun with his 6-foot-5, 310-pound frame.

Medinger figures to be one tackle with senior Lane Smith (6-3, 245) his running mate at guard.

Both are returning starters.

Junior David Jenkins (6-1, 230) returning at the

other guard with seniors Zane Albright (6-2, 225) and Tristan Pemberton (6-2, 240) vying for the other tackle spot.

Junior Landon Harper (5-8, 252) has the inside track at center but junior Logan Short (6-0, 195) could figure in the mix.

“Lane Smith has worked hard and looks really good and Medinger is much improved,” said Lutz.

“Albright is another guy who has improved and Pemberton coming out has given us another good lineman and helped give us some depth.”

Senior Brice Schob (5-8, 230) could also provide depth at guard.

RUNNING BACK Gone are All-Ohio fullback Hayden Harper and four-year starter and

all-conference player Brayden Friend. Harper rushed for 606 yards and averaged 5.4 yards a carry while Friend gained 227 yards as he averaged 4.4 yards a carry before a knee injury stopped his season for the final three games.

Although there is a lack of experience, Lutz thinks the group has more overall speed and quickness despite lacking size.

Senior Owen Hankins (6-2, 205) is one of the bigger backs and will play halfback but can play fullback if needed.

The three fullback candidates are juniors Skyler Kidd (5-10, 210) and Chase Delong (5-9, 190) along with sophomore Levi Jiles (5-11, 180). All three can also play halfback.

Senior Hunter Blagg (5-8,

150) should be the other halfback and gives the Redmen some speed and quickness.

“We’ve got some versatility in the backfield.

They’re all interchangeable,” said Lutz.

Talented freshman Anthony Stamper (5-8, 155) could also figure in some playing time.

QUARTERBACK Gone is Hunter Massie who was a fierce competitor, but senior Trenton Williams (5-11,170) has stepped forward and looks to be the starter.

“Trenton has a nice arm but he doesn’t have the experience so we have to work with him to understand defenses and just run the team,” said Lutz.

PLEASE SEE “ROCK HILL,” PAGE 57

Schob

Blagg

Malone

L. Smith

Albright

2021 Schedule

Hankins

Head Coach: Mark Lutz (13-25 at Rock Hill and overall, fifth season)

Assistant Coaches: Red Burcham, Nick Culbertson, Joe Sark, Ryan Walker, Greg Damron, Keith Adams, Eric Bailey, Barry Litteral, Zane Long

Key Returnees: Brayden Malone, Owen Hankins, Brice Schob, Lane Smith, Hunter Blagg, Trenton Williams, Zane Albright, David Jenkins, Chanz Pancake, Logan Short, Chase Delong, Andrew Medinger, Landon Harper, Skyler Kidd, Levi Jiles, Joe Pierce, Brock Friend, Kordell French.

Key Losses: Hayden Harper, Jacob Schwab, Brayden Friend, Hunter Massie, Andrew Clark, Seth Schob, Jason Johnson, James Knipp.

2020 Record: 3-5 (2-4 OVC, tied for fifth) Offense: T-formation, Multiple Defense: 50, Multiple Offensive Starters Returning: 5 Defensive Starters Returning: 6

Rock Hill Redmen August 20 at Minford 28 MEADOWDALE September 3 at Oak Hill 10 PORTSMOUTH# 17 at Fairland# 24 SOUTH POINT# October 1 at Ironton# 8 GALLIPOLIS# 15 at Chesapeake# 22 COAL GROVE# #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Mark Lutz

2020 Results

QUICK HITTER

Rock Hill Redmen Rock Hill 6 Coal Grove Rock Hill 14 Chesapeake Rock Hill 6 Gallipolis Rock Hill 0 Ironton Rock Hill 34 South Point Rock Hill 6 Fairland Playoffs Rock Hill 26 Crooksville Rock Hill 7 Fairland Record: 3-5 (2-4 OVC)

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

20 10 47 41 28 42 10 41

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FOOTBALL 2021

Rock Hill CONTINUED FROM PAGE 55

Filling the backup role should be either junior Brayden Adams (5-7, 148) or freshman Brad Whisman (5-8, 160).

ENDS This group will be led by senior Brayden Malone (6-2, 215) who can play tight end and still shift to split end.

“Brayden has the ability to block and he has some speed and soft hands. We think he can be ever better than last season,” said Lutz.

The other end could be collective effort that includes junior Chanz Pancake (5-8, 175) with Pemberton a possibility or senior Ethan Miller (5-10, 145).

Adams has excellent speed and could be a factor at wide receiver.

DEFENSIVE LINE Schob is a returning starter and has excellent strength and quickness that makes him difficult to block one-on-one.

Smith, Albright, Jenkins and Pemberton are expected to rotate at defensive tackle. Malone and Hankins will be the ends and both can shift to linebacker if needed.

Delong could also see time on the defensive line at either nose guard or an end.

LINEBACKERS Kidd and Jiles should be the anchors inside but look for Short, Harper, Delong and possibly junior Tyler Murphy (5-10, 170) to get in the mix. And again, Hankins and Malone can play the position.

SECONDARY

PLEASE SEE “REDMEN,” PAGE 58

ROCK HILL

DEPTH CHART OFFENSE TE

LT

LG

C

RG

RT

TE

QB

FB

RB

RB

PK

15 20 72 56 58 55 55 64 60 50 79 56 21 85 10 12 32 33 30 2 4 3 7 9

Chanz Pancake Ethan Miller Tristan Pemberton Zane Albright David Jenkins Landon Harper Landon Harper Logan Short Lane Smith Brice Schob Andrew Medinger Lane Albright Brayden Malone Joe Pierce Trenton Williams Brad Whisman Skylar Kidd Chase Delong Levi Jiles Hunter Blagg Kordell French Owen Hankins Brock Friend Blake Wilson DEFENSE

Williams

Pemberton

Medinger

L.Harper

D.Jenkins

Kidd

C.Delong

Jiles

Friend

French

Pancake

Short

DE

DT

NG

DT

DE

LB

LB

CB

CB

S

S

P

3 56 56 58 33 58 52 55 21 72 32 64 30 55 5 23 15 20 4 14 5 10 9

Owen Hankins Zane Albright Zane Albright David Jenkins Chase Delong David Jenkins Brice Schob Landon Harper Brayden Malone Tristan Pemberton Skyler Kidd Logan Short Levi Jiles Landon Harper Brock Friend Mason Hanners Chanz Pancake Ethan Miller Kordell French Anthony Stamper Brayden Adams Trenton Williams Blake Wilson

FOOTBALL 2021

57

ROCK HILL REDMEN FOOTBALL ROSTER 2021 Rock Hill Redmen Football Roster No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. 2 Hunter Blagg RB-S 5-08 150 RB-DE 6-02 210 3 Owen Hankins 4 Kordell French RB-CB 5-08 145 5 Brayden Adams QB-S 5-07 148 7 Brock Friend RB-CB 5-07 140 9 Blake Wilson PK-P 6-00 170 DB-S 5-11 170 10 Trenton Williams 12 Brad Whisman QB-S 5-08 160 14 Anthony Stamper RB-S 5-08 155 15 Chanz Pancake E-CB 5-08 175 20 Ethan Miller RB-CB 5-10 145 E-DE 6-02 215 21 Brayden Malone RB-LB 5-08 165 22 Grant Bevins RB-CB 5-10 155 23 Mason Hanners E-DE 6-00 150 28 Drake Smith FB-LB 5-11 180 30 Levi Jiles 32 Skyler Kidd FB-LB 5-10 210 FB-DL 5-09 190 33 Chase Delong C-LB 6-00 215 50 Braxton Harper

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

52 Brice Schob 53 Wyatt Jenkins 54 Gabe Clutters 55 Landon Harper 56 Zane Albright 57 Tyler Murphy 58 David Jenkins 60 Lane Smith 64 Logan Short 65 Chase Blevins 68 Ryan Clement 70 Logan Moore 72 Tristan Pemberton 78 Eli Smith 79 Andrew Medinger 84 Kris Hill 85 Joe Pierce 88 Ethan Delong 89 Zach O’Bryant Head coach: Mark Lutz

G-DL G-LB G-NG C-LB T-DT G-LB G-DT G-DT G-LB G-NG T-DT C-NG T-DT T-DT T-DT E-DE E-DE E-DE D-DE

5-08 5-10 6-00 5-08 6-02 5-10 6-01 6-03 6-0 5-10 6-00 5-10 6-02 6-01 6-05 6-00 6-02 5-10 6-03

230 160 245 252 225 170 230 245 195 195 285 240 240 320 310 130 175 140 170

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

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FOOTBALL 2021

High School Rule Change

Above, both players are in the free-blocking zone and on their lines of scrimmage. In PlayPic B, the block is legal because it is in the zone at the time of the snap, is an immediate, initial action following the snap, and both players began the play on their lines of scrimmage and in the free-blocking zone.

BLOCKING BELOW THE WAIST It is legal for offensive linemen to block below the waist in the free-blocking zone, provided both players were on their lines of scrimmage and within the zone at the time of the snap and the block is an immediate, initial action following the snap. No. 77 could only block No. 62 below the waist if the block was immediate, initial action following the snap. No. 65 can block No. 93 below the waist even though No. 93 is playing off his shoulder, if the block is an immediate, initial action following the snap. No. 72 could not block No. 55 below the waist at any time during this play.

2020 H.S. Football Standings 2020 High School Football Standings Final Season Records Ohio Valley Conference OVC Overall

W L Pts. Opp W L Pts Opp Ironton 5 0 271 26 11 1 455 118 Gallipolis 4 1 160 116 5 1 265 196 5 1 221 100 8 2 336 194 Fairland Coal Grove 3 2 149 202 6 3 294 301 Rock Hill 2 4 66 145 3 5 93 196 2 4 159 180 2 5 173 214 Chesapeake Portsmouth 1 5 159 233 2 7 237 319 0 5 49 391 0 0 74 455 South Point Southern Ohio Conference Division I SOC Overall

W L Pts Opp W L Pts Opp 5 0 165 34 6 3 209 154 Northwest Beaver Eastern 4 1 192 83 5 3 257 172 Symmes Valley 3 2 139 76 5 3 225 143 Prts. Notre Dame 1 3 70 75 3 4 156 137 151 Sciotoville East 1 3 28 137 3 3 68 Green 0 5 20 203 1 6 68 256

Division II SOC Overall

W L Pts Opp W L Pts Opp 5 0 246 80 8 1 406 257 Waverly Wheelersburg 4 1 220 85 7 2 339 132 6 4 196 231 Portsmouth West 2 3 76 140 Oak Hill 2 3 106 185 3 5 144 273 Lucasville Valley 1 4 81 203 4 5 184 283 Minford 1 4 104 140 2 5 181 218

Redmen CONTINUED FROM PAGE 55 The secondary returns a lot of experience with Blagg the quarterback from his safety position after starting last season.

Junior Kordell French (5-8, 145) was a starter last season before a knee injury halted his season early.

He’s healthy and figures to be the other safety.

Junior Brock “Rambo” Friend (5-7, 140) is back at one corner with Pancake on the other side.

Miller, Stamper and Williams should provide depth.

“This is a good group. There’s

some experience there that should help,” said Lutz.

KICKING GAME Parker Knipp handled the placekicking and Jacob Schwab the putting last season and both were lost to graduation.

Senior Blake Wilson is following in the shoes of Knipp by using his spare time from the soccer team to handle both the placekicking and punting duties.

“He came to me and asked if he could kick. I told him to come on out and see what you can do,” said Lutz.

“He took to it like a duck to water.

He has a nice leg and he’s been very

consistent.”

OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE Not much has changed from the past three seasons. Lutz said twotime defending champion Ironton and Gallipolis (2019 champions) are the two main favorites with Fairland in the mix.

“Those are three teams with very good skilled players,” said Lutz.

“Ironton has some good linemen and they are deep on the depth chart.

“Gallipolis has good speed and quickness and their quarterback is back. Fairland lost some good players but they have some good players coming in right behind them.”

Rock Hill

GO BIG RED

FOOTBALL 2021

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FOOTBALL 2021

Senior members of the 2021 Ironton Fighting Tigers are: front row left to right, Amar Howard, Aaron Masters, Matt Sheridan, Austin Linn, Rylan Cecil and Jacob Sloan; second row from left to right, Braxton Pringle, Nate Cochran, C.J. McCall, Angelo Washington, Riley Boggs, Ashton Duncan and Blake Murrell. (Photo By Tim Gearhart)

Senior members of the 2021 Green Bobcats are: from left to right, Hayden Plymale, Joe Gallagher, Ethan Hayslip, Kaleb LaFollette, Austin Ray and Austin Summers. (Photo By Tim Gearhart)

FOOTBALL 2021

61

Trojans CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

“Amare can make big plays at any time. If we can get him in space, he has the potential to go all the way at any time,” said Kalb.

RECEIVERS There isn’t a lack of receivers for the Trojans who can go two-deep at any position.

Returning are seniors Donavan Carr (5-9, 182) Dariyonne Bryant (6-2, 165) with junior Reade Pendleton (5-8, 157) in the slot.

The depth will come from junior Jayden Duncan (5-10, 168), senior Hayden Griffith (6-0, 178) and junior Tyler Duncan (5-10, 130) who is also the team’s backup quarterback.

Pendleton had more than 40 receptions for 700-plus yards to lead all receivers last season.

“All those guys can run and catch the ball.

Pendleton had a phenomenal season last year,” said Kalb.

“I feel with those skill players and the skill set those players bring to the table on offense, if we’re able to give Drew Roe some time, he’s proven he doesn’t

need much time, we can have another strong year.”

OFFENSIVE LINE The Trojans will be piecing together a new offensive line this season led by senior Alberto Poxes (5-10, 230) who is the only returning starter and the best lineman on the squad.

Poxes and senior Noah Carver (6-2, 295) will be the tackles. The right guard is junior Amari Harmon (5-7, 217) with sophomore Leo Poxes (6-1, 290) his running mate.

Senior James Thurman (5-9, 190) earned playing time last season and will be the center.

“Alberto is pretty athletic. He could play running back for us but he’s more valuable to us on the offensive line,” said Kalb.

Backup help will come from junior Jesse Mitchell (6-3, 201) and senior Trey Williams (5-7, 150) at tackle and guard, respectively.

DEFENSIVE LINE Heading up the new defensive scheme will be Leo Poxes and senior Jalen Jones (6-0, 265) at the tackles with senior Cooper Maxie (6-6, 195) and Alberto Poxes at the ends.

Harmon, Carver and Mitchell will provide depth

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and are versatile enough to play either tackle or end.

“The thing I have seen is they are attacking and our linebackers are playing downhill,” said Kalb.

LINEBACKERS Speaking of linebackers, Thurman and junior Brenden Truett (5-6, 196) will be the inside linebackers. The backup is sophomore Noah Livingston (6-1, 170) whom Kalb said “shows a lot of promise.”

Pendleton and Harmon will be the outside linebackers with Roe serving as the backup.

SECONDARY Carr and Griffith will be the corners with Johnson at the safety position.

Roe can play outside linebacker, cornerback and safety. Bryant will be a backup at cornerback, too.

KICKING GAME Sophomore Devon Lattimore (5-10, 145) will handle the punting duties while sophomores Zach Roth and Emily Cheatham are in a battle for the placekicking job.

OHIO VA L L E Y CONFERENCE Kalb said defending champion Ironton is again the favorite but he sees a more competitive conference from top to bottom.

“Ironton has graduated a lot of amazing athletes the last couple of years.

But they’ve still got some amazing athletes this year,” said Kalb.

“The league is very competitive this year. At the end of day, you have to play the game. Any team in this league is beatable at any moment.”

62

FOOTBALL 2021

Senior members of the 2021 Fairland Dragons are: front row left to right, Casey Hudson, Alex Bruce, Alec Dement, R.J. Ward and Trey Black; second row left to right, Zander Schmidt, Gavin Davis, J.D. Brumfield, Riley Kazee and Zack Stepp. (Photo By Tim Gearhart)

Senior members of the 2021 Portsmouth Trojans are; front row from left to right, Hayden Griffith, Trey Williams, Alberto Poxes, Jayvon Zuborg, Drew Roe, Dante Hamrick and Amare Johnson; second row from left to right, Jalen Jones, Cooper Maxie, Dariyonne Bryant, Noah Carver, Donavan Carr and James Thurman. (Photo by Tim Gearhart)

FOOTBALL 2021

63

Senior members of the 2021 Rock Hill Redmen are: front row left to right, Hunter Blagg, Blake Wilson, Kris Hill, Brice Schob, Trent Williams and Tristan Pemberton; second row left to right, Ethan Miller, Joe Pierce, Brayden Malone, Lane Smith, Zane Albright and Owen Hankins. Not pictured Drake Smith. (Photo By Tim Gearhart)

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64

FOOTBALL 2021

Senior members of the 2021 Coal Grove Hornets are: front row from left to right, Jeffrey Sparks, Brad Wheeler, Derek Lucas, Steve Easterling and Justin Newcomb; second row left to right, Clay Ferguson, Perry Kingery, Andrew Fields and Jarren Hicks. (Photo By Tim Gearhart)

Senior members of the 2021 Chesapeake Panthers football team are: front row from left to right, Lucas Shepherd, Hunter Livingston, Dilen Caldwell and Landon Preston; second row left to right, Bryce Mount, Nick Burns, Hayden Blankenship, Ben Bragg and Levi Blankenship. (Photo by Tim Gearhart)

FOOTBALL 2021

65

Senior members of the 2021 Symmes Valley Vikings are: from left to right, Tanner McComas, Gavan Yates, Levi Best, Eli Patterson, Ethan Patterson, Nick Strow, Levi Niece and Grayson Walsh. (Photo By Tim Gearhart)

Senior members of the 2021 South Point Pointers are: from left to right, Josiah Martin, Alex Lambert, Austin Hunt, Maddox McCallister, J.T. Morrison, Luke Byrd, Mason Kazee, Christian Webb and Malik Pegram. (Photo

By Tim Gearhart)

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Good Luck all area teams!

Sitting left to right, Gracie Daniels of Green, Alexus Wood of Coal Grove and Lexi Steele of Fairland; kneeling left to right, Arianna Schaus of Ironton, Whitney Howard of Rock Hill, Savannah Richendollar of Chesapeake, Abby Gipson of Symmes Valley and Elaysia Wilburn of South Point; standing left to right, Ethan Hayslip of Green, Blake Murrell of Ironton, Brayden Malone of Rock Hill, Bryce Mount of Chesapeake, Tanner McComas of Symmes Valley, Maddox McCallister of South Point and J.D. Brumfield of Fairland and Clay Ferguson of Coal Grove. (Photo By Tim Gearhart)

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