The Ironton Tribune • Pigskin Preview 2020

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PIGSKIN Preview

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6

FOOTBALL 2020

Members of the 2020 Chesapeake Panthers’ football team are: front row from left to right, Blake Thompson, Donald Richendollar, Jayden Slack, Hunter Blackburn, Jacob McCloud, Ian Hicks, Thomas Sentz and Nick Ferguson; second row from left to right, Titus Brooks, Landon Preston, Zackary Chafin, Dannie Maynard, Xavier Brewer, Mason Giles, Camron Shockley, Zander Brewer, Jordan Mullins, Cameron Lambert and Ethan Taylor; third row from left to right, Kaleb Stepp, Eli Jenkins, Alex Plummer, Dilen Caldwell, Sam Bevans, R.J. Ward, Haven Perkins, Marcus Burnside, Jonathan Brammer, Hunter Livingston and Justice Hutchinson; fourth row from left to right, Hayden Blankenship, Levi Best, Nick Burns, Will Schwamberger, Zach Stepp, Jordan Phillips, Ryan Martin, Aaron Ross, Alec Dement, Ben Bragg and Lucas Shepherd. (Kent Sanborn/ SouthernOhioSportsPhotos.com)

Panthers must fill running game holes Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

CHESAPEAKE — It’s hard to replace a 1,000-yard rusher. Replacing two is nearly impossible. The Chesapeake Panthers lost Kamren Harless and Will Todd who both ran for more than 1,000 yards and were all-district first team selection and honorable mention All-Ohio. Additionally, fullback Logan Walsh and running back Carson Nida graduated as well. “Actually, we lost four running backs and those guys were a big part of our offensive production. It’s going to be important that

we step up and replace the four that left,” said Knipp. The Panthers were 4-6 last season and Knipp doesn’t see any single or two runners duplicating what Harless and Todd accomplished last season. However, he still knows there’s a way to get the job done. “We’ve got to do this as a team,” said Knipp. “We have some good backs and we have some size and experience on the offensive line. If our kids jell and work together, we can take big strides towards replacing the guys we lost.” QUARTERBACK

PLEASE SEE “QUARTERBACK,” PAGE 8

QUICK HITTER

Head Coach: Todd Knipp (4-6 at Chesapeake, 2nd season; 50-82, overall, 14th overall) Assistant Coaches: Rick Clark, Aaron Rice, Bob McCollister, Ryan Summers, Chris Ball, George Long, Tim Boggs. Video: Kerry Tutt. Key Returnees: Donald Richendollar, Thomas Sentz, Nick Ferguson, Justice Hutchinson, Hunter Blackburn, R.J. Ward, Marcus Burnside, Alec Dement, Ben Bragg, Nick Burns, Levi Best, Ian Hicks, Landon Preston. Key Losses: Kamren Harless, Will Todd, Carson Nida, Logan Walsh, Dakota Hess, Brady Wilson. 2019 Record: 4-6 (2-5 OVC, sixth) Offense: Double Slot, Multiple Defense: 4-4, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 7 Returning Defensive Starters: 6


FOOTBALL 2020

7

CHESAPEAKE PANTHERS FOOTBALL ROSTER 2020 Chesapeake Panthers Football Roster No. Player

Pos.

Ht.

2 Ethan Taylor

QB-DB

3 Marcus Burnside

34 Cameron Lambert

WR-DB

5-01

100

Fr.

Wt. Gr.

35 Titus Brooks

TE-DL

-01

180

So.

6-03

165

Jr.

44 Justice Hutchinson

TE-DL

6-03

240

Jr.

RB-LB

5-07

215

So.

45 Haven Perkins

RB-DB

5-08

135

So.

4 Ben Bragg

RB-DB

6-00

160

Jr.

50 Blake Thompson

OL-DL

5-10

210

Sr.

5 Dilen Caldwell

RB-LB

5-07

135

Jr.

51 Alex Plummer

OL-DL

5-09

205

Fr.

6 Lucas Shepherd

PK-P

5-10

145

Jr.

53 Alec Dement

OL-DL

5-11

215

Jr.

RB-DB

6-00

140

Jr.

54 R.J. Ward

OL-DL

5-09

250

Jr.

WR-DB

5-08

130

Sr.

55 Hayden Blankenship

OL-DL

6-00

210

Jr.

RB-DB

5-08

125

Sr.

56 Nick Burns

OL-DL

6-02

280

Jr.

10 Jordan Phillips

QB-LB

6-00

195

So.

58 Jonathan Brammer

TE-LB

5-07

170

Fr.

11 Nick Ferguson

WB-DB

5-09

150

Sr.

60 Xavier Brewer

RB-DB

5-06

105

Fr

12 Thomas Sentz

WR-DB

5-09

150

Sr.

62 Zach Stepp

OL-LB

6-01

192

Jr.

14 Donald Richendollar

QB-DB

5-09

175

Sr.

64 Zackary Chafin

RB-DB

5-05

120

Fr.

15 Aaron Ross

RB-DB

5-11

155

So.

67 Zander Brewer

RB-DB

5-05

110

Fr.

16 Kaleb Stepp

QB-DB

5-09

130

So.

70 Hunter Blackburn

OL-DL

6-02

310

Sr.

20 Dannie Maynard

RB-DB

5-03

125

Fr.

71 Bryce Mount

OL-DL

6-06

305

Jr.

21 Sam Bevans

TE-DB

5-11

145

So.

72 Jordan Mullins

TE-DB

5-04

115

Fr.

22 Hunter Livingston

TE-LB

5-09

152

Jr.

74 Will Schwamberger

OL-DL

5-11

180

Fr.

WR-DB

5-10

135

Sr.

75 Eli Jenkins

OL-DL

5-09

170

Fr.

32 Camron Shockley

RB-DB

5-05

110

Fr.

81 Mason Giles

WR-DB

5-05

115

Fr.

33 Landon Preston

RB-DB

5-06

140

Jr.

88 Ryan Martin

RB-DB

5-10

140

So.

7 Levi Best 8 Jacob McCloud 9 Ian Hicks

28 Jayden Slack

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FOOTBALL 2020

CHESAPEAKE DEPTH CHART OFFENSE WR LT LG C RG RT TE QB RB WB WB PK

12 11 8 56 55 50 62 53 50 54 62 70 71 44 22 10 14 2 3 33 5 4 7 9 6

Thomas Sentz Nick Ferguson Jacob McCloud Nick Burns Hayden Blankenship Blake Thompson Zach Stepp Alec Dement Blake Thompson R.J. Ward Zach Stepp Hunter Blackburn Bryce Mount Justice Hutchinson Hunter Livingston Jordan Phillips Donald Richendollar Ethan Taylor Marcus Burnside Landon Preston Dilen Caldwell Ben Bragg Levi Best Ian Hicks Lucas Shepherd DEFENSE

DE DT DT DE ILB ILB OLB OLB CB CB S P

44 53 70 71 54 56 50 72 62 10 3 22 4 8 11 33 7 2 11 5 12 88 6

Justice Hutchinson Alec Dement Hunter Blackburn Bryce Mount R.J. Ward Nick Burns Blake Thompson Jordan Mullins Zach Stepp Jordan Phillips Marcus Burnside Hunter Livingston Ben Bragg Jacob McCloud Nick Ferguson Landon Preston Levi Best Ethan Taylor Nick Ferguson Dilen Caldwell Thomas Sentz Ryan Martin Lucas Shepherd

Panthers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

The one returning player in the backfield is senior Donald Richendollar (5-9, 175) who nearly rushed for 1,000 yards as well last season. “Right now, he’s going to stay at quarterback,” said Knipp. “He’s got really good command of our offense, he makes us go and he gets everybody lined up.” Junior Ethan Taylor (6-3, 165) will be the backup. RUNNING BACKS Sophomore Marcus Burnside (5-7, 215) is set to take over the fullback spot with junior Landon Preston (5-6, 140) expected to see playing time as well. “Both those guys have good vision. They’re picking up the position well and improving every day,” said Knipp. Filling the wingback slots left vacant by Harless and Todd is something that Knipp said “we’ll probably be by committee.” At one wingback spot will be juniors Dilen Caldwell (5-7, 135) and Ben Bragg (6-0, 160) with junior

Richendollar

Dement

Levi Best (6-0, 140) and senior Ian Hicks (5-8, 125). “All of them are smaller in stature but bring us a different skill set to the table. All of them are blocking and running well which are the things we need in our offense,” said Knipp. TIGHT END Junior Justice Hutchinson (6-3, 240) returns and gives the Panthers some size at a key position. “He’s a big strong kid. He should be a good blocker and pass receiver for us,” said Knipp. The backup will be junior Hunter Livingston (5-9, 152) and sophomore Jordan Phillips (6-0, 195). WIDE RECEIVERS Senior Thomas Sentz (5-9, 150) is back and he will be joined by seniors Nick Ferguson (5-9, 150) and Jacob McCloud (5-8, 130). “Tommy was a good perimeter blocker and gave us a receiving threat on the edge,” said Knipp. OFFENSIVE LINE

PLEASE SEE “DEFENSIVE” PAGE 9

Blackburn Thompson McCloud

Ward

Hutchinson

Sentz


FOOTBALL 2020

9

O-Line 2020 Schedule

Chesapeake Panthers August 28 at Fairland# 7:00 September 4 at Rock Hill# 7:00 11 at South Point# 7:00 18 PORTSMOUTH# 7:00 25 IRONTON# 7:00 October 2 COAL GROVE# 7:00 #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Todd Knipp

2019 Results

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Chesapeake Panthers Chesapeake 35 Oak Hill Chesapeake 21 Minford Chesapeake 49 Symmes Valley Chesapeake 27 Gallipolis Chesapeake 45 Coal Grove Chesapeake 6 Ironton Chesapeake 20 Portsmouth Chesapeake 35 South Point Chesapeake 22 Rock Hill Chesapeake 33 Fairland Record: 4-6 (2-5 OVC)

Three-year starter Alec Dement (5-11, 215) heads up an experienced offense line. “Alec has a good command of our offensive line,” Knipp said of the junior center. “He makes the calls and gets us in the right position where we need to be.” The right guard should be junior R.J. Ward (5-9, 250) who has also played 13 54 6 55 38 50 34 27 28 36

Preston

Burnside

for three years and Knipp said “he’s a strong kid who pulls well and is a good blocker.” At the other guard will be senior Blake Thompson (5-10, 210) who took over as the starter later in the season as the Panthers offensive line was ravaged by injuries. Junior Zach Stepp (6-1, 192) will be the main backup at guard after play-

Burns

Ferguson

ing some last season. Chesapeake has some size at the tackle spots led by huge two-year veteran senior Hunter Blackburn (6-2, 310) “He’s a big, strong, physical kid,” said Knipp. The other side has junior Nick Burns (6-2, 280) who is moving to tackle from his guard spot last season.

PLEASE SEE “CHESAPEAKE” PAGE 38

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FOOTBALL 2020

Members of the 2020 Fairland Dragons’ football team are: front row from left to right, Emma Marshall, Max Ward, Riley Kazee, Zander Schmidt, Gavin Hunt, Michael Lucas, Jordan Williams, Tevin Taylor, Devin Barker, Steeler Leep and Logan Hamlin; second row left to right, Peyton Jackson, Justin McKee, Gavin Davis, Steven Rhodes, J.D. Brumfield, Mason Ward, Alec Wilkes, Ryan Dixon, Austin Porter, Casey Hudson and Ryan Mclain; third row left to right, Garrett Spence, Trey Black III, Brayden Patterson, Sam Ward, Ryan Ward, Josiah Wyrick, Jayden Padillia, Brycen Hunt and A.J. McComas Jr. (Photo By Tony Shotsky/ SouthernOhioSportsPhotos.com Using A Drone)

Dragons will still be young but experienced Jim Walker

QUICK HITTER

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

PROCTORVILLE — Being young and inexperienced is not a good combination. Now, being young and experienced isn’t too bad. With an onslaught of injuries last season, Fairland Dragons’ head coach Melvin Cunningham was forced to play a lot of players and many were only freshmen and sophomores. Cunningham is hoping that the experience they obtained last season will help overcome their youth this season. “We’re young all over the place. People didn’t realize when we played last year, we started a lot of freshmen and sophomores,” said Cunningham whose team was 6-4 last year. “We’re excited about what we have coming back. We feel like we have a lot of really good athletes. It’s starts with J.D. Brumfield, Jordan Williams, those two are special football players. Tevin Taylor, Gavin Hunt are talent. Jordan Williams doesn’t get enough credit for what he does and people don’t realize he played hurt all last year. He played hurt all 10 games. We only got a glimpse of what that kid really is.”

PLEASE SEE “EXPERIENCED,” PAGE 11

Head Coach: Melvin Cunningham (21-29 at Fairland, sixth season; 29-41 overall, eighth season) Assistant Coaches: Michael Jackson, Aaron Murray, Jacquez Samuel, J.B. Branch, Mark Hinkle, Cole Webb, Zach Garrett, Zeb Best, Clayton Dement, Woody Kincaid, Joe Lambiotte. Key Returnees: Gavin Hunt, Jordan Williams, Max Ward, J.D Brumfield, Tevin Taylor, Riley Kazee, Steeler Leep, Seth Dement, Logan Hamlin, Mason Ward, Zander Schmidt. Key Losses: Michael Stitt, Kobe Newman, Brennan West, Reilly Sowards, Bryan Defoe, Jordan Wellman, Kyle Rankin, Blaine Cremeans, Rhiyder Slone. 2018 Record: 6-4 (4-3 OVC, fourth) Offense: Pro Set, Multiple Defense: 4-3, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 7 Returning Defensive Starters: 7


FOOTBALL 2020

11

2020 Schedule

Fairland Dragons August 28 CHESAPEAKE# 7:00 September 4 COAL GROVE# 7:00 11 at Portsmouth# 7:00 18 SOUTH POINT# 7:30 25 at Gallipolis# 7:00 October 2 at Rock Hill# 7:00 #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Melvin Cunningham

2019 Results

FAIRLAND FOOTBALL ROSTER

Fairland Dragons Fairland 34 Tolsia, W.Va. Fairland 42 Oak Hill Fairland 7 Ironton Fairland 21 Waverly Fairland 36 Rock Hill Fairland 0 Gallipolis Fairland 52 South Point Fairland 12 Portsmouth Fairland 27 Coal Grove Fairland 36 Chesapeake Record: 6-4 (4-3 OVC)

12 21 49 31 12 28 13 20 12 33

2020 Fairland Dragons Football Roster No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr. 1 Emma Marshall PK 5-06 126 Sr. 2 J.D. Brumfield RB-LB 6-00 205 Jr. 3 Ryan Ward WR-DB 5-09 135 Fr. 5 Jordan Williams RB-DL 6-02 220 Sr. 6 Devin Barker WR-DL 5-09 156 Jr. 7 Gavin Hunt WR-DB 6-01 165 Sr. 8 Zander Schmidt QB-DB 6-00 160 Jr. 9 Gavin Davis WR-DL 6-00 155 Jr. 10 Brycen Hunt WR-DB 6-00 145 Fr. 11 Alec Wilkes WR-DB 5-09 150 Jr. 12 Peyton Jackson QB-DB 5-10 145 Fr. 14 Brayden Patterson WR-DB 5-08 150 Fr. 16 Max Ward QB-DB 6-02 170 Sr. 20 Garrett Spence RB-LB 6-00 170 Fr. 21 Tevin Taylor RB-DB 5-09 165 Jr.

22 23 27 44 45 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 61 62 74 75 81

Sam Ward Riley Kazee Steeler Leep Josiah Wyrick Dylan Holley Trey Black III Steven Rhodes III Mason Ward Austin Porter Ryan Mclain A.J. McComas Jr. Casey Hudson Ryan Dixon Michael Lucas Logan Hamlin Justin McKee Jayden Padillia

RB-LB 5-09 RB-LB 5-11 RB-LB 5-09 OL-DL 6-00 RB-DL 5-08 OL-DL 5-09 OL-DL 5-09 OL-DL 5-09 OL-DL 5-10 OL-DL 5-07 OL-DL 5-07 OL-DL 6-045 OL-DL 5-09 OL-DL 5-11 OL-DL 6-05 OL-DL 5-09 WR-DB 5-08

55 220 155 200 155 200 180 180 175 200 220 220 200 210 60 275 135

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

Experienced CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

WIDE RECEIVERS Senior Gavin Hunt leads the receiving corps and Cunningham noted that “any time he has the ball in his hands there’s a chance for something special to happen.” The other receivers should ben juniors Zander Schmidt and Tevin Taylor. “The work Zander Schmidt has put in has been huge. He’s transformed his body into better shape. Tevin Taylor is a player who can do everything. We’re excited with what those guys bring to the table.”

Taylor will play in the backfield as well as receiver. RUNNING BACKS The key loss not only in the backfield but for the offense was Michael Stitt who led the team in rushing and was their receiving target. “Losing Michael Stitt was definitely a hit for us. He was a talent on both sides of the football for us. He was a man of little words but big action. He worked hard off the field and gave us silent leadership on the field,” said Cunningham. Although the Dragons lost Stitt, the

two veterans returning still have plenty of talent in junior J.D. Brumfield (6-0, 205) and senior Jordan Williams (6-2, 220) headline the backfield. “We’ll be a two-back team, we’ll spread the field and do some of the things we’ve done in the past,” said Cunningham. “Having a healthy Jordan changes who we are as a team. Put him in there with J.D. Brumfield, Gavin Hunt, Tevin Taylor and Zander Schmidt and we have a solid core.”

PLEASE SEE “DRAGONS,” PAGE 12

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FOOTBALL 2020

Dragons

FAIRLAND

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

RECEIVERS Senior Gavin Hunt (6-1, 165) was the prime target last season but has a solid corps of receivers around him including junior Tevin Taylor 5-9, 165), junior Zander Schmidt (6-0, 160) and freshman Brycen Hunt (6-0, 145) who is the younger brother of Gavin Hunt. Cunningham said Gavin Hunt is impressive but he said Taylor is the most versatile and athletic player of the bunch. Schmidt is another versatile player who will be the backup quarterback. QUARTERBACK Senior Max Ward (6-2, 170) returns to run the offense and Cunningham said experience will be a key to the offense. “Considering the fact that we return a lot of our offensive players, I think we can expand our offense again much like we were two years ago. Our quarterback is experienced now and not in his first year and the game has slowed down a little bit for him,” said Cunningham. “(Ward) had a really good off-season. He’s picked up 20 pounds of muscle and just being in our system for a year has been beneficial for him.” OFFENSIVE LINE

PLEASE SEE “OFFENSIVE LINE,” PAGE 14

DEPTH CHART OFFENSE WR WR LT LG C RG RT WR QB RB RB PK

7 10 21 27 74 62 51 62 52 61 56 50 75 51 8 10 16 8 2 23 5 8 1

Gavin Hunt Brycen Hunt Tevin Taylor Steeler Leep Logan Hamlin Michael Lucas Steven Rhodes Michael Lucas Mason Ward Corey Newman Casey Hudson Trey Black Justin McKee Steven Rhodes Zander Schmidt Brycen Hunt Max Ward Zander Schmidt J.D. Brumfield Riley Kazee Jordan Williams Zander Schmidt Emma Marshall

DEFENSE

Hunt

Williams

Max Ward

Hamlin

Brumfield

Schmidt

Taylor

Hudson

Kazee

Mn.Ward

Dement

Black

DE 5 53 DT 75 74 DT 62 54 DE 56 51 OLB 2 20 MLB 23 27 OLB 8 22 CB 7 10 CB 6 17 S 21 16 S 27 10 P 8

Jordan Williams Austin Porter Justin McKee Logan Hamlin Michael Lucas Mason Ward Casey Hudson Steven Rhodes J.D. Brumfield Garrett Spence Riley Kazee Steeler Leep Zander Schmidt Sam Ward Gavin Hunt Brycen Hunt Devin Barker Peyton Jackson Tevin Taylor Max Ward Steeler Leep Brycen Hunt Zander Schmidt


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4

14

FOOTBALL 2020

COVID forces teams to play 6-game schedule Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

The Ohio Valley Conference is going with a six-pack. Athletic directors from the OVC have elected to play a six-game schedule of all conference games for the 2020 season. Each team will only play six instead of seven league games which allows teams to be part of the post-

season playoffs under the proposal by the Ohio High School Athletic Association Board of Control. The board submitted a plan to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine that was basically approved as DeWine told schools to proceed with fall sports. The board voted 9-0 to approve a plan that allows teams to play six games or up to 10 games. If the schools play six games, they automatically may be part of the playoffs.

Teams have the option to play 10 games with no playoffs or they can play six games and be part of the playoffs but resume playing up to 10 games after being eliminated from the playoffs. While the board adopted this plan, the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association was not consulted on this particular proposal. The OHSFCA did have several other plans that were ignored.

Offensive Line CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

The Dragons went through four centers last season due to injuries. The starter this season should be sophomore Mason Ward (5-9, 180). “With all our injuries last season, we had to play a lot of linemen,” said Cunningham. “We don’t have a player on our team who works like this young man works. If I‘m going to war, he’s going to be one of the top ones I would pick.” The guards will be led by returning starter junior Casey Hudson (6-4, 220) while the other spot is a battle between sophomores Stephen Rhodes (5-9, 180) and Michael Lucas (5-11, 210) and junior Trey Black (5-9, 200). “Casey has a chance to be a pretty good player on both sides of the ball,” said Cunningham. “The other three are all different in what they bring to the table. They’re all doing some good things.” Senior Logan Hamlin (6-4, 270) started last season at tackle but also suffered from the injury bug. The other tackle is expected to be sophomore Justin McKee (5-11, 265). Rhodes may also see playing time at tackle. “Logan is probably our top lineman coming back,” said Cunningham. DEFENSIVE LINE The ends will be headed by Williams on the strong side and he will be flanked on the other side by Hudson. “There are a lot of colleges who should take notice of Jordan,” said Cunningham. The tackles will come from McKee, Lucas and sophomore Dylan Holley. “I’ve really been impressed with Justin McKee and Michael Lucas. They move well with their size and they have good leverage,” said Cunningham. LINEBACKERS Brumfield has been the team’s top tackler the past two seasons from his outside linebacker spot and he heads up the Dragons’ trio that will include junior Riley Kazee (5-9, 215) who is a returning starter in the middle with Schmidt on the outside. “Kazee isn’t the same guy you’ve seen. He’s solid and worked his tail off. We’re excited to have him back,” said Cunningham. “J.D. Brumfield is a football player. When

you’re talking football, Brumfield and Williams are two of the best defensive players in our county.” SECONDARY Devin Barker, Payton Jackson, Gavin Hunt and his younger brother Brycen Hunt are all battling for the starting cornerback spot. Taylor will be at safety and Cunningham said “he might be the best all-around athlete playing in our school. If I there’s something we can’t get done or need, I’m going to call him or Gavin (Hunt). They can do anything.” The other safety job will come from sophomore Steeler Leep (5-9, 150) or one of the cornerbacks. Leep broke his arm last season and missed most of the season. KICKING GAME Senior Emma Marshall handled the placekicking last season when she wasn’t running cross country and she will follow the same schedule this season. “(Marshall) did well last year kicking extra points, but watching her now she’s kicking ball 35, 40-yard field goals now. She’s really gotten better,” said Cunningham. The punter is expected to be Schmidt. OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE Cunningham said Ironton is the pick again with Gallipolis next in line. “When you’re standing on the ladder and look up, it’s going to be Ironton and Gallia and it’s well-deserved,” said Cunningham. “I feel we’re a talented group. We’re still young and have to prove ourselves. Chesapeake has Richendollar and he’s a very, very good football player. Rock Hill has some solid players. They had a lot of injuries last year like us. Portsmouth probably has some good players within their walls who will come out now that Talyn (Parker) is gone. I have a lot of respect for Chris (Davis) at South Point. Coal Grove has Stapleton and Compliment. We’ll have another competitive league.”

Marshall

Leep


FOOTBALL 2020

15

Members of the 2020 Ironton Fighting Tigers’ football team are: front row from left to right, Kameron Browning, Blake Murrell, Jacob Sloan, Aiden Young, Erickson Barnes, Chase Stevens, Tatum Moore, Jason Walker, Ben Taylor, Owen Ison, Jimmy Mahlmeister, Devin Thompson, Creighton Bryant, Noah Patterson, Phil Boem, Jon Wylie, Hayden Harmon, Isaac Fitzpatrick, Bryson Hayes, Aaron Munion, Conner Lowe, Darryn Harvey, Wyatt Bumgardner and Ethan Hellyer; second row from left to right, Austin Linn, Austin Masters, Eli Carter, Peyton Wilson, C.J. Martin, Ashton Silva, Gunner Crawford, Jaquez Keyes, Evan Wilds, DeAngelo Weekly, Landen Wilson, Kyle Howell, Tayden Carpenter, Rocky White, Dalton Crabtree, Cameron Deere, Caleb Brown, Darrell Henderson, Dylan Carpenter, Dalton Crabtree, Cole Freeman, Tanner Moore and Blake Porter; third row from left to right, C.J. McCall, Ashton Duncan, Derek Neal, Hunter Moore, Brady Freeman, Chase Stevens, Lance Rand, Ethan White, Erickson Barnes, Matthew Davis, Reid Carrico, Trent Hacker, Braxton Pringle, Trevor Carter, Rylan Cecil, Will York, Riley Boggs, Miles Thomas, Blake Murrell, Tanner Patrick, Jaxon Vance, Anthony Kirk and Angelo Washington. (Tony Shotsky/ SouthernOhioSportsPhotos.com)

Ironton sets sights on another title run Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

When you finish as the Division 5 state runners-up that includes a 13-2 record and an Ohio Valley Conference championship, one might ask “what do you do for an encore?” The Ironton Fighting Tigers have a quick and easy answer. “Win it all!”

Carrico

Hacker

Davis

Ironton came up just short of the school’s third state championship in football when the Fighting Tigers lost a tough 17-7 decision to Kirtland last December 6 at Canton’s Hall of Fame Stadium. That result makes their mission this season very clear. “Any time you’re replacing guys who are going on to play at the next level or who are all-state cali-

Deere

Crawford

ber players or played in the North/ South game, that’s some big losses to replace. Our biggest thing is we got five extra weeks of practice with our younger guys with guys who will be stepping into those roles and you can see that maturity and how much that helped,” said Ironton coach Trevon Pendleton.

Crabtree

PLEASE SEE “TITLE,” PAGE 16

Howell

White


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FOOTBALL 2020

IRONTON

DEPTH CHART OFFENSE TE RT RG C LG LT WR WR QB FB RB WR PK

24 25 70 75 52 71 63 51 56 51 78 76 10 22 20 18 5 4 30 36 28 2 9 32 81

Ashton Duncan Angelo Washington Riley Boggs C.J. McCall Matthew Davis Hunter Moore Rocky White Owen Ison Blake Murrell Owen Ison Rylan Cecil Nate Cochran Trent Hacker Erickson Barnes Kyle Howell Landen Wilson Will Todd Tayden Carpenter Cameron Deere Gunner Crawford Reid Carrico Trevor Carter Jacob Sloan Lincoln Barnes Jimmy Mahlmeister

Title CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

“We always preach to our guys ‘next man up,’ so there’s going to be opportunities to fill some voids this year and we’ve got a lot of depth. That’s one thing I’ll say about this team. We’ve got a lot of depth. We’ve got a lot of guys who can step in and play those positions.” It’s easy to say that your goal is to go back to the title game, but doing it is another thing. However, Ironton has the personnel to plan another trip to I-77 to the title game. The major reason is senior running back and linebacker Reid Carrico who was the Associated Press sports writers’ Division 5 Defensive Player of the Year last season.

The Ohio State commit is one of many veterans who will make Ironton the favorite in the OVC as well as to go deep in the postseason playoffs. The first Ironton player to be selected to play in the Under Armor AllAmerican, the 6-foot-3, 235-pounder ran 191 times for 1,590 yards and scored 28 touchdowns last season including seven times in the five postseason games. Recruited as a linebacker, Carrico racked up 168 tackles last season including 18 for a loss with three sacks and four forced fumbles. He recovered three fumbles, intercepted one pass and had two defensive touchdowns.

PLEASE SEE “CARRICO” PAGE 18

DEFENSE DE DT DT DE ILB ILB OLB OLB CB CB S P

24 52 76 78 36 51 25 33 28 25 30 45 33 24 32 9 10 31 2 8 20 5 20

Ashton Duncan Matthew Davis Nate Cochran Ryan Cecil Gunner Crawford Owen Ison Angelo Washington Dalton Crabtree Reid Carrico Angelo Washington Cameron Deere Dylan Carpenter Dalton Crabtree Ashton Duncan Lincoln Barnes Jacob Sloan Trent Hacker Kameron Browning Trevor Carter Aiden Young Kyle Howell Will York Kyle Howell

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FOOTBALL 2020

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IRONTON FIGHTING TIGERS FOOTBALL ROSTER Ironton Fighting Tigers 2020 Football Roster No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. 2 Trevor Carter RB-DB 6-01 190 3 Braxton Pringle WR-S 6-01 165 4 Tayden Carpenter QB-LB 5-11 175 5 Will York QB-S 5-11 170 6 C.J. Martin QB-CB 5-09 145 7 Jaquez Keyes RB-CB 5-11 165 8 Aiden Young QB-CB 5-06 130 9 Jacob Sloan QB-S 6-00 180 10 Trent Hacker WR-CB 6-02 175 12 Aaron Masters QB-S 5-10 150 13 Lance Rand WR-S 6-00 165 14 DeAngelo Weekly FB-LB 5-10 175 15 Landen Wilson WR-CB 5-08 140 18 Ethan White WR-S 6-01 165 20 Kyle Howell WR-S 5-10 2170 21 Darrell Henderson WR-CB 5-08 145 22 Erickson Barnes WR-S 6-02 165 23 Austin Linn WR-S 5-10 155 24 Ashton Duncan HB-LB 6-02 205 25 Angelo Washington TE-LB 6-00 210 26 Peyton Wilson WR-S 5-10 165 28 Reid Carrico RB-LB 6-03 235 30 Cameron Deere FB-LB 5-11 185 31 Kameron Browning RBCB 5-11 170 32 Lincoln Barnes TE-LB 5-11 160 33 Dalton Crabtree RB-LB 5-10 190 36 Gunner Crawford FB-LB 5-10 225 37 Uriah Meadows WR-S 5-05 145 40 Cole Freeman WR-CB 5-08 150 44 Jaxon Vance TE-LB 6-01 215 45 Dylan Carpenter TE-LB 6-00 200 50 Ashton Silva G-DT 5-09 200 51 Owen Ison G-DT 5-11 190 52 Matthew Davis G-DE 6-00 210 55 Miles Thomas C-DT 5-11 185 56 Blake Murrell G-NG 6-00 205

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

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57 Brady Freeman T-DT 5-11 61 Chase Stevens G-DT 5-11 62 Evan Wilds G-LB 5-08 63 Rocky White C-DT 5-11 65 Tanner Patrick T-DT 6-00 66 Anthony Kirk G-DT 5-11 68 Ben Taylor T-DT 5-11 69 Tanner Moore T-DT 5-11 70 Riley Boggs T-DT 6-02 71 Hunter Moore G-DT 5-11 72 Derek Neal T-DT 6-00 75 C.J. McCall T-DT 6-01 76 Nate Cochran T-DT 6-02 77 Caleb Brown G-DE 5-10 78 Rylan Cecil T-DT 6-01 81 Jimmy Mahlmeister PK 6-00 87 Eli Carter WR-S 5-08 Head coach: Trevon Pendleton Ironton Freshmen Roster No. Player Pos. Ht. 11 Blake Porter WR-CB 5-0-9 19 Jon Wylie QB-S 5-11 22 Ben Sloan RB-LB 5-07 28 Hayden Harmon RB-LB 5-10 30 Tatum Moore RB-S 5-08 45 Phil Boem RB-LB 5-06 46 Ethan Hellyer RB-LB 5-09 60 Wyatt Bumgardner G-NG 5-11225 61 Aiden Easterling C-DT 5-10 63 Creighton Bryant T-DT 5-10 64 Noah Patterson T-LB 6-00 67 Devin Thompson G-NG 5-10 72 Isaac Fitzpatrick G-DT 5-10 74 Austin Munion T-DT 5-10 75 Bryson Hayes T-DT 5-10 80 Conner Lowe WR-S 5-09 82 Darryn Harvey WR-LB 5-07 83 Jason Walker WR-S 5-09

265 210 185 235 200 205 220 225 260 225 225 310 260 200 270 165 145

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

Wt. 140 150 135 160 135 140 140 Fr. 200 250 195 190 210 270 275 160 135 150

Gr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr.

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FOOTBALL 2020

QUICK HITTER

York

Washington

Cochran

Duncan

Boggs

Cecil

Murrell

Sloan

Carrico CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

“Reid’s obviously going to be a big part of what we do this year offensively and defensively, but the key this year, we’re going to look a little different offensively than last year just based on personnel, but we’ve got a lot of depth.” RUNNING BACKS Well, of course, Carrico. A three-year starter who also played extensively as a freshman, Carrico will need carry a bigger load with the loss of fullback Seth Fosson. However, senior Cameron Deere (5-11, 185) split the starting duties last season and Pendleton said Deere can step in and play running back. Another weapon in the backfield should be sophomore Trevor Carter (6-1, 190) who may be the fastest player on the team. Despite limited carries last season, Carter has already got offers including one from Arkansas. “Trevor Carter is another year older and a very talented player. We’ve got

guys all across the board.” But there are some other players who provide depth including senior Gunner Crawford (5-10, 225) at fullback. Junior Kameron Browning (5-11, 170) was in the plans but has been sidelined by an injury. QUARTERBACK This is a huge hole in the Ironton offense that must be filled. Second team All-Ohio Gage Salyers is now playing for Youngstown State and with him goes three years of starting experience. A duel threat as a runner and passer with a knack for big plays, his job will be a battle between senior Will York (5-11, 170) and sophomore Tayden Carpenter (5-11, 175). Also in the mix are sophomores Aiden Young (5-6, 130) and Aaron Masters (5-10, 150) — who transferred from Wheelersburg — along with freshman Jon Wylie (5-11, 150). “The quarterback bat-

PLEASE SEE “QUARTERBACK” PAGE 20

Head Coach: Trevon Pendleton (19-7, 3rd year at Ironton and overall) Assistant Coaches: Jerrod Pendleton, Ted Newsome, Brian Bowling, Trent Carpenter, Daniel Murphy, Terry Miller, Jarrod Smith, Walt Delong, Garrett Pendleton, Brandon Walker, Tim Sowers, Keith Wetzel, Hunter Klaiber, Tim Collins. Key Returnees: Reid Carrico, Cameron Deere, Matt Davis, Nate Cochran, Rocky White, Gunnar Crawford, Dalton, Crabtree, Trent Hacker, Kyle Howell, Riley Boggs, Ryan McClain, Ashton Duncan, Will York, Trevor Carter, Tayden Carpenter, Dylan Carpenter. Key Losses: Gage Salyers, Seth Foson, Jordan Grizzle, Caden McFann, Noah Davidson, Collin Freeman, Junior Jones, Beau Brownstead, Hunter Eaches, Nolan Schreck, Izsak Unger, Avery Book. 2019 Record: 13-2 (D5 state runners-up; 7-0 OVC, first) Offense: Pro I, Spread, Multiple Defense: 4-4, 3-4, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 8 Returning Defensive Starters: 7

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20

FOOTBALL 2020

“The quarterback battle probably is our most open battle right now. Got a lot of guys who are capable of playing it. That’s a good thing to have when you have multiple guys who can play and play it at a high level. It’s better than the years you have nobody,” said Pendleton. “It’s a different skill set than what we had at quarterback last year, not that neither of them can run because they can. But running ball like Gage Salyers was like having another running back in the backfield.” WIDE RECEIVER Graduation also claimed Jordan Grizzle who was Ironton’s most clutch receiver. In fact, he teamed up with Salyers for a 77-yard touchdown pass in the state title game that is now the record for the longest TD pass play. Grizzle finished with 11 receptions for 315 yards and three touchdowns. But there are plenty targets returning led by seniors Trent Hacker (6-2, 175) and Kyle Howell (5-10, 170). Hacker had 10 catches for 228 yards and three scores with Howell grabbing 16 passes for 215 yards and two TDs. “Every year we’ve been getting better with guys on the edge that are able to

catch the ball and extend the field vertically. This year is our best group from top to bottom,” said Pendleton. “We’ve had guys in the past, but not that five- to six guys, deep corps group. You’ve got some bigger body guys like Hacker has some height and can run and jump. Erickson Barnes is a basketball guy who’s playing this year who can do a lot of very similar things. “You’ve got Howell and Landon Wilson who mimic each other and a lot of smaller guys who can play in the slot. Get the ball to them guys in a lot of unique ways and they can stretch the field horizonically.” TIGHT END Junior Ashton Duncan has the size (6-2, 215) as he returns at tight end. Duncan finished the season strong and had 10 catches for 134 yards. Senior Dalton Crabtree (5-10, 190) should see some playing time with senior Dylan Carpenter (6-0, 200) getting a look. OFFENSIVE LINE All-Ohio tackle Noah Davidson is gone, but there are plenty of returning starters and lettermen up front. Leading the way up front is senior guard Matthew Davis (6-0, 220) who gets off the ball quickly and has excellent feet.

Junior Riley Boggs (6-2, 275) has been a two-year starter at guard but will shift to right tackle this season to fill Davidson’s void. Senior Rocky White (5-11, 235) is back at center and hoping for an injury-free season as he begins a third season as the starter. Junior Nate Cochran (6-2, 265) can play on offense if needed but will return as a starter on defense. Junior Rylan Cecil (6-1, 280) started last season at tackle and should be on the left side. Junior Blake Murrell (6-0, 205) has shifted from tight end to guard this season and will see playing time to give the offense more flexibility.

PLEASE SEE “FLEXIBILITY” PAGE 21

2020 Schedule

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

Ironton Fighting Tigers August 28 at Portsmouth# 7:00 September 4 GALLIPOLIS# 11 COAL GROVE# 7:00 18 at Rock Hill# 7:00 25 at Chesapeake# 7:00 October 2 SOUTH POINT# 7:00 #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Trevon Pendleton

2019 Results

Quarterback

Ironton Fighting Tigers Ironton 30 Wheelersburg Ironton 10 Russell, Ky. Ironton 49 Fairland Ironton 7 Ashland, Ky. Ironton 62 South Point Ironton 48 Chesapeake Ironton 47 Rock Hill Ironton 21 Coal Grove Ironton 33 Gallipolis Ironton 28 Portsmouth D5 PLAYOFFS Ironton 56 Wellston Ironton 31 Clearcreek Ironton 24 Ridgewood Ironton 49 W. Jefferson Ironton 7 Kirtland Record: 13-2 (7-0 OVC)

6 0 7 14 13 27 13 12 36 35 6 7 14 21 17

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Flexibility CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

Senior Owen Ison (5-11, 190) should provide depth at guard while junior C.J. McCall (6-1, 315) will be a backup at tackle. DEFENSIVE LINE There are two huge holes on either side of the defensive line after losing first-team All-Ohio end Seth Fosson and third team All-Ohio end and tackle Junior Jones. Cochran was honorable mention all-district last season and will anchor the line and cause matchup problems for opponents. A big addition will be junior end Angelo Washington (6-0, 210) who moved back to the area from Mize, Mississippi, and gives the defense some size and excellent quickness off the ball. Crawford (5-10, 230) played on the defensive line last season and brings a lot of experience to the defense. Duncan played some outside line-

backer last season and will see time there again, but he has gotten taller and put on bulk weight that will allow him to move up to the defensive line when necessary. “We have the ability to be as good if not better than last year,” said Pendleton. “Angelo Washington moved up over the whole COVID epidemic to what is home for one of the parents. He’s been a great addition. He’s a high-motor guy and really gets off the ball.” LINEBACKERS Ironton will be the strongest on defense at linebacker where they return three of the four starters led by Carrico and Deere who are both three-year starters. Crabtree will be on the outside again and the other side will be filled by junior Jacob Sloan (6-0, 180) and sophomore Lincoln Barnes (5-11, 160) who Pendleton said “has made great strides and is going to be around the football.”

HAVE AN AWESOME YEAR!

Carter is expected to play in the secondary but may also be utilized at outside linebacker, too. “We’ve got a lot of interchangeable pieces, but the thing that makes this defense the scariest is the team speed. You’ve got a lot of guys who can absolutely run and get to the football,” said Pendleton. DEFENSIVE BACKS Salyers will be missed out of the secondary and his ability to come up strong against the run, but Ironton has plenty of veterans back. Howell will be back at safety and Hacker returns at one corner. Replacing all-district Collin Freeman at the other corner will probably be York with Carter at safety. KICKING GAME Avery Book gave Ironton a weapon kicking field goals and booming kickoffs into the end zone, but he’s gone to Glenville State leaving a void.

PLEASE SEE “KICKING” PAGE 22

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FOOTBALL 2020

Kicking CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

should be a strong challenge from Gallipolis and possibly “Avery was able to do Fairland as most teams are a lot things but the best looking to rebuild. “That’s the thing with thing that Avery done high school football was to help develop and football in gensome of our youngeral, there’s a lot of er guys, too. He parity and a lot of took Kyle Howell equalizers whethunder his wing and er it’s turnovers Kyle Howell yesteror whatever,” said day had a punt of Pendleton. 67 yards in practice. “You’ve got to come Definitely a lively Mahlmeister out and play your leg,” said Pendleton. A-game every night While Howell has proven to have a strong and play solid football for leg and should step in four quarters and let the and punt, senior Jimmy chips fall where they may. I Mahlmeister (6-0, 165) has think if we go out and play kicked field goals as long and take care of business as 50 yards and can put we can play with anyone kickoffs into the end zone. in the state. That’s our biggest focus, not necessarily OVC While Ironton is the favor- on our opponents but on ite to win the league, there ourselves.”

Ironton defensive back Trent Hacker (right) bats a pass away from a West Jefferson receiver. (Kent Sanborn/ SouthernOhioSportsPhotos.com)

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Carrico has some unfinished business before going to OSU Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

Reid Carrico puts on his football helmet each day and goes to work at Tanks Memorial Stadium. The stadium has been his place of work for the past five years playing football for the Ironton Fighting Tigers high school and middle school teams. But this season, his job has some very important business that needs to be finished. Last season, Carrico and Ironton reached the Division 5 state championship only to fall short of their goal in a 17-7 loss to Kirtland at the Canton Hall of Fame Stadium. That loss has made Carrico and his teammates work even harder to complete their personal “To Do” list. “We’ve got some unfinished business and that led to a lot of sleepless nights, when you’re lying in bed and thinking of what you could have done better,” said Carrico. There wasn’t much the 6-foot-3, 235-pound senior running back and linebacker could have done last season. A verbal commitment to Ohio State came early in the season. He’ll do the paperwork to complete the transaction in December. He then went on to rush 191 times for 1,590 yards and 28 touchdowns including

seven postseason scores. Defensively, he racked up 168 tackles including three sacks, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, one pass interception and scored two defensive touchdowns. All that work earned him first team AllSoutheast District honors along with Defensive Player of the year and that led to being named not only first team All-Ohio but the Defensive Player of the Year. Carrico became the first Ironton player to be selected to play in the Under Armour All-American game. He was recently named one of 37 players from Ohio on the Sports Illustrated All-American football team watch list. The awards and honors may have piled up on his office wall, but he really isn’t about all the awards with the exception of one: Mr. Football. Of the previous Mr. Football winners, 10 have been selected in the NFL draft. Joe Burrow of Athens is the only player from Southeast Ohio to win the award in its 32 previous years. “I think the biggest one for me is I want to get Mr. Football because a lot of those guys in Columbus and around those bigger schools, those guys don’t play both sides of the ball,” said Carrio.

Carrico

Ironton’s Reid Carrico stiffarms a Kirtland defender in the Division 5 state title game last season. (Kent Sanborn/Southern Ohio Sports Photos)

Ironton’s Reid Carrico makes a tackle from his linebacker position. Carrico is headed to Ohio State to play linebacker for PLEASE SEE “BUSINESS” PAGE 24 the Buckeyes. (Kent Sanborn/Southern Ohio Sports Photos)


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FOOTBALL 2020

Business CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

“I’ve got a buddy named Cade Stover who plays at Ohio State now and he went to Lexington (Ohio) High School and he played both sides of the ball and he went to a Division 4 school, so it’s completely possible. “That’s my biggest personal goal this year. That’s the big one. I got a bunch of awards last year and that’s all cool, but Mr. Football in Ohio would be huge.” But again, that’s a personal goal that sits on the backburner. His focus along with his teammates is to finish the job they started last season, namely to win the state championship. And despite the finality and being a target of opposing teams, Carrico isn’t pushing any panic buttons. “I don’t think there’s a whole lot of pressure on me. I just need to go out there and lead by example. Every now and then I might have to get vocal and get in a couple of guys’ hind end and get them going. Maybe they show up a little bit lazy or they didn’t sleep the night before practice,” said Carrico. “But I think taking on that role is pretty easy as a senior because everybody knows that everybody wants to listen to a senior, especially when they’ve got a couple of years of varsity under their belt. So, I’m not really all that worked up about it. I got a bunch of help from my fellow seniors. Me, (Cameron) Deere, Dalton (Crabtree), Rocky (White), we’ve played multiple years of varsity now. So, I’m confident in their abilities and their knowledge of the game that if we want to get back to Canton this year it’s completely possible.” Being a senior, Carrico knows it’s his last chance for winning a state title. With the coronavirus canceling the Big Ten season this fall and the threat of Ohio high school football facing a move to the spring, Carrico isn’t going to let his final high school team goal get sidelined even though his original plans are to enroll early at Ohio State. “I’d say, as long as we get to play this fall, I’ll be going to Ohio State in January for sure. But if the (high school) season gets moved around to the spring, or something like that, I’ll more than likely stay home and play my senior season,” said Carrico. “There’s a lot of questions I still need answered so I’m not completely sold on that if it happens. More than likely I’m going to stay here and try and win a state championship.” While football has become the main focus in his life, Carrico said it wasn’t always that way. He has a great-great uncle named Earl Webb who played eight seasons of Major League Baseball with five different teams. He had a career .306 batting average that included 67 doubles for the Boston Red Sox in 1931 and the total remains a major league record. Add that to his own father, Gary, who was a pitcher for the 1972 Ironton Class AA state baseball championship team.

PLEASE SEE “CARRICO” PAGE 44

HEAP Summer Crisis Program Starts July 1 Beginning July 1, the Ohio Development Services Agency and Ironton-Lawrence County Area Community Action Organization will help income-eligible Ohioans maintain their utility service through the Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program. The program helps eligible Ohioans pay an electric bill, purchase an air conditioning unit or fan, or pay for central air conditioning repairs. This year, the program will run from July 1 until September 30, 2020. “This year, we’ve extended the length of the program and expanded eligibility requirements so we can help more Ohioans during this health crisis,” Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Development Services Agency said. “We’re working with Ironton-Lawrence County Area Community Action Organization every day to help Ohioans in need.” In 2019 more than 900 families in Lawrence County were assisted through the Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program. Our mission is to measurably improve the well-being of our community by providing opportunities for those in need. The Summer Crisis Program assists low-income households with an older household member (60 years or older), or households that can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health. Examples of conditions can include lung disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, asthma, etc. This year, households that were diagnosed with COVID-19 in 2020, have a disconnect notice, have been shut off, or are trying to establish new service on their electric bill are also eligible for assistance. Ohioans can visit energyhelp.ohio.gov to start their application prior to their required appointment. This year appointments will be held over the phone. To schedule an appointment call, (740) 237-3262. Eligible households can receive up to $500 if they are a customer of a regulated utility, or $800 if they are a customer of unregulated utilities such as electric cooperatives and municipal utilities. The assistance is applied to their utility bill, or to purchase an air conditioning unit or fan, or pay for central air conditioning repairs. Ohioans must have a gross income at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines to qualify for assistance. For a family of four the annual income must be at or below $45,850.00. Also new this year, Ohioans enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus Program (PIPP) who meet the above criteria may be eligible for assistance towards their default PIPP payment, first PIPP payment, central air conditioning repairs, or may receive an air conditioning unit and/or fan. For more information about the features of the Summer Crisis Program locally and what is needed to apply, contact Ironton-Lawrence County Area Community Action Organization at (740) 532-3140. Additional information can also be found at www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or by calling (800) 282-0880.


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Members of the 2020 Coal Grove Hornets’ football team are: front row from left to right, Matt McQuay, Steven Simpson, Gavin Gipson, Devin Bloomfield, Whyatt Mannon, Caleb Huff, Brennan Meadows, Zach Delawder, Brett Klaiber, Jake Stephens, Wesley Runyon, Landon Roberts, Dylan Collins and Garrett Hankins; second row from left to right, coach Alex Bare, Landon Johnson, Will Mayo, Perry Kingery, Morgan Schultz, Austin Stapleton, Kye Robinson, Ben Compliment, Tucker Meadows, Trey Hunt, Chris Wilson, Logan Sizemore, Malachai Wheeler, Brad Wheeler, Dustin Lunsford and head coach Jay Lucas; third row from left to right, coach Jarrod Keaton, coach Jordan Lucas, Braylen Stuntebeck, Hunter Staton, Brayden Wilson, Justin Newcomb, Steve Easterling, Clay Ferguson, Jarren Hicks, Jarren Hicks, Jeffrey Sparks, Chase Hall, Landon Webb, Chris Lowe, Nate Woodyard, Jon Townsend, coach Nick Miller and coach Chuck Price. (Tony Shotsky/SouthernOhioSportsPhotos.com)

Hornets start to move in right direction Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

COAL GROVE — Season one was an adjustment. Season two will be trying to put things into motion. Jay Lucas returned to Coal Grove last season as the head coach giving the Hornet players their third head coach in four seasons. Lucas is hop-

ing that getting some continuity and stability with one system will help improve on last season’s 2-8 record. “We’re definitely ahead of where we were last year at this time as far as our physical strength and conditioning,” said Lucas. “Obviously, the quarantine period hurt us a little bit, but young kids bounce back. They worked excep-

tionally hard this winter and this summer and I feel like we’re moving in the right direction.” The Hornets lost some linemen like Reece York, Justin Castle and Colten Sparks plus quarterback Cory Borders and running back Austin Stormes.

PLEASE SEE “MOVING” PAGE 26

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FOOTBALL 2020

Moving CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

“We lost a lot of quality players but we’re working hard to replace those key spots,” said Lucas. “The seniors we had last year were great leaders. We didn’t have one of them quit the whole season. I give them a lot of credit.” QUARTERBACK Looking to take over at quarterback will be junior Clay Ferguson with competition coming from sophomores Hunter Staton and Braylen Stuntebeck and freshman Whyatt Mannon. “Right now, we’re working Clay Ferguson, but we’ve got four kids there,” said Lucas. “Ferguson is doing really well this summer. He’s accepted the leadership role and we feel comfortable with him. Those other guys are competing really hard for playing time. We’re excited about the position. We feel that position could be a strong suit for us the next few years.” RUNNING BACK Senior Austin Stapleton (5-10, 225) is back after rushing for more than 1,000 yards last season and earning all-district honors. Stapleton will line up at fullback or tailback. “Austin had a great year last year. It didn’t end the way he wanted. He got hurt in the next to last game and I think that motivated him. He got to see how much he missed it when he wasn’t in there. “Now, he had a great winter and a really great spring and now he’s a man. He’s a really good football player. He’s a moose.” Senior Trey Hunt filled in for Stapleton last season and Lucas said “he’s a really nice player. We’re going to use Stapleton at tailback some.”

QUICK HITTER

Head Coach: Jay Lucas (2-8 at Coal Grove, 2nd season; 18-32 and overall, sixth season) Assistant Coaches: Nick Miller, Alex Bare, Jarrod Keaton, Chuck Price, Jordan Lucas. Key Returnees: Ben Compliment, Austin Stapleton, Kye Robinson, Chris Wilson, Tucker Meadows, Perry Kingery, Malachai Wheeler, Jarren Hicks, Chris Wilson, Clay Ferguson, Trey Hunt, Chase Hall, Zach Delawder. Key Losses: Cory Borders, Justin Hicks, Austin Stormes, Joe Abrams, Ethan Short, Reece York, Justin Castle, Colten Sparks. 2019 Record: 2-8 (1-5 OVC, seventh) Offense: Wing-T, Spread, Multiple Defense: 4-4, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 5 Returning Defensive Starters: 4

Meadows

Hamlin

2020 Schedule

Stapleton

Compliment

Coal Grove Hornets August 28 ROCK HILL# September 4 at Fairland# 11 at Ironton# 18 GALLIPOLIS# 25 PORTSMOUTH# October 2 at Chesapeake# #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Jay Lucas

2019 Results

PLEASE SEE “RUNNING” PAGE 27

Coal Grove Hornets Coal Grove 32 at River Valley Coal Grove 19 Lucasville Valley Coal Grove 12 Ports. West Coal Grove 25 South Point Coal Grove 38 Chesapeake Coal Grove 13 Portsmouth Coal Grove 20 Gallipolis Coal Grove 12 Ironton Coal Grove 12 Fairland Coal Grove 20 Rock Hill Record: 2-8 (1-6 OVC)

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FOOTBALL 2020

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Running CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

Junior Malachai Wheeler will be a swingman as he shifts from running back to receiver. “He’s another great kid who had a great summer. We also have Chase Hall who is a sophomore and (Steven) Simpson who is a freshman and gives us a great dynamic with his speed. We feel good about those running backs. They each bring something different.” RECEIVERS Junior Perry Kingery (6-4, 205) is back to play tight end. “Perry started last year and it was his first year playing,” said Lucas. “He’s grown a lot physically and the experience of playing last year has helped him out.” The other end will be junior Jarren Hicks (6-1, 175) and Lucas said “he’s an athlete who can do things in space.” Another junior in the mix is Steve Easterling (5-11, 180) who has shown improvement. When the Hornets spread the field, Hicks can play outside along with Hall and senior Morgan Schultz, Wheeler, junior Jeffrey Sparks and fresh-

man Jake Stephens. “We have a lot of guys who are interchangeable and can do a lot of things,” said Lucas. “We’re more physically developed. They’ve grown and matured.” OFFENSIVE LINE The Hornets lost a few linemen, but they have one player who could almost fill two spots by himself in senior and four-year starter Ben Compliment (6-3, 260). “He’s a force. He’s a really nice football player,” said Lucas. “We always have decent lines and we feel we have a good group coming back. They’re jelling and we’re trying to get our timing to come together. It’s a senior group but some of them are inexperienced.” Joining Compliment up front is senior Kye Robinson (6-0, 230) who is a three-year starter at center. The backup is freshman Caleb Huff. The guard will come from Compliment along with sophomores Dustin Lunsford (5-11, 195), Eli Bazell (5-10, 175) and Jon Townsend as well as junior Brad Wheeler (5-11, 205). “We have several kids battling for a job and all of them had really good

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winters and springs and worked hard,” said Lucas. At the tackle spots will be seniors Tucker Meadows (6-5, 275) and Chris Wilson as well as Lunsford and freshman Zach Delawder who Lucas said “is doing really, really well.” “We’ve got some big kids in there. We feel good about those interior guys. We know in our league everyone is going to have a pretty good line of scrimmage. These kids have accepted the challenge this off-season to get stronger and faster.” DEFENSIVE LINE “We’re looking at a lot of different people at those three interior positions,” said Lucas. “We have a little depth there,” Sizemore started every game last season and should lock down one spot. Kingery has the inside track on one spot along with Meadows, Lunsford, Wilson, Robinson, Townsend and sophomore Chris Lowe (6-0, 225) who started the final game of the season. LINEBACKERS Compliment and Stapleton head up the inside linebacker spots along with Hunt.

PLEASE SEE “LINEBACKER” PAGE 28

Robinson

Ferguson

Wilson

Hunt

Easterling

Hall

Sparks

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FOOTBALL 2020

COAL GROVE HORNETS FOOTBALL ROSTER 2020 Coal Grove Hornets Football Roster No. Player Pos. 1 Morgan Schultz RB-DB 2 Malachai Wheeler RB-DB 3 Dylan Collins RB-DL 4 Wesley Runyon OL-DL 5 Jarren Hicks E-DB 7 Landon Roberts RB-DB 8 Steven Simpson RB-DB 9 Braylen Stuntebeck OL-DL 10 Jeffrey Sparks OL-DB 14 Clay Ferguson QB-DB 15 Whyatt Mannon RB-DB 17 Kaleb Sullivan RB-DB 18 Hunter Staton RB-DB 20 Justin Newcomb RB-DL 21 Chase Hall RB-DL 22 Trey Hunt RB-DL 23 Landon Johnson RB-DL 24 Gavin Gipson RB-DL 25 Matt McQuay RB-DB 27 Brayden Wilson RB-DL 28 Jake Stephens OL-DL 30 Austin Stapleton RB-LB 31 Nate Woodyard RB-DB 32 Tyler Earnest OL-DL 34 Devin Bloomfield OL-DL 44 Steve Easterling OL-DL 50 Tucker Meadows OL-DL 52 Brad Wheeler OL-DL 54 Logan Sizemore OL-DL 55 Elias Bazell OL-DL 56 Brett Klaiber OL-DL 57 Kye Robinson OL-DL 58 Ben Compliment OL-LB 60 Chris Wilson OL-DL 62 Ian Davis OL-DL 63 Dustin Lunsford OL-DL 64 Brennan Meadows OL-DL 65 Caleb Huff OL-DL 67 Jon Townsend OL-DL 68 Garrett Hankins OL-DL 70 Zach Delawder OL-DL 71 Chris Lowe OL-DL 72 Will Mayo OL-DL 75 Landon Webb OL-DL 84 Perry Kingery E-DL Head coach: Jay Lucas

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

Linebacker CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

Easterling, junior Landon Johnson and impressive sophomore Brayden Wilson. “That’s a good group and we’re expecting big things out of them,” said Lucas. SECONDARY This is an area where the Hornets have plenty of athletic players who will all contribute. The group is comprised of Ferguson, Hall, Wheeler, Hicks, Simpson, Stuntebeck, Mannon, Sparks and freshman Matt McQuay “All of those kids will be back there in that rotation. Some of those kids played some there last year. Depth for us is huge,” said Lucas. “Stuntebeck is coming around and doing a lot of good things. Mannon is doing really well, too.” KICKING GAME

Kingery

Hicks

Sophomore Justin Newcomb has emerged from his off-season workouts as the placekicker and punter. “He’s turned into a weapon. He’s really excelling. He spent a lot of time in the off-season going to camps,” said Lucas. OHIO VA L L E Y CONFERENCE When it comes to the OVC, Lucas said fans can expect a dogfight. “The conference is balanced. Gallipolis is going to be strong. Their line of scrimmage is back and along with the Armstrong kid. They’re going to be solid. Ironton will be solid. And then us, Rock Hill, Fairland, Chesapeake and Portsmouth will all have good teams. South Point has a new coach so I don’t know what to expect. You have to go out and play well.”

Staton

Wheeler

Coal Grove Hornets’ running back Austin Stapleton covers the football


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FOOTBALL 2020

Members of the 2020 Green Bobcats’ football team are: front row from left to right, Ethan Huffman, Lonnie Smith and D.J. Barker; second row from left to right, Austin Ray, Lethan Poe, Kaleb LaFollette and Ethan Haslip; third row left to right, Chais Lavender, Landan Lodwick, Daylan Mollett, Levi Waddell, Tyler Blanton and Corey Collin; fourth row left to right, Sean Davis, Ethan Blevins, Derek Salyers, Ace Thompson, Cole Maynard, Nathaniel Brannigan and Braxton Conschafsky; back row left to right, head coach Chad Coffman and assistant Bill Claxon. (Kent Sanborn of SouthernOhioSportsPhotos.com)

Coffman takes over helm of Bobcats

Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

FRANKLIN FURNACE — First-year Green Bobcats’ head coach Chad Coffman would love to hear a “good news, bad news” report. So far, there’s been more bad than good. Coffman takes over a team that lost seven seniors from a 20-man roster.

He had a 24-man roster when a COVID scare shut down the program at the end of July and only 19 players were left standing when they returned. On top of that, teams currently do not have any scrimmages and Coffman said he really needs to see his players in some type of game action. “We really needed a scrimmage to settle some

positions,” said Coffman. Despite the low numbers, Coffman is upbeat. “The group of kids I’ve got are hard-nosed kids who work hard. I’ve really enjoy spending time with them,” said Coffman. “At Green, the numbers are always a thing. But I’d take 19 great kids sometimes over 45 kids who had their own interest at heart and didn’t want to

be there. It’s a little bit of a challenge. I just hope we have 11 who we can put out there and stay healthy.” Green finished last season 5-5 in a season filled with injuries. RUNNING BACK Senior Lonnie Smith (6-3, 210) sustained a knee injury that slowed him considerably last season, but

PLEASE SEE “COFFMAN,” PAGE 31


FOOTBALL 2020

31

Coffman CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

Smith

Huffman

Barker

Hayslip

GREEN BOBCATS ROSTER 2020 Green Bobcats Football Roster No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr. 2 Landan Lodwick RE-DB 5-06 150 So. 3 Austin Ray TE-DB 5-10 155 Jr. 5 Ethan Huffman WR-DB 6-01 160 Sr. 6 Levi Waddell WR-DB 5-10 145 So. 7 Derek Salyers RB-LB 5-10 145 Fr. 8 D.J. Barker RB-LB 5-08 175 Sr. 9 Lonnie Smith RB-LB 6-03 210 Sr. 15 Collin Corey QB-DB 5-11 145 Jr. 16 Kaleb LaFollette WR-DB 6-00 155 Jr. 22 Nathaniel Brannigan RB-OLB 5-10 165 Fr. 25 Ace Thompson TE-DB 5-11 140 Fr. 50 Sean Davis G-DT 5-07 150 Fr. 52 Tyler Blanton C-DT 6-01 210 So. 54 Ethan Blevins T-DT 5-11 170 Fr. 55 Chais Lavender G-LB 5-08 225 So. 60 Braxton Conschafsky G-OLB 5-07 180 Fr. 66 Ethan Hayslip T-DT 6-00 265 Jr. 70 Daylan Mollett T-DT 6-04 240 So. 74 Ricky Nash T-DT 5-10 280 Sr. 75 Cole Maynard G-DT 5-09 180 Fr. 76 Lethan Poe G-OLB 6-01 165 Jr. Head coach: Chad Coffman Assistant coaches: Bill Claxon, Chris Prater, Patrick McDavid, C.J. Blevins, Chuck Lewis

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he is healthy and ready to play a big role in the offense. “They missed a healthy Lonnie last season. He’s a difference maker,” said Coffman. Joining Smith in the backfield will be senior D.J. Barker (5-8, 175) or possibly freshman Derek Salyers (5-10, 145) finding a slot along with another freshman Nathaniel Brannigan (5-10, 165). “Salyers is really fast and really strong for a freshman. Both of those freshmen have more size than you would expect. They both have a chance to play some in there,” said Coffman. “Those are the main four right now.” QUARTERBACK The loss of Trevor Darnell at quarterback has left a void that Coffman said creates a wide-open situation. The front-runner is sophomore Collin Corey (5-11, 145) who moved back to Green from Mississippi. However, Coffman said junior Austin Ray (5-10, 155) is in the running. “Corey has the inside track, but Collier is a really good athlete and Austin Ray missed last year with a shoulder injury who will play somewhere,” said Coffman. “Each one has his strong points for us. We have to maneuver our guys around to make sure we get our best 11 on the field.” WIDE RECEIVERS Senior Ethan Huffman (6-1, 160) headlines the receiving corps after earning all-district an All-Ohio honors last season. “I’ve had some receivers who were really good receivers, but the way he tracks the ball in the air are impressive. I felt teams had to adjust to him last year. He’ll be a big deal for us,” said Coffman. The group also includes junior Kaleb LaFollette (6-0, 155), Ray if he is not the quarterback and can possibly play tight end as well, speedy sophomore Landon Lodwick (5-6,150) who can play the slot or some running back, and freshman Ace Thompson (5-11, 140) will be a tight end.

PLEASE SEE “OFFENSIVE LINE,” PAGE 32


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FOOTBALL 2020

QUICK HITTER

Head Coach: Chad Coffman (0-0 at Green first season; 28-39 overall, sixth season) Assistant Coaches: Bill Claxon, Chris Prater, Patrick McDavid, C.J. Blevins, Chuck Lewis Key Returnees: Lonnie Smith, Ethan Huffman, Austin Ray, Levi Waddell, D.J. Barker, Kaleb LaFollette, Tyler Blanton, Chais Lavender, Ethan Hayslip, Ricky Nash. Key Losses: Troy Otworth, Trevor Darnell, Caleb Derifield, Seth Imes, Will Imes, Mason Hensley, Ethan Carpenter, Devin Hossfeld, Alec Smith. 2019 Record: 5-5 (3-2 SOC, 3rd) Offense: Pro-I, Multiple Defense: 50, Multiple Offensive Starters Returning: 7 Defensive Starters Returning: 6

Go Further-

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At United Way of the River Cities, we know and understand that things have changed. We are no longer greeted with handshakes and hugs, but with waves from across the room. The smiles we once wore are now replaced with masks. We no longer meet for a cup of coffee or over dinner. But, the one thing that has not changed, we are all still people. We are resilient and strong. We might not be standing hand-in-hand, but we are still one. And we can go further, together, as one.

Offensive Line CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

OFFENSIVE LINE Sophomore Tyler Blanton (6-1, 210) is expected to be the center. The guards figure to come from sophomore Chais Lavender (5-8, 225) on the right side with junior Lethan Poe (6-1, 165) on the other side. Junior Ethan Hayslip (6-0, 265) will be a three-year starter and fill one of the tackle spots. Hayslip can also play center. “Hayslip is going to be a pretty good lineman for us,” said Coffman. Freshman Cole Maynard (5-9, 180) and sophomore Daylan Mollett (6-4, 240) are battling for the other tackle job but Coffman said freshman Sean Davis (5-7, 150) and freshman Ethan Blevins (5-11, 170) are competing as well for playing time at tackle. DEFENSIVE LINE “We’re trying to get our best 11 athletes on the field. We’re leaning toward a four front. We have the most experience with that,” said Coffman who plans to us a 4-4 alignment. The tackles will come from the group of Hayslip, Blanton, Lavender, Maynard and Mollett. Senior Ricky Nash (5-10, 280) was expected to be in the mix but suffered an injury that has put his status in limbo. “We can always change and put a quick guy in there,” said Coffman. “We’ll rotate those guys.” The ends will come from tackle group along with Poe who could also play outside linebacker. LINEBACKERS

PLEASE SEE “GREEN,” PAGE 33 Untitled-10 1

8/10/20 11:53 AM


FOOTBALL 2020

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Green

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32

LaFollette

Poe

Lavender

Waddell

Corey

Blanton

Lodwick

Green Bobcats August 28 FAIRFIELD CHRISTIAN September 4 SYMMES VALLEY# 11 at Ports. Notre Dame# 18 at Northwest# 25 SCIOTOVILLE EAST# October 2 at Beaver Eastern# #-Denotes SOC game

7:30 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:30 7:00

2019 Results

Ray

2020 Schedule

Barker and Smith — who has been All-Ohio the past two years — play well at outside but Coffman would prefer to move the inside to fill those voids at those spots. Lavender played inside linebacker last season but could move up to the defensive line. Brannigan and Poe could be the outside linebackers and allow Coffman to move Smith and Barker inside. Salyers has good speed and could play inside but may move outside in order to move Poe to defensive end. “We just have to wait and see how it all shapes up,” said Coffman. SECONDARY Huffman is back and will be the top cornerback and LaFollette brings some experience to the position as well. Lodwick will be a corner but could move up to outside linebacker. Corey has good speed and in the mix at corner. Thompson can play corner but could slide down to play a linebacker. Salyers and Ray are the top candidates at safety. KICKING GAME Smith will be the punter with kicking duties still uncertain although Hayslip did some kickoffs last season. “We’re still in progress with our kicking game,” said Coffman.

Green Bobcats 2019 Results Green 12 Dohn Community 6 Green 14 Cin. College Prep 54 Green 40 Manchester 8 Green 52 Federal Hocking 0 Green 22 Fairview, Ky. 26 Green 0 Symmes Valley 7 Green 28 Notre Dame (OT) 22 Green 32 Northwest 67 Green 22 Sciotoville East 14 Green 6 Beaver Eastern 26

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FOOTBALL 2020

GREEN

DEPTH CHART OFFENSE WR WR LT LG C RG RT TE QB RB RB PK

5 2 16 3 70 75 76 50 52 55 55 64 66 54 25 3 15 3 9 22 8 7 66

Ethan Huffman Landan Lodwick Kaleb LaFollette Austin Ray Daylan Mollett Cole Maynard Lethan Poe Sean Davis Tyler Blanton Chais Lavender Chais Lavender Cole Maynard Ethan Hayslip Ethan Blevins Ace Thompson Austin Ray Collin Corey Austin Ray Lonnie Smith Nathaniel Brannigan D.J. Barker Derek Salyers Ethan Hayslip

DEFENSE DE DT DT DE ILB ILB OLB OLB CB CB S P

70 75 66 52 55 70 52 75 9 55 8 7 76 22 7 22 16 15 2 25 3 7 9

Daylan Mollett Cole Maynard Ethan Hayslip Tyler Blanton Chais Lavender Daylan Mollett Tyler Blanton Cole Maynard Lonnie Smith Chais Lavender D.J. Barker Derek Salyers Lethan Poe Nathaniel Brannigan Derek Salyers Nathaniel Brannigan Kaleb LaFollette Collin Corey Landan Lodwick Ace Thompson Austin Ray Derek Salyers Lonnie Smith


FOOTBALL 2020

35

Portsmouth must replace 14 seniors Jim Walker jim.walker@irontontribune.com

PORTSMOUTH — Last season you could almost hear Gomer Pyle with his famous line, “Surprise, surprise, surprise!” The Trojans finished with a surprising 8-3 record and second straight postseason playoff appearance. But gone from that team is running back Talyn Parker who finished his Portsmouth career as the program’s all-time leading rusher with more than 6,000 yards. Also gone are 13 other seniors who have head coach Bruce Kalb looking for replacements. This season the Trojans will utilize a collection group to help generate the offense led by the trio of juniors that include quarterback Drew Roe, running back Amare Johnson and slot receiver Donovan Carr. “Those three formed a bond and pushed each other each day in the weight room,” said Kalb. Actually, the Trojans have more than just three good skilled players as they utilize the spread offense. But the key will be how well the offensive and defensive lines progress as the Trojans look to fill a lot of holes on both sides of the ball. QUARTERBACK Drew Roe (5-7, 150)

returns at quarterback and Kalb said the experience he gained last season has been invaluable. “We do have our quarterback back which is monumental. He was a young sophomore last year who grew immensely over the course the season,” said Kalb. “He’s put on some good weight from where he was last year. There were very few who were as dedicated in the weight room as him.” RUNNING BACK Filling Parker’s shoes will be junior Amare Johnson (5-6, 126) with Carr (5-9, 180) and impressive sophomore Beau Hammond (5-7, 153) also getting playing time. “We’ll have four or five guys we can use back there. We always ran Talyn because of what he could do, but that overshadowed the other kids who are pretty good players, too,” said Kalb. WIDE RECEIVER At the slot receiver will be junior Donovan Carr (5-9, 180). “He’s owned the slot position. You might see him a little bit in the backfield if we want to go with a two-back set. He has a knack for finding open space which I find to be very impressive,” said Kalb.

PLEASE SEE “REPLACE,” PAGE 36

QUICK HITTER

Head Coach: Bruce Kalb (8-3, 2nd year at Portsmouth and overall) Assistant Coaches: Bo Mayo, Gerald Cadogan, Nate Cadogan, John Walker, Dave Malone. Key Returnees: Drew Roe, Donovan Carr, Dariyonne Bryant, Amare Johnson, Chris Duff, Michael Duncan, Christian Keys, Hayden Yerardi, JaQuan Pearsall, Alberto Poxes. Key Losses: Talyn Parker, Bryce Wallce, Eric Purdy, KaDen Davis, Chris Jenkins, Tyler McCoy, Ty Pendleton, Mason Shepherd, Austin McKenzie, Tanner Queen, Seth Porter. 2019 Record: 8-3 (5-2 OVC, third) Offense: Pro, Slot, Multiple Defense: 4-4, Multiple Returning Offensive Starters: 3 Returning Defensive Starters: 3

Rick Lee 606-584-5114 leer@lindsey.edu


36

FOOTBALL 2020

Members of the 2020 Portsmouth Trojans’ football team are: front row left to right, Chris Duff, Mike Duncan, Christian Keys, Omarion Martin, Mylan Brown, Hayden Yerardi, Rex Smith, Joel Bowling, Dylan Cheatham, Jay-Lind Thomas, Jaquan Pearsall and Chance Tener; second row left to right, Drew Roe, Dariyonne Bryant, Donovan Carr, Tyler Duncan, Brendan Truett, Jesse Dixon, Amare Johnson, Treyvin Crat, Beau Hammond, Keagan Newman and Jalen Jones; third row left to right, Nathaniel Berry, Tyson Craft, Deandre Berry, Hayden Griffith, Noah Livingston, Shawn Williams, Reade Pendleton, Ethan Scott, Kewan Lett and Sethe Perry; fourth row from left to right, Trey Williams, Jackson Hall, James Thurman, Caden Scott, Leo Poxes, Noah Carver, Gage Sowards, Codey Brumfield and Ethan Wallace; fifth row from left to right, coach Alex Grashel, coach Sean Sturgill, coach Nate Cadogan, Ethan Wallace, Curtis Kearns, Jesse Mitchell, head coach Bruce Kalb, coach Dave Malone and coach Jaylin Kennedy; sixth row left to right, football operations director Mark Aeh, coach Michael Sturgill and coach Bob Mayo and coach Gerald Cadogan. (Photo Courtesy of The Portsmouth Times)

Replace

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35

Junior Dariyonne Bryant (6-3, 160) will be another receiver along on the left side with senior Chris Duff (5-10, 142) on the right side. “Duff played a lot for us last year. He was more of a role player, but he has amazing athletic ability. He’s very even keel but he’s not one you want to sleep on,” said Kalb. Also in the mix is senior Michael Duncan (6-0, 180) who was in a battle for quarterback last season. “Mike came into my office and said, ‘Coach, I think I can help the team at tight end.’ The kid we had projected to play tight end rolled his ankle before our first game and he knew all the positions, so he starts for us and he’s one of the

PLEASE SEE “TROJANS,” PAGE 36

PORTSMOUTH TROJANS FOOTBALL ROSTER 2020 Portsmouth Trojans Football Roster No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr. 2 Drew Roe QB-DB 5-08 145 Jr. 3 Dariyonne Bryant WR-DB 6-03 160 Jr. 4 Donovan Carr WR-DB 5-09 180 Jr. 5 Dylan Cheatham PK 5-11 166 Sr. 6 Joel Bowling PK 5-10 136 Sr. 7 Tyler Duncan QB 5-10 125 So. 8 Brendan Truett RB-LB 5-08 190 So. 9 Devon Lattimore WR-DB 5-10 135 Fr. 10 Jesse Dixon WR-DB 6-02 185 Jr. 11 Amare Johnson RB-DB 5-06 126 Jr. 12 Chris Duff WR-DB 5-10 142 Sr. 13 Treyvin Craft PK 5-10 135 Jr. 14 Mike Duncan TE-LB 6-00 180 Sr. 15 Beau Hammond RB-DB 5-07 153 So. 16 Keagan Newman WR-DB 5-10 117 Fr. 17 Jalen Jones RB-DL 6-00 230 Jr. 18 Nathaniel Berry WR-DB 6-01 164 Fr. 19 Tyson Craft RB-DB 5-09 148 Fr. 20 Deandre Berry QB-LB 5-08 162 Fr. 21 Christian Keys RB-LB 5-08 173 Sr. 22 Alberto Poxes RB-B 5-11 215 Jr. 23 Omarion Martin WR-DB 5-10 172 Sr. 24 Hayden Griffith WR-DB 6-00 164 Jr. 69 Jay-Lind Thomas OL-DL-K 6-00 198 Sr.

28 Noah Livingston WR-LB 31 Brock Matiq WR-DB 32 Oshawn Williams WR-LB 35 Elijah Perry RB-LB 40 Reade Pendleton WR-DB 42 Ethan Scott WWR-DB 47 Kewan Lett WR-DB 50 Mylan Brown OL-DL 51 Sethe Perry OL-DL 52 Trey Williams OL-DL 53 Jackson Hall OL-DL 54 Rex Smith OL-DL 55 Jaquan Pearsall OL-DL 56 Chance Tener OL-DL 58 Hayden Yerardi OL-DL 59 James Thurman OL-LB 60 Leo Poxes OL-DL 63 Caden Scott OL-DL 69 Jay-Lind Thomas Ol-DL-K 71 Noah Carver OL-DL 79 Gage Sowards OL-DL 80 Codey Brumfield WR-DB 81 Ethan Wallace WR-DB 82 Curtis Kearns WR-DB 99 Jesse Mitchell OL-DL Head coach: Bruce Kalb

6-0 5-05 5-08 6-03 5-09 5-09 5-08 6-00 6-00 5-08 6-00 5-11 5-10 5-07 5-10 5-09 5-09 6-03 6-00 6-02 5-11 5-08 5-11 5-09 6-02

161 125 147 260 153 136 165 193 214 180 195 228 220 220 200 185 258 227 198 300 247 141 145 160 206

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


FOOTBALL 2020

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Trojans

PORTSMOUTH

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36

primary reasons we were able to move the ball,” said Kalb. OFFENSIVE LINE Heading the offensive line is senior and returning starter Rex Smith (5-11, 228). “He’s got to be the leader of the offensive line,” said

OFFENSE 3 3 12 10 58 71 55 51 59 56 54 51 50 17 14 10 2 7 11 15 3 15 6

Dariyonne Bryant Donovan Carr Chris Duff Jesse Dixon Hayden Yeraldi Noah Carver Jaquan Pearsall Sethe Perry James Thurman Chance Tener Rex Smith Sethe Perry Mylan Brown Jalen Jones Mike Duncan Jesse Dixon Drew Roe Tyler Duncan Amare Johnson Beau Hammond Donovan Carr Beau Hammond Joel Bowling

DEFENSE DE DT DT DE ILB ILB OLB OLB CB CB S P

60 50 71 58 54 55 17 59 22 8 59 8 40 15 4 14 3 23 12 10 11 2 69

Leo Poxes Mylan Brown Noah Carver Hayden Yerardi Rex Smith Jaquan Pearsall Jalen Jones James Thurman Alberto Poxes Brendan Truett James Thurman Brendan Truett Reade Pendleton Beau Hammond Donovan Carr Mike Duncan Dariyonne Bryant Omarion Martin Chris Duff Jesse Dixon Amare Johnson Drew Roe Jay-Lind Thomas

2020 Schedule

WR WR LT LG C RG RT TE QB RB RB PK

Portsmouth Trojans August 28 IRONTON# September 4 at South Point# 11 FAIRLAND# 18 at Chesapeake# 25 at Coal Grove# October 2 GALLIPOLIS# #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Bruce Kalb

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

Kalb. Senior Jaquan Pearsall (5-10, 220) is another veteran at guard. Kalb said junior James Thurman (5-9, 185) has “stepped into the center role.”

PLEASE SEE “PORTSMOUTH,” PAGE 36

2019 Results

DEPTH CHART

Portsmouth Trojans Portsmouth 32 Lucas. Valley 27 Portsmouth 48 Ports. West 28 Portsmouth 40 River Valley 6 Portsmouth 40 Rock Hill 28 Portsmouth 28 Gallipolis 45 Portsmouth 28 Coal Grove 13 Portsmouth 34 Chesapeake 20 JOB Portsmouth 20 Fairland 12 # Portsmouth 47 South Point 16 Portsmouth 7 Ironton 48 D5 PLAYOFFS Portsmouth 21 Ridgewood 56 area7WIB-n/a-letterhead-12/19/13 Record: 8-3 (5-2 OVC)

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38

FOOTBALL 2020

Portsmouth

Chesapeake

The tackles will come from senior Mylan Brown (6-0, 193) — who takes over the spot held by his brother Jairemiah Brown last year — and converted senior tight end Hayden Yerardi (5-10, 200). “Yerardi has been a pleasant surprise. He’s a senior and he knows it’s his time to step up,” said Kalb. Junior Sethe Perry (6-0, 215) will be in the mix at guard and junior Jalen Jones (6-0, 230) is expected to provide backup help at tackle. Senior Chance Tener (5-7, 220) suffered a leg injury last season but is healthy and should be a backup at center. DEFENSIVE LINE The Trojans lost a lot of the defense and Kalb said “that’s been our biggest challenge filling some of those spots.” Kalb expects to have a lot of rotation up front. Junior Noah Carver (6-2, 300) should be a tackle and Kalb said “is a big, strong kid.” Smith, Pearsall, Thurman and Yerardi will also be in the defensive plans. Jones will be one end with Brown on the other side with big freshman Leo Poxes (5-9, 258) as backup. LINEBACKERS The loss of Tyler McCoy leaves a big void at the inside linebacker. Junior Alberto Poxes (5-11, 215) is battling for a spot along with Thurman, sophomore Brenden Truett (5-8, 190) whom Kalb said “his stock has been rising.” On the outside will be sophomore Reade Pendleton (5-9, 153) and either Carr, Hammond or Duncan. “Those spots are pretty important for us,” said Kalb. SECONDARY Johnson moves from cornerback to free safety because “he’s the kid who can get us in and out of coverages and make sure we’re on the same page.” The cornerback spots will be rotated between Bryant, Duff, speedy senior Omarion Martin (5-10, 172) and junior Jesse Dixon (6-2, 185). “We’ve always been able to find speed at Portsmouth,” said Kalb. “We’ve got more skilled kids than we have linemen.” KICKING GAME Senior Joel Bowling (5-10, 136) will return to handle the placements. The punter should be Thomas or Martin. OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE Kalb said not much has changed the past three seasons in terms of a league favorite. “Ironton has a small army up there and being the defending conference champs and what they accomplished, they’re going to be tough to beat,” said Kalb. “Gallia has a lot of speed and that big sophomore. “Fairland was pretty banged up when we played them and they always find some athletes. Rock Hill always has tough kids and they’re going to come right at you. I’m not sure what South Point will have. Chesapeake has good skilled kids and Coal Grove is always physical. We’re definitely going to have our work cut out for us.”

The backups are juniors Bryce Mount (6-6, 305) and Hayden Blankenship (6-00, 210). “Up front, all our kids are pretty solid blockers. They are doing the things we need right now,” said Knipp. DEFENSIVE LINE The ends in the 4-4 alignment Hutchinson on one side with Thompson and Dement on the other side. The top candidates at tackle are Blackburn and Ward with Mount, Mullins, Blankenship and Burns all in the rotation. “We’ll be able to rotate a lot of people in and out and hopefully keep people fresh,” said Knipp. “All these guys are doing a good job playing technique and getting off blocks.” LINEBACKERS Stepp and Burnside are the leading candidates to take over the two inside positions. “Both of these guys are starting to read and move to the football,” said Knipp. Phillips is going to be a backup and Knipp said “he’s starting to show improvement as well.” Another possibility at linebacker is Livingston. On the outside look for Bragg and Ferguson to be the starters with McCloud in a three-man rotation. Preston could also end up seeing playing time on the outside as well. “All those guys run to the ball and cover pretty well,” said Knipp. SECONDARY Sentz is a returning starter at free safety and will head up the secondary. “He knows the position and gets up lined up where we need to be,” said Knipp. Sophomore Ryan Martin

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

(5-10, 140) is the backup to Sentz. Knipp said the cornerback positions are still up in the air between Best and Taylor on one side while Ferguson and Caldwell are battling on the other side. Richendollar can also play in the secondary if necessary. “We’ve a got a competition going on there,” said Knipp. “As a group, we’re starting to learn where to lineup and what our job is. Every day we’re out we’re getting better and swarming to the football.” KICKING GAME The loss of kicker Brady Wilson to Marietta College left a void but Knipp said junior Lucas Shepherd (510, 145) will handle most of the kicking duties including punting. OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE Like the rest of the coaches in the league, Knipp has the same favorite in the conference race. “Ironton, obviously, has got to be the frontrunner. They’ve got a lot of guys back from a state runner-up team,” said Knipp. “Gallipolis will still be pretty solid. They’ve got a bunch of athletes back. “The rest of us, it’s the OVC. Anybody can get anybody on a given week. There are a lot of good coaches and lot of good football programs. You have to bring your A-game each week or you’re going to be in a dog fight.”


Rock Hill

GO BIG RED

FOOTBALL 2020


40

FOOTBALL 2020

Members of the 2020 Rock Hill Redmen football team are: front row from left to right, Skyler Kidd, Blake Waulk, Chase Blevins, Kordell French, Brock Friend, Levi Jiles, Chase Delong, Eli Richardson, Chanz Pancake, Brayden Adams and Logan Short; second row from left to right, Mikey Pemberton, Seth Schob, Brice Schob, Hunter Massie, Hayden Harper, Trenton Williams, Noah Wood, Brayden Friend, Landon Harper, Parker Knipp, Garrin Yates, David Bailey, Hunter Blagg and Tyler Murphy; third row from left to right, David Jenkins, James Knipp, Jason Johnson, Lane Smith, Jacob Schwab, Andrew Medinger, Brayden Malone, Owen Hankins, Zane Albright, Joe Pierce, Ethan Miller and Andrew Clark. (Photo By Tim Gearhart)

Young Redmen have speed but lack experience Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

PEDRO — The Rock Hill Redmen just can’t seem to put it altogether. Last season, the Redmen had size on the line, a lot of veteran players but lacked team speed. However, this season it’s almost the opposite situation. “We’re awful young and we always have a problem with depth,” said Lutz. “But we do have more team speed than we’ve had the past three years which gives us a chance to make some big plays and not have to drive the ball the length of the field all the time.” The Redmen lost five starters off the offensive line including all-district

tackle Tucker Carpenter and must replace almost the entire backfield, but this team has some intangibles that make Lutz cautiously optimistic. “I really like this team from a character standpoint,” said Lutz. “They work hard, they are very coachable and they like to play.” Rock Hill suffered several key injuries last season as they finished 3-7 overall and 3-4 in the Ohio Valley Conference. “Injuries always play a part in football. We can’t afford any injuries, especially with our linemen. If someone goes down on the line, it creates a domino effect,” said Lutz.

PLEASE SEE “YOUNG,” PAGE 42

QUICK HITTER

Head Coach: Mark Lutz (10-20, fourth season at Rock Hill and overall) Assistant Coaches: Red Burcham, Joe Sark, Ryan Walker, Nick Culbertson, Greg Damron, Joe Bowman, Craig Harvey, Keith Adams. Key Returnees: Brayden Friend, Hayden Harper, Andrew Clark, Jacob Schwab, Hunter Massie, James Knipp, Andrew Medinger, Brayden Malone, Owen Hankins, Brice Schob, Hunter Blagg, Skylar Kidd. Key Losses: T.J. McGinnis, Logan Hankins, Ethan McClaskey, Tristan Delong, Tucker Carpenter, Tristan Marshall. 2019 Record: 3-7 (3-4 OVC, tied for fourth) Offense: T-formation, Multiple Defense: 50, Multiple Offensive Starters Returning: 6 Defensive Starters Returning: 6


FOOTBALL 2020

41

2020 Schedule

ROCK HILL REDMEN FOOTBALL ROSTER Rock Hill Redmen August 28 at Coal Grove# September 4 CHESAPEAKE# 11 at Gallipolis# 18 IRONTON# 25 at South Point# October 2 FAIRLAND# #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Mark Lutz

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

2019 Results

Rock Hill Redmen Rock Hill 13 Minford

43

Rock Hill 28 Meigs

44

Rock Hill 0 Oak Hill

20

Rock Hill 28 Portsmouth

40

Rock Hill 12 Fairland

36

Rock Hill 26 South Point

21

Rock Hill 0 Ironton

46

Rock Hill 7 Gallipolis

48

Rock Hill 28 Chesapeake

22

Rock Hill 33 Coal Grove

20

Record: 3-7 (3-4 OVC)

2020 Rock Hill Redmen Football Roster No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr. 2 Hunter Blagg RB-S 5-08 150 Jr. 4 Kordell French RB-CB 5-08 130 So. 5 Brayden Adams QB-S 5-07 20 So. 7 Brock Friend RB-CB 5-07 132 So. 9 Parker Knipp PK-P 6-00 175 Sr. 10 Trenton Williams QB-S 5-11 170 Jr. 11 Jason Johnson E-DE 6-03 170 Sr. 12 Hunter Massie QB-S 5-08 160 Sr. 14 Brayden Friend RB-CB 5-08 195 Sr. 15 Chanz Pancake E-CB 5-08 135 So. 20 Ethan Miller RB-CB 5-10 140 Jr. 21 Brayden Malone E-DE 6-02 215 Jr. 22 Noah Wood RB-CB 6-00 155 Sr. 24 Dylan Adkins FB-LB 5-11 205 Fr. 25 Owen Hankins RB-LB 6-02 205 Jr. 28 Drake Smith E-DE 6-00 150 So. 29 Hayden Harper FB-DE 5-11 205 Sr. 30 Levi Jiles RB-LB 5-11 160 Fr. 32 Skyler Kiddd FB-LB 5-10 188 So.

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33 Chase Delong 40 Eli Richardson 50 Seth Schob 51 Blake Waulk 52 Brice Schob 53 Mikey Pemberton 54 Garrin Yates 55 Landon Harper 56 Zane Albright 57 Tyler Murphy 58 David Jenkins 59 Logan Short 60 Lane Smith 65 Chase Blevins 68 David Bailey 75 Jacob Schwab 79 Andrew Medinger 83 James Knipp 85 Joe Pierce 88 Andrew Clark Head coach: Mark Lutz

RB-NG RB-CB OL-DT G-NG G-DL G-NG T-DT C-LB G-DE G-NG G-DT G-LB T-DT G-NG T-DT G-DT OT-DT E-CB E-DE E-S

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

165 140 240 166 235 164 280 236 215 165 240 185 260 195 328 225 295 163 160 154

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


42

FOOTBALL 2020

ROCK HILL

DEPTH CHART OFFENSE TE LT LG C RG RT TE QB FB RB RB PK

88 83 15 79 56 58 50 50 55 75 56 60 55 21 11 12 10 29 32 14 4 25 22 9

Andrew Clark James Knipp Chanz Pancake Andrew Medinger Zane Albright David Jenkins Brice Schob Seth Schob Landon Harper Jacob Schwab Zane Albright Lane Smith Landon Harper Brayden Malone Jason Johnson Hunter Massie Trenton Williams Hayden Harper Skyler Kidd Brayden Friend Kordell French Owen Hankins Noah Wood Parker Knipp DEFENSE

DE DT NG DT DE LB LB CB CB S S P

29 56 52 58 33 52 75 55 21 75 25 30 32 55 14 5 22 15 88 4 12 10 9

Hayden Harper Zane Albright Brice Schob David Jenkins Chase Delong Brice Schob Jacob Schwab Landon Harper Brayden Malone Jacob Schwab Owen Hankins Levi Jiles Skyler Kidd Landon Harper Brayden Friend Brock Friend Noah Wood Chanz Pancake Andrew Clark Kordell French Hunter Massie Trenton Williams Parker Knipp

Friend

H.Harper

Schwab

Massie

S.Schob

Clark

Wood

J.Knipp

Young

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 40

BACKFIELD There will be a permanent switch in the backfield that began towards the end of last season as senior Brayden Friend (5-8, 195) moves from quarterback to halfback and senior Hunter Massie (5-8, 160) becomes the fulltime signal-caller. The Redmen lost bruising fullback T.J. McGinnis to graduation and look to replace him with senior Hayden Harper (5-11, 205) as the leading candidate with sophomore Skylar Kidd (5-10, 188) in the mix. The other halfback will see junior Owen Hankins (6-2, 205) move from his end position of last season to one running back spot. Hankins can also fill-in at fullback. Other candidates in the backfield are speedy senior Noah Wood (6-0, 155) along with freshman Levi Jiles (5-11, 160). “We have some depth there for a change and we have some athletic kids who can run,” said Lutz. QUARTERBACK Massie should be improved as he lines up under center for all the snaps. The senior has added some arm strength and again gives the Redmen a quarterback who can run. “Hunter has improved a lot and he has a lot more confidence. He is athletic and can run so we want to take advantage of that when we can,” said Lutz. Junior Trenton Williams (5-11, 170) is a very capable backup. OFFENSIVE LINE Senior Jacob Schwab (6-2, 225) is the lone returning starter and should be the anchor at right guard and his mobility should give the offense another area of flexibility. Look for junior Lane Smith (6-3, 260) to be the right tackle and massive sophomore Andrew Medinger (6-5, 295) setting up on the left side.

PLEASE SEE “REDMEN,” PAGE 43


FOOTBALL 2020

43

Young CONTINUED FROM PAGE 40

Senior Seth Schob (5-9, 240) and sophomore Landon Harper (5-8, 236) are locked in a battle to take over at center position with a trio of candidates at left guard led by sophomore David Jenkins (6-1, 24) along with junior Zane Albright (6-2, 205) and sophomore and Logan Short (6-0, 185) seeing some playing time. “We’re really young on the offensive line and we lack game experience. We’re not very deep in terms of linemen overall, so we’ll try to rotate them and keep them fresh,” said Lutz. ENDS The Redmen could have some size at tight end this season with junior Brayden Malone (6-2, 215) on one side. The other end figures to have seniors James Knipp (6-0, 163), Andrew Clark (6-2, 154) as well as sophomore Chanz Pancake (5-8, 150). Hayden Harper and Schwab have both seen some practice time at end. DEFENSIVE LINE Schwab will pull double duty as he plays a tackle in the 4-3 scheme and his running mate will be junior Brice Schob (5-8, 220). Albright, Medinger and Smith look to get some playing time and give the starters a rest. Sophomore Chase Delong (5-7, 165) is a candidate for nose guard along with Brice Schob and Landon Harper. One end will be Malone with Hayden Harper on the other side. Also in the mix will be Schwab, Jenkins and Albright. “I think we will be alright up front if we stay healthy,” said Lutz. “We’re going to mix things up defensively with a lot of kids and we’ll adjust our personnel according to whom we’re playing and the game situation.” LINEBACKERS Hankins and Kidd should be the linebackers but Lutz said Jiles and Short should see time in the rotation. “Our linebackers have some size and speed and they’re pretty athletic which is what you need at that position,” said Lutz. “So far, we’ve been happy with their progress.” It’s a boy! A Big Boy, that is. There’s a brand new SECONDARY Massie is back at safety and will be the quarterback in Frisch’s Big Boy open in Ironton, Ohio. the secondary. Look for sophomore Kordell French (5-8, just like the Frisch’s you know and 140), Clark and Knipp to share time at theIt’sother safety love, butsome with a new restaurant design with junior Hunter Blagg (5-8, 145) getting playing time. based on suggestions from customers Brayden Friend and Wood will be the cornerbacks with like you. We serve all your favorite things - the sophomore Eli Richardson (5-8, 140) possibly in the mix classic Big Boy, Fish Sandwich, Onion Rings, along with Pancake and sophomore Brock Friend (5-7,Hot Fudge 132). Cake, and a serving of Vanilla Pepsi . Plus, “We have a lot of options. The big thing is we have a lot you can drive thru and carry out or more speed overall in the secondary,” said Lutz. stop inside to enjoy Frisch’s KICKING GAME Senior Parker Knipp (6-0, 175) has been a mainstay for Soup, Salad n’ Fruit Bar, the soccer team and now he is going to bring his strong or theas plentiful Breakfast Bar. So bring your leg to the stadium on Friday nights well. “He can kick the ball deep. He’s a threat put itmember in the family out to meet to the newest of ours. end zone on any kick,” said Lutz. “And if we get close, he 501 South 9th Street, Ironton, OH has the leg to hit a long field goal.”

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44

FOOTBALL 2020

Carrico

All-Ohio Valley Conference 2019 Football Team Ohio Valley Conference 2019 All-OVC Football Team First Team Player, Team Pos. Ht. Reid Carrico, Ironton RB-LB 6-03 Gage Salyers, Ironton QB-DB 6-01 Seth Fosson, Ironton FB-DL 6-01 Junior Jones, Ironton FB-DL 6-00 Jordan Grizzle, Ironton WR-LB 5-10 Collin Freeman, Ironton WR-DB 6-00 James Armstrong, Gallipolis RB-DB 6-00 Brayden Easton, Gallipolis OL-DL 6-01 Riley Starnes, Gallipolis OL-DL 6-05 Noah Vance, Gallipolis QB-DB 6-02 Talyn Parker, Portsmouth RB-LB 5-11 Eric Purdy, Portsmouth WR-DB 5-08 Drew Roe, Portsmouth QB-DB 5-06 Bryce Wallace, Portsmouth WR-DB 6-02 Michael Stitt, Fairland RB-DB 5-08 Jordan Williams, Fairland RB-DL 6-03 J.D. Brumfield, Fairland RB-LB 5-09 Tucker Carpenter, Rock Hill OL-DL 6-04 T.J. McGinnis, Rock Hill FB-DL 6-02 Logan Hankins, Rock Hill RB-DB 5-11 Kamren Harless, Chesapeake RB-DB 6-01 Will Todd, Chesapeake RB-DB 5-07 Ben Compliment, Coal Grove OL-LB 6-03 Reece York, Coal Grove OL-DL 5-09 Grant Gifford, South Point OL-DL 6-02 Larry Fox, South Point TE-LB 6-03 Honorable Mention Noah Davidson, Ironton OL-DL 6-05 Cameron Deere, Ironton FB-LB 5-11 Zach Hemby, Gallipolis OL-DL 6-02 Cole Rose, Gallipolis OL-DL 6-02 Ty Pendleton, Portsmouth TE-DB 5-11 Austin McKenzie, Portsmouth OL-DL 5-07 Gavin Hunt, Fairland WR-DB 6-00 Brennan West, Fairland WR-DB 5-08 Tristan Delong, Rock Hill OL-DL 5-10 Ethan McClaskey, Rock Hill OL-DL 6-00 Donald Richendollar, Chesy QB-DB 5-09 Luke Shields, Chesapeake WR-DL 5-09 Austin Stormes, Coal Grove RB-DB 5-11 Austin Stapleton, Coal Grove RB-LB 5-10 Chance Gunther, South Point WR-DB 5-10 Bennett McCallister, South Point OL-DL 5-11 Coach of the Year: Trevon Pendleton, Ironton

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

Wt. 225 205 235 240 190 170 190 190 295 195 195 153 135 155 160 186 190 280 265 195 165 150 240 245 270 215

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

315 185 190 235 194 217 150 150 310 217 160 185 175 225 150 225

Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr, Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr.

“Actually, my first love as far as sports goes was probably baseball. Back when I was about seven or eight-years-old I’d only play baseball year-round. I picked up football and started playing in the fourth grade and then gradually started playing basketball, baseball and football,” said Carrico. “I think middle school is when football became my favorite sport, maybe my eighth, ninth grade years. That’s when it became my favorite sport.” Football not only became his favorite sport, but his best sport as well and colleges began to take notice. “Ohio State started talking to me after my

sophomore season, probably in March. It was just them and Marshall for a long time and then Pitt a little bit,” said Carrico. “Marshall offered me and then from there I got a couple other offers like Ohio U., Toledo and then Wisconsin offered me and I think Ohio State felt the pressure they needed to offer me pretty quick.” Sounds like just another day at the office for Reid Carrico.


FOOTBALL 2020

45

SOUTH POINT POINTERS SOUTH POINT POINTERS

Members of the 2020 South Point Pointers’ football team are: front row left to right, coach Darren Baker, Anthony Burks, Rece Craft, Blaine Freeman, Corey Newman, Elijah Wilburn and coach Brandon Haynes; second row left to right, coach Bob Halcombe, Josh Jackson, T.J. Wong, Cody Brandt, Darryl Taylor, Brendan Dillon, Justin Collins, Bennett McCallister, Walker Clay and coach Dave McCallister; third row left to right, Jalyn Anderson Dontae Harris, Austin Hunt, Josiah Martin, J.T. Morrison, Maddox McCallister, Bryson Hackworth, Malik Pegram, Luke Byrd, Alex Lambert and head coach Chris Davis; fourth row left to right, Taylor Smith, Isaiah Runyon, Jordan Ermalovich, Maurice Long, Dallas Turley, Devin Magil, Gage Chapman, Hunter Berry and Xathan Haney. (Kent Sanborn of SouthernOhioSportsPhotos.com)

Lack of lineman depth may plague Pointers Jim Walker jim.walker@irontontribune.com

SOUTH POINT — A couple of weeks before fall practices began, the South Point Pointers had to put workouts on hold to a positive case of COVID-19. After a short period, the team was back to work. First-year head coach Chris Davis is hoping that is the only glich he’ll experience this season. “It’s been pretty good so far. We had a case and we had to stop. It was supposed to be 14 days but it ended up as 18 days. Other than that, it’s been pretty good,” said Davis. “We had the most num-

bers in June than we’ve ever had since I’ve been here. We had 43 kids.” Davis inherits a team that has been 1-19 the past two seasons, but he has seen some positive signs including a larger group of upper classmen. “Everywhere else we have depth but on the line. We’ve got the skilled kids, it’s the line that will be a main concern,” said Davis. “We’re only playing maybe two freshmen which is going to help.” QUARTERBACK This spot is looming as a two-man race between juniors Alex Lambert (6-1, 185) and Malik Pegram

(5-11, 160). “Whichever one is going to give us the best look. They both have different talents. One has the better arm and the other is a little quicker,” said Davis. Also, waiting in the shadows is sophomore Jordan Ermalovich (5-10, 170) who is expected to play junior varsity initially. “He’s going to be our jayvee quarterback and he can play a little receiver, too,” said Davis. RUNNING BACK There is a stable of backs for the Pointers’ coach to choose from that includes four-year letterman Walker Clay (5-9, 165), junior

Bryson Hackworth (5-7, 208) who played last season and senior T.J. Wong (5-7, 140). “We’ve got a lot of good backs and guys who can do different things,” said Davis. “We’re going to try and be balanced. We’ve got four or five running backs and we’ve got speed on the ends. You don’t want to get too one-dimensional.” RECEIVERS The receiving corps is deep with senior Darryl Taylor (6-2, 165), juniors J.T. Morrison (5-7, 155), Austin Hunt (6-2, 185) and Josiah Martin (6-1, 195).

PLEASE SEE “DEPTH” PAGE 46


46

FOOTBALL 2020

SOUTH POINT DEPTH CHART OFFENSE WR WR LT LG C RG RT TE QB RB RB PK

11 22 12 25 60 75 78 65 70 61 66 52 72 75 13 16 7 13 5 4 21 33 16

Darryl Taylor Josiah Martin Cody Brandt Austin Hunt Anthony Burks Josh Jackson Dontae Harris Xavier Haney Bennett McCallister Corey Newman Luke Byrd Hunter Berry Maurice Long Josh Jackson Alex Lambert Justin Collins Malik Pegram Alex Lambert Maddox McCallister T.J. Wong Walker Clay Bryson Hackworth Justin Collins

Depth

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45

juniors Alex Lambert (6-1, 185) and Malik Pegram (5-11, 160). “Whichever one is going to give us the best look. They both have different talents. One has the better arm and the other is a little quicker,” said Davis. Also, waiting in the shadows is sophomore Jordan Ermalovich (5-10, 170) who is expected to play junior varsity initially. “He’s going to be our jayvee quarterback and he can play a little receiver, too,” said Davis. RUNNING BACK There is a stable of backs for the Pointers’ coach to choose from that includes four-year letterman Walker Clay (5-9, 165), junior

Bryson Hackworth (5-7, 208) who played last season and senior T.J. Wong (5-7, 140). “We’ve got a lot of good backs and guys who can do different things,” said Davis. “We’re going to try and be balanced. We’ve got four or five running backs and we’ve got speed on the ends. You don’t want to get too one-dimensional.” RECEIVERS The receiving corps is deep with senior Darryl Taylor (6-2, 165), juniors J.T. Morrison (5-7, 155), Austin Hunt (6-2, 185) and Josiah Martin (6-1, 195). Another key player will be senior Cody Brandt (6-3, 185) who moved back to South Point from Florida.

PLEASE SEE “POINTERS 0-LINE” PAGE 49

DEFENSE DE DT NG DT DE LB LB CB CB S S P

11 66 70 78 75 52 72 60 16 66 21 25 33 16 7 8 6 11 5 12 12 23 16

Darryl Taylor Luke Byrd Bennett McCallister Dontae Harris Josh Jackson Hunter Berry Maurice Long Anthony Burks Justin Collins Luke Byrd Walker Clay Austin Hunt Bryson Hackworth Justin Collins Malik Pegram Jordan Ermalovich J.T. Morrison Darryl Taylor Maddox McCallister Cody Brandt Cody Brant Brendan Dillon Justin Collins

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FOOTBALL 2020

47

QUICK HITTER

B.McCallister

Taylor

Brandt

Clay

Jackson

SOUTH POINT ROSTER 2020 South Point Pointers Football Roster No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. 3 Owen Fredrick TE-LB 5-09 175 4 T.J. Wong RB-DB 5-07 140 5 Maddox McCallister RB-LB 5-08 170 6 J.T. Morrison WR-DB 5-07 155 7 Malik Pegram QB-DB 5-11 160 8 Jordan Ermalovich QB-DB 5-10 170 9 Xathan Haney RB-DB 5-08 155 10 Rece Craft WR-DB 5-07 130 11 Darryl Taylor WR-DB 6-02 165 12 Cody Brandt WR-DB 6-03 185 13 Alex Lambert TE-LB 6-01 185 15 Devin Magil RB-DB 5-09 130 16 Justin Collins TE-LB 5-09 180 18 Taylor Smith WR-DB 5-07 160 21 Walker Clay RB-LB 5-09 165 22 Josiah Martin WR-LB 6-01 195 23 Brendan Dillon RB-DB 5-07 150 24 Blaine Freeman RB-DB 5-05 155 25 Austin Hunt WR-DB 6-02 185 29 Gage Chapman RB-DB 5-08 160 30 Elijah Wilburn WR-DB 5-07 135 33 Bryson Hackworth RB-LB 5-07 208 41 Isaiah Runyon WR-LB 5-09 170 52 Hunter Berry OL-DL 5-09 224 60 Anthony Burks OL-DL 5-09 240 61 Corey Newman OL-LB 5-08 185 62 Dallas Turley OL-DL 5-10 180 65 Xavier Haney OL-DL 5-09 175 66 Luke Byrd OL-DL 6-00 185 70 Bennett McCallister C-DL 6-00 235 72 Maurice Long OL-DL 6-05 330 75 Josh Jackson OL-DL 5-08 330 78 Dontae Harris OL-DL 5-09 275 87 Jalyn Anderson WR-LB 6-01 185 xx Devin Barker OL-DL 6-00 250 xx Owen Barker OL-DL 5-10 240 Head coach: Chris Davis

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

Wong

M.McCallister

Head Coach: Chris Davis (0-0 at South Point and overall, first season) Assistant Coaches: Dave McCallister, Brandon Haynes, Darren Baker, Bob Halcombe. Key Returnees: Walker Clay, Bennett McCallister, T.J. Wong, Maddox McCallister, Malik Pegram, Darryl Taylor, Josh Jackson, Alex Lambert, Austin Hunt, Justin Collins, Luke Byrd, Bryson Hackworth. Key Losses: Chance Gunther, Nakyan Turner, Chris Slash, Josh Rigney, Jeremy McMillian, Brandon Pierson, Grant Gifford, Thomas Duna, Ryan Fetty, Brody Thompson, Larry Fox. 2019 Record: 1-9 (0-7 OVC, eighth) Offensive Starters Returning: 6 Defensive Starters Returning: 6

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FOOTBALL 2020


FOOTBALL 2020

49

Pointers O-Line CONTINUED FROM PAGE 46

“Brandt is an excellent receiver and Morrison hasn’t played since junior high but he’s a quick, speed guy like Turner,” said Davis. “(Turner) is one of those guys who can play running back or receiver. (Taylor) is going to be one of our main receivers. I want to keep them fresh and rotate players in a lot.” TIGHT END Lambert could be the tight end along with senior Justin Collins (5-9, 180). Collins focused on kicking last season but Davis said the senior wanted to expand his duties. “They are both working hard,” said Davis. OFFENSIVE LINE Senior captain Bennett McCallister (6-0, 235) returns at center to anchor the offensive line. “He’s been doing it since he was a freshman, so he gives us a lot of experience,” said Davis. “He’s a little bigger and stronger.” The guards will come from junior Luke Byrd (6-0, 185) and freshman Dante Harris (5-9, 275) whom Davis said “is strong as an ox.” Sophomore Maurice Long (6-5, 330) will step in and play a tackle spot

and probably freshman Anthony Burks (5-9, 240). Senior Josh Jackson (5-8, 330) will work in a rotation to give players a break. DEFENSIVE LINE “Defensively, we’ll run more of a 50 but we’ll adjust,” said Davis. The nose guard will have Jackson plugging up the middle of the line. He will be flanked by Long on one side with Harris and McCallister rotating on the other side. Byrd will be a backup across the board. Taylor and Lambert will man the defensive end spots while Hunt should work in the mix depending on the situation. LINEBACKERS A pair of returning starters will be at linebacker with Clay and Hackworth. Hunt will rotate as well as Collins. “We have a lot of experience there with Clay and Hackworth and Hunt and Collins give us some depth,” said Davis. SECONDARY Pegram will be one cornerback and Morrison on the other side. Martin is expected to play some corner and possibly outside linebacker depending on the defense. Maddox McCallister and Brandt figure to be the safeties. South Point 2019 ResultsPointers So. Point 14 Piketon So. Point 41 Miami Valley So. Point 14 Alexander So. Point 7 Coal Grove So. Point 2 Ironton So. Point 21 Rock Hill So. Point 13 Fairland So. Point 27 Chesapeake So. Point 16 Portsmouth So. Point 26 Gallipolis Record: 1-9 (0-7 OVC)

South Point Pointers August 28 at Gallipolis# 7:00 September 4 PORTSMOUTH# 7:00 11 CHESAPEAKE# 7:00 18 at Fairland# 7:00 25 ROCK HILL# 7:00 October 2 at Ironton# 7:00 #-Denotes OVC game

2019 Results

2020 Schedule

SOUTH POINT POINTERS SOUTH POINT POINTERS

Byrd

Lambert

Martin

Collins

Davis said all the players are interchangeable between safety and corner. KICKING GAME Collins handled the kicking duties last season and will do the same this season. OHIO VA L L E Y CONERENCE

Pegram

Hackworth

Davis said graduation took its toll on the league as a lot of good players won’t be on the field. “It’s going to be different. Ironton is going to be Ironton. They’re stacked and Gallipolis is kind of stacked. Fairland is a team you never know. I think they’ll be a team to be reckoned with,” said Davis.

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FOOTBALL 2020

Gallipolis has ingredients for success Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

GALLIPOLIS — Coach Alex Penrod is cooking something good. He’s put together all the ingredients needed for a football soufflé. Penrod has a mixture of size, speed and that key ingredient of experience as the Gallipolis Blue Devils look to match or improve last season’s 9-2 record and runner-up finish in the Ohio Valley Conference race. With some quality talent returning, Penrod heads into the season with a cautious optimism for success. “We’re excited for the

kids that we do have back,” said Penrod. “We have a lot of experience back. We have a lot of good skilled players back and one of our best lines.” QUARTERBACK The Blue Devils have all-district junior Noah Vanco (6-2, 205) back at quarterback. “We have a two-year starting quarterback leading the show who has had a great spring. He’s been doing great things,” said Penrod. “The development he showed throughout the year was a prominent sign and now having that year of experience is a big thing. He does a great

job managing our football team. He’s the true leader of our football team.” The backup should be sophomore Brody Fellure (6-0, 175). RUNNING BACK Senior James Armstrong (6-1, 210) has recovered from a knee injury that sidelined him the final three games last season. “Armstrong is one of those dynamic kids who can spread you out and catch some of our screens and vertical game, too.” Also in the backfield is senior Michael Beasy (6-0, 180) “We’ll have a two-back rotation. One will be in the backfield and one will play

slot receiver. We can flipflop them,” said Penrod. RECEIVERS Juniors Briar Williams (5-10, 160) and sophomore Donevyn Woodson (5-11, 155) head up the receiving corps. “Across the board, we’re pretty athletic. We’ve been one of those power-spread teams but we’ll be a little more spread and still have a run game to attack.” Another receiver will be senior Cameron Webb (6-0, 185) who played mostly defense last season. Senior Coen Duncan (6-4, 195) will be the tight end when the Blue Devils use that formation.

PLEASE SEE “SUCCESS” PAGE 51

Gallipolis Blue Devils Football Roster 2020 Gallipolis Blue Devils Football Roster No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Gr. 1 Briar Williams WR-DB 5-10 160 Jr. 2 Cameron Webb WR-LB 6-00 185 Sr. 3 James Armstrong RB-DB 6-01 210 Sr. 4 Donevyn Woodson WR-DB 5-11 155 So. 5 Noah Vanco QB-DB 6-02 205 Jr. 6 Caleb Stout WR-DB 5-07 155 Fr. 7 Zack Hemby RB-LB 6-02 190 Sr. 8 Hudson Shamblin QB-DB 5-10 160 Fr. 9 Kenyon Franklin WR-LB 6-00 165 Fr. 10 Brody Fellure WR-LB 6-00 175 So. 11 Mason Skidmore WR-DB 5-10 175 So. 12 Trent Johnson RB-LB 5-10 185 Sr. 13 Zach Belville WR-DB 5-10 165 Sr. 14 Grant Bryan WR-DB 6-01 170 Sr. 20 Michael Beasy RB-DB 6-00 180 Sr. 21 Joey Darnbrough RB-LB 5-10 160 Fr.

25 40 44 50 52 53 54 55 56 58 59 61 63 64 67 68 69 77

Hunter Shamblin Adam Stout Caleb Geiser Riley Starnes Gabe Raynor Cole Hines Jarrell Scott Yashua Peaks Dakota Sides Matt Liberati Michael Henry Coen Duncan Collin Watson Brayden Easton Mason Smith Braidy Duncan Brant Rocchi Isaac Clary

RB-LB WR-DB RB-LB-K OL-DL OL-DL OL-LB OL-LB OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL

5-10 5-11 5-10 6-06 5-11 5-10 6-01 6-04 5-11 6-00 5-10 6-04 5-10 6-01 6-01 5-11 5-11 6-07

160 Fr. 150 Sr. 165 Jr. 295 Sr. 195 So. 170 Fr. 185 Sr. 315 Sr. 235 Fr. 190 Fr. 180 Fr. 195 Sr. 185 Jr. 190 Jr. 200 So. 175 Fr. 195 Sr. 315 So.


FOOTBALL 2020

GALLIPOLIS

DEPTH CHART OFFENSE WR WR LT LG C RG RT TE QB RB RB PK

1 2 4 11 77 67 69 54 56 52 55 54 50 64 61 5 10 3 7 20 12 44

Briar Williams Cameron Webb Donevyn Woodson Mason Skidmore Isaac Clary Mason Smith Brandt Rocchi Jarrell Scott Dakota Siders Gabe Raynor Yashua Peaks Jarrell Scott Riley Starnes Brayden Easton Coen Duncan Noah Vanco Brody Fellure James Armstrong Zach Hemby Michael Beasy Trent Johnson Caleb Geiser

DEFENSE DE DT DT DE LB LB CB CB FS SS P

50 61 55 50 77 50 7 61 12 10 7 2 1 40 4 12 3 12 20 14 44

Riley Starnes Coen Duncan Yashua Peaks Riley Starnes Isaac Clary Riley Starnes Zack Hemby Coen Duncan Trent Johnson Brody Fellure Zack Hemby Cameron Webb Briar Williams Adam Stout Donevyn Woodson Zach Belville James Armstrong Zach Belville Michael Beasy Grant Bryan Caleb Geiser

51

Success CONTINUED FROM PAGE 50 OFFENSIVE LINE This is an area of strength for the Blue Devils with not only size but experience. “There’s a lot of football coaches who say it starts up front,” said Penrod. “Up front we’ll will be really special, especially having three really solid offensive linemen. Riley Starnes is the leader, and we have Yashua Peaks and then an up-and-coming sophomore Isaac Clary who is getting Division 1 looks. We’ll have two 6-7 tackles which in Southeast Ohio is a really rare breed.” The offensive line starts with senior Riley Starnes (6-6, 295) who is a four-year starter at right tackle and is being recruited by several Division 1 programs including Kentucky. The other tackle will be the sophomore Isaac Clary (6-7, 315). Center is one of the open jobs up front with freshman Dakota Siders (5-11, 235) the frontrunner. The other contested spot is left guard. “We have four or five guys vying for two of our open positions,” said Penrod. “Siders had a great two years of junior

high football. He has some intangibles when it comes to playing that position. It’s his position to lose.” The guards will have senior Yashua Peaks (6-4, 315) locked in at right guard with seniors Brant Rocchi (5-11, 195) and Jarrell Scott (6-1, 185) battling for the starting rights. DEFENSIVE LINE Up front in the 4-2 alignment will have Starnes, Peaks and Clary will be in the rotation at the two defensive tackle spots. The ends will come from Duncan, Starnes and senior Zack Hemby (6-2, 190). “We’re going to play a lot of guys defensively and we’re going to play a lot of guys at different positions, too,” said Penrod. “We’ve got a big lineup and a small lineup.” LINEBACKERS The Blue Devils lost twoyear All-Ohio linebacker Cade Roberts, but senior Trent Johnson (5-10, 185) returning. “Linebacker is going to be our biggest emphasis trying to find guys who can play that position,” said Penrod. “Johnson will stay on the weak side and Hemby will take Cade’s spot.”

PLEASE SEE “GALLIPOLIS” PAGE 52

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FOOTBALL 2020

QUICK HITTER

Hemby is a 6-2, 190-pound senior. SECONDARY Williams and Woodson are expected to be the cornerbacks but junior Blake Skidmore will get some playing time. Armstrong will be the free safety with Beasy at the other safety. KICKING GAME Gallipolis lost a weapon in kicker Andrew Toler but junior Caleb Geiser (5-10, 165) will take over the punting and kicking. OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE Penrod said the conference looks similar to the past two seasons with Ironton and Gallipolis in a battle for the top spot. “Ironton and us should be right up there. Portsmouth with coach (Bruce) Kalb is doing a really good and you can always count on Coal Grove and Fairland to give you those good games,” said Penrod. “If coach (Todd) Knipp can keep his kids healthy at Chesapeake he’ll be right there. They’re always one of those scary teams. With South Point, you never know and coach Lutz does a good job at Rock Hill.”

Gallipolis Blue Devils August 28 SOUTH POINT# 7:00 September 4 at Ironton# 7:00 11 ROCK HILL# 7:30 18 at Coal Grove# 7:00 25 FAIRLAND# 7:00 October 2 at Portsmouth# 7:00 #-Denotes OVC game Head coach: Alex Penrod

2019 Results

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 51

2020 Schedule

Gallipolis

Head Coach: Alex Penrod (23-9 at Gallipolis, fourth season; 39-25 overall, seventh season) Assistant Coaches: Kole Carter, Scott Cooper, Keith Fellure, Jared McClelland, Ty Warnimont, Justin Bailey, Jordan Deel, Colton Russell Key Returnees: James Armstrong, Riley Starnes, Michael Beasy, Briar Williams, Noah Vanco, Brody Fellure, Yashua Peaks, Isaac Clary, Donevyn Woodson, Jarrell Scott. Key Loses: Ben Cox, Ryan Donovsky, Evan Rodgers, Cade Roberts, Andrew Toler, Cole Rose, Trent Meadows, Mason Angel, Zach Canaday. 2019 Record: 9-2 (6-1 OVC, 2nd; Division IV playoffs) Offense: Spread, Multiple Defense: 4-3, Multiple Offensive Starters Returning: 8 Defensive Starters Returning: 7 Gallipolis Blue Devils Gallipolis 24 Meigs Gallipolis 38 River Valley Gallipolis 14 Jackson Gallipolis 55 Chesapeake Gallipolis 45 Portsmouth Gallipolis 28 Fairland Gallipolis 44 Coal Grove Gallipolis 48 Rock Hill Gallipolis 0 Ironton Gallipolis 57 South Point D4 PLAYOFFS Gallipolis 0 Waverly Record: 9-2 (6-1 OVC)

2020 SCHEDULES OF INTEREST SOC I Ports. Notre Dame Titans August 28 at Portsmouth West September 4 at Northwest# 11 GREEN# 18 at Beaver Eastern# 25 SYMMES VALLEY# October 2 SCIOTOVILLE EAST# #-Denotes SOC game Sciotoville East Tartans August 28 OPEN September 4 at Beaver Eastern# 11 NORTHWEST# 18 SYMMES VALLEY# 25 at Green# October 2 at Ports. Notre Dame# #-Denotes SOC game

Northwest Mohawks August 28 at Lucasville Valley September 4 PORTS. NOTRE DAME# 11 at Sciotoville East# 18 GREEN# 25 BEAVER EASTERN# October 2 at Symmes Valley# #-Denotes SOC game Beaver Eastern Eagles August 28 at Greenfield McClain September 4 SCIOTOVILLE EAST# 11 at Symmes Valley# 18 PORTS. NOTRE DAME# 25 at Northwest# October 2 GREEN# #-Denotes SOC game

SOC II Lucasville Valley Indians August 28 NORTHWEST September 4 at Oak Hill# 11 WAVERLY# 18 at Portsmouth West# 25 at Wheelersburg October 2 MINFORD# #-Denotes SOC game Ports. West Senators August 28 PORTS. NOTRE DAME September 4 at Waverly# 11 at Minford# 18 LUCASVILLE VALLEY# 25 at Oak Hill# October 2 WHEELERSBURG# #-Denotes SOC game

Minford Falcons August 28 WASH. COURT HOUSE September 4 at Wheelersburg 11 PORTSMOUTH WEST# 18 at Oak Hill# 25 WAVERLY# October 2 at Lucasville Valley# #-Denotes SOC game

Waverly Tigers August 28 GRANVILLE September 4 PORTSMOUTH WEST# 11 at Lucasville Valley# 18 WHEELERSBURG# 25 at Minford# October 2 OAK HILL# #-Denotes SOC game

Oak Hill Oaks August 28 at St. Clairsville September 4 LUCASVILLE VALLEY# 11 at Wheelersburg# 18 MINFORD# 25 PORTSMOUTH WEST# October 2 at Waverly# #-Denotes SOC game

Wheelersburg Pirates August 28 CHILLICOTHE September 4 MINFORD# 11 OAK HILL# 18 at Waverly# 25 LUCASVILLE VALLEY# October 2 at Portsmouth West# #-Denotes SOC game

0 0 13 27 38 0 20 7 52 26 40


FOOTBALL 2020

53

Report: studies show no linkage to CTE from playing high school football Dr. Karissa L. Niehoff NFHS Executive Director

When it comes to the long-term effects of concussions in sports, there is a wide range of information published – almost on a daily basis. Unfortunately, much of the media coverage as it relates to high school sports – and particularly the sport of football – is misleading. In a recent report, the Concussion Legacy Foundation introduced its new public-service announcement that compared youth football dangers to smoking. As the pre-teen football players puff on cigarettes, the voiceover says, “Tackle football is like smoking, the younger I start, the longer I’m exposed to danger.” The “Tackle Can Wait” campaign by the foundation is an attempt to steer children under the age of 14 into flag football. Although establishing a finite age may be difficult, reducing contact at youth levels is certainly a positive. USA Football is doing just that nationally through its Football Development Model. Likewise, the 51-member state associations of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) have enacted limitations on contact during preseason and practice sessions. Our concern is the term “exposed to danger.” These types of messages continue to spread unwarranted fear to parents of high school student-athletes. The “danger” refers to reports that players who incur repeated concussions can develop chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). A 2017 study from the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) linked CTE in the brains of deceased National Football League players. Even if this report is accurate, these are individuals who endured repeated blows to the head for 20 to 25 years BEFORE any con-

cussion protocols were in place. Less publicized is a study by Dr. Munro Cullum and his colleagues at the Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, which is a part of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Cullum’s group studied 35 former NFL players age 50 and older who had sustained multiple concussions throughout their careers. The findings showed no significant association between the length of the individuals’ careers, the number of concussions and their cognitive function later in life. Two studies, two different conclusions. Regardless of the outcome, however, they are not applicable to kids playing football before and during high school. There is absolutely no linkage to CTE at these levels, and the word “danger” should not be a part of the discussion. A more applicable and significant study was also published in JAMA in 2017. In a study of about 4,000 men who graduated from Wisconsin high schools in 1957, there was no difference in cognitive function or decline between those who played football and those who did not as they reached 65 years of age. We would assume the majority of these individuals discontinued football after high school. With more than one million boys – and girls – playing the contact sport of

football each year, severe injuries do occur from time to time, but parents should know that efforts to lessen the risk of a catastrophic injury, including head injuries, have never been stronger than they are today. In fact, new data from the National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance Study indicates some positive trends in concussion rates. The study, which was released in the American Academy of Pediatrics online issue of Pediatrics this week, indicated that concussion rates during football practices dropped from 5.47 to 4.44 concussions per 10,000 athletic exposures between the 2013-14 and 2017-18 seasons. In addition, repeat concussion rates across all sports declined from 0.47 to 0.28 per 10,000 exposures during the same time period. Concussion laws are in place in every state. All NFHS sports rules books have concussion management protocols. Helmet-to-helmet hits are not allowed in football. Limits on contact in preseason and practice in football are in place in every state. After considering all the available research, we encourage parents to let their kids play their sport of choice in high school, but we would discourage moving away from football – or any contact sport – solely based on the fear of developing CTE later in life. Dr. Karissa L. Niehoff is in her second year as executive director of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) in Indianapolis, Indiana. She is the first female to head the national leadership organization for high school athletics and performing arts activities and the sixth full-time executive director of the NFHS, which celebrated its 100th year of service during the 2018-19 school year. She previously was executive director of the Connecticut Association of Schools-Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference for seven years.


54

FOOTBALL 2020

Members of the 2020 Symmes Valley Vikings’ football team are: front row from left to right, Houston Bennett, Levi Niece, Levi Ross, Luke Niece, Derek Crum and Sam McCleese; second row from left to right, coach Ben Ferguson, Gary Combs, Grayson Walsh, Isaac Ross, Seth Ulery, Nick Strow, Caleb Mullens, coach Brent Wilcoxon; third row from left to right, coach Seth Jones, Josh Ferguson, Drew Scherer, Gavan Yates, Aydan Taylor, Hunter Shepherd, Kayson Adkins and coach Kyle Meadows; fourth row from left to right, Tanner McComas, Brayden Webb, Ethan Patterson, head coach Rusty Webb, Luke Leith, Eli Patterson and Aleck Beckett. Not pictured is Gary Cremeans. (Kent Sanborn of SouthernOhioSportsPhotos.com)

Vikings won’t be surprise team this time Jim Walker jim.walker@irontontribune.com

WILLOW WOOD — There will be no surprise party this season. Two years ago, the Symmes Valley Vikings were 4-6 and just 1-5 in the Southern Ohio Conference. Predictions had the Vikings fighting to stay out of last place in the league last season, but they surprised everyone by not only winning the SOC, but going 9-2 with a Division 7 playoff berth. Vikings’ 20-year veteran head coach Rusty Webb isn’t worried

about any predictions as usual. He’s more concerned with battling low numbers among his linemen and keeping his team healthy. Another concern is the loss of AllOhio quarterback Jack Leith to graduation, which leaves a big void. “Any time you lose your quarterback and leader, it’s tough. But we have a lot of guys back and we think our experience is going to help us,” said Webb. “The kids have practiced well with all the uncertainty. The kids have done an outstanding job getting themselves ready. But we have to

stay healthy.” QUARTERBACK Senior Luke Leith (6-3, 180) will shift from end to quarterback to fill the void left by the graduation of his brother Jack. Also in the mix are junior Grayson Walsh and sophomore Aleck Beckett (6-1, 175). “He’s doing well. His ball-handling keeps getting better and his understanding of the offense has gotten better every single day. He’s just gaining confidence,” said Webb.

PLEASE SEE “VIKINGS,” PAGE 55


FOOTBALL 2020

Ferguson

Leith

55

Mullens

Crum

SYMMES VALLEY VIKINGS FOOTBALL ROSTER No. Player 1 Josh Ferguson 2 Caleb Mullens 3 Luke Leith 4 Derek Crum 7 Grayson Walsh 8 Sam McCleese 9 Levi Niece 12 Aleck Beckett 13 Levi Ross 15 Gary Combs 18 Drew Scherer 22 Seth Ulery 24 Luke Niece 29 Ethan Patterson 34 Nick Strow 35 Brayden Webb 50 Eli Patterson 51 Gavan Yates 54 Isaac Ross 55 Gary Cremeans 57 Aydan Taylor 70 Hunter Shepherd 72 Tanner McComas 74 Houston Bennett 75 Kayson Adkins Head coach: Rusty Webb

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

Ht. 5-10 6-02 6-03 5-07 5-10 5-08 5-07 6-01 5-04 5-09 6-02 5-06 5-08 6-02 5-10 6-03 6-01 6-00 6-00 5-09 6-01 6-01 6-00 5-10 6-00

Wt. 185 220 180 195 185 155 180 175 135 160 135 170 165 165 170 205 185 290 220 180 185 240 265 275 240

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

Bennett

Adkins

Scherer

Le.Niece

Vikings CONTINUED FROM PAGE 54

RUNNING BACKS All-Ohio halfback Josh Ferguson leads a stable of running backs. The 5-10, 185-pound senior ran for more than 1,000 yards last season. Also in the mix are juniors Ethan Patterson (6-2, 165), Nick Strow (5-10, 170), sophomore Levi Ross (5-4, 135) and junior Grayson Walsh (5-10, 185). The fullback will be senior Derek Crum (5-7, 195) and junior Levi Niece (5-7, 180). “We have six to seven running backs who can all run the ball,” said Webb. “All our backs have to block. In order to get the ball, you have to block. Our kids have always bought into that.” ENDS The end candidates are senior Caleb Mullens (6-2, 220), freshman Brayden Webb (6-3, 205) and senior Drew Scherer (6-0, 135) who is a first-year player who has been a two-year starter in basketball. Sophomore Seth Ulery (5-6, 170) could see some playing time with Leith a possibly returning to end if needed. OFFENSIVE LINE The offensive line lost Dwayne Eplin but the rest of lineup remains in place. Junior Tanner McComas (6-0, 265) returns at center and he will be flanked at the guards by another pair of returning starters in junior Gavan Yates (6-0, 290) and junior Eli Patterson (6-1, 185). Both tackles return with senior Kayson Adkins (6-0, 240) on one side and along with sophomore Isaac Ross (6-0, 220). “We have a lot of experience on the offensive line, but we’re really thin there,” said Webb. “We’re hoping to rotate our tackles and keep them fresh. If someone gets hurt, we’ll be forced to move some people around.” DEFENSIVE LINE Yates, Adkins and McComas figure to be the tackles while Ross and senior Houston Bennett (5-10, 275) providing backup help. Eli Patterson, Niece, Webb and freshman Ayden Taylor are all in the rotation at defensive end. “We like to have several people rotating on defense to keep people fresh. Almost all of our players are going both ways,” said Coach Webb.

PLEASE SEE “D-LINE” PAGE 56


56

FOOTBALL 2020

SYMMES VALLEY DEPTH CHART OFFENSE TE RT RG C LG LT TE QB FB RB RB PK

2 18 75 74 51 70 72 35 50 70 54 74 35 22 3 7 4 9 1 34 29 13 7 51

Caleb Mullens Drew Scherer Kayson Adkins Houston Bennett Gavan Yates Hunter Shepherd Tanner McComas Brayden Webb Eli Patterson Hunter Shepherd Isaac Ross Houston Bennett Brayden Webb Seth Ulery Luke Leith Grayson Walsh Derek Crum Levi Niece Josh Ferguson Nick Strow Ethan Patterson Levi Ross Grayson Walsh Gavan Yates DEFENSE

DE DT DT DE ILB ILB OLB OLB CB CB S P

50 35 51 54 72 74 9 57 2 12 4 15 34 8 7 8 1 18 29 13 3 24 13

Eli Patterson Brayden Webb Gavan Yates Isaac Ross Tanner McComas Houston Bennett Levi Niece Aydan Taylor Caleb Mullens Aleck Beckett Derek Crum Gary Combs Nick Strow Sam McClease Grayson Walsh Sam McClease Josh Ferguson Drew Scherer Ethan Patterson Levi Niece Luke Leith Luke Niece Levi Niece

McComas Carpenter El.Patterson Et.Patterson

Strow

Beckett

Ross

Walsh

D-Line CONTINUED FROM PAGE 55

LINEBACKERS Mullens returns at inside linebacker to anchor that group with Crum going from defensive end to linebacker. Beckett is in the mix and gained experience by playing on the inside last season. Sophomore Gary Combs (5-9, 160) is another possibility on the inside. “I think our linebacker group is very solid in there. We like what we’re seeing and, again, we have a lot of experience even if someone is at a different spot,” said Coach Webb.

On the outside will be returning starter Strow, Walsh and freshman Sam McClease (5-8, 155). “That group has good speed and quickness. Again, we have a lot of experience and we think we’ll have a strong linebacker group,” said Coach Webb. SECONDARY All three starters in the secondary return with Ferguson and Ethan Patterson at the cornerback spots and Leith at safety.

PLEASE SEE “SECONDARY” PAGE 58

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FOOTBALL 2020

Secondary CONTINUED FROM PAGE 56

QUICK HITTER

Symmes Valley Vikings August 28 SOUTH GALLIA 7:00 September 4 at Green# 7:00 11 BEAVER EASTERN# 7:00 18 at Sciotoville East# 7:00 25 at Ports. Notre Dame# 7:00 October 2 NORTHWEST# 7:00 #-Denotes SOC game Head coach: Rusty Webb

2019 Results

2020 Schedule

Head Coach: Rusty Webb (125-76 overall and at Symmes Valley, 20th season) Assistant Coaches: Brent Wilcoxon, Kyle Meadows, Ben Ferguson. Stats: Cameron Meadows. Film: John Sharp. Key Returnees: Josh Ferguson, Caleb Mullins, Luke Leith, Derek Crum, Levi Niece, Kayson Adkins, Houston Bennett, Nick Strow, Ethan Patterson, Eli Patterson, Gavan Yates, Tanner McComas. Key Loses: Jack Leith, Tobey Smathers, Dwayne Eplin, Christian Gilbrt, Dillon Reed. 2019 Record: 9-2 (5-0 SOC, first; Division 7 playoffs) Offense: Wing-T, Wishbone, Multiple Defense: 4-4, Multiple Offensive Starters Returning: 9 Defensive Starters Returning: 8 Symmes Valley 2019 ResultsVikings Sym. Valley 14 South Gallia Sym. Valley 37 Fairfield Christian Sym. Valley 6 Chesapeake Sym. Valley 50 Fairview, Ky. Sym. Valley 47 Sciotoville East Sym. Valley 7 Green Sym. Valley 38 Beaver Eastern Sym. Valley 39 Sciotville East Sym. Valley 33 Prts. Notre Dame Sym. Valley 22 Northwest D7 Playoffs Sym. Valley 8 Shadyside Record: 9-2 (6-0 SOC)

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LINEBACKERS Mullens returns at inside linebacker to anchor that group with Crum going from defensive end to linebacker. Beckett is in the mix and gained experience by playing on the inside last season. Sophomore Gary Combs (5-9, 160) is another possibility on the inside. “I think our linebacker group is very solid in there. We like what we’re seeing and, again, we have a lot of experience even if someone is at a different spot,” said Coach Webb. On the outside will be returning starter Strow, Walsh and freshman Sam McClease (5-8, 155). “That group has good

speed and quickness. Again, we have a lot of experience and we think we’ll have a strong linebacker group,” said Coach Webb. SECONDARY All three starters in the secondary return with Ferguson and Ethan Patterson at the cornerback spots and Leith at safety. Coach Webb said experience will be key with the group but he noted that Scherer, freshman Luke Niece (5-8, 165) and Levi Ross are all capable backups. “We’re very happy with what we have with the other group. We think we can rotate some guys and rest some people,” said Coach Webb.

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FOOTBALL 2020

DeWine says all systems go for fall high school sports

59

Tim Stried

OHSAA Director of Communications

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed a new Ohio Department of Health order that permits contact sports, including the fall sports of field hockey, soccer and football, to move forward with games against other schools. The Governor confirmed support for Ohio’s coaches to inspire their student-athletes to continue following safety precautions so that all sports can be played. Field hockey, soccer and football now join the OHSAA’s previously approved fall sports of girls and boys golf, girls tennis, girls volleyball, and girls and boys cross country. With the majority of high schools in Ohio wanting to play sports this fall, the Ohio High School Athletic Association has been working with the Governor’s Office and the Ohio Department of Health toward a new health order that contains modifications from previous orders. “I hope that the desire to have a season will inspire our young people, our athletes, our student-athletes, 24/7 to be as careful as they can,” said Governor DeWine during his press conference Tuesday, August 18. “I hope also that our coaches will use this an opportunity to focus on helping these young people understand what really is at stake. If they are going to be able to play, that they are going to have to do everything they can to keep COVID out of their team.” “The OHSAA is moving forward because we want kids to have an opportunity to participate, and the Governor’s Office is providing that opportunity and a chance,” said Bob Goldring, OHSAA Interim Executive Director. “So for that we are most appreciative. It’s important to remember that our student-athletes have been practicing and training with others for weeks and even months, and it has gone well. So, we believe they deserve the chance to move forward, and that the high school space is also different than the collegiate space.” The OHSAA staff has developed sport-specific modifications and recommendations for schools when conducting interscholastic competition. Links to these sport-specific documents were originally included in the July 22 memo when we released the Return to Play Recommendations document. Links to updated sport-specific requirements, modifications and recommendations are posted at: https:// ohsaa.org/Home/OHSAA-COVID-19-Correspondence “COVID-19 certainly has created a risk factor, and that is something on which each family has to decide for their

Rock Hill’s Brayden Friend (14) tries to shed a Meigs defender in a game last season. (Kent Sanborn/ SouthernOhioSportsPhotos.com) student, and each local school district has to make decisions on moving forward based on all the information they have been presented,” Goldring continued. “But we also believe our student-athletes, coaches and school administrators – in education-based programs – are suited to be the best advocates for safety, strongly promoting and following mandates and recommendations to wear facial coverings, stay socially distanced and so forth. Our coaches, especially, are role models to so many of our student-athletes. So hopefully our student-athletes will follow their lead and guidance, especially when they talk to students about what to consider away from school.” “The driving force that will inspire our young men, our young women, to make the right decisions in their lives 24/7 that will inspire them to have the best chance they can to play their sport,” DeWine continued. “To the coaches, you, in a normal year, inspire, you mentor, you instruct, you instill discipline and self-discipline in your student-athletes. For all of that, we are very grateful for what you do. “You make a lot of sacrifices, work long hours and you inspire our kids. We thank you very much for that. But this year, it’s going to take more. It’s going to be inspiring them in regards to the goal of keeping COVID out of their team.”


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FOOTBALL 2020

2019 Southeast Ohio All-District Football Team Div. 5-6-7 2019 Southeast Ohio All-District Football Team Division V OFFENSE First Team WR — Hunter Smith, Wellston, 6-5, 170, Jr.; Bryce Wallace, Portsmouth, 6-2, 155, Sr.; Drew Skaggs, Minford, 5-10, 155, Jr.; Hunter Ruby, Wheelersburg, 5-10, 160, Sr.; OL — Noah Davidson, Ironton, 6-5, 315, Sr.; Tucker Carpenter, Ironton Rock Hill, 6-4, 280, Sr.; Grant Gifford, South Point, 6-2, 270, Sr.; Josh Bodey, Wellston, 6-5, 240, Sr.; Caleb Crabtree, McDermott Northwest, 6-1, 280, Jr.; Levi Warren, Minford, 5-11, 295, Sr.; Gavin Welch, Wheelersburg, 6-3, 265, Sr.; QB — Gage Salyers, Ironton, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Coulter Cleland, Pomeroy Meigs, 6-1, 185, So.; Levi Gullion, Piketon, 6-0, 165, So.; Elijah Vogelsong-Lewis, Minford, 5-10, 175, Jr.; RB — Kamren Harless, Chesapeake, 6-1, 165, Sr.; Will Todd, Chesapeake, 5-7, 150, Sr.; Michael Stitt, Proctorville Fairland, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Triston Diltz, Oak Hill, 5-9, 195, Sr.; Brayden Campbell, McDermott Northwest, 5-8, 165, So.; Talyn Parker, Portsmouth, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Ty Wiget, Minford, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Makya Matthews, Wheelersburg, 5-9, 175, Sr.; All-Purpose — Rylan Molihan, Wellston, 5-9, 170, Sr.; William Journey, Portsmouth West, 5-6, 151, Sr.; Evan Horsley, Wheelersburg, 5-10, 205, Sr.; PK — Avery Book, Ironton, 5-11, 180, Sr. DEFENSE First Team DL — Seth Fosson, Ironton, 6-1, 235, Sr.; Junior Jones, Ironton, 6-0, 240, Sr.; T.J. McGinnis, Ironton Rock Hill, 6-2, 255, Sr.; Jordan Williams, Proctorville Fairland, 6-3, 186, Jr.; Flint Barger, Oak Hill, 6-5, 230, Jr.; Austin McKenzie, Portsmouth, 5-7, 217, Sr.; Brady Warner, Wheelersburg, 6-0, 225, Sr.; LB — Josey Kelly, Williamsport Westfall, 5-11, 187, Jr.; Kaleb Easley, Albany Alexander, 5-9, 185, Sr.; Luke Chapman, Albany Alexander, 6-1, 230, Sr.; Reid Carrico, Ironton, 6-3, 225, Jr.; Cameron Deere, Ironton, 5-11, 185, Jr.; J.D. Brumfield, Proctorville Fairland, 5-9, 190, So.; Brock Eggers, Wellston, 5-10, 190, Jr.; Austin Henderson, Piketon, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Evan Lintz, McDermott Northwest, 5-9, 225, So.; Christian Keys, Portsmouth, 5-6, 156, Jr.; DB — Chanston Moll, Williamsport Westfall, 5-6, 138, Sr.; Keaton Potter, Oak Hill, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Luke Bradford, Portsmouth West, 6-2, 140, Jr.; Eric Purdy, Portsmouth, 5-8, 153, Sr.; Matthew Risner, Minford, 5-10, 170, Jr.; P — Braxton Sammons, Wheelersburg, 5-11, 180, So. Offensive Player of the Year: Talyn Parker, Portsmouth Defensive Player of the Year: Reid Carrico, Ironton Tri-Coaches of the Year: Trevon Pendleton, Ironton; Bruce Kalb, Portsmouth; Mike Smith, Wellston Special Mention Joey Truman, Williamsport Westfall; Gabe Shanton, Chillicothe Zane Trace; Drew Harris, Albany Alexander; Jordan Grizzle, Ironton; Collin Freeman, Ironton; Nate Cochran, Ironton; Caden McFann, Ironton; Donald Richendollar, Chesapeake; Larry Fox, South Point;

Chance Gunther, South Point; Logan Hankins, Ironton Rock Hill; Tristan Delong, Ironton Rock Hill; Gavin Hunt, Proctorville Fairland; Cameron Kearns, Oak Hill; Austin Campbell, Oak Hill; R.J. Kemp, Wellston; Jonathon Garvin, Wellston; Cole Young, Bidwell River Valley; Darian Peck, Bidwell River Valley; Abe Lundy, Pomeroy Meigs; Steven Salyer, Piketon; Sammy Savage, Piketon; Joe Igaz, Portsmouth West; Nathan Rivers, McDermott Northwest; Zane Gilley, McDermott Northwest; Drew Roe, Portsmouth; Ty Pendleton, Portsmouth; Hunter Livingston, Minford; Tyler Miller, Minford; Gage Adkins, Wheelersburg; Luke Miller, Wheelersburg. Division VI OFFENSE First Team WR— Cruz McFadden, Bainbridge Paint Valley, 6-2, 175, Sr.; Logan Bennett, Frankfort Adena, 6-4, 195, Jr.; Ty Perkins, Lucasville Valley, 5-10, 150, Fr.; Brady Brannon, Crooksville, 5-11, 165, Sr.; TE — Tanner Chenault, Chillicothe Southeastern, 6-1, 215, Sr.; OL — Alan Mead, Chillicothe Southeastern, 6-3 ,260, Sr.; Nathan Howard, Chillicothe Southeastern, 6-1, 215, Jr.; Brock Hill, Bainbridge Paint Valley, 5-11, 245, Sr.; Zach Guffey, Glouster Trimble, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Jack Nagucki, Glouster Trimble, 6-1, 200, Sr.; QB — Lane Ruby, Chillicothe Southeastern, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Cameron Kittle, Glouster Trimble, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Mikey Seel, Nelsonville-York, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Caden Miller, Crooksville, 6-2, 160, Sr.; RB — Austin Stapleton, Coal Grove Dawson-Bryant, 5-10, 225, Jr.; Brayden Ison, Bainbridge Paint Valley, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Nate Throckmorton, Frankfort Adena, 5-7, 160, Jr.; Conner Wright, Glouster Trimble, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Logan Adams, Belpre, 5-7, 140, Sr.; AllPurpose — Austin Stormes, Coal Grove Dawson-Bryant, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Keegan Wilburn, Nelsonville-York, 5-9, 185, Sr.; PK — Garrett Clark, Frankfort Adena, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Zach McLean, Crooksville, 6-1, 170, Jr. DEFENSE First Team DL — Ian Joyce, Glouster Trimble, 6-3, 230, Sr.; Shawn Turley, Glouster Trimble, 5-10, 225, Sr.; Christian Wiseman, Nelsonville-York, 5-9, 200, Jr.; Mason Zaler, Lucasville Valley, 6-6, 255, Sr.; LB — Mikey Nusser, Chillicothe Southeastern, 5-7, 190, Jr.; Lane Mettler, Bainbridge Paint Valley, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Eric Hurtt, Frankfort Adena, 5-11, 225, Jr.; Nick Godfrey, Belpre, 6-2, 225, Sr.; Sawyer Koons, Glouster Trimble, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Colton Snyder, Nelsonville-York, 5-10, 210, Jr.; Chase Morrow, Lucasville Valley, 5-10, 165, So.; DB — Dalton Thurston, Chillicothe Southeastern, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Iann Cockrell, Bainbridge Paint Valley, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Preston Sykes, Frankfort Adena, 6-0, 170, Jr.; P — Jordan Harrington, Belpre, 5-9, 154, Jr. Offensive Player of the Year: Lane Ruby, Chillicothe Southeastern Defensive Player of the Year: Sawyer Koons, Glouster Trimble Co-Coaches of the Year: Phil Faires, Glouster Trimble; Evan Gallaugher, Chillicothe Southeastern

Special Mention Ben Compliment, Coal Grove Dawson-Bryant; Seth Beeler, Chillicothe Huntington; Jerran Ford, Chillicothe Southeastern; Aarick Hill, Chillicothe Southeastern; Nick Mills, Bainbridge Paint Valley; Cordell Grubb, Bainbridge Paint Valley; Max Willis, Frankfort Adena; Kole Williams, Frankfort Adena; Garrett Richards, Glouster Trimble; Landon Wisor, Glouster Trimble; Brandon Phillips, Nelsonville-York; Ethan Gail, Nelsonville-York; Donnie McCain, Stewart Federal Hocking; Gage Clark, Belpre; Tre Bratchett, Lucasville Valley; Kayden Mollette, Lucasville Valley; Chris Pitcock, Crooksville Division VII OFFENSE First Team WR — Ethan Huffman, Franklin Furnace Green, 6-0, 165, Jr.; Tre McCoy, Corning Miller, 5-7, 155, So.; Nick Fouss, Waterford, 5-11, 155, Sr.; OL — Gavan Yates, Willow Wood Symmes Valley, 6-0, 240, So.; Seth Imes, Franklin Furnace Green, 6-3, 265, Sr.; Jake Barber, Reedsville Eastern, 6-0, 210, Jr.; Kyle Beasley, Beaver Eastern, 6-0, 185, So.; Haden Offenberger, Waterford, 5-7, 170, Jr.; QB — Colby Bartley, Corning Miller, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Gage Shuler, Racine Southern, 5-10, 155, Sr.; Zane Heiss, Waterford, 5-10, 170, Sr.; RB — Josh Ferguson, Willow Wood Symmes Valley, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Blake Newland, Reedsville Eastern, 5-7,

170, Jr.; Steven Fitzgerald, Reedsville Eastern, 5-10, 205, Jr.; Trey McNickle, Racine Southern, 6-0, 185, Sr.; DEFENSE First Team DL — Cole Miller, Waterford, 6-0, 165, Jr.; LB — Caleb Mullins, Willow Wood Symmes Valley, 6-1, 210, Jr.; Will Oldaker, Reedsville Eastern, 6-3, 260, Jr.; Mason Dishong, Reedsville Eastern, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Joe Pantelidis, Waterford, 6-2, 180, Jr.; Braidan Haney, Sciotoville East, 5-10, 200, Sr.; DB — Kyle Northup, Crown City South Gallia, 6-0, 164, Sr.; Logan Clemmons, Beaver Eastern, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Jack Leith, Willow Wood Symmes Valley, 6-3, 170, Sr. Offensive Player of the Year: Zane Heiss, Waterford Defensive Player of the Year: Will Oldaker, Reedsville Eastern Coach of the Year: Rusty Webb, Willow Wood Symmes Valley Special Mention Tanner McComas, Willow Wood Symmes Valley; Kylan McClain, Corning Miller; Nick Little, Reedsville Eastern; Brayden Smith, Reedsville Eastern; Matthias Stansberry, Racine Southern; Justin Butler, South Gallia; Tyler Hanshaw, Beaver Eastern; Dillion Mattox, Beaver Eastern; Bailey McGraw, Waterford; Haydon Reynolds, Waterford; Chase Coyle, Sciotoville East; Logan Emnett, Portsmouth Notre Dame; Kris Walters, Manchester.

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FOOTBALL 2020

61

SENIOR SHOWCASE

Seniors for the 2020 Ironton Fighting Tigers are from left to right, Jimmy Mahlmeister, Brady Freeman, Chase Stevens, Kyle Howell, Lance Rand, Will York, Matthew Davis, Reid Carrico, Rocky White, Gunner Crawford, Trent Hacker, Cameron Deere, Dylan Carpenter, Dalton Crabtree, Uriah Meadows, Owen Ison, Ashton Silva and Erickson Barnes. (Tony Shotsky/SouthernOhioSportsPhotos.com)

2020 high school football rule changes Defining Team Designated Representative for Penalty Decisions [1-4-1, 1-4-4 (NEW), 2-32-5, 3-5-2, 10-1-1, 10-1-2, 10-2-4] — Prior to the game, the head coach will notify the referee of the designated representative (coach or player) who will make decisions regarding penalty acceptance or declination. ————— Halftime Intermission Option Following Weather Delay [3-1-6c EXCEPTION (NEW)] — The halftime intermission may be shortened by mutual agreement of opposing coaches if a weather delay occurs during the last three minutes of the second period. ————— 40-Second Play Clock Clarification [3-6-1a(1)e EXCEPTIONS 2 and 3 (NEW)] — To eliminate a potential timing advantage gained by the defensive team, the rules committee

approved the play clock being set to 40 seconds when an officials’ time-out is taken for an injury to a defensive player or a defensive player has an equipment issue. ————— 25-Second Play Clock Clarification [3-6-1a(1)f (NEW)] — Following a legal kick when either team is awarded a

new series, the play clock will be set to 25 seconds. ————— Disconcerting Act Foul and Penalty Reclassified [7-1-9 (NEW), 7-1-9 PENALTY (NEW)] — Disconcerting acts or words by the defense has been reclassified from a unsportsmanlike foul to a disconcerting act foul, and the penalty changed from 15 yards to 5 yards. ————— Spiking the Ball to Conserve Time (7-5-2e EXCEPTION, TABLE 7-5-2e EXCEPTION, TABLE 7-5e EXCEPTION) — The exception to allow a player to conserve time by intentionally throwing the ball forward to the ground immediately after receiving the snap, has been expanded to include any player positioned directly behind the center. This exception now includes snaps that are not handto-hand.


62

FOOTBALL 2020

SENIOR SHOWCASE

Seniors for the 2020 Portsmouth Trojans, front row from left to right, Dylan Cheatham, Omarion Martin, Chance Tener, Christian Keys and Jaquan Pearsall; standing left to right, Joel Bowling, Rex Smith, Hayden Yerardi, Mike Duncan, Chris Duff, Jay-Lind Thomas and Mylan Brown. (Courtesy of The Portsmouth Times)

Senors for the 2020 South Point Pointers are: kneeling left to right, Walker Clay, Brendan Dillon and T.J. Wong; standing left to right, Darryl Taylor, Josh Jackson, Justin Collins, Bennett McCallister and Cody Brandt. (Kent Sanborn of SouthernOhioSportsPhotos.com)


FOOTBALL 2020

63

SENIOR SHOWCASE

Senior members of the 2020 Coal Grove Hornets are: from left to right, Morgan Schultz, Austin Stapleton, Kye Robinson, Ben Compliment, Tucker Meadows, Trey Hunt and Chris Wilson. (Tony Shotsky of SouthernOhioSportsPhotos.com)

Senior members of the 2020 Rock Hill Redmen football team are: kneeling left to right, Dave Bailey, Brayden Friend, Mikey Pemberton, Seth Schob and Hunter Massie; standing left to right, Andrew Clark, Jason Johnson, Hayden Harper, Jacob Schwab, Parker Knipp, James Knipp and Noah Wood. (Photo by Tim Gearhart)


64

FOOTBALL 2020

SENIOR SHOWCASE

Senior members of the Symmes Valley Vikings are: kneeling left to right, Josh Ferguson, Houston Bennett, Derek Crum and Hunter Shepherd; standing left to right, Luke Leith, Drew Scherer, Kayson Adkins and Caleb Mullens. (Kent Sanborn of SouthernOhioSportsPhotos.com)

Senior members of the 2020 Green Bobcats are: form left to right, Ethan Huffman, Lonni Smith and D.J. Barker. (Kent Sanborn of SouthernOhioSportsPhotos.com)


FOOTBALL 2020

65

SENIOR SHOWCASE

Seniors for the 2020 Chesapeake Panthers are, from left to right, Nick Ferguson, Blake Thompson, Thomas Sentz, Hunter Blackburn, Donald Richendollar, Jayden Slack, Ian Hicks and Jacob McCloud. (Kent Sanborn of SouthernOhioSportsPhotos.com)

Seniors for the 2020 Fairland Dragons are: from left to right, Josiah Wyrick, Gavin Hunt, Jordan Williams, Emma Marshall, Max Ward and Logan Hamlin. (Tony Shotsky of SouthernOhioSportsPhotos.com)


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