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NEWARK
Continued from page 12 North before sitting down. Another promising

The secondary includes seniors Trevor Spur-

geon (6-0, 175) and Ryan Nutter (6-0, 175).
Juniors Dannell Smith (6-4, 285) and Nic Bar-
ber (6-5, 205) are key figures on a line also
featuring junior Ross Matheny (5-10, 205)
and seniors Martin Sears (6-0, 195) and Torey
Jurden (6-4, 275), a Newark Catholic trans-
fer.
“Our defense showed me a lot against West-
erville North (in the first scrimmage),” said
Spurgeon, who also is competing with junior
Rahlin Watson (6-3, 195) to be the starting
quarterback. “Our line played great. Our
linebackers filled the gaps. And our free safety,
Ryan Sole, he’s really impressed me. That’s a
big spot for a sophomore to play. I think we’ll
be much better defensively.”
Offensively, replacing graduate Kendall Stin-
son in the backfield and Josh Mann at quar-
terback are big keys. Stinson rushed for 1,261
yards and 15 touchdowns, earning first-team
all-district in addition to making second-team
all-state as a defensive back. Mann was spe-
cial-mention all-district.
An early platoon at quarterback is possible,
said Beery, whose team opens Friday at White
Field in the fourth and final meeting with Colum-
bus Northland after prevailing 48-0 last sea-
son. A bevy of receivers has emerged and they
include Nutter and senior Will McCoy (6-3,
190). Nutter, despite not practicing much
because of the Babe Ruth World Series, scored
two quick touchdowns against Westerville
receiver, junior Taylor Huffman, will miss time
early with a broken collar bone. Senior Dar-
At a glance
ius Smith (5-10, 160) is another wideout. NEWARK WILDCATS
Senior James Keck (5-10, 170) will be the Colors: Crimson and white
Coach: Scott Beery, sixth season
new featured back after he rushed for 252 yards Key players: Nic Barber, Jeremy Hill, James Keck, Will
and one touchdown in limited duty last year McCoy, Ryan Nutter, Spencer Satterfield, Dannell Smith,
for the Wildcats, who have replaced Fairfield Treg Smart, Trevor Spurgeon and Rahlin Watson
with their fourth game with Shaker Heights, a On the Web: newarkcityschools.org
Division I playoff team two years ago with a 2007 SCHEDULE
strong tradition. Hill and senior Dustyn Green Aug. 24..............Northland .........................Home
Aug. 31..............Zanesville ..........................Away
(5-10, 210) are among the fullbacks, and senior Sept. 7...............Thomas Worthington .........Home
Jeremy Neagos (5-8, 170) might get some car- Sept. 14 ............Shaker Heights .................Home
ries at tailback. Sept. 21 ............Westerville South ...............Away
The offensive line should include Barber, Sept. 28 ............Hilliard Darby ....................Home
Oct. 5 ................Westland............................Away
Jurden, Matheny, Smart and Dannell Smith in Oct. 12 ..............Lancaster .........................Home
addition to juniors Elliot Anderson (6-2, 190), Oct. 19 ..............Groveport .........................Home
Jordan Snyder (6-2, 170), Tyler Wells (6-0, Oct. 26 ..............Gahanna ............................Away
200) and James Carr (6-1, 190). 2006 RESULTS
“Our quarterbacks are getting better every (4-6 overall, 0-5 OCC-Ohio)
Northland.................................................W, 48-0
day. They both add a lot to our team,” Beery Zanesville ................................................W, 49-7
said. “We’ve got two great receivers in McCoy Thomas Worthington.................................W, 31-2
and Nutter and a lot of depth at that spot, too. Fairfield....................................................W, 24-7
And I think (Keck) is going to have a good Westerville South ....................................L, 33-28
Hilliard Darby ..........................................L, 35-20
season. Westland ................................................L, 40-20
“We’ll be a load to defend. Our opponents Lancaster ...............................................L, 34-33
are going to have to cover the entire field.” Groveport..................................................L, 41-7
Among others, also departing after last sea- Gahanna...................................................L, 32-0
son were linemen Alex Nikolovski and Jesse
Modesitt, who made special-mention all-dis- BE THE ONE to
trict. Kicker Trevor Cochran graduated, too, champion
but junior soccer player Jordan Spurlock brings life for patients in need. By Lorrie Cecil/ThisWeek
a big leg. 1-800-GIVE-LIFE The Wildcats’ Will McCoy goes up for a
“We’re ready to play,” Spurgeon said. “It’s BloodSavesLives.org reception Aug. 11 against Westerville
definitely going to be a better year.” North’s Ryan Call.

GROVEPORT
Continued from page 11
Good Luck
nell along with junior Justin Bell and sopho-
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GO CATS! CATS!
AND HIGH SCHOOL
MEMORIES
Joining Nuckles on the offensive line are
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August 22, 2007 • Central Ohio High School Football Preview ’07
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sophomore, will also fill in. Nelson and Mar- season will it be?
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