HIGH SCHOOL

FOOTBALL
PREVIEW
2023
Seasoned assistants take
on head coaching roles

Lima Senior’s Bill Lawrence

Shawnee’s Mike Lewis

Bath’s Frank Russell

A Special Section From

All content © 2023 The Lima News. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.
 2E Saturday, August 19, 2023 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW The Lima News

Time felt right for trio to move into head coaching positions
Russell, Lewis, Lawrence have years of experience as assistants
By Jim Naveau business world. Russell, Lawrence and but it is a different kind of
jnaveau@limanews.com “I loved coordinating, Lewis all appear to face being nervous than being
I loved being a coach, somewhat challenging a coach, at least for me.
After two decades of where you just go out and tasks. Bath was 0-10 last As a player I was nervous
helping, Mike Lewis, teach the kids what to do year. Lima Senior was 3-8 for myself. As a coach I am
Frank Russell and Bill and how to be as good as and Shawnee went 4-6. nervous for myself to do a
Lawrence are ready to they can be. Head coach “I liked the challenge,” good job but also nervous
lead. is a completely different Russell said. “You’re 0-10. for our players to execute a
Lewis is the new head animal. It’s like I moved How good are you? Can game plan that we worked
Richard Parrish photos | The Lima News
football coach at Shawnee. from supervisor to white you make a difference in a on all week as well as their Bath’s Frank Russell takes over a program that went 0-10 last season.
Russell is the first-year collar management,” he program? I want to make a health.”
head football coach at said. difference.” Ottawa-Glandorf coach
Bath. And Lawrence, also “I’ve been head coach Here are some thoughts Ken Schriner is in his 28th
a first-year head coach, is in wrestling. I’ve been from four successful area season as the Titans head
Lima Senior’s new coach. the head coach in track. coaches about what they coach. A former Bowling
Except for Lawrence But football is different. learned in their first year Green State University
being the head coach You can’t really compare as a head coach. offensive lineman, he was
at a Christian academy them. I think we’ve got Delphos St. John’s coach an assistant coach at four
in Florida right after everything pretty much in Todd Schulte became the high schools and a college
graduating from college in line. But the one thing you Blue Jays coach in 1999 before being hired at O-G,
1996, all of their football have to do is trust your when Vic Whiting left after where he has a 197-107
coaching experience so far coaches. You hired them, winning back-to-back state career record.
has been at the assistant you’ve got to trust them.” championships in 1997 and He said, “No. 1, you can’t
coach level. Russell spent seven years 1998. micromanage everything. Shawnee’s Mike Lewis has experience as a track and wrestling
Lawrence was an in the business world in the Schulte was 24 years You’ve got to have assistant head coach.
assistant football coach at mortgage industry after old when he was hired coaches who are willing to
Kenton for 16 years before getting a bachelor’s degree at St. John’s. His first St. do the little things. Never
being hired at Lima Senior. in education from Miami John’s team won a state accept mediocrity. Keep
He also was the Wildcats’ University in 1994. championship and so did working hard and if you
softball coach for many But he felt a tug to his 2005, 2008 and 2010 don’t do it the right way
years. return to his earlier dream teams. you’re going to do it again.
Lewis has been an of being a high school He said, “I was fortunate Discipline is huge for us.
assistant football coach coach and teacher, inspired enough to come into a Those are probably the
and a coordinator at by one of his high school successful situation. My mantras I have as much
Shawnee for most of the coaches, when one of his main concern was to not as anything that haven’t
last 20 years and has been former basketball coaches screw things up. changed since day one.
wrestling head coach and asked him to help out. “From my first year of “Looking back at where
track head coach there. “I kind of got the itch coaching I learned that I started it’s amazing that
Russell has 15 years and I just wanted to go all the final decisions in I didn’t know what I didn’t Lima Senior’s Bill Lawrence spent more than 15 years as a Kenton
experience as a coordinator further and further and the program I had to be know. I don’t claim to assistant.
and assistant coach in further,” he said about accountable for. No matter know everything. I go to
football at Franklin and pursuing coaching jobs. if it was my idea or not clinics every year and try teams have averaged nine opportunities. I learned that
Colerain and also coached Russell and Lawrence I would have to answer to learn something new. It’s wins a season, including a the football program is the
some basketball. both said they wanted to the questions about the amazing how the game state championship in 2020 players. Without our players
Each of them looked coach their sons and let decision. I also learned has changed over the and getting to the fourth there is no program. The
at their own unique them finish high school the amount of time that is years. We’ve evolved. Look round of the playoffs in guys I had the opportunity
circumstances and at Franklin and Kenton spent on football off the at the offensive things 2022 and 2021. to coach the first year at Van
decided the timing and the before they looked for head field to be prepared for a we’ve changed over the He was an assistant Wert allowed me to bring
situations were right to coaching jobs. season or even that day’s years. coach at Oak Harbor when new ideas and philosophies
move into a head coach’s “My ultimate goal was practice, let alone Friday’s I say sometimes I get a he was hired by Van Wert to the football program and
job this season. to be a head coach. My game. tear in my eye when I see a in 2012 and had been head bought into what we were
Lewis compared moving youngest son graduated “As I enter my 25th fullback on the field.” coach at Marion Catholic trying to achieve.
up to head coach from last year and I was going year I still get nervous for After some rough early for a year. “While it took me a while
a coordinator’s job to to be a head coach once he every game. As a player I years, Van Wert coach He said, “For me, thefirst
getting a promotion in the was done,” Lawrence said. got nervous before a game Keith Recker’s last six season was full of learning See TIME | 23E

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The Lima News HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW Saturday, August 19, 2023 3E

Richard Parrish | The Lima Newss

Lima Senior’s Sumarion Doughty scoops a loose ball against Dayton Dunbar during a 2022 game at Spartan Stadium.

Lima Senior to employ five wide receivers offense

By Jim Naveau Zaveon Garner, who scored touchdowns five Withrow (8-4 last season).
jnaveau@limanews.com different ways last season (interception, blocked
TEAM PROFILE
punt recovery, 72-yard punt return, 60-yard fumble
recovery, touchdown catch) could become the No. 1 Coach: Bill Lawrence (first season)
Can something new also be a throwback? Lima
Senior could find out this football season. receiver. Division: II
The Spartans will be running a five wide receiv- “He’s going to play split end and possibly return Last year’s record: 3-8 (0-7 TRAC)
ers offense that first-year head coach Bill Lawrence some kicks. He’s got great size, good hands, great
Ticket information: limaspartannation.org/tickets
learned as an assistant coach for Mike Mauk at Ken- speed. He fits well into our offensive system. We
ton. look to get him the ball and see what he can do,” Returning 2022 varsity letter winners include: Zaveon
If things work out as well as he hopes, there might Lawrence said. Garner (Sr., WR/DB), Chance Sanders (Sr., WR),
be some nights when the Spartans put points on Kaden Hampton, Sumarion Doughty, Chance
Kaden Hampton (Sr., WR), Sumarion Doughty (Sr.,
the scoreboard at a pace not seen since offensive Sanders and Kahliq Wash are among the other top
WR), I’rell Farrow (Sr., OT), Alex Waithe (Jr., OL),
standouts like Ruben Flowers, Darius Gordon, Jaden receivers.
Walker and others were doing it in 2015. The Spartans have five returning letter winners Jon Tummel (Jr., C), Zaheim Austin (Sr., OL), Aiden
“Our offense is going to be a steady work in prog- on the offensive line – I’rell Farrow, Alex Waithe, Jon Howard (Sr., QB), Izaiah Phalen (Jr., OL), Kenyon
Tummel, Zaheim Austin and Izaiah Phalen. Garner,
ress all year but as far as what we have in, we’re little Durr (Sr., LB), Jamall Webster (Sr., CB/WR), Javion
Hampton and Farrow were honorable mention All-
by little, getting close to having our system and our
Three Rivers Conference last season. Anderson (Sr., DL), Tavion James (Jr., LB), Kam-Ron
offense in,” Lawrence said.
Defensively, Lima Senior will line up in a 3-4. Out- Nicks (Jr., LB)
“If you’re not familiar with it, it’s a high tempo, get
side linebacker Kenyon Durr, linebacker Kam-Ron
the ball in, get the ball out, get it to your play makers Promising newcomers include: Isaiah Wilson (Jr., DB),
Nicks and cornerback Jamall Webster are two-year
and let them make a play offense. Get the ball side to Dashad Greer (Soph., LB), Jermaine Maxwell (Soph.,
starters. Linebacker Tavion James was honorable
side and get all those big guys running and try to tire
mention All-TRAC and defensive lineman Javion DB), Jaelan Webster (Soph., DB), Jalen Jones (Sr.,
everybody out. That’s what we’re going to do. We’re Anderson lettered last season.
going to continue to do that. It’s in our DNA and “A lot is talked about our offense but I’m telling
LB), Keyon Smith (Jr., DB), Ja’niaus Hall (Soph., QB),
that’s what we know,” he said. you we look to be very stout on defense, starting Kahliq Wash (Jr., WR)
The new offense has been received well by Lima with our linebackers. We’re going to put out some 2023 schedule
Senior’s players, Lawrence said. very strong, athletic linebackers. We’re going to be
“For them to have an opportunity to be in this an aggressive, attacking defense.”
(Kickoffs scheduled for 7 p.m. unless noted; subject to change)
offense I think they’re loving coming to practice Lima Senior is beginning its first year as a mem- Aug. 18 – at Piqua
every day. Every day it just clicks more,” he said. ber of the Toledo City League after the Three Rivers Aug. 25 – Findlay
Lima Senior was 3-8 last season. Lawrence is the Athletic Conference ceased to exist at the end of the
ninth head football coach at Lima Senior since Leon- 2022-23 school year. Sept. 1 – at Withrow
ard Russ retired after the 2000 season and it has had On paper it would appear Lima Senior will be able Sept. 8 – Northview
only four seasons of .500 or better since then. to be more competitive in the Toledo City League in Sept. 15 – at Bowsher, 6 p.m.
“The senior class the last three years, they remem- football than it was in the TRAC.
Sept. 22 – Toledo Woodward
ber. I think that does drive us. Our goal going into a Lima Senior has qualified for the Ohio High
new league (the Toledo City League) is to win the Sept. 29 – at Toledo Rogers
School Athletic Association state playoffs in 10 sea-
conference. The guys have prepared for that and sons, has won seven playoff games and was the 1996 Oct. 6 – at Toledo Waite
they’ve had a phenomenal summer. That being said, Division I state champion. Oct. 13 – Toledo Scott
they know that’s a big challenge. But it does drive The other six schools currently in the Toledo City
them,” Lawrence said. Oct. 20 – Toledo Start
League have reached the playoffs a total of 11 times
Sophomore Ja’niaus Hall will probably be the and have lost in the first round every time. Rogers Last year’s results
starting quarterback. He started against Findlay and is 0-4, Scott and Start are 0-3 and Waite is 0-1. Bow- Lima Senior 36 Bowsher 6
played against Toledo Central Catholic last season. sher and Woodward have not played a playoff game. Lima Senior 42 Rogers 0
“He’s had a great, great offseason. He did really In its 12 years in the TRAC, Lima Senior was
well at the seven-on-sevens. He’s continuing to prog- going against teams like Toledo Central Catholic (24 Lima Senior 25 Dunbar 12
ress and grow as a leader. He is doing everything playoff appearances, four state championships), Tole- St. John’s Jesuit 48 Lima Senior 13
we’re asking him to do. He’s a guy who has a good do Whitmer (24 playoff appearances, 1 state champi- Clay 42 Lima Senior 14
arm and he’s starting to grasp the system really onship), Toledo St. Francis (17 playoff appearances, Toledo Central Catholic 56 Lima Senior 0
well and where he’s going with the ball and what 1 state championship), Toledo St. John’s (17 playoff
he needs to do. And he’s got great legs, so if things appearances), Findlay (10 playoff appearances) and Whitmer 55 Lima Senior 6
break down he can get out and make some plays,” Fremont Ross (10 playoff appearances). Fremont Ross 35 Lima Senior 6
Lawrence said. Lima Senior outscored the two Toledo City St. Francis de Sales 27 Lima Senior 14
“He got his feet wet a little bit last year against League teams it played last season, Bowsher and
two pretty good programs. I think it helped prepare Rogers, 78-6. Findlay 32 Lima Senior 0
him for this time and this moment.” The Spartans start their season with a game at First round of playoffs
Aiden Howard, who got the majority of the starts Piqua (9-3 last season) on Aug. 18, then play Find- Trenton Edgewood 38, Lima Senior 6
at quarterback last season, is recovering from a lay and its 4-star quarterback Ryan Montgomery at
shoulder injury. home, followed by another road game at Cincinnati

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4E Saturday, August 19, 2023 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW The Lima News

Richard Parrish | The Lima News

Mylon Cowens (21) returns for Lima Central Catholic this season.

LCC looking to maintain success after reaching state semifinals

By Mark Altstaetter Those guys were really good “Billy (Bourk) is a good
sports@limanews.com for us. weapon, coming back,” Palte
TEAM PROFILE “We had a great senior said. “We have Matthew
Coach: Scott Palte (10th season) LIMA — Lima Central group last year. We had 14 (Quatman) and some other
Catholic head football coach seniors. A majority of our young guys, like Mylon Cow-
Division: VII
Scott Palte will need to fill linemen were seniors. We ens (5-11, 165, Jr., SE/DB).
Last year’s record: 10-5 some voids from last year’s have only one returning We have some quick, young
Ticket information: flyhightbirds.com/HTtickets state semifinal team, which starter back up front. Those guys. We would like to get
Returning 2022 varsity letter winners include: Carson Parker consisted of 14 seniors. three, we’re hoping will lead. them in space and throw it
LCC returns eight letter win- We’re a young team. We have around a little bit. We might
(Sr., QB/DB), Billy Bourk (Sr., WR/DB), Chris Crnkovich (Jr., OL/ ners from last year’s squad. four seniors on our roster. We not be such a power team, like
DL), Matthew Quatman (Jr., WR/DB), Gianni McKee (Jr., OL/ However, Palte does have have a lot of young guys that last year. We had six physical
DL), Carson Heffner (RB/LB), Isaac Leppert (Jr., WR/LB), Mylon three key skill players return- will have to step up. They’ve linemen (last season). We ran
ing his fall. One athlete, in worked hard. They are hun- unbalanced, a lot. We were
Cowens (Jr., WR/DB) particular, will give the LCC gry. They watched us win, able to push people around a
Promising newcomers include: Dakota Gerdeman (Soph., SB/ coaching staff a very good and they want to be a part of little bit and got more physi-
DB), Caden Falke (Soph., TE/LB), Louis Knotts (Soph., OL/LB), starting point. it. We’re lucky to be able to cal as the year went along. So,
Senior Carson Parker (6-3, build around Carson, Billy we’ll be a little more balanced
Brady Malcom (Soph., OL/DL), Andrew Baldauf (Soph., OL/DL), 210, QB/DB), who accounted and Matthew.” on offense, this season.”
Kadyn Johnson (Soph., OL/DL), Josh Young (Soph., OL/DL) for 46 touchdowns (33 rushing The T-Birds lost several key Last season, the T-Birds
2023 Schedule TDs, 13 TD passes) last sea- players from last year’s squad. scored 30.8 points per game.
son, returns at quarterback for The biggest loss for LCC was They held their opponents to
(Kickoffs scheduled for 7 p.m. unless noted; subject to change) the Thunderbirds. from the backfield. 23.2 points per contest.
Aug. 17 – at Shawnee In 2022, Parker was a first “Last year, Gabe Cira really LCC will utilize a 4-3 defen-
Aug. 26 – at Delphos St. John – s, 1:30 p.m. team all-district selection and came along,” Palte said. “He sive scheme.
a second team all-Ohio selec- had like 1,300 yards rushing. The top returners on the
Sept. 1 – at Carey
tion at quarterback in Division We need to find a guy who defensive side of the football
Sept. 9 – Bishop Ready, 1 p.m. VII. can carry the ball. Carson are Parker and Quatman, who
Sept. 15 – at Bishop Hartley Parker helped lead LCC to (Parker) threw for nearly both play in the secondary.
a state semifinal appearance 2,200 (yards). … He (Parker) Last season, Parker made
Sept. 23 – Elmwood, 6 p.m.
in 2022, finishing the season ran for 1,800 (yards). We rely 34 solo tackles and had 22
Sept. 29 – Lucas with a final record of 10-5. on him quite a bit. We need assists. He also had four
Oct. 6 – Richmond Heights Parker is a huge dual-threat some of the other guys to step interceptions. Quatman had
Oct. 14 – Cardinal Stritch, 4 p.m.
quarterback. up. 39 solo tackles, 22 assists and
In the 15 games (2022), “We have a good receiving three interceptions.
Oct. 21 – Fort Loramie, 4 p.m. Parker rushed for 1,865 yards corps. We’re going to throw Since LCC is not in a
2022 Results on 284 carries (6.57 yards the ball a little more this year. league, filling out the sched-
LCC 27, Shawnee 7 per carry) and had 33 touch- We’ll use Matthew (Quatman) ule is a challenge for Palte.
downs. in many different ways. We “It (the schedule) is not
LCC 54, Delphos St. John’s 27 Parker was 126 of 254 pass- feel like we have some nice easy. First of all, the local
Tinora 20, LCC 7 ing (49.6 completion percent- weapons. We just have to find schools are in their league
Huron 38, LCC 14 age) for 2,156 yards with 13 where they all fit.” games in about Week 3 on,”
TDs and nine interceptions. Palte said the biggest Palte said. “So, you’re not
Bishop Hartley 52, LCC 7 Also, returning with Parker challenge for his staff will going to find them (area
LCC 31, Hopewell-Loudon 8 are Billy Bourk (6-6, 193, Sr. be filling open spots in the schools) after that. From
LCC 26, Lucas 23 SE/DB) and Matthew Quat- trenches. Week 3 on, you’re just looking
man (5-11, 175, Jr., SB/DB). “All of our linemen, who are for games. One of the curses
LCC 30, Licking Valley 26 Last season, Quatman going to start, are underclass- of being successful for the last
LCC 36, St. Andrew’s College 9 hauled in 45 passes for 910 men. They’re all back next handful of years is that a lot of
Fort Loramie 35, LCC 34 yards and had seven touch- year. So, we have a really nice teams who are smaller in size,
downs from the slot-back group to build on. They’re don’t want to play us. So,
First Round of playoffs
position. Quatman also young. They’re good-size we’re playing teams like Bish-
LCC 41, Calvert 14 rushed for 127 yards on 30 kids. They’re good athletes. op Ready and Bishop Hartley
Regional quarterfinal carries with three rushing They’re just very raw. With – schools who are a touch
TDs. Bourk caught 25 passes our schedule, you have to out of our weight class. But it
LCC 48, Delphos St. John’s 14
for 433 yards with five TDs at grow up fast. We have some sharpens us as the year goes
Regional semifinal split end. good teams on the schedule. on. Our kids learn great les-
LCC 30, McComb 26 “Carson (Parker), Billy You had better be physical. sons when they play that level
(Bourk) and Matthew (Quat- The guys are working hard, of competition. But our whole
Regional final
man) made a lot of plays and there is good competition goal is to be a really good,
LCC 43, Antwerp 7 for us, last year,” Palte said. hard-nosed, solid football
out there,” Palte said.
State semifinal “Carson had an outstanding The T-Birds will employ a team in Week 11 (start of the
New Bremen 42, LCC 34 season of running the ball Jet Spread offensive scheme playoffs). I think our schedule
and throwing the ball for us. this season. has helped us do that.”

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The Lima News
Bath’s Kahne Sullivan lets go of a pass as Celina’s Dalton Chilcoat is in pursuit during a 2022 game at Celina.
New Bath coach looks to ‘create a positive environment’
By Jim Naveau
jnaveau@limanews.com
With a year of experience, even if
some of it was painful experience,
Bath hopes to put some games into
the win column this football season.
Bath is coming off an 0-10 season
last fall when 37 of the 51 spots on
its roster belonged to freshmen and
sophomores.
First-year coach Frank Russell
says the trajectory of the Wildcats’
program can be changed. But he
knows programs are built, that it’s
not a one or two step process.
“I’ve been in some programs that
won championships and I think I
know exactly what it takes to win
championships and we’re trying to
instill those values here,” he said.
Russell spent most of his coach-
ing career as an assistant at Franklin
High School, where he was a 1990
graduate, before being an assistant
the last two years at Colerain High
School in Cincinnati.
“They want to win in this com-
munity,” he said about Bath. “Our
No. 1 goal is to try to move in that
direction.
“Obviously, winning cures all evils.
But also you’re up front and honest
with people. We want to create a pos-
itive environment that kids want to
be around. We use the word culture
a lot in this program and our culture
is going to be a culture of we’re going
to be kind to people, we’re going to
be empathetic to people and we’re
going to treat people with respect.
In return, we hope they do the same
thing to us.
“I’m not saying we’re not going
to play hard. We’re going to go out
and try to fight for every victory,” he
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said.
Bath is still one of the young-
est teams in the Western Buckeye
League but several of its younger
plays got on the field last season.
“We’re going to be a young team
but I feel like we’re talented. We’re
going to benefit from the younger
kids playing a lot last year,” Russell
said.
“To be young and be in the WBL,
that’s a problem. But we just have to
face our challenges and get better.
We’ve got to move forward. We’re
trying to build things and do it the
right way.
“I want Bath to be a contender
every year in the WBL. I truly believe
it can happen here. But it comes back
to our goals have to equal our work
ethic. If that doesn’t happen and
there’s a disconnect, it isn’t going to
work,” he said.
Bath was shut out five times last
year, scored more than one touch-
down in a game only once and had
just one rushing touchdown all sea-
son.
The building process up front on
the offensive line starts with senior
guard Quintin Collins.
“I think he’s really, really good.
We’re trying to go two platoon right
now. He is the one guy who could
play both ways for us. He’s that good.
He does everything right. He’s a
leader in the program,” Russell said.
Kahne Sullivan, a senior, and soph-
omore Zach Welsch are competing
for the starting quarterback position.
Welsch was the starter most of last
season.
“We haven’t decided what direc-
tion we’re going to go there yet,”
Russell said.
Skyler Lhamon, who can play
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receiver and running back, was the
Wildcats’ top rushing threat last sea-
son, including gaining 77 yards on 19
carries against Kenton and 65 yards
on 13 carries against Defiance.
“Skyler Lhamon is just an athlete.
He can make a ton of plays for us on
offense,” Russell said. “He’s the best
route runner on the team. I look for
big numbers from Skyler this year.
“At wide receiver Ethan Cole is
super athletic, really fast, runs great
routes. Vinnie Vendetta is really fast
and a strong kid. Logan Markley at
wide receiver has probably the best
hands on our team.”
Defensive lineman Jeremy James
might be the only senior starter on
the Wildcats’ defense.
“He’s a big, strong kid. The
Slaught brothers – Kory and Kyle
– they’re big, strong kids. They’re
block eaters. Jack Rader has been
really good,” Russell said.
Sophomore linebacker Carson
Kinnaird was second in the WBL
in tackles during the regular season
last year with 105.
“Kinnaird is really good. I’ve been
impressed with Keaton Vernon at
outside linebacker. We’re a build a
wall type defense and our lineback-
ers should be able to flow and make
plays,” Russell said.
Dalton Woodruff, Foster Deters,
Espn Mikesell and Andru McDer-
mott are some of the players
competing for playing time in the
defensive backfield. “Dalton is a
leader for us in the defensive sec-
ondary. He is a hard worker and
has a nose for the football,” Rus-
sell said.
Bath opens its season Aug. 18 at
home against last year’s Division
VII state champion New Bremen.
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TEAM PROFILE
Coach: Frank Russell (first season)
Division: IV
Last year’s record: 0-10 (0-9 WBL)
Ticket information: bathwildcats.org/
TicketBoxOffice.aspx
Returning 2022 varsity letter winners include:
Quintin Collins (Sr., OG/DL), Kahne Sullivan (Sr.,
QB), Skylar Lhamon (Sr., RB/WR), Dalton Woodruff
(Sr., DB), Jeremy James (Sr., DL), Jagger Smith
(Sr., OL), Tristan Kell (Sr., LB), Clay Boedicker (Sr.,
DB), Mickey Casey (Sr. LB), Ethan Stevens (Jr.,
OL), Izayah Murphy (Jr., OL), Landon Oglesbee (Jr.,
H-Back), Kory Slaught (Jr., DL), Kyle Slaught (Jr.,
DL), Zach Welsch (Soph., QB), Ethan Cole (Jr., WR),
Vinny Vendetta (Jr., WR), Logan Markley (Soph.,WR),
George Rope (Soph., OL), Richard Rope (Soph., OL),
Mikey Hale (Soph., RB)
Newcomer to watch: Daniel Cole (Fr., QB)
2023 schedule
(Kickoffs scheduled for 7 p.m.; subject to change)
Aug. 18 – New Bremen
Aug. 25 – at Van Wert
Sept. 1 – Shawnee
Sept. 8 – at Kenton
Sept. 15 – Elida
Sept. 22 – at Ottawa-Glandorf
Sept. 29 – Celina
Oct. 6 – at Defiance
Oct. 13 – Wapakoneta
Oct. 20 – at St. Marys
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6E Saturday, August 19, 2023
Elida’s Tyler Siefker (58) blocks for now graduated Tyler Carter at Ottawa-Glandorf last season.
Elida poised to compete
By Mark Altstaetter
sports@limanews.com
ELIDA – With 15
returning letter winners,
Elida head coach Kyle
Harmon is optimistic
about the upcoming foot-
ball season.
In 2022, Elida went
4-6 overall and 3-6 in the
Western Buckeye League.
At the end of last sea-
son, the Bulldogs’ defen-
sive unit was fifth in the
WBL in yards allowed per
game (270.8) and seventh
in scoring defense (20.2
points per game).
This fall, Harmon is
hoping to see continual
improvement on the
defensive side of the foot-
ball.
“We have a lot of guys
that have played a lot of
quality minutes for us,”
Harmon said. “Defensive-
ly speaking, we have four
DBs (defensive backs)
back– three full-time
starters, and one guy that
got some rotational play-
ing time (last season).
We feel comfortable with
those guys.
“We have two lineback-
ers back, who were our
leading tacklers for us,
last year. We return Park-
er Crim (6-3, 230, Soph.,
DL/OL)) and Kevin
McGuire (6-3, 330, Sr.,
DL/OL) on the D-line. As
a whole, defensively, we
are missing some parts.
But who we have back,
have played a lot of foot-
ball for us.”
Elida will show both
4-3 and 4-2 defensive
schemes.
Last season, on the
offensive side of the
football, Elida was fifth
in the league in scoring
(18.1 points per game).
However, in total team
offense, the Bulldogs fin-
ished ninth in the WBL
with 233 yards per game
(1,409 total yards rush-
ing, 921 total yards pass-
ing) in 10 games.
“Offensively speaking,
we lost our running back
from last season; and
our quarterback (Larkin
Henderson) went down
mid-season,” Harmon
said. “Ryan McGue (6-4,
200, Jr., QB) stepped up
for us (at quarterback)
and got some good, qual-
ity experience. With the
off-season, we’ve tailored
a lot toward his skill set.
Our offense was built for
a running quarterback
last year. This year, we’re
built more for a pocket
passer. So, we’ve made
some changes.”
In 2022, McGue com-
pleted 47 of 102 passes
for 443 yards (46.1 com-
pletion percentage), with
four touchdowns and
eight interceptions.
Harmon feels confident
with the other skill play-
ers on his roster.
“Looking at our skill
(players), we’re still up
there with anyone in the
league,” Harmon said.
“They’re fundamentally
sound. We have some
team speed. Looking at
our wide-receiver corps,
we have Jackson Covault
(5-11, 175, Sr., WR/DB),
Seth Sharp (5-11, 175,
Sr., WR/DB) and Amari
Wash (5-10, 170, So.
WR/DB) back. Then we
moved Keaton Hawkey
(5-11, 195, Sr., TE/DE)
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
to tight end (from wide
receiver). He (Hawkey)
has been a three-year
starter for us. He’s played
a lot of quality time. We
moved David Etzkorn
(5-11, 190, Sr., RB/LB)
to running back (from
wide receiver). So, we
have five skill guys. And
they’re all used to touch-
ing the football and mak-
ing plays for us.”
Elida will employ a
spread offense this sea-
son.
Etzkorn, who also will
start at linebacker, is
looking forward to com-
ing out of the backfield
this season.
“I’m thrilled. … I’m
very excited,” Etzkorn
said. “I saw it coming last
year, with playing some
(running back). I’m really
excited about being a full-
time running back this
year.”
Ideally, Etzkorn would
like to be on the field all
four quarters of every
game.
“I didn’t come out (of
the game) the last couple
years on defense,” Etz-
korn said. “I don’t plan
on coming out this year.
I’ve been playing both
ways since seventh grade.
I really don’t come off the
field very much. When I
do come off the field, I’m
not very happy about it.
I want to play as much as
I can.”
Harmon said his team’s
offensive scheme will
look a little different this
fall.
“As a staff, we took
some time to revamp
some things during the
off-season. We’re going
to let him (McGue)
throw the football. But
we’re going to be a little
more balanced this year.
… We haven’t been (bal-
anced) in the past. But
we’re looking forward for
him to sling the football
around,” Harmon said.
Harmon said he will
need to fill a couple holes
on the offensive line.
“We have Tyler Siefker
(5-10, 200, Jr., OL/DL)
back at center. He was a
starter, last year. We have
Parker Crim (6-3, 230,
So., OL/DL) back, who
was a part-time player
on offense (starter on
defensive line). And we
have Travis Adkins (6-4,
220, Sr., OL/DL) coming
back. We will have to fill
the two guard spots. But
we do have some guys
that put some time in the
weight room, who are
ready to step up.”
Seth Sharp (5-11, 175,
Sr., WR/DB), who will
play on both sides of the
ball this fall (wide receiv-
er and safety), feels like
this year’s offensive unit
should be a little more
explosive.
“I feel that last year we
were very one-dimen-
sional. This year, we’re
hoping to spread it out a
little bit more. We want
to put more points on
the board than last year.
We feel like we kind of
depended on our defense.
Ryan (McGue) has a big
arm. He can really sling
that thing around. That
will open up our run
game,” Sharp said.
This season, Elida has
a few more players on the
roster.
The Lima News
Jackelyn Johnson | The Lima News
TEAM PROFILE
Coach: Kyle Harmon (fourth season)
Division: III
Last year’s record: 4-6 (3-6 WBL)
Ticket information: home.elida.k12.oh.us/hometown-
ticketing
Returning 2022 varsity letter winners include: Ryan
McGue (Jr., QB), David Etzkorn (Sr., RB/LB), Keaton
Hawkey (Sr., TE/DE), Jackson Covault (Sr., WR/DB),
Amari Wash (So., WR/DB), Seth Sharp (Sr., WR/DB),
Isaac Earl (Sr., WR/DB), Tyler Siefker (Jr., OL/DL),
Travis Adkins (Sr., OL/DL), Parker Crim (Soph., OL/
DL), Kevin McGuire (Sr., OL/DL), Luke Burkholder (Jr.,
LB), Ayden Dailey (Sr., LB), Sam Mattox (Jr., RB/LB),
Logan Crow (Jr., P), Tyler Dillon (Jr., WR/DB), Maddox
Espinoza (Jr., WR/DB), Tytus Daily (Sr., DL), Bentley
Mooney (Jr., WR/DB)
Promising newcomers include: Dom Kohli (Jr., TE/LB),
Cameron Kaufman (Jr., RB/DB), Landen Crates (Sr.,
OL/DL)
2023 schedule
(Kickoffs scheduled for 7 p.m.; subject to change)
Aug. 18 – Toledo Rogers
Aug. 25 – at Shawnee
Sept. 1 – Kenton
Sept. 8 – Ottawa-Glandorf
Sept. 15 – at Bath
Sept. 22 – at Celina
Sept. 29 – Defiance
Oct. 6 – at Wapakoneta
Oct. 13 – at St. Marys
Oct. 20 – Van Wert
“We’re sitting low to neta) have a lot of skill
mid 50s (players on the guys back. They won
roster), right now. That’s the league last year. So,
good for us,” Harmon they’re the champs until
said. “We’re able to prac- someone knocks them
tice the way we want off. There are some really
to – getting the younger good football coaches in
guys up to speed, while this league. So, anybody
working on the stuff with can sneak up to beat any-
the older guys. body.”
“We finally have some Harmon is keeping the
depth this year at our goals simple.
skill spots and with our “Our first goal is to
O-line, which has been have a fast start to the
good for us. We didn’t season and win our out-
have a ton of guys last of-conference game,”
year. With the numbers Harmon said. “Secondly,
being up, we have some is to compete in the
guys competing for always tough Western
spots.” Buckeye League. And
Harmon feels like his thirdly, would be to quali-
team can compete in the fy for the playoffs.
always competitive WBL. “We will focus on one
“Wapak returns a lot. week at a time; and our
They’re a well-coached main goal each week is
football team,” Harmon to finish 1-0 at the end of
said. “They (Wapako- the week.”
The Lima News HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW Saturday, August 19, 2023 7E

Don Speck | The Lima News

Ottawa-Glandorf’s Grant Schroeder tries to get past Wapakoneta’s Nate Metzger during a game at Wapakoneta last season.

O-G hopes off-field changes translate to wins

By Jim Naveau his 28th year as O-G’s crazy.” are returning starters.
jnaveau@limanews.com head coach hopes to see Kuhlman passed for Hayden Kaufman is TEAM PROFILE
results from that on the 893 yards and four the other starting end. Coach: Ken Schriner (28th season)
OTTAWA — It’s field. touchdowns last season. Niese is the back-up Division: V
been a while since any- “We had a great off- Grant Schroeder was nose guard and Gulker Last year’s record: 2-8 (2-7 WBL)
one looked at Ottawa- season program. School- the leading receiver and Griffin Beckett are
Glandorf’s record at the wise we hired a strength with 24 catches for 452 back-ups at end. Ticket information: ottawaglandorf.org/page/tickets
end of a football season and conditioning coach, yards and two touch- Alec Schroeder was Returning 2022 varsity letter winners include: Derek
and found only two which really changed downs. the starting middle line- Brown (Soph., OL/DL), Jayden Guerra (Soph., OL/DL),
wins. what we did in the off- Guards Connor backer last season until Vinnie Brinkman (Jr., RB/LB), Dane Duling (Jr., RB/
Coming off a 2-8 season. We’re faster, Kitchen and tackle Aus- suffering a knee injury.
season, the Titans aim we’re stronger. We’ve tin Haley are returning Jayden Stechschulte is LB), Grant Evers (Jr., WR/DB), Austin Haley (Jr., OL/
to put last year behind changed our bodies. starters on the offensive the weak side linebacker DL, Hayden Kaufman (Jr., OL/DL), Peyton Kuhlman
them this fall and hope- Hopefully, we’re going line. Will Gulker is the and also the back-up (Jr., QB), Ethan Metzger (Jr., WR/DB), Jayden
fully get back to the to see some good things first-team center and quarterback. Brinkman Stechschulte (Jr., RB/LB), Nick Ellerbrock (Sr., RB/
business of being a con- this year,” he said. Hayden Kaufman is at is the strong side line-
tender in the Western The Titans have six the other tackle. backer. Zeke Mendez, LB), Tyler Hohenbrink (Sr., K), Jordan Metzger (Sr.,
Buckeye League and col- returning starters on Dylan Siefker is the Kaiden Fenbert and WR/DB), Cooper Niese (Sr., OL/DL), Grant Schroeder
lecting playoff points. offense and four starters backup center, Trevor Strite are back-ups. (Sr., WR/DB), Griffin Seimet (Sr., WR/DB), Trevor
“We competed in back on defense. Strite backs up both Grant Schroeder and Strite (Sr., OL/DL), Alec Schroeder (Sr., RB/LB),
every game. We just Junior Peyton Kuhl- guards and Derek Duling are the outside
were young. Physically man, who became the Brown is the backup linebackers with Mason Connor Kitchen (Sr., OL/DL).
we were out-sized. But starting quarterback tackle. Vogt as the back-up. Top newcomers include: Wes Schroeder (Sr., OL/DL),
our kids battled in every during last season, will Grant Schroeder will Grant Evers and Grant Kahle (Sr., OL/DL), Will Gulker (Jr., OL/DL),
single game. Hopefully, have that job from day start at the Y receiver Griffin Seimet are the Logan Maas (Jr., WR/DB), Kaiden Fenbert (Jr., RB/
we used that as a moti- one this year. position and Dane Dul- cornerbacks and Jordan
vator in the offseason,” “He’s a little bit stron- ing is the leader to play Metzger is the free safe- LB), Masen Vogt (Jr., WR/LB).
Ottawa-Glandorf coach ger. He reads things bet- the X receiver position ty. Ethan Metzger backs 2023 schedule
Ken Schriner said. ter. We have pretty high in the Titans’ spread up the cornerbacks and (Kickoffs scheduled for 7 p.m.; subject to change)
While the Titans’ expectations for what offense. Griffin Seimet Logan Maas is the back- Aug. 18 – at Eastwood
wins in 2022 were over he’s doing.” Schriner also could play at X. At up safety.
a winless Bath team and said. the Z position, Ethan Tyler Hohenbrink is Aug. 25 – at Kenton
a 1-9 Kenton team, they “He had a good pre- Metzger and Jordan the kicker and Kitchen Sept. 1 – Wapakoneta
were competitive in season. We only had Metzger “are inter- is the punter. Sept. 8 – at Elida
losses by a single score three 7 on 7’s. I’m not changeable,” Schriner “A lot of guys are Sept. 15 – St. Marys
against Wapakoneta, a big 7 on 7 guy but he said. Alec Schroeder playing two ways. We’re
Celina and Defiance, really did some nice and Nick Ellerbrock are trying to develop depth Sept. 22 – Bath
all of whom finished in things in those 7 on 7’s. the H backs and Vinnie as much as we can with Sept. 29 – at Van Wert
the top half of the WBL My concern is depth. Brinkman and Grant the younger guys,” Oct. 6 – at Celina
standings. We don’t have a lot of Evers are the tailbacks. Schriner said. Oct. 13 – Shawnee
O-G made some depth so we have to be On the defensive line, O-G will open at home
changes in its offseason a little bit careful with Haley at nose guard against Eastwood on Oct. 20 – Defiance
program. Schriner, in him. We don’t want get and Kitchen at end Aug. 18.

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8E Saturday, August 19, 2023 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW The Lima News

Don Speck | The Lima News

Shawnee’s Akyus Richardson wraps up Lima Central Catholic’s Carson Parker during a 2022 game at Spartan Stadium.

Shawnee plans to employ passing game more

By Jim Naveau people out of the box and run it, majority of the carries. But is our team speed. What I’m the different formations – every-
jnaveau@limanews.com get people back in the box and Lewis said, “Other guys will see most worried about is it’s a new thing is new. And there are only
throw it. That’s the type of thing some time.” offense so everybody is having four coaches who were here last
A new season has brought a we’re going to do. “Dominic Lynch is probably to learn everything new. Obvi- year,” Lewis said.
new coach and a new offense to “We have a decent number of the best receiver we have. He ously, you have people back in Shawnee will open its season
Shawnee’s football team. returners with experience. We’re will probably end up being our positions they’re used to but the on Aug. 17 at home against
After five years as Shaw- going to be a whole lot faster leading receiver. And we have verbiage, what you call things, Lima Central Catholic.
nee’s head coach Jerry Cooper than we’ve been in the past. We several juniors. We’ll be throw-
announced in late April he was don’t have a whole lot of size. ing the ball a lot more than last
making a surprising move from We have some decently sized year. Those two quarterbacks TEAM PROFILE
Division III Shawnee to Division kids but not huge. Overall we’re can sling it around and we have Coach: Mike Lewis (first season)
VII Hardin Northern. Shawnee faster,” he said. a lot of receivers.” Division: III
was 23-28 with Cooper as its While the passing game might Preston Coppler, Akyus Rich- Last year’s record: 4-6 (4-5 WBL)
coach, with a 7-5 record in 2021 take on a more prominent role, ardson and Reese Peterson give Ticket information: limashawnee.com/o/shawnee-local/page/
being its only winning season in the goal is to have a balanced Shawnee three experienced athletic-tickets
that time span. offense, Lewis said. offensive linemen. Returning 2022 varsity letter winners: Preston Coppler (Sr., OL/
Longtime assistant coach “We will work hard to develop Lewis expects to rotate defen- DL), Drew Eisele (Sr., OL/LB), Christian Jones (Sr., RB/DB), Tyler
Mike Lewis, who had no pre- a physical football team that sive linemen. “Up front we’re Kimmet (Sr., K), Garrett Looney (Sr., LB/RB), Dominic Lynch
vious experience as a head is dominant on both lines of going to have a lot of rotation, (Sr., WR/DB), Derek Lyons (Sr., RB/DB), Isiaha Meeks (Sr., OL/
football coach, was hired in late scrimmages and has a dynamic there are going to be a lot of DL), Reese Peterson (Sr., OL/DL), Hunter Rapp (Sr., TE/DL), Joey
June to lead Shawnee’s football balanced offense and a stout, guys going in and out. You’ve Spyker (Sr., LB/WR)
program. aggressive defense,” he said. got returners like Richardson, Promising Newcomers: Caleb Bacome (Jr., QB/DB), Ben Caprilla
Maybe the biggest change Junior Caleb Bacome and Peterson, Coppler, Isiaha Meeks (Jr., LB), Michael Garlock (Jr., WR/DB), Aykus Richardson (Jr., OL/
in terms of game planning sophomore J.J. Spyker went into and Hunter Rapp.” DL), Joel Stirn (Jr., WR/DB), Kobe Bentz (Soph., OL/DB), Chase
and schemes is that the heavy preseason practice competing Drew Eisele and Garrett Loo- DePalma (Soph., WR/DB), Dalton Hopson (Soph., WR/DB), Colton
emphasis on the run game that for the starting quarterback job. ney are returning starters at line- Hopson (Soph., WR/DB), Gabe Rapp (Soph., OL, DL), JJ Spyker
Cooper favored will be toned “They’re both pretty decent backer. Joey Spyker and Lyons (Soph., QB, DB), Isaac Meeks (Fr., LB)
down and the ball will be in the athletes, J.J. Is more of a run- are also in the linebacker picture 2023 schedule
air much more often in the pass- ner and Caleb is more of your and freshman Isaac Meeks has (Kickoffs scheduled for 7 p.m.; subject to change)
ing game. typical pocket passer. It doesn’t caught the coaches’ attention in Aug. 17 – Lima Central Catholic
“We’re not going to be the mean J.J. can’t throw it and practice. Aug. 25 – Elida
same offense we were in the Caleb is a pretty decent runner,” The starting cornerbacks will Sept. 1 – at Bath
past. Jerry was a lot of inside Lewis said. probably be Lynch and either Sept. 8 – Celina
runs and trying to power it in Last year seniors Jordan sophomore Chase DePalma or Sept. 15 – at Defiance
there. We’re spreading it out, Banks (731 yards) and Chase sophomore Colton Hopson. Joel Sept. 22 – Wapakoneta
we’re going to try to use our Beery (684 yards) ranked No. Stirn is the leader for one safety Sept. 29 – at St. Marys
speed to get some yardage,” 4 and No. 5 in rushing in the spot. The other safety position Oct. 6 – Van Wert
Lewis said. Western Buckeye League. won’t be decided until after a Oct. 13 – at Ottawa-Glandorf
“A lot of teams are like that This year, Derek Lyons and starting quarterback is selected. Oct. 20 – at Kenton
now – Van Wert, Defiance. Get Christian Jones could get the “The strength of the team

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The Lima News
St. Marys’ Logan Compton attempts to wrap up Wapakoneta’s Jace Knous during a 2022 game at St. Marys.
St. Marys eyes claiming WBL championship
By Jose Nogueras
jnogueras@limanews.com
ST. MARYS — The
transition from father to
son, or in this case, Doug
to Bo Frye, has been a
relatively smooth and
successful one as the son
has posted a 19-6 mark
and made deep trips into
the postseason after tak-
ing over as the St. Marys
head coach three years
ago.
However, one thing that
has eluded Frye is win-
ning the Western Buckeye
League, and he hopes to
rectify that this year as he
enters his third year. St.
Mary, which has 26 WBL
crowns, has not garnered
a league title since 2018.
“It will never change
here in St. Marys,” the
Rider head coach said.
“The No. 1 goal is to win
the WBL championship
and when you don’t win
the WBL championship
people start getting a
little fussy. We lead the
league in WBL champion-
ships with 26.
“At some point we have
to get back at winning
WBL championships
and every year with our
people and how hard we
work and are committed
to football I think we have
to stay in that mix and
the last two years if things
would have bounced our
way we would have had
two league champion-
ships.”
The Roughriders, com-
ing off a 9-3 year, return
11 starters on both sides
of the ball. In 2022, the
Riders’ two regular sea-
sons losses came to Wapa-
koneta, a 29-22, overtime
loss and a thrashing by
Van Wert, 70-30.
Frye is hoping his team
can utilize that late-season
push, along with senior
leadership, to gain early
momentum this year.
“Last year we didn’t
2023 ROUGHRIDERS
OH-70337672L
return a lot of starters on
defense but we returned
quite a few on offense so
we knew we were pretty
decent there and big up
front, and we could push
people around,” Frye said.
“About midseason we
were 3-2 about midpack
and at the end of the sea-
son we kind of turned it
on and the defense played
a lot better.”
After the Van Wert
game, the Riders ran the
table in the regular season
and outscored opponents
194-45.
“We finished well but
obviously we ran into a
really good team in West
Holmes (in the second
game of the playoffs)
but it was a successful
year. It kept us near the
top of the league, which
we were trying to do
and when were 3-2, we
worried there because it
could have gone the other
way.”Lucky for us we had
kids that fought through,
and we stayed at the top
of the league.”
Like last season, Frye
knows the early part of
the season, especially
with some holes to fill on
both sides of the ball, that
getting off to a good start
is imperative as the Rid-
ers face St. Henry in their
lone nonconference affair
followed by games against
Celina, Defiance, Wapa-
koneta, Ottawa-Glandorf
and Van Wert. The lone
home game is the contest
against Defiance.
“We are going to have
to hit it on a spring this
year,” Frye said. “Four of
the first five games are
away and our first five
games are against the top
four teams in the league
last year so it is not an
easy one so the schedule
makers didn’t do us any
favors but we can’t change
the schedule.”
Frye said the whole
program is moving in the
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
right direction and the
numbers are high with
more than 80 student-
athletes suiting up for the
Riders.
“We have a ton of kids
out and our kids show
up and our kids work
extremely hard in the
weight room year round
so we are not struggling
in that aspect. Kids want
to play football and the
problem this year is that a
lot of kids haven’t played
on Friday nights. We are
green in a lot of areas.”
Senior leadership will
be play a big role for the
Riders due to some of the
inexperience and even
though it is a small group,
a dozen, Frye points out
they are doing a great job
right now.
“Of those 12 seniors,
eight of them contributed
a great deal last year,” Frye
said. “There is not a ton
of them but they all have
game experience.”
Senior Cody Wallace,
who was hurt towards the
end of the year, returns
as a three-year starter at
quarterback and brings
stability to the vaunted
Wing-T offense that has
been a mainstay at St.
Marys for years.
Carter Steinberg, who
saw time at quarterback
after Wallace went down,
also returns and should
see time in the Rider back-
field.
In addition to those two
juniors Dominik Osborne
and Colton Mabry return
as running backs and
Keaton Fischbach is back
at tight end. In other
words, there is plenty
of building up front and
one of the essential com-
ponents if the Riders are
going to be effective on
the ground.
“We graduated our
entire offensive line last
year and, other than our
tight end position, none
of the kids played up front
St. Marys
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last year,” Frye said. “We
usually have a starter back
but no they all graduated.
We are definitely a work in
progress up there but have
a lot of great kids that
have had a great offseason
that are ready to contrib-
ute.”
Frye added that having
Wallace, who he said is
like having another coach
on the field, back at as
the signal caller allows
him and the rest of the
offensive coaching staff on
restructuring the offensive
line and perfecting the
execution of the offense.
The same holds true on
the defensive side of the
ball as the team returns
three full-time starters in
Kevin Perry, Logan Comp-
ton and Hunter Mabry and
part-time starter Hayden
Davis.
“The secondary is the
question mark,” Frye said.
“Kevin Perry, who led the
league at linebacker in
tackles, is going to play
some safety but it is a fire
drill right now of who is
going to be in there. We
have a lot of bodies but
we just have to figure out
which ones we are going
to play.”
Frye said a couple of
freshmen are in the mix of
seeing time in the defen-
sive backfield.
“It is definitely a work in
progress but there is some
talent back there but there
is just not a lot of Friday
night experience back
there.”
Frye added that the play-
ers have come into the off-
season working extremely
hard and described them
as a smart and reliable
group. St. Marys has done
five 7-on-7 sessions in the
summer and this has given
the Rider coaching staff a
chance to see who is devel-
oping into starters.
“They are a fun group to
be around because of their
coachability and their
OH-70338594L
Saturday, August 19, 2023 9E
Don Speck | The Lima News
work ethic,” Frye said. factor for a number of
“I’m not sure 100 percent these players is that they
how good we are but they are getting their shot to
are enjoyable to be around play and help carry on the
and everything we are proud football tradition
coaching them to do they that has been established
are doing so we are going at St. Marys and this year
to continuously get better perhaps come home with a
throughout the year which WBL title.
you will see. “It is a unique situation
“There have been some here in St. Marys where
growing pains in those 7 guys have to wait until
on 7 but they are great for their senior year to play
making sure you get the and they have to wait until
right people on the field in it is their turn because
Week 1.” we have (more than) 80
The No. 1 goal for the kids and kids come out for
defense will be to stop football at St. Marys. A lot
the run but Frye said they of the motivation for the
want to work on limiting kids is intrinsic because
the other teams’ passing they are finally getting
attacks in order to make their shot to play and
teams work to score. you keep them motivated
“We want to keep balls because you have so many
in front of us and make kids and you fire them if
teams work to score they are not getting the
points,” Frye said. “We job done.
need to make sure we “The best we keep them
bend but don’t break and motivated is we keep
don’t give up home runs them on their heels, and
over our heads.” we play kids when the
Frye said a motivating time comes.”
TEAM PROFILE
Coach: Bo Frye (third season)
Division: IV
Last year’s record: 9-3 (7-2 WBL)
Ticket information: roughridersports.net/event-tickets
Returning 2022 varsity letter winners include: Cody
Wallace (Sr. QB), Carter Steinberg (Sr., QB/RB/DB),
Kevin Perry (Sr., LB), Logan Compton (Sr., DL), Hunter
Mabry (Sr.. DL), Logan Rush (Sr., K), Jacob Kessler
(Jr., DB), Hayden Davis (Jr., LB), Dominik Osborne (Jr.,
RB), Colton Mabry (Jr., RB), Keaton Fischbach (Jr.,
TE), Carson Sturwold (Sr., OL), Zavier LeClair (Sr., OL).
Newcomers include: Tanner Mele (Sr., OL/DL), Alex
Fugate (Sr., OL/DL), Terry Amborski (Jr., OL/DL),
Ross Bowman (Jr., OL), Ely McNeal (Sr., DB), Luke
Borns (Jr., DB), Camden Rothe (Jr.,OL/LB), Will Glass
(Jr., OL), Gavin Ahlers (Jr., OL), Luke Rammel (Soph.,
RB, LB), Caleb Schmidt (Soph., RB), Owen Ott (Fr., DL)
2023 schedule
(Kickoffs scheduled for 7 p.m.; subject to change)
Aug. 18 – at St. Henry
Aug. 25 – at Celina
Sept. 1 – Defiance
Sept. 8 – at Wapakoneta
Sept. 15 – at Ottawa-Glandorf
Sept. 22 – Van Wert
Sept. 29 – Shawnee
Oct. 6 – at Kenton
Oct. 13 – Elida
Oct. 20 – Bath
10E Saturday, August 19, 2023 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW The Lima News

Wapakoneta pursues third straight WBL crown

By Jose Nogueras going to say goodbye to a that position to play at Moyer said. “We truly
jnogueras@limanews.com great group of players and a high level and get us believe the difference for
this year is no different, in the right situations, us to be successful on
WAPAKONETA — and we are going to have and I thought he showed Friday is the play up front
Reloading, working the new guys stepping into improvement throughout offensively and defen-
offseason and senior lead- new roles and, hopefully, the season and that is sively.”
ership. they will align as quickly what we want to see from Anchoring the tackle
Those three compo- as they can and are able all position groups. spot is senior Austin
nents helped Wapakoneta to compete at a high level “He just saw the game Brown with Ryan Price
to its second consecutive on Friday nights.” slow down for him, in and Alex Hageman vying
Western Buckeye League Moyer points to the terms of that, the more for playing time. Those
title last year and Redskin team’s player development snaps you get on Friday working out at the guard
head coach Travis Moyer as to why Wapakoneta has night the game is going to spots include Spencer
is banking on that simple, had success despite losing slow down for you a little Hurley, Logan Hook,
yet effective formula, to top talent each year and bit. That is not to say it Kaden Ware, Alex Hage-
bring home a third title that process begins in the was a little fast for him at man and Landen Micco,
Richard Parrish | The Lima News
and possibly a state title. offseason. the end but I think it got and at the center spot Wapakoneta’s Grant Jolly had 27 catches for 347 yards and three
Nothing much changes “Our kids understand to a point where he said Mason Ludwig, Mikey touchdowns last season.
under Moyer and why the importance of the ‘OK I can do this,’ and Davis and Brayden Opper-
should it as it has brought weight room and the having that confidence to man are all seeking time
tremendous success for importance of being here go out and do it at such a on the field. senior kicker was 10 of 15 road to face Van Wert.
the program and this year in January,” Moyer said. young age. “The big key for us to on field goals and 13 of “We have just to con-
is no exception as the pri- “Our kids do a good job Moyer added that tradi- be successful is finding 13 on extra points. tinue to improve each
mary goals are the same: understanding for us to tionally at Wapakoneta a that right offensive line “Whenever you have and every day, and we
win the WBL, make the be successful. They have senior steps into the quar- configuration for us and the quality of a kicker in have to make sure we
playoffs and win a state to put in that time and terback spot and is there then making sure we Kyle Beach, it is going to can continue to do the
title. fortunately for us they for one year but now they develop some depth there help our special teams right things,” Moyer
Coming off an 11-2 do that and, when they have someone returning in terms of our players,” tremendously,” Moyer said. “We just have to
overall season, with losses get better, we get better as the field general that Moyer said. “That will be said. “He has worked be successful in terms
to 2022 Division VI state and that is kind of the allows the coaching staff a big challenge for us.” extremely hard to get to of competing at a high
champion Marion Local mentality through the off- to focus on other aspects Similar challenges face the level that he is at. He level each and every
to open the year and a season, and it gives us an of the offense. Moyer and his staff defen- is a very special player Friday night and that
16-9 defeat to Hamilton opportunity to compete Also back is leading sively as they said good- for us. He has the abil- starts with us practicing
Badin in the regional at a high level on Friday rusher Jace Knous who bye to a number of key ity to do a lot of special each and every day and
semifinals to end the nights and find a way to ran for 1,410 yards on starters such as Mikey things for us.” improving and develop-
season, Wapakoneta win football games.” 239 carries while scor- Lee, Tyler Houser, Con- Moyer understands ing some of our players
returns 15 letter winners Pride is also a major ing 19 touchdowns. The nor Meckstroth, Corbin these players will be because we will have a
and while that is a high contributor to Wapako- senior tailback averaged Mitchell, Will Campbell tested early in the sea- lot of players on the field
number the team faces a neta’s success and that 5.9 yards a carry and and Jordan Schneider. son as they open the for the first time on Fri-
number of holes to fill on begins with the seniors. 107.6 yards a game. Also Six starters are back year with Marion Local day night.
both sides of the ball. “It is always our goal competing for playing on the defense and they followed by two straight “How quickly can we
“We were very fortunate for our seniors to win the time in the backfield will include Kaden Ware and road games at Defiance develop those players
to have a successful sea- WBL championship their be Reece Schnarre, Jar- Jayden Rampulla on the and Ottawa-Glandorf and get ready to go out
son last year,” Moyer said. senior year, and we have rett Mullen, Noah Bishop, defensive line, along with and then a home game and compete at a high
“We played an extremely a good group of seniors Grant Stauffer and Bryson linebackers Joey Trues- against rival St. Marys. level, especially with our
tough schedule, and I who understand what Pack. dale and Reece Schnarre. Then it is back on the schedule.”
thought the team stuck it takes to be successful “We feel like we have Returning in the second-
together and worked and all the hard work that some depth at those ary are Nate Metzger,
extremely hard through- goes into that. positions and one of the Jarrett Mullen and Grant TEAM PROFILE
out the season, and we “The one thing to things we always want to Jolly.
Coach: Travis Moyer (10th season)
were fortunate to have a understand about that do here is run the ball, Knous will see time at
great year.” is that just because you and we feel we have the linebacker, along with Division: III
The ball bounced in were successful last year capabilities with those Ryan Walter, Bryson Pack Last year’s record: 11-2 (9-0 WBL)
Wapakoneta’s favor last doesn’t mean you are guys,” Moyer said. and Brody Presar, all jock- Ticket information: wapak.org/page/tickets
year as the Redskins going to be successful this Although not known for eying for playing time.
pulled off an overtime win year, and so our kids have their passing game, the Moyer said the second- Returning 2022 varsity letter winners include: Austin
against St. Marys 29-22 in to understand to give Redskins return a host of ary was a concern for Brown (Sr.. OL/DL), Jace Knous (Sr., RB/LB), Spencer
Week 3 and then followed ourselves the opportunity top receivers including, the Redskins last year Hurley (Sr., OL), Kaden Ware (Sr., OL/DE), Jayden
it up with a 20-19 victory to compete and give our- Grant Jolly, who hauled in but turned out to be one
against Van Wert that will selves the opportunity to 27 catches for 347 yards. of the team’s strengths Rampulla (Sr., DL), Kyle Beach (Sr., K), Joey Truesdale
forever be known as “The compete for a champion- Also part of the receiving and said last year they (Sr., RB/LB), Ryan Price (Sr., OL), Reece Schnarre
block” game. ship … that they work corps are Stauffer, Kaden came in untested but now (Sr., RB/LB), Nate Metzger (Sr., WR/DB), Ryan Sadler
After those two close hard each and every year.” Page, Keaton Heft, Ryan come in as veterans and it
(Sr., TE), Grant Jolly (Jr., WR/DB), Grant Houser (Jr.,
calls, the Redskins went With the hard work Walter, Ryan Richardson should be another major
unbeaten the rest of the done in the weight room, and Nate Metzger. plus for Wapakoneta. TE/DE), Jarrett Mullen (Soph., RB/DB), Caleb Moyer
regular season, outscor- Moyer eyes an offense “We really feel like we Players looking to play (Soph., QB/DB)
ing opponents 178-37, of that returns a number of might have some of the in the secondary as well Promising newcomers include: Alex Hageman (Sr.,
which 22 of those points skilled players beginning best receivers that we are Noah Bishop, Kaden
were given up to Celina. with Caleb Moyer behind have had since I have Page and Ryan Richard- OL), Keaton Heft (Sr., WR), Kyle Huelskamp (Sr., DE)
The defense posted three center. As a freshman sig- been here,” Moyer said. son and Stauffer. 2023 schedule
shutouts in six of those nal caller, Moyer passed “We have some depth “We have high expecta- (Kickoffs scheduled for 7 p.m.; subject to change)
contests. for 1,051 yards and 7 there.” tions for the defense and
Moyer is looking to see touchdowns and rushed Back at the tight end expect to compete at a Aug. 18 – Marion Local
the same results from this for 227 yards and 3 touch- position is Grant Houser, high level defensively and Aug. 25 – at Defiance
year’s club that brings a downs. who had 6 receptions for for us to compete well we Sept. 1 – at Ottawa-Glandorf
wealth of experience with “Any time any one steps 115 yards and a touch- have to play well defen-
Sept. 8 – St. Marys
it but there is also a num- into that role regardless of down. Joey Truesdale and sively especially early on.”
ber of question marks. age that it is a tough situa- Ryan Sadler will be seeing The special teams Sept. 15 – at Van Wert
“It is going to be our tion regardless of whether time on the gridiron as always play an important Sept. 22 – at Shawnee
focus to be one game at a you are talking at the high well. role and none more so Sept. 29 – Kenton
time, one play at a time, school level, the collegiate It is in the trenches than last year for the
and hopefully, we contin- level or the NFL,” Moyer and offensive line where Redskins and Kyle Beach Oct. 6 – Elida
ue to show that improve- said. “We have extremely Wapakoneta finds itself headlines that area as one Oct. 13 – at Bath
ment,” Moyer said. high expectations at filling some holes. of the top kickers and Oct. 20 – Celina
“Every year here we are that position. We expect “It all starts there,” punters in the area. The

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The Lima News HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW Saturday, August 19, 2023 11E

Kenton preview Celina preview Van Wert preview

TEAM PROFILE
Coach: Zach Turner (third season)
Division: IV
Last year’s record: 1-9 (1-8 WBL)
Ticket information: kentonathletics.com/online-ticketing
Returning 2022 varsity letter winners include: Luke
Leffler (Sr., ILB), Kyle Thrush (Sr., ILB), Broddin Mattox
(Sr., DL), Eli Kauble (Sr., DL), Colby Howard (Sr., S),
Gavin Markwell (Sr., OLB), Carter Heydinger (Sr.,
WR), Prestin Collins (Sr., WR), Trenton Delong (Jr., S),
Grady Kleman (Jr., OLB), Ty Coomes (Jr., OLB), Korbin
Johnston (Jr., QB), Carson Delong (Jr., WR), Seth Leffler
(Sr., DL), Bill Wilkinson (Jr., OL), Bob Wilkinson (Jr., OL),
Owen Kauble (Jr., OL)
Promising newcomers include: Matt Handell (Jr., DL),
Dylan Searson (Jr., DL), Austin Ashbrook (Jr., OL), Quinn
Reffner (Jr, DB), Alex Rogel (Soph., ILB), Zayne Perkins
(Soph., DB), Blaine Bushong (Soph., DB), Jaycob Francis
(Soph., OL), Junior Wright (Soph., DL)
Significant stats: Korbin Johnston was fourth in the WBL
during the regular season in passing efficiency with a QB
rating of 110.8. The Wildcats were second in the league in
passing offense, averaging 207.9 yards a game.
Coach’s comments: I have thought we have continued
to improve on the fundamentals of the game this off-
season. We have focused much more on the details and
understanding the key fundamentals of the game. Our
weight room environment has improved, and we have
been able to push harder this year. I think our leadership
has improved, we have found guys to lead and that has
helped. We still have a lot of work to do as we are coming
off a season in which we did not perform well from a
coaching standpoint or a player standpoint. So, we
must look to improve day in and day out and continue to
understand our job and build the right mentality.
2023 schedule
(Kickoffs scheduled for 7 p.m.; subject to change)
Aug. 18 – at Coldwater
Aug. 25 – Ottawa-Glandorf
Sept. 1 – at Elida
Sept. 8 – Bath
Sept. 15 – at Celina
Sept. 22 – Defiance
Sept. 29 – at Wapakoneta
Oct. 6 – St. Marys
Oct. 13 – at Van Wert
Oct. 20 – Shawnee
TEAM PROFILE
Coach: Brennen Bader (Seventh season)
Division: III
Last year’s record: 6-5 (6-3 WBL)
Ticket information: celinaschools.org/
BulldogSports.aspx
Returning 2022 varsity letter winners include:
Kameron Elson (Jr., OL/DL), Kaden Murlin (Sr.,
C/DL), Dalton Chilcoat (Jr., OL/DL), Nick Newell
(Sr., TE/LB), Braylon Gabes (Sr., WR/DB), Carter
Alstaetter (Sr., TE/LB/K), Jon Lutz (Jr., RB/DB),
Caleb Gabes (Sr., WR/DB)
Significant stats: Celina was second in the WBL in
total defense, allowing 232.8 yards a game during
the regular season. The Bulldogs were also third
in the league in scoring defense, giving up 16.4
points a game.
Coach’s comments: We have a good group of
guys that have been committed and are working
hard. Our players are more concerned about
the process and the daily discipline it takes to
become more successful than anything else. We
hope to build off of last year’s success by not
making excuses, being disciplined and putting the
team above the individual.
2023 schedule
(Kickoffs scheduled for 7 p.m.; subject to change)
Aug. 18 – at Versailles
Aug. 25 – St. Marys
Sept. 1 – at Van Wert
Sept. 8 – at Shawnee
Sept. 15 – Kenton –
Sept. 22 – Elida
Sept. 29 – at Bath
Oct. 6 – Ottawa-Glandorf
Oct. 13 – Defiance
Oct. 20 – at Wapakoneta
TEAM PROFILE
Coach: Keith Recker (12th season)
Division: IV
Last year’s record: 12-2 (8-1 WBL)
Ticket information: vwcs.net/vwathletics/Content2/
ticketing
Returning 2022 varsity letter winners include: Brylen
Parker (Sr., QB/DB), Aaron Dowdy (Sr., WR/LB),
Gage Stemen (Sr., WR.DB), Kristian Akerman (Sr.,
OL/DL), Morgein Bigham (Sr., OL/DL), Keldyn Bill
(Sr., RB/DB), Caleb Bledsoe (Sr., OL/DL), Conner
Campbell (Sr., WR/DB), Colin Haggerty (Sr., WR/
DB), Reese Krugh (Sr., WR/DB), Fletcher Smith (Sr.,
OL/DL), Devon Story (Sr., OL/DL), Aaron Reichert
(Jr., RB/LB), Briston Wise (Jr., RB/DB)
Significant stats: The Cougars led the league in
passing offense, averaging 287.8 yards per game
during the regular season and were tops in scoring
offense, averaging 46.5 points in their first 10
games. Van Wert also led the WBL in turnover ratio
at plus 14 and was third in rushing defense, allowing
128.8 yards per game. Brylen Parker rushed for
834 yards and and 17 touchdowns on 158 carries,
including the postseason. He also had 26 receptions
for 166 yards and a trio of TDs. Conner Campbell
finished with 42 receptions for 667 yards and 11 TDs.
Coach’s comments: We have a good group of
receivers, backs, and defensive backs that are very
athletic. Brylen Parker is an All-Ohio RB from 2022
that will take over at QB. He is a very good runner
and will do a great job leading our team. We have a
lot of players who played on our regional final teams
in 2021 and 2022 who are working to earn another
chance at another successful season. We lost 17
very good seniors from a regional final team and
must replace the leadership that went with them.
We are going to need guys to play both sides of the
ball, which means they will need to be in great shape.
We lost three out of five starters on the offensive
line and four out of four starters on the defensive
line. We will be in the mid-70s of players for this
upcoming season, grades 9-12, which is a good
number for us and says a lot about the excitement
for football at Van Wert. We have a veteran group of
skill guys returning, along with some new skill guys
that are doing a great job and will provide us a lot of
depth at those positions. We have a very good senior

2022 WBL RESULTS

Week 1
Lima Central Catholic 27 Shawnee 7
New Bremen 28 Bath 0
Versailles 31 Celina 6
Defiance 28 Napoleon 7
Elida 31 Spencerville 0
Coldwater 37 Kenton 2
Eastwood 17 Ottawa-Glandorf 0
St. Marys 42 London 31
Van Wert 63 Bryan 28
Marion Local 21 Wapakoneta 7
Week 2
Shawnee 17 Bath 7
Van Wert 43 Celina 7
St. Marys 21 Defiance 6
Elida 45 Kenton 14
Wapakoneta 14 Ottawa-Glandorf 7
Week 3
Kenton 20 Bath 6
Celina 19 Shawnee 10
Van Wert 36 Defiance 0
Elida 21 Ottawa-Glandorf 12
Wapakoneta 29 St. Marys 22, OT
Week 4
Elida 31 Bath 10
Celina 27 Kenton 7
Defiance 28 Shawnee 12
St. Marys 41 Ottawa-Glandorf 12
Wapakoneta 20 Van Wert 19
Week 5
Ottawa-Glandorf 14 Bath 0
Celina 17 Elida 3
Defiance 42 Kenton 6
Wapakoneta 27 Shawnee 0
Van Wert 70 St. Marys 41
Week 6
Celina 29 Bath 0
Defiance 31 Elida 14
Wapakoneta 39 Kenton 8
Van Wert 31 Ottawa-Glandorf 16
St. Marys 41 Shawnee 14
Week 7
Defiance 35 Bath 0
Celina 14 Ottawa-Glandorf 7
Wapakoneta 21 Elida 7
St. Marys 55 Kenton 0
Van Wert 36 Shawnee 14
Week 8
Wapakoneta 48 Bath 0
Celina 15 Defiance 7
St. Marys 35 Elida 3
Van Wert 77 Kenton 20
Shawnee 21 Ottawa-Glandorf 7
Week 9
St. Marys 35 Bath 7
Wapakoneta 28 Celina 22
Defiance 22 Ottawa-Glandorf 14
Van Wert 48 Elida 16
Shawnee 35 Kenton 13
Week 10
Van Wert 42 Bath 14
St. Marys 28 Celina 21
Wapakoneta 15 Defiance 0
Shawnee 14 Elida 10
Ottawa-Glandorf 38 Kenton 19
Opening Round
Defiance 63, Lodi Cloverleaf 28
Wapakoneta 28, Wilmington 14
Bellbrook 42, Celina 21
Van Wert 40, Wauseon 7
St. Marys 42, Delaware Buckeye Val-
ley 18
Regional Quarterfinals
Wapakoneta 29 Bellbrook 0
Mansfield Senior 16 Defiance 0
Van Wert 29 Sandusky Perkins 22
Millersburg West Holmes 56 St.
Marys 21
Regional Semifinals
Van Wert 40 West Holmes 35
Hamilton Badin 16 Wapakoneta 9
Regional Final
Cleveland Glenville 42 Van Wert 33
group that will lead us this season. The current
seniors are very committed to this team and helping
make it the best season they possibly can. We will
also count on some of our juniors and sophomores
to contribute on Friday nights. It sounds cliché, but
we are not worried about our first game or our fifth
game or our last game. This group has bought into
concerning themselves with the only thing they have
control of, which is their effort and focus today.
Our league will be very good again this year with
competitive games every Friday.
2023 schedule
(Kickoffs scheduled for 7 p.m.; subject to change)
Aug. 18 – at Bryan
Aug. 25 – Bath
Sept. 1 – Celina
Sept. 8 – at Defiance
Sept. 15 – Wapakoneta
Sept. 22 – at St. Marys
Sept. 29 – Ottawa-Glandorf
Oct. 6 – at Shawnee
Oct. 13 – Kenton
Oct. 20 – at Elida
Don Speck | The Lima News
Van Wert’s Conner Campbell fights for yardage against
Wapakoneta’s Nate Metzger (5) and Joey Truesdale during a
2022 game at Wapakoneta.

Good Luck to
All Area Schools!
OH-70337674L
12E Saturday, August 19, 2023 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW The Lima News

Pandora-Gilboa looking to take next step up

By David Trinko 170-pound senior, had they’re doing. These (5-10, 170, senior),
sports@limanews.com 910 yards receiving players are able to Ben Burkholder (5-11,
TEAM PROFILE and 12 touchdowns make the coaches look 180, sophomore) and
Coach: Matt Hershey (Seventh season) PANDORA – The during the regular good.” Aiden Miller (5-7,
Division: VII players are Pandora- season in 2022 on his While the air show 150, senior) all could
Last year’s record: 8-4 (5-2 in BVC) Gilboa are ready to way to an all-state first remains the core of play a role.
take that next step in team selection and the Rockets’ iden- “Andrew Miller is
Ticket information: pgrockets.org/index.php/activities/athletics/ the Blanchard Valley a spot on The Lima tity, last year Ethan the guy who will lead
hometown-ticketing Conference. News’ Dream Team. Luginbill had nearly us on defense, as far
Returning 2022 varsity letter winners include: Colin Harris (Sr., “The last few years, Collin Harris, a 6-2, 2,000 rushing yards. as that linebacking
we’ve competed with 155-pound senior, had He graduated, but corps goes,” Hershey
WR/DB), Isaac Stall (Sr., WR/DB), Lukis Deckard (Sr., RB/LB),
the upper-echelon 653 yards receiving Andrew Miller, a 6-0, said. “We have some
Carson Meyer (Sr., WR./LB), Aidan Morris (Sr., WR/DB), Cory teams in our league, and seven TDs, earn- 210-pound junior, athletic guys.”
Gerten (Soph., QB), Brock Stall (Sr., WR/DB), Ben Burkholder like McComb and Lib- ing second-team all- looks ready to take The Rockets hope
(Sr., RB/LB), Andrew Miller (Jr., RB/LB), Eli Luginbill (Jr., OL/ erty-Benton,” coach Northwest District. over that role behind to establish them-
Matt Hershey said. The Rockets have a an experienced line selves as one of the
DL), Andrew Ramos (Sr., DL), Seth Correll (Sr., OL), Jake Fischer “It’s been a trademark new man behind cen- bringing back three top teams in the
(Sr., OL/DL) of our program, that ter, with sophomore starters. Eli Luginbill Blanchard Valley
Promising newcomers include: Chase Meyer (Soph., WR/DB), we compete with the quarterback Cory (6-2, 245, junior), Conference, alongside
best. Now we want to Gerten (5-10, 155 Jake Fischer (6-0, 230, the likes of McComb,
Lane Lee (Jr., WR/DB), Aiden Miller (Sr., WR/LB), Tyler Pugh
get to the point that pounds) taking over senior) and Seth Cor- Liberty-Benton,
(Jr., RB/LB), Blake Duling (Jr., OL/DL), Logan Moser (Jr., OL/ we’re the team others the offense. He’s not a rell (5-8, 170, senior) Arlington and league
DL), Dalton Durst (Sr., OL/DL), Landen Moore (Soph., RB/LB), are competing with, complete newcomer, will lead the way. newcomer Elmwood.
Cloyce Wolfe (Soph., OL/DL), Tressel Grothause (Soph., OL/DL), and we’re on the win- though, as he started Defensively, the With 17 letter winners
ning side of those.” the two playoff games Rockets return all back, including seven
Anthony Gershutz (Jr., OL/DL) If there’s a year to last year, throwing for of their secondary, or eight playing on
Last year’s results take that step, this nearly 800 yards in including Morris, Har- both sides of the ball,
Columbus Grove 34, Pandora-Gilboa 23 might be it, with 17 those two outings as a ris, Isaac Stall (5-10, there are reasons for
letter winners back freshman. 160 pounds, senior) optimism.
Pandora-Gilboa 42, Bluffton 7
from a good 2022 “The installation and Brock Stall (6-0, “Our expectation is
Pandora-Gilboa 33, Leipsic 21 season. The Rockets process has been 160, senior). we’re always going to
Pandora-Gilboa 63, Arcadia 7 finished 8-4 last year, easier,” said Hershey, Pandora-Gilboa be in the game and be
McComb 35, Pandora-Gilboa 28 and they’re ready for who’s in his seventh will be challenged to no slouch,” Hershey
big things out of their year guiding P-G. replace linebacker said. “We’re there to
Pandora-Gilboa 49, Vanlue 6 pro spread offense. “There’s not so much Wyatt Russell, an all- compete for all four
Pandora-Gilboa 42, Van Buren 0 Pandora-Gilboa time on the base stuff, state second-teamer quarters. We’d like to
Liberty-Benton 28, Pandora-Gilboa 19 brings back two of since these guys have last year. Carson see the ball bounce
Pandora-Gilboa 55, Riverdale 7 the most talented been doing it so long. Meyer (5-10, 175, our way a few more
receivers in the region. We can get a little senior), Andrew times and have a great
Pandora-Gilboa 47, Cory-Rawson 21 Aidan Morris, a 6-foot, more creative in what Miller, Lukis Deckard year.”
First Round
Pandora-Gilboa 42, Upper Scioto Valley 8
Regional Quarterfinals
McComb 26, Pandora-Gilboa 21
2023 Schedule
(Kickoffs scheduled for 7 p.m.; subject to change)
Aug. 17 – Columbus Grove
Aug. 25 – at Bluffton
Sept. 1 – at Leipsic
Sept. 8 – at Arcadia
Sept. 15 – at McComb
Sept. 22 – Worthington Christian
Sept. 29 – Van Buren
Oct. 6 – Liberty-Benton
Oct. 13 – at Riverdale
Oct. 20 – Elmwood

Jackelyn Johnson | The Lima News Jackelyn Johnson | The Lima News
Pandora-Gilboa’s Colin Harris attempts to get past Upper Scioto Valley’s Daylan Pandora-Gilboa’s Aidan Morris (10) and Upper Scioto Valley’s Connor Scott go up for a pass intended for Morris during a

2023 ROCKETS
Davis during a 2022 playoff game at USV.. 2022 playoff game at USV.

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The Lima News HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW Saturday, August 19, 2023 13E

NICK COULTER JACK HOEL ZAVEON GARNER

SPENCERVILLE
Running back/wide receiver/defensive back
The second team Division V all-district and All-Northwest
Conference first team honoree led the conference in the
regular season with 70 receptions for 946 yards and seven
touchdowns.
ALLEN EAST
RUNNING BACK/LINEBACKER
The Division VI all-state honorable mention and all-district
second team selection made first team all-Northwest
Conference. He had 141 carries for 1,315 yards and 17
touchdowns and caught seven passes for 102 yards and a
touchdown.
LIMA SENIOR
WIDE RECEIVER/DEFENSIVE BACK
The All-Three Rivers Athletic Conference honorable
mention selection scored touchdowns five different
ways last season (interception, blocked punt recovery,
72-yard punt return, 60-yard fumble recovery,
touchdown catch) and could become a top target in
the Spartans’ five wide receivers offense

GRANT JOLLY DALTON JORDAN TRENTON BARRAZA

WAPAKONETA
WIDE RECEIVER/DEFENSIVE BACK
The Lima News Dream Team member was named Division
III all-state honorable mention and first team all-district
and All-Western Buckeye League on defense. He also had
27 receptions for 346 yards and three touchdowns on
offense.
WAYNESFIELD-GOSHEN
WIDE RECEIVER/DEFENSIVE BACK
The Lima News Dream Team member made Division VII
second team all-state and first team all-district at wideout
and also first team All-NWCC on offense and defense. He
finished the regular season with 35 receptions for 773
yards and 13 touchdowns.
COLUMBUS GROVE
RUNNING BACK/DEFENSIVE BACK
Received Division VI all-state honorable mention and first
team all-district and All-Northwest Conference honors
while amassing 1,126 and 11 touchdowns on 149 carries
during the regular season.

BRYLEN PARKER AIDAN MORRIS CARSON PARKER

VAN WERT
QUARTERBACK/DEFENSIVE BACK PANDORA-GILBOA
The Division IV all-state second team and first team all- WIDE RECEIVER/DEFENSIVE BACK LIMA CENTRAL CATHOLIC
district and all-Western Buckeye League team member The Lima News Dream Team selection was a Division VII all- QUARTERBACK/DEFENSIVE BACK
as a running back/offensive flex finished with 834 yards state and all-district first team honoree as a receiver also Made second team all-state and first team all-district in
rushing and 17 touchdowns on 158 carries. He also had 26 was first team all-Blanchard Valley Conference member on Division VII after finishing with 33 rushing touchdowns and
receptions for 166 yards and a trio of TDs. offense and defense. 13 TD throws last season.

ALEX SANDERS ETHAN ZEISLOFT DREW BREITIGAM

UPPER SCIOTO VALLEY
RUNNING BACK/LINEBACKER
The Division VII district second team selection was the only
Made first team All-Northwest Central Conference and
Division VII all-state and all-district after amassing 1,855
yards and 30 touchdowns on the ground, He also was first
team All-NWCC at linebacker and second team as a punter
LEIPSIC
OFFENSIVE/DEFENSIVE LINEMAN
Conference’s offensive player of the year after throwing for
non-senior to be named to the Northwest Conference first
team offensive line in 2022. He also was named second
team All-NWC as a defensive lineman.
WAYNESFIELD-GOSHEN
QUARTERBACK/DEFENSIVE BACK
The second team all-state and first team all-district
Division VII selection was also the Northwest Central
1,280 and 22 touchdowns and rushing for 564 yards and
seven TDs during the regular season. He was also second
team All-NWCC on defense.

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14E Saturday, August 19, 2023 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW The Lima News

Allen East enters 2023 as defending NWC champ

By Dean Brown return a nucleus from the Thompson according to
sports@limanews.com team last year. Coach Billings is “competi-
First-team All-Northwest tive, very disciplined. A pret-
The Allen East Mustangs Conference, second team all- ty good athlete and throws
are eager to continue their district and honorable men- the ball well too.”
winning ways in the 2023 tion all-state running back R.J. Davies, Lane Wilder-
season. Last season the Mus- Jack Hoel returns on the muth and Paxson will be
tangs finished with a 12-2 offensive side. Hoel finished anchoring the offensive line.
record, 7-0 in the Northwest with 1,294 yards rushing and The Mustangs will run a
Conference before losing in 21 touchdowns on 226 car- spread offense and line up
the playoffs to Marion Local. ries. He also had 29 recep- in a 3-5-3 formation on the
Head coach Joel Billings tions for 322 yards and three defensive side of the ball.
will be leading the Mustangs TDs. The expectations for the
for his fourth campaign. First team All-NWC defen- upcoming season are high.
“We’re looking to continue to sive lineman Brogan Paxson The Mustangs aim to repeat
build on our recent success will also return for the Mus- as Northwest Conference
and expect to compete in tangs. He had 31 solo and 14 champions and potentially
every game throughout the assisted tackles. Paxson also make a deep playoff run.
season.” recorded a sack and six tack- The Mustangs open the
Gone from last year’s team les for a loss. season at home against the
are Jacob Hershberger, who The receiving corps will McComb Panthers. Then
averaged more than 121 be strong for the Mustangs play the Arlington Red Dev-
yards passing and over 93 this year. Braelyn Schultz, ils and Indian Lake before
yards rushing per game. Trey Hensley and Carson their Northwest Confer-
“There are many new faces Clum will line up to receive ence opener on the road at
on the field this year, and passes from sophomore Jack- Leipsic.
they and our coaches are son Thompson. Last season, The Mustangs are a team
working to get them experi- Clum finished with seven with a strong tradition of
enced and up to speed and catches for 185 yards and excellence. With a group of
ready to compete in a rigor- three touchdowns, and Hens- key players leading the way,
ous schedule,” Billings said. ley had seven receptions for the Mustangs are expecting
But the Mustangs do 46 yards and a TD. another successful season.

TEAM PROFILE
Coach: Joel Billings (fourth season)
Division: VI
Last year’s record: 12-2 (7-0 NWC)
Ticket information: alleneastschools.org/purchase-tickets
Returning 2022 varsity letter winners include: Trey Hensley (Sr., WR/DB), Caden Hedrick (Sr., WR/LB), Carson
Clum (Sr., WR/DB), Jackson Thompson (Soph., QB/LB), Jack Hoel (Sr., RB/LB), Jacob Pinks (Jr., RB/LB), Jordan
Scott (Sr., WR/DB), Lane Wildermuth (Jr., OL/LB), Brogan Paxson (Sr., OL/DL), RJ Davies (Jr., OL/DL), Landen
Poling (Sr., OL/DL)
Promising newcomers include: Jackson Friesner (Jr., WR/DB), Ethan Young (Jr., WR/DB), Braelyn Schultz (Jr., WR/
DB), Levi Nickles (Jr., WR/LB), Hunter Nickles (Jr., WR/LB), Deacon Jones (Soph., WR/DB), Isen Shafer (Sr., K),
Nick Zellman (Sr., OL/DL), Garrett Bolender (Sr., OL/DL), Dalton Smith (Sr., OL/DL), Dakota Henry (Jr., OL/DL)
2023 schedule
(Kickoffs scheduled for 7 p.m.; subject to change)
Aug. 18 – McComb
Aug. 25 – Arlington
Sept. 1 – at Indian Lake
Sept. 8 – at Leipsic
Sept. 15 – Crestview
Sept. 22 – at Columbus Grove
Sept. 29 – Spencerville
Oct. 7 – at Delphos Jefferson
Oct. 13 – Bluffton Richard Parrish | The Lima News
Oct. 20 – at Ada Allen East’s Jack Hoel rushed for 1,294 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns
on 226 carries last season.

2022 NWC Weekly Results

Week 1
Columbus Grove 34, Pandora-Gilboa 23
Waynesfield-Goshen 28 Ada 0
Allen East 27 Upper Scioto Valley 14
Bluffton 67 Cory-Rawson 7
Crestview 51 Parkway 14
Liberty-Benton 31 Leipsic 27
Elida 31 Spencerville 0
Delphos St. John’s 49 Delphos Jefferson 27
Week 2
Arlington 38 Ada 20
Allen East 64 Perry 0
Pandora-Gilboa 42 Bluffton 7
Liberty-Benton 24 Columbus Grove 13
Crestview 42 Hicksville 12
Ayersville 41 Delphos Jefferson 21
Leipsic 48 Fairview 6
Spencerville 37 Paulding 13
Week 3
Ada 57 Hardin Northern 40
Elmwood 53 Allen East 21
Ayersville 28 Bluffton 19
Columbus Grove 7 Patrick Henry 0
Crestview 14 Wayne Trace 6
Delphos Jefferson 56 Perry 13
Pandora-Gilboa 33 Leipsic 21
Fort Loramie 35 Spencerville 7
Week 4
Leipsic 47 Ada 14
Allen East 29 Crestview 12
Bluffton 54 Spencerville 35
Columbus Grove 38 Delphos Jefferson 6
Week 5
Bluffton 31 Ada 7
Allen East 7 Columbus Grove 0
Delphos Jefferson 21 Crestview 7
Leipsic 55 Spencerville 14
Week 6
Delphos Jefferson 48 Ada 21
Allen East 58 Spencerville 14
Bluffton 17 Crestview 14
Columbus Grove 23 Leipsic 0
Week 7
Ada 33 Spencerville 28
Allen East 62 Delphos Jefferson 6
Bluffton 34 Leipsic 14
Columbus Grove 31 Crestview 6
Week 8
Columbus Grove 38 Ada 12
Allen East 30 Bluffton 14
Crestview 21 Spencerville 7
Delphos Jefferson 39 Leipsic 14
Week 9
Ada 34 Crestview 26
Allen East 17 Leipsic 8
Delphos Jefferson 28 Bluffton 7
Columbus Grove 55 Spencerville 6
Delphos Jefferson 49 Spencerville 13
Week 10
Delphos Jefferson 49, Spencerville 13
Allen East 52 Ada 7
Columbus Grove 42 Bluffton 14
Leipsic 42 Crestview 7
Opening Round
Columbus Grove 42 Black River 17
Allen East 45 Lucasville Valley 0
Delphos Jefferson 31 Ayersville 26
Regional Quarterfinals
Columbus Grove 34 West Salem
Northwestern 22
Allen East 49 Bainbridge Paint Valley 0
Antwerp 35 Delphos Jefferson 34
Regional Semifinals
Columbus Grove 14 Colonel Crawford 7 (OT)
Allen East 37 Tri-Village 7
Regional Championships
Columbus Grove 34 Columbia 0
Marion Local 55 Allen East 0
State Semifinal
Marion Local 27 Columbus Grove 0

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The Lima News HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW Saturday, August 19, 2023 15E

Bluffton has more seniors, bigger roster this season

By Mike Purdy your pool of athletes to senior Kyle Basil. this year, if we can stay
mpurdy@limanews.com pick from is significantly Defensively, Bluffton healthy and stay consistent
deeper. But then also I begins its second season we can do a lot of great
BLUFFTON — After think something that a employing the 3-4. things.”
taking their lumps last year lot of times gets underap- “Year one with it we After starting off 4-0 in
in Division V and with five preciated is practice-wise, went from a 4-2-5 defense the NWC last season, the
seniors on the roster, the having a true scout team which had been in for a Pirates fell to conference
Bluffton Pirates enter this to practice against to be number of years,” Rich- champ Allen East 30-14
season in Division VI and able to get good looks to ards said. “Stylistically, it and then closed the season
will have more than 10 prepare for opponents. I go was very different for our with losses to Delphos
seniors in uniform. back to our 2016, ‘17, ‘18 secondary because respon- Jefferson and Columbus
“This group of seniors teams where we had to go sibilities change. You are Grove.
I think is a very special half-line scrimmage in prac- using linebackers a little bit During tough times “we
group for me,” Bluffton tice so we could get quality different . You are blitzing just got to stick together,”
coach Jeff Richards said. reps and things. It’s really a little bit more. Finding Rieman said. “Talking to
“Their freshman year they hard to prepare for good the right guys last season each other is one of the
came into probably one opponents when you can’t was a little bit of a growing most important things.
of the most chaotic years get a good scout team to process. Early on in the Communication. We stick
you could imagine with the mimic what the team your season, we were shuffling together, we can do any-
2020 season and that year playing against is going to guys around. This year thing.
our numbers were down. be doing, so I think that with us bringing back such “As long as we keep
Some of them had to play really helps with it. a large group of veteran our heads cool and stay
right away. “Developmentally, for players we have guys that together, we could really
“They had to respond future years we have young have had a year in that sys- find success.”
to COVID protocols. They guys that they don’t have tem, and they are able to “My biggest goal as a
had those weird adjusted to be a role player right fine-tune some things and coach is for these young
schedules where we away. They can mature in also teach younger guys men to be leaders of their
couldn’t have so many peo- our system and get bet- that are new to the system. peers and then respond
ple in the locker rooms at ter over time. rather than It’s great for us in that as adults,” Richards said.
times. Our guys had to be being a kid who is fresh out they have matured in the That’s something I think a
spaced out on the sidelines of junior high expecting to defense, and they’re better lot of times as coaches we
and all those things. play on a Friday night.” with it.” get looked at for the wins
“This group is a very “We have a lot of young Expected to again play a and losses but when I have
close-knit group, and they guys in practice that our major role will be second- former players come back
matured pretty fast. We’re pushing us to get better,” team all-NWC and honor- and I see them as success- Jose Nogueras | The Lima News
to the point now where I Jordan said. “That’s been a able mention all-district ful young men, that’s one of Bluffton’s Braeden Jordan had 23 receptions for 532 yards
have a group of seniors that real help.” linebacker Worcester, who the biggest wins for me.” and four touchdowns last season.
I fully trust to lead where Offensively, the Pirates had more than 100 tackles
in previous years you will employ a pro style/ each of his first two sea-
would have a few seniors spread. sons.
that were standout leaders “We have been in a triple “He’s a great overall TEAM PROFILE
whereas this year we have option-based offense for six player,” Richards said. “As
such a good crop of them years, but will be adding a leader … he does a great Coach: Jeff Richards (eighth season)
that they all take turns a more balanced approach job about getting guys in Division: VI
being a good leader in cer- in the run and pass game the right position and get-
tain aspects.” this season,” Richards said. ting them ready. We’ve got Last year’s record: 5-5 (4-3 NWC)
Among those seniors “We will be anchored by a two other seniors that are Ticket information: blufftonschools.org/athletics/athletics-tickets
is Braeden Jordan, who veteran offensive line and playing outside linebacker
earned second-team all- a number of dynamic skill (Gavin Bogart and Dearth) Returning 2022 varsity letter winners include: Garret Bogart (Sr., QB/DB),
Northwest Conference players such as Hayden with him. It’s a great Braeden Jordan (Sr., WR/DB), Carson Weaver (Sr., RB/LB), Preston Laytart
honors at wide receiver Dearth, Braeden Jordan dynamic we have there.”
and honorable mention and Gavin Bogart.” Junior Quinn Eachus, (Sr., OL/DL), Hayden Dearth (Sr., ATH/LB), Gavin Bogart (Sr., ATH/DB),
all-conference at defensive As a team, Bluffton aver- who was second-team Ian Rieman (Sr., OL/DL), Daniel Fredritz (Sr., OL/DL), Marco Eiden (Sr., OL/
back and honorable men- aged 26.4 points a game all-conference and honor-
tion all-district. in 2022. Junior Landen able mention all-district DL), Jacob Granger (Sr., OL/DL), Kyle Basil (Sr., Kicker), Griffin Stackhouse
“I am excited to get after Worcester led the Pirates at defensive back, also (Jr., WR/DB), Quinn Eachus (Jr., WR/DB), Noah Bricker (Jr., RB/LB), Brody
it for our senior season,” in rushing with 556 yards returns.
Jordan said. “I’m excited and seven touchdowns on “Secondary-wise, we Anderson (Jr., WR, DB), Carson Kruse (Jr., WR/DB), Landen Worcester (Jr., RB/
about all of us to finally 97 carries, earning him have seen huge growth in LB), Xavier Diller (Jr., OL/LB), Gabe Meza (Jr., TE/LB), Jackson Bowlus (Soph.,
come together and finally second-team all-NWC rec- them,” Richards said. “I
put this thing together. ognition. Jordan had 23 think a big part of it was RB/LB), Evan Grothause (Soph., OL/DL)
“As long as we are work- receptions for 532 yards everybody in our second- Promising newcomers include: Ethan Kohli (Jr., RB/LB), Brody Sommers (Jr.,
ing together and on the and four TDs and Dearth, ary from last season that’s
here this season is comfort- OL/DL), Eli Jones (Soph., QB/DB), Avery Sprunger (Soph., WR/DB), Javen
same page at all times, a senior, finished with 21
I think we will be a real catches for 300 yards and a able in the 3-4 now which Crawfis (Soph., WR/DB), Tayte Giesige (Fr., QB/DB), Lleyton Miller (Fr., ATH/
tough team to beat. I think trio of TDs, earning honor- is great.”
DB), Mason Shank (Fr.. TE/LB), Kizer Young (Fr., WR/DB), Parker Lovell (Fr.,
as long as we are in synch, able mention all-NWC and Richards said another
I think that is how our suc- all-district. Bogart received advantage is the stability of RB/LB)
cess will be defined.” honorable mention all- his coaching staff.
2023 schedule
“I am excited to finally conference at running back “Terminology has stayed
get back into the swing of after rushing 21 times for consistent,” Richards said. (Kickoffs scheduled for 7 p.m.; subject to change)
things,” senior teammate 306 yards and four touch- “We are going to use a Aug. 18 – Benjamin Logan
Ian Rieman said. “We are downs. lot of movement with our
so blessed to be able to get Quarterback Garret Bog- defensive line. We have Aug. 25 – Pandora-Gilboa
this opportunity to play art, a senior named honor- an athletic defensive line. Sept. 1 – at Ayersville
together. We have been able mention all-NWC, They move a lot.”
working together real hard completed 82 of 155 pass Returnees include hon- Sept. 8 – Delphos Jefferson
day in and day out. Really attempts for 1,337 yards orable mention all-NWC Sept. 15 – at Spencerville
excited to hit the field as a and 13 touchdowns. defensive line selections
team.” Look for the offensive seniors Preston Laytart Sept. 22 – at Ada
Another advantage Rich- line to be anchored by and Marco Eiden. Sept. 29 – Crestview
ard sees from last year is senior second-team all- Overall, Richards said
this being the largest roster NWC and honorable men- “We feel we have one of the Oct. 6 – Leipsic
the Pirates have had “in a tion all-district honoree faster teams in our league. Oct. 13 – at Allen East
very long time. senior Jacob Granger. We are going to try to
“I think the biggest Also back is honorable make the most of that. We Oct. 20 – at Columbus Grove
advantage you get, one is mention all-district kicker feel with the group we have

2023 Bluffton PIRATES

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16E Saturday, August 19, 2023 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW The Lima News

Richard Parrish | The Lima News

Columbus Grove’s Trenton Barraza averaged 111.9 yards per game and scored 13 touchdowns last season.

Deep playoff run adds to Grove returnees’ experience

By David Trinko Bulldogs some much- spread offense. Senior both sides of the ball, TEAM PROFILE
sports@limanews.com needed game experience. Zach Reynolds (6-2, serving as a cornerback. Coach: Andy Schafer (12th season)
“I think we’ve got a 175), a three-year letter There’s a battle for
Division: VI
COLUMBUS GROVE lot more depth back winner, is back at wide the linebacker positions,
— Columbus Grove than what people might receiver after averaging including Auchmuty and Last year’s record: 12-3 (6-1 NWC)
coach Andy Schafer think,” Schafer said. 40.9 yards per game last juniors Jameson Rader, Tickets: Sold at games
chuckles a little bit when On offense, the Bull- year. Grant Eversole, Landen Returning 2022 varsity letter winners include:
talking about the people dogs bring back Trenton The offensive line has Huston and Josh Gannon. Trenton Barraza (Jr., RB/DB), Zach Reynolds (Sr.,
gone from last year’s Barraza, a 6-2, 175-pound experience too, with two- “Last year’s three line- WR/S), Ethan Johnson (Sr., OT), Kylan Mayes (Jr. C/
team that advanced to junior running back and year letter winners back backers were obviously DT), Loudon Auchmuty (Sr., OG/LB), Kyle Lathrop
the state semifinals, defensive back, who in tackle Kylan Mayes very well versed in the (Sr., OG/DE), Zane Stechschulte (Sr., WR/DB), Riley
including five all-state averaged 111.9 yards (junior, 6-1, 240) and game,” Schafer said. “It Sautter (Jr., WR/DB), Layton Blankemeyer (Jr., DE),
performers. per game and scored 13 guards Loudon Auchmu- was almost like we had Landon Best (Soph., QB), Trevon Baxter (Soph., WR/
“I’ve noticed with touchdowns last year. ty (senior, 5-8, 185) and three coaches on the field. DB), Grant Eversole (Jr., TE/LB), Josh Gannon (Jr.,
some of our graduates, He was an honorable Kyle Lathrop (senior, 5-9, When they were work-
RB/LB), Landen Huston (Jr., RB/LB), Ty Meyer (Jr.,
instead of graduating and mention all-state running 180), along with return- ing on their games, they
C/DL), Ace Vasquez (Sr., OL/DL), Jameson Rader
moving on, they actually back while also picking ing tackle Ethan Johnson were developing the kids
came back to practice up first-team all-North- (senior, 6-5, 330). beneath them. I really like (Jr., WR/LB)
this summer,” Schafer west District, first-team Defensively, Columbus how well our new line- Others to watch include: Kyle Hopkins (Jr., WR/DB),
said. “Those guys still all-NWC and Lima News Grove has some big shoes backers have reacted, step- Keegan Bame (Sr., WR/DB), Dylan Mertz (Jr., TE,
care. There’s a tradition Dream Team honorable to fill, with all-state line- ping into their roles.” DE), Bo Birnesser (Sr., TE/DB), Sam Groch (Jr., WR/
here, these kids are real- mention accolades. backers Tadd Koch (first Layton Blankemeyer DE), Wyatt Watt (Sr., OL/DE), Connor Douglas (Sr.,
izing, and they want to Another player who team) and AJ Schafer (6-2, 170) returns at OL/DL), Gavin Langhals (Sr., OL/DL), Aidan Patrick
help see that success got extra playing time (second team) graduating defensive end, although (Jr.. WR/DB), Evan Verhoff (Soph., K/P)
continue.” last year was Landon last spring, along with he’ll miss a few games as 2023 schedule
The Bulldogs finished Best, a 6-foot, 145-pound all-state honorable men- he recovers from surgery (Kickoffs scheduled for 7 p.m.; subject to change)
the 2022 season with sophomore quarterback tion players Shep Halker on his arm resulting from Aug. 17 – at Pandora-Gilboa
a 12-3 record, finish- who filled in for injured (defensive back) and Dil- a wrestling injury, Schafer
Aug. 25 – Liberty-Benton
ing as runner-up in the starter Brenton Renner lon Bryan (defensive line). said.
Northwest Conference. for three weeks last year. That doesn’t mean the “I really like the attitude Sept. 1 – at Patrick Henry
They advanced to the “We knew he was cupboard’s bare on D, right now,” Schafer said Sept. 8 – Spencerville
state semifinals before going to be the starter though. Five starters are following the team’s first Sept. 15 – at Delphos Jefferson
succumbing to eventual eventually,” Schafer said. back, including three-year preseason scrimmage. Sept. 22 – Allen East
state champion Marion “That gives us a little bit letter winner Reynolds “The kids expect to win. Sept. 29 – at Leipsic
Local. of confidence.” at safety. Lathrop returns If things don’t go right, Oct. 6 – Crestview
Those extra five games Columbus Grove has a as the defensive end, and they’re not getting frus- Oct. 13 – at Ada
in the playoffs gave many game-tested receiver to Mayes is back at defensive trated. They just keep Oct. 20 – Bluffton
of this year’s returning use in Columbus Grove’s tackle. Barraza also plays working hard.”

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The Lima News
Ulm back in the saddle for Delphos Jefferson
By Mark Altstaetter
sports@limanews.com
DELPHOS – It would
be safe to say that Del-
phos Jefferson has been a
large part of Damon Ulm’s
life.
Ulm was a standout
football player during his
high school days at Del-
phos Jefferson, where he
graduated in 1988.
Ulm was Delphos Jeffer-
son’s head football coach
from 2003-2008. Then, he
was an assistant coach for
several seasons. Ulm has
been a teacher at Delphos
Jefferson for most of his
career.
However, Ulm did not
see himself being a head
coach again. His sights
were set on possibly retir-
ing from teaching in the
next few years.
However, when former
head coach Ben Rahrig
stepped down this past
spring, Ulm’s future was
suddenly altered.
Before this past spring,
Ulm had no intentions of
coming back to take over
the Delphos Jefferson
football program.
“(Head) coach (Ben)
Rahrig resigned here in
the spring,” Ulm said.
“We went through the
interview committee. We
had a couple prospects.
Those two candidates
decided not to take the
job. So, we were right
back to the starting point.
Karder Agner (right) tackles the now graduated Nathan Ditto of Delphos St. John’s during a 2022 game at Stadium Park. Agner is one of eight returning letter winners for Jefferson.
2023 DELPHOS JEFFERSON
WILDCATS
I have been on the hiring
committee, previously.
“I don’t know — it has
been God’s calling. I had
so many years invested
into the program, as a
player and coach. And
to see that our numbers
were really low — I didn’t
want to see it die. …
There’s a lot of pride. God
was working on me hard
to come back and do it
again.”
Delphos Jefferson has
eight returning letter win-
ners from last year’s team
that went 7-5 overall,
and 5-2 in the Northwest
Conference. The Wildcats
played in two playoff
games in 2022.
Ulm and his staff have
been working hard this
summer to fill the voids
left after graduation.
“Last year, they had a
really nice team. They
were very senior dominat-
ed,” Ulm said. “We have
two returning starters on
both sides of the ball. …
There’s not many letter-
men back. Our numbers
have not allowed us to
play a JV (junior varsity)
schedule the last couple
years, which is very det-
rimental to a football pro-
gram. … But you got to
do, what you got to do.
“But we’re blessed
here with a good group
of seniors; and most of
them are linemen. We’re
hanging our hats on our
linemen.”
Protection for your
Like a good neighbor,
State Farm is there.®
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW Saturday, August 19, 2023 17E
Ulm said there are three and play in the secondary
returners that will lead He’s going to help us out TEAM PROFILE
this year’s team. a lot,” Ulm said. “Even
“Matt Weitzel (6-1, 310, though we have a good Coach: Damon Ulm (First season after serving as
Sr., OL/DL) a three-year handful of seniors, we
letter winner, is a return- have very little experi- Jefferson’s head coach from 2003-08)
ing starter. He’s been a ence. They’ve been get- Division: VII
fantastic leader. He’s like ting better, just because
another coach on the they’re getting reps. They Last year’s record: 7-5 (5-2 NWC)
field for us,” Ulm said. haven’t had any varsity
“Jadrick Buffin (6-3, 250, experience, but they’re Ticket information: delphoscityschools.org/athletics/
Sr., OL/DL) is another getting better and better.”
senior lineman. He’s been In 2022, Delphos Jef- ticket-information
supplying great leader- ferson scored 30.7 points
ship for us. Karder Agner per game. The Wildcats Returning 2022 varsity letter winners include: Luke
(6-4, 200, Jr., TE/LB) is held their opponents to
going to be a junior. … He 26.5 points per contest Rode (Soph., QB/DB), Tyler Wilkins (Sr., WR/DB),
(Agner) is a good athlete in the 10 regular-season Karder Agner (Jr., TE/LB), Vincent Murray (Sr., OL/
and has good size. He games.
(Agner) is a three-sport Last season, Delphos LB), Matt Weitzel (Sr., OL/DL), Jim Hasting (Sr., OL/
athlete.” Jefferson ended the year
Delphos Jefferson will first in the Northwest DL), Sam Hasting (Jr., OL/DL), Xach Houx (Sr., TE/DE)
run a spread offense this Conference in rushing
fall. Leading the offensive (223 yards per game). 2023 schedule
unit for the Wildcats will In the passing depart-
be first-year quarterback, ment, the Wildcats were Delphos St. John’s
sophomore Luke Rode near the bottom in the
(5-10, 140, QB/DB). NWC (89 yards per con- (Kickoffs scheduled for 7 p.m.; subject to change)
“Luke Rode got some test). Aug. 17 – at Delphos St. John’s
playing time last year as a Defensively, Delphos
freshman,” Ulm said. “He Jefferson will employ a Aug. 25 – Ayersville
will be our quarterback. 4-3 look.
He played a little bit at Ulm realizes that this Sept. 2 – Paulding
safety last year but did season could be a work
not play quarterback at in progress. However, Sept. 8 – at Bluffton
the varsity level.” he still has high expecta-
Ulm feels confident tions for his team. Sept. 15 – Columbus Grove
about the players he has “The kids and coaches
on the roster this season. have been working very Sept. 22 – at Crestview
He believes they should hard in the off-season to Sept. 29 – Ada
develop into solid varsity- get better; and we will
level performers. be competitive,” Ulm Oct. 7 – Allen East
“We had a new kid said. “We’re optimistic.
come in this year, Boston I think if we can stay Oct. 13 – at Leipsic
Reynolds (6-0, 170, Sr., healthy, keep a good
RB/DB), who is going attitude and work hard, Oct. 20 – at Spencerville
to be our running back, we’ll be OK.”
Don Speck | The Lima News
Good Luck
pride and joy Wildcats!
Bryan Weimerskirch, Agent
201 N. Main Street
Delphos, OH 45833
Bus: 419-692-1626
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103 N. Main St.,
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18E Saturday, August 19, 2023 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW The Lima News

Spencerville shifts to new coach, offense, defense

By Mike Purdy
mpurdy@limanews.com

SPENCERVILLE — First-year
Bearcats varsity head coach Kyle Koe-
nig knows about building a program
with a strong foundation.
In high school, he played for Marion
Local’s Tim Goodwin, being a part
of three state championship teams.
He then went on to be an assistant at
Spencerville under Chris Sommers,
who won multiple Northwest Confer-
ence championships as the Spencer-
ville and Delphos Jefferson head coach.
“They have two different styles of
coaching and both of them work really
well for them,” Koenig said. “Coach
Goodwin is very much a perfectionist
and I think that is a big thing. We want
to get something right. If we screw
something up in practice we need to
stop and we need to address it right
away. Another thing is that losing isn’t
acceptable. You learn a lot from losing
but nobody wants to lose. He has a
great way of finding ways to motivate
kids and making sure that we learn
from our losses and that we are able to
fix them right away and go from there.
“Chris on the other hand, he’s an
Energizer Bunny. Chris brings energy
and I think that kind of brought energy
to some of his teams that he has
coached in the past where the dog days
of summer and kids are having trouble
to get out here … he had the energy
and because of that the kids picked up
the energy because he was bringing it.
“Both those things right there are
really things I want to take away from
those two coaches.”
Koenig decided to install a new
offense and defense this season.
After employing Wing-T and spread
offenses, Spencerville will use the I
formation.
“I felt like a happy medium in
between both being able to do both the
spread and being under center would
really benefit us,” Koenig said. “Always
having tight ends and things like that
kind of play the numbers game. I felt
like it would be more beneficial, and
it’s something the kids were more
familiar with. We could do a lot of the
same plays out of the Wing-T run-wise
as you do out of the I formation, and
it was something that was familiar to
them. They would be able to adjust
to it fairly quickly, and I thought that
would give us the best chance to be as
successful as we can be.”
One of those who will be adapting to
the new offense is senior Nate Coulter,
who received first-team all-NWC and
second-team all-district honors last
season after leading the conference
with 70 receptions for 946 yards and
seven touchdowns.
“I think our boys will know how to
do it,” said Coulter, who is slated to
log time at running back. “I think if the
coaches believe in it, we’ll get the job
done.”
Also back is junior wideout Dylan
Short, who had 24 catches for 389
yards and three TDs and senior Carter
Layman, who had 21 receptions for
215 yards and a TD.
Senior teammate and offensive line-
man Zakk Harter likes the I because
“we get to run the ball.”
Along with Harter, among those
returning on the offensive line is all-
NWC honorable mention selection
junior Trevor Whitney.
Along with the switch to the I, Spen-
Spencerville’s Nate Coulter makes a reception during a 2022 game against Elida. Coulter is back after making 70 receptions for 946 yards and seven
touchdowns last season.
cerville will have a new quarterback
with the graduation of Josh Henline.
Carder Orr, who earned a varsity letter
as a sophomore, returns and sopho-
more Grady Smith could also be in the
mix.
Spencerville is also changing to the
3-4 defense.
“When I played in high school at
Marion (Local), we were always in
3-4 there,” Koenig said. “It kind of
was something I was really familiar
with and I would understand … and
be able teach the rest of the coaching
staff what we are looking for in certain
situations. I feel like most of the time
we had more big guys than we do skill
guys but this year we are pretty well
matched on that level. So, I felt like we
had enough skill guys to really be able
to make that shift to the 3-4.”
Koenig said with the “3-4 you can do
a lot of blitzing. You can kind of cause
some havoc for other quarterbacks and
for other offenses. I felt like that was
going to be a big advantage if we can
cause some confusion for the other
teams while we were playing.”
“We experimented with it a little big
last year,” Harter said. “Everyone’s get-
ting after the ball.”
Those back on the defensive side
include Layman, who was named hon-
orable mention all-NWC at defensive
back.
After going 1-9 last season, Koenig
said he is trying “to get that fun back
into the aspect of playing for Spencer-
ville.”
Some of his approaches include “at
practice, making it competitive and
fun. Getting the kids to do some dif-
ferent drills and make it a more active
practice. Interacting with them more
off the field. See the personal side of
things a little bit more.”
Coulter emphasized for the team to
have “grit.”
He believes in “building brick by
brick, getting better every day, staying
really committed to the process and
Don Speck | The Lima News
not giving up.
“I think the biggest thing is dedica- TEAM PROFILE
tion. Just being here every day. Being Coach: Kyle Koenig (first season)
here on time. Just the little things.
Paying attention when you aren’t on Division: V
reps. Really giving full attention to Last year’s record: 1-9 (0-7 NWC)
schemes.”
He’s excited about the “brotherhood Ticket information: spencervillebearcats.
with the team. Getting wins after
com/Content2/194
all we fought through in camp and
last year’s hardships. Just being able Returning 2022 varsity letter winners include:
to come out on top with everyone I
fought with. Nate Coulter (RB/WR/DB), Carter Layman
“I want to win. We didn’t have a lot (Sr., RB/DB), Maddox Jurek (Sr., TE/LB),
of those last year and it can get a little
discouraging. I just want to win really. Zakk Harter (Sr., OL/DL), Caden Orr (Jr., QB/
“I am looking forward to see how the DB), Gavin Schwartz (Jr., OL/DL), Trevor
kids we have returning have developed
over the past year.” Koenig said. There Whitney (Jr., OL/DL), Josh Schindler (Jr.,
were many young kids last year that OL/LB), Dylan Short (Jr., WR/DB), Zach
received a lot of varsity experience.
The players have approached each day Looser (Soph., RB/LB)
with enthusiasm and seem to be really
Promising newcomers include: Kyle Heckman
having fun with the process so far this
off-season. (Jr., WR/LB), Grady Smith (Soph., QB/
“We are also looking at some smaller
numbers within the program this year DB), Reggie Jones (Soph., RB/DL), Will
… so we need to be in shape and ready Sensabaugh (Fr., WR/DB), Brady Dunnigan
to go when Week 1 hits. We are very
fortunate that the four seniors that (Jr., OL/DL), Nathan Wood (Jr., WR/DB)
we do have, have some varsity experi- 2023 schedule
ence from years past and they can lead
us by example in different situations (Kickoffs scheduled for 7 p.m.; subject to
throughout the year.
change)
“After going 1-9 last year, expecta-
tions around the program are not Aug. 18 – at Ridgemont
very high when it comes to people on
the outside. I think when you look at Aug. 25 – Paulding
this team during the season you are Sept. 1 – Riverside
going to see a different competitive
level in them, and you are going to Sept. 8 – at Columbus Grove
find a group of kids that really enjoy Sept. 15 – Bluffton
the game of football and enjoy being
around each other which will help cre- Sept. 22 – Leipsic
ate a solid foundation for our program Sept. 29 – at Allen East
for the coming years.”
Harter defines success as “everyone Oct. 6 – Ada
doing what they can. One-hundred
Oct. 13 – at Crestview
percent effort and more than that. Get
people to compete. Always encourage Oct. 20 – Delphos Jefferson
each other to try harder.”

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The Lima News HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW Saturday, August 19, 2023 19E

Richard Parrish | The Lima News

Crestview students cheer on the Knights last season

Crestview preview Ada preview

TEAM PROFILE TEAM PROFILE
Coach: Cole Harting (first season) Coach: Toby Smith (third season)
Division: VII Division: VII
Last year’s record: 4-6 (1-6 NWC) Last year’s record: 3-7 (2-5 NWC)
Ticket information: crestviewknights.com/athletics/21-22_opponent_ticket_info Ticket information: adabulldogs.org/o/aevs/page/tickets
Significant stats: Braxton Leeth averaged 7.5 yards per carry last season, rushing Significant stat: Levi Green rushed for 1,025 yards and 10 touchdowns on 191 carries
49 times for 368 yards and four touchdowns. Kellin Putman had 27 receptions for and completed 63 of 132 pass attempts for 831 yards and seven TDs last season.
529 yards and eight TDs. Isaac Kline rushed 116 times for 570 yards and seven Returning 2022 varsity letter winners include: Jalee Bolden (Sr., RB/LB), JuJu Grose
(Sr., WR/DL, ), Owen Arnett (Sr., OL/DL), Levi Green (Jr., QB/S), Kaine Fisher (Jr.,
touchdowns.
LB/RB), Dalton Amos (Jr., DL/OL), Trevor McGue (Jr., WR/DB), Max Puerto (Jr.,
Coach’s comments: We want to compete for an NWC championship and make it
RB/LB), Colton Cole (Jr., OL/DL), Brody Erickson (Jr., WR/LB), Ian House (Jr.,
back to the playoffs. We have strong senior leadership. We have good size and we
WR/LB), Kayleb Hickman (Soph., WR/DB), Gavin Oldfield (Soph., WR/DB), Zach
are very athletic at skill positions. I am bringing my offense that I ran at Van Wert Zimmerman (Soph., RB/LB)
for the past five seasons. The kids have met the challenge head on and I’m excited Promising Newcomers: Landon Simon (Jr., OL/DL), Liam Vlera (Jr., LB/RB), Logan
to see what they can do this season. Joliff (Jr., K), Slade Gossman (Soph., OL/LB), Aiden Richie (Soph.. OL/DL), Trevor
Returning 2022 varsity letter winners include: Hunter Jones (Sr., WR/DB), Kellin Dirmeyer (Soph., OL/DL), Kolton Dysert (Fr., RB/DB), Blake Zoladz (Fr., QB/S),
Putman (Sr., WR/DB), Isaiah Barton (Jr., WR/DB), Bryson Penix (Jr., QB/LB), Kyle Mowrey (Fr., WR/DB), Kale Pederson (Fr., OL/DL), Tyler Stauffer (Fr., WR/DB),
Jaret Harting (Sr., ATH/DB), Isaac Kline (Sr. ATH/LB), Levi Grace (Sr., LB/DB), Dylan Marshall (Fr., RB/LB), Grady Curtis (Fr., OL/DL), TJ Griffith (Fr., LB/RB), Lane
Hayden Perrott (Soph., WR/DB/K), Wren Sheets (Jr. WR/DL), Zayden Martin Simon (Fr., OL/DL), Matthew Walker (Fr., OL/DL), Braylon King (Fr., OL/LB), Jacob
(Jr., RB/LB), Beau Eggleston (Sr., TE/DL), Braxton Leeth (Soph., RB/LB), Ayden Szippl (Fr., WR/DB)
Martin (Jr., OL/LB), Garrett Yinger (Sr., OL/DL), Dave Cereghin (Jr., OL/DL), Coach’s comments: This is the third year of the kids with the program. We have
Preston Kreischer (Sr., OL/DL), Connor Sheets (Sr., OL/DL), Evan Walls (Sr., OL/ made good strides in year one and two and expect to see strides in the third year as
DL), Nathaniel Friemoth (Sr., OL/DL), Liam Putman (Soph., TE/DL) well. We started a bunch of young kids in the first two years and now those kids have
a ton of varsity experience. We hope that pays for us. We have to work on staying
Promising newcomer: Kaden Wolford (Sr., OL/DL)
disciplined at all times. We need to be very good at what we do in order to compete.
2023 schedule
2023 schedule
(Kickoffs scheduled for 7 p.m.; subject to change)
(Kickoffs scheduled for 7 p.m.; subject to change)
Aug. 18 – at Parkway
Aug. 18 – Upper Scioto Valley
Aug. 25 – at McComb Aug. 25 – at Riverdale
Sept. 1 – at Wayne Trace Sept. 1 – at Buckeye Central
Sept. 8 – Ada Sept. 8 – at Crestview
Sept. 15 – at Allen East Sept. 15 – Leipsic
Sept. 22 – Delphos Jefferson Sept. 22 – Bluffton
Sept. 29 – at Bluffton Sept. 29 – at Delphos Jefferson
Oct. 6 – at Columbus Grove Oct. 6 – at Spencerville
Oct. 13 – Spencerville Oct. 13 – Columbus Grove
Oct. 20 – Leipsic Oct. 20 – Allen East

Time you face.”

From page 2C
to learn it, the first year taught me to be
patient. I would get very frustrated the
first year because my expectations did not
match the reality of where we were as a
program. Throughout the first year and
into the next few years you learn patience
and flexibility to adjust to the reality that
LCC coach Scott Palte’s Lima Central
Catholic and Columbus Grove teams have
gone 118-59, including the Thunderbirds
reaching the state semifinals two of the last
three seasons. He was an assistant coach
and defensive coordinator at Columbus
Grove for eight seasons before being hired
as the Bulldogs’ head coach in 2005.
He said, “The biggest thing I learned my
first year as a head coach is no matter how
many years I was an assistant I would not
have been completely ready for it. You find
out real quickly that everything involving
your program is your responsibility. It is far
more than just coaching football like when
you were an assistant.
“I still remember that first pre-game
at Pandora standing there thinking ‘I am
really in charge of the Columbus Grove
Bulldogs football program that just won a
state title two years earlier and, wow, do I
hope this goes well tonight.’
“The nervousness was definitely
different. As a player I could control what
happened with my actions and play, as a
coach you are depending on 14-18 year
olds grasping what you have told them
and executing on the field. Coaching
is far more stressful for me but also
far more rewarding to me. When we
can get an entire roster of young men
to play together at a high level and be
successful, it is an incredible feeling.”
Reach Jim Naveau at 567-242-0414.

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20E Saturday, August 19, 2023
Leipsic’s Estevan Carillo looks to follow the block of teammate Jayce Brecht (3) on Bluffton’s Quinn Eachus (9) during a 2022 game at Leipsic.
Leipsic aims to rebound after missing postseason
By Dean Brown
sports@limanews.com
LEIPSIC — The
Leipsic Vikings are hop-
ing to rebound from a
4-6 2022 season which
saw the Vikings finish the
season in fifth place in the
Northwest Conference
and out of the playoffs for
the first time since 2008.
The Vikings have been
highly competitive with
a rich history of success.
They are eager to return
to winning ways in the
new season. Head coach
Joe Kirkendall will be
leading the Vikings for his
14th campaign.
“After an injury-plagued
2022, we’re looking for
a fresh start. We played
a large number of under-
classmen last year due
to injuries, so we have a
great deal of experience
coming back.”
Running a pro-offense
and a 4-3 defense, the
Vikings will return 5 of
6 starters from tackle to
tight end which should
bode well for the Vikings
in 2023.
Last year’s quarterback
Quin Schroeder will move
to a wide receiver posi-
tion. The quarterback
spot will be manned
by both junior Tommy
Offenbacher and junior Ty
2023 V I K I N G S
Lammers. Senior Estevan
OH-70337658L
Carrillo will return as the
starting running back.
Ethan Zeisloft, first team
Northwest Conference
offensive lineman will
return playing both sides
of the ball as guard on
offense and at defensive
tackle.
The team is motivated
by the fact they were the
first team in years not to
make the playoffs.
“That’s kind of motivat-
ed them in the offseason
which has been tremen-
dous and through practic-
es right now,” Kirkendall
said. “We got to get back
on track of winning the
first game. It’s going to
be great for our young
guys to get that first taste
against a school like that
and see if we can start to
get some momentum.”
The Vikings play their
first three games at home.
Opening against the Lake
Flyers. The second week
against the Pandora-
Gilboa Rockets, and
the third week, the first
Northwest Conference
game, against the defend-
ing champion the Allen
East Mustangs.
With a number of play-
ers with some game expe-
rience leading the way,
the Leipsic Vikings have
the potential to achieve
success in the upcoming
season.
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW The Lima News
Jose Nogueras | The Lima News
TEAM PROFILE
Coach: Joe Kirkendall (14th season)
Division: VII
Last year’s record: 4-6 (3-4 NWC)
Tickets: Available at the gate
Returning 2022 letter winners: Yani Giron (Sr., WR),
Jayce Brecht (Jr., WR), Quin Schroeder (Sr., WR/
DB), Tavis Bejarano (Jr., WR/CB), Estevan Carrillo
(Sr., RB/LB), Tommy Offenbacher (Jr., QB/DB), Ty
Lammers (Jr., QB/DB), Trent Siefker (Sr., WR), Jake
Scheckelhoff (Sr., TE), Mason Rader (Sr., RB/DE),
Mike Jimenez (Sr., LB), Ethan Zeisloft (Sr., OG/DT),
Quinn Westhoven (Jr., OT/DE), Jesus Guerrero (Jr.,
NG) Lyzea Berg (Jr., OT/DE), Jose Garcia (Jr., OG)
Promising newcomers: Donovan Cunningham (Jr., C),
Deon Baldazzo (Sr., LB), Jackson Spitnale (Soph., LB),
Tyler Walther (Jr., K), Clark Schroeder (Jr., DB)
2023 schedule
(Kickoffs scheduled for 7 p.m.; subject to change)
Aug. 18 – at Lake High School
Aug. 25 – Van Buren
Sept. 1 – Pandora-Gilboa
Sept. 8 – Allen East
Sept. 15 – at Ada
Sept. 22 – at Spencerville
Sept. 29 – Columbus Grove
Oct. 6 – at Bluffton
Richard Parrish | The Lima News
Oct. 13 – Delphos Jefferson Hayden Hiegel, here fighting for yardage against now-graduated
Landen Schroeder of Columbus Grove last season, led the
Oct. 20 – at Crestview Northwest Conference in rushing during the regular season of his
senior year at Leipsic with 1,185 yards.
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The Lima News
Head coach Seth Evans (far left) looks on as Jason Thomas (left) and Kadin Jones take part in 1-on-1 drills during a Perry practice.
Perry hopes off-season efforts translate to success
By Mike Purdy
mpurdy@limanews.com
PERRY TOWNSHIP
— After going 1-9 in
2022, Perry head coach
Seth Evans quickly got to
work.
“Our biggest thing was
we needed commitment
in the offseason and that’s
what we really strived
for,” Evans said.
That started with devel-
oping a new incentive
program “for trying to get
kids in the weight room in
the off-season.
“We knew that we
had to get stronger, and
we had to get bigger up
front.”
He was even able to get
players involved that play
winter and spring sports.
“Our next step was to
get numbers out,” Evans
said.
This season the Perry
roster will exceed 30 play-
ers.
“The numbers are
improving,” Evans said.
“The classes are getting a
little bit bigger. Our junior
class is probably over half
the team. It’s building it
from the junior high up.”
Evans also worked on
“trying new things and
different ways and chal-
lenging them. You do dif-
ferent things, you try new
processes so I’ve been
really honest with them
about what I’ve expected.
I’ve vocalized it. That way
they know. That way it’s
out in the open now. What
are the coaches looking
for? What are our expec-
tations and things like
that? That’s kind of helped
keep the focus in practice,
keeping the energy up. A
lot of the older guys have
2023 PERRY COMMODORES
kinda bought into it too.”
OH-70337667L
One of those is all-
Northwest Central
Conference second-team
offensive tackle and
defensive lineman Braylon
Ardner, who along with
Jason Thomas and Kadin
Jones, is in his fourth year
of playing varsity.
He said that since he
doesn’t play basketball,
he was able to log a lot of
time in the weight room
and even found time to
get in workouts during
baseball season.
“Coach, he came up
with a new way of get-
ting people in the weight
room, and it’s worked a
lot, and we got a lot of
people in there,” Ardner
said. “Coming into the
season we’re stronger …
we are in shape. Whenev-
er we’d come into the sea-
son before we would have
people come in whenever
it was mandatory so we
would have people the
first few weeks they were
not in shape, but now our
energy is up. Everybody’s
in shape. We’re on top of
things now.”
Perry’s spread-pistol
offense will have a new
quarterback at the helm in
junior Hunter Scott, who
didn’t play his freshman
and sophomore years.
“Unlike last year we
were on quarterback four
by week five,” Evans said.
“He’s a smart kid. He was
an all-conference pitcher
in baseball. He throws a
nice ball. He’s really kind
of taken on the role of
quarterback. He’s really
learned the playbook fast.
Kind of learned what
everybody’s positions are
supposed to be so that
is very helpful. We don’t
have to continue to teach
that week in and week
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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
out. Our offensive line
has gotten better. We had
more kids out, more … to
pick from. They’re a year
older so all the sopho-
mores that had to play
last year who got beat
down, now know what to
expect … so that’s very
helpful.”
One of Scott’s main
targets is likely to be
all-NWCC honorable
mention wide receiver
Thomas.
“We had a lot of guys
in the weight room this
year,” Thomas said. “A
lot of our linemen. A lot
of younger guys too. So I
feel like that will help us
out a lot.
“Most of the younger
guys kinda look up to the
seniors. When I tell them
to do something they’ll
listen. I just want to win
our conference. That’s a
goal for me.”
As a senior Thomas
believes “I gotta do every-
thing right” and is look-
ing forward to “being out
there with my friends.
Defensively, the Com-
modores with employ the
3-4 which “is based off of
who we have personnel-
wise,” Evans said. “So, we
have a lot more lineback-
er, skill type guys than we
do big defensive linemen.
We’re helping our size out
basically by only having
three down linemen. It’s
very versatile. Now we
have a rotation where we
are keeping guys fresh.
The way we play our
defense is we want to
spill everything out to our
speed, so we keep every-
thing shut down in the
middle.
“Our expectations are
very realistic in who can
do what and so that’s why
OH-70338207L
we kind of go with the
3-4.”
Beyond wins, one
of Evans’ measures is
“responding positively
to adversity. If we do
happen to get down by
a score or two, can be
come back from it? How
are we going to respond
to it? I would really like
to see how we respond.
If we can respond posi-
tively and come back and
make it a game or make
it something, that’s what
I measure as I would try
to get across is try to
get that toughness back
up mentally, physically,
everywhere. If we can do
that then I would say we
had pretty good success
this year. I can’t really
remember the last time
we won a really tight
game. We’ve either beat
them by a couple scores
or we got beat by a couple
scores. To me, when you
win one of those close
ones you kind of come
closer as a team. Then it’s
like, ‘oh, we actually can
do this’ and then the wins
start to happen.”
“We want to make
a playoff run,” Ardner
said. “We want to turn it
around completely from
how we went last year.
We feel like we can do
that. I don’t think we
were prepared enough
last year. I think we came
in thinking we were, but
I don’t think we were at
all. Whenever we started
losing, everybody started
getting down, just down-
hill from there.
“We have more num-
bers this year. Our prac-
tices, our energy is super
high. We’ve never had the
energy this high before.
We’ve got kids that have
Saturday, August 19, 2023 21E
Jackelyn Johnson | The Lima News
improved so much from “We want our guys to win
last year.” games cause everybody
Evans is also hoping kind of looks at us as kind
for the NWCC to have of as the down league.
a strong showing in the So, if we can win playoff
postseason. games that’s definitely
“We’re always rooting going to help our
for each other when we’re credibility.”
not playing each other
and when we are in the
playoffs, so I think that is
very helpful,” Evans said.
TEAM PROFILE
Coach: Seth Evans (third season)
Division: VII
Last year’s record: 1-9 (1-6 NWCC)
Tickets: Available at the venue
Returning 2022 letter winners: Braylon Ardner (Sr.,
OL/LB), Jason Thomas (Sr., WR/DB), Kadin Jones (Sr.,
OL/LB), Noah Cox (Jr., OL/DL), Kimari Glenn (Jr., WR/
DB), Mason Hadding (Jr., WR/LB), Boss Horrison (Jr.,
RB/DB), Conner Lynch (Jr., K), Isaiah McFadden (Jr.,
WR/LB), Connor Reed (Jr., OL/DL), Diego Williams
(Jr., OL/LB), Brodin Eickholt (Soph., RB/WR/LB),
Sylas Johnson (Soph., OL/DL)
Promising newcomers: Hunter Scott (Jr., QB), Jaiden
Johnson (Jr., WR/DB), Tece Watkins (Jr., WR/DB),
Gage Morlock (Jr., OL/DL)
2023 schedule
(Kickoffs scheduled for 7 p.m.; subject to change)
Aug. 18 – at Lehman Catholic
Aug. 25 – Ridgemont
Sept. 1 – at Crestline
Sept. 8 – Upper Scioto Valley
Sept. 15 – Hardin Northern
Sept. 22 – at North Baltimore
Sept. 29 – Cory-Rawson
Oct. 6 – at Waynefield-Goshen
Oct. 13 – at Elgin
Oct. 20 – Ridgedale
22E Saturday, August 19, 2023 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW The Lima News

Delphos St. John’s poised to take the next step

By Mark Altstaetter
sports@limanews.com
DELPHOS — Many
football teams from the
very competitive Midwest
Athletic Conference have
made deep runs in the post-
season playoffs, with many
playoff runs culminating in
state championships.
Historically, Delphos St.
John’s is one of those MAC
programs that has celebrat-
ed its share of postseason
victories.
As far as MAC titles are
concerned, St. John’s has
garnered 10 league cham-
pionships in football (eight
outright titles), which
ranks third all-time, behind
Coldwater (19) and Marion
Local (16).
St. John’s has won a
total of six football state
championships and had one
state runner-up finish in its
school’s history.
The Blue Jays are hoping
to get back into the top-tier
of teams in the MAC this
season, as they return 14
letter winners from a squad
that went 5-7 last season,
including two playoff
games. St. John’s finished
3-5 in the MAC.
“We have quite a few skill
players back,” said long-
time St. John’s head coach
Todd Schulte. “We only had
six seniors last year. We
were pretty young, all over
the place. Week 1, we lost
Nolan Schwinnen (to an
injury), who was our start-
ing quarterback. Grant Ulm
stepped in to play quarter-
back for us.
“So, returning at quarter-
back for us this season is
Grant Ulm (6-4, 185, Sr.).
Like I said, Nolan got hurt
in Week 1, and he didn’t
throw a pass the rest of the
year. With the surgery and
the way things went, he
(Schwinnen) just couldn’t
throw. He became a run-
ning back for us. So, Grant
got a lot of time at quarter-
back. With Grant returning,
that makes things move a
little faster (during the pre-
season).”
In 2022, Ulm was 73 of
149 passing for 742 yards,
with four touchdowns and
12 interceptions.
The biggest void to fill
for Schulte and his staff
is replacing running back
Clay Paddubny, who gradu-
ated. Last season, Paddub-
ny finished second in the
MAC in rushing with 1,184
yards (7.95 yards per carry)
and 14 touchdowns in 10
regular-season games.
“In the backfield, obvi-
ously, we’re losing Clay
Paddubny,” Schulte said.
“He had a great year for us.
He was all-league at run-
ning back. He made a lot of
things happen because he
was strong. He would cre-
ate a lot of things.
“T.J. Werts (6-1, 220, Jr.,
RB/LB) is back (at running
back). He got some time
there, last year. But then he
suffered an injury, and we
lost him. That’s when we
relied heavily on Clay. We
also have Collin Feathers
(5-10, 190, Sr., RB/LB).
… He (Feathers) has not
played football for a while.
He’s going to play both
football and golf this year.
… We’re going to give it a
shot. And Riley Mueller
(5-9, 165, So., RB/LB) will
be back there as well. So,
if we have to use all three
of them to keep everyone
fresh, we will do it.”
Schulte plans to mix up
the looks on the offensive
side of the football. “We’re
going to give multiple looks
(on offense),” Schulte said.
“In the last few years, we’ve
been really balanced (run,
pass). But if we get into a
game and we can establish
a run game, we’re going to
do it. … I’d love to do that.
But we’ll try to balance
things up the best that we
can.”
The Blue Jays have a few
athletes coming back that
put in ample time at the
wide receiver position.
“A few guys who are
coming back, that played
a lot last year are Braylon
Metzger (5-11, 160, Sr.,
WR/DB), who will be a
senior, and Connor Gaynier
(5-10, 170, Jr., WR/DB),
a junior. Those guys have
played a ton for us. Brayden TEAM PROFILE
Pohlman (5-10, 170, Jr., Coach: Todd Schulte (25th season)
WR/LB) also played a lot Division: VII
on offense,” Schulte said. Last year’s record: 5-7 (3-5 MAC)
“Then a guy we’re Ticket information: delphosstjohns.org/
expecting a lot from as a TicketInformation.aspx
senior is Cohen Martz (6-0, Returning varsity letter winners include: Braylon
165, Sr., WR/DB). We also Metzger (Sr., WR/DB), Drew Boggs (Jr., WR/DB),
have Joel Schrader (6-3, Grant Ulm (Sr., QB/DB), Connor Gaynier (Jr., WR/
200, Sr., TE/DE) playing DB), Carson White (Sr., OL/DL), T.J. Werts (Jr., RB/
some tight end. … When LB), Austin Shafer (Soph., WR/DB), Joel Schrader
he (Schrader) is not a tight (Sr., TE/DE), Brayden Pohlman (Jr., WR/DB), Riley
Mueller (So., RB/LB), Camden Gable (So., OL/LB),
end, we’re going to use him
Alex Martz (Jr., OL/LB), Kobe O’Connor (Sr., OL/LB),
at multiple positions. We Josh Mueller (Jr., OL/DL)
also have a good backup Promising newcomers include: Cohen Martz (Sr., WR/
quarterback in Drew Boggs DB), Collin Feathers (Sr., RB/LB), Luke Bockey (Sr.,
(6-1, 160, Jr., WR/DB). OL/DE)
Drew will also be a wide 2023 schedule
receiver for us. So, I feel Delphos St. John’s
good about those guys.” (All kickoffs scheduled for 7 p.m. unless noted; subject
Last season, St. John’s to change)
was seventh in the MAC in Aug. 17 – Delphos Jefferson
scoring offense (18.8 points Aug. 26 – Lima Central Catholic, 1:30 p.m.
per game) and eighth in Sept. 1 – Versailles
total team offense (254.6 Sept. 8 – at Marion Local
yards per game) in the 10 Sept. 16 – Fort Recovery, 1:30 p.m.
regular-season games. Sept. 22 – at Anna
Defensively, St. John’s Sept. 29 – at Coldwater
will primarily stick with a Oct. 6 – Minster
3-4 scheme. Oct. 13 – Parkway
Oct. 20 – at New Bremen
In 2022, the Blue Jays’
Last year’s results
defensive unit was sixth in St. John’s 49, Delphos Jefferson 27
the MAC on points allowed Lima Central Catholic 54, St. John’s 27
(28.5 points per game). Versailles 31, St. John’s 0
“We have a lot of guys, Marion Local 54, St. John’s 0
who have played a lot of Fort Recovery 21, St. John’s 19
time for us,” Schulte said. St. John’s 41, Anna 13
“We are a 3-4 (defensive Coldwater 34, St. John’s 3
scheme). We just think our Minster 37, St. John’s 14
body types are more like St. John’s 21, Parkway 7
linebacker types as opposed St. John’s 14, New Bremen 7
to putting your hand in the Opening Round
dirt type of guys. But we do St. John’s 55, Arlington 24
Regional Quarterfinal
See St. John’s | 23C LCC 48, St. John’s 14

2022 NWCC week by week results Ridgemont preview

Week 1
Buckeye Central 53,
Crestline 8
Northmor 45, Elgin 0
Hardin Northern 44, Arcadia
19
Lehman Catholic 26, Perry 6
Mount Gilead 56, Ridgedale
0 Elgin 42, Perry 8
Ridgemont 52, Vanlue 16
Allen East 27, Upper Scioto
Valley 14
Waynesfield-Goshen 28,
Ada 0
Week 2
North Baltimore 16, Crestline
0 Waynesfield-Goshen 49,
Elgin 30, Cardington-Lincoln
14
Riverdale 35, Hardin
Northern 34
Allen East 64, Perry 0
Southeastern Local 39,
Ridgemont 0
Upper Scioto Valley 53,
Cory-Rawson 7
Waynesfield-Goshen 41,
Arcadia 0
Ridgedale 38, Vanlue 36
Week 3
Cardington-Lincoln 49,
Crestline 0
Mount Gilead 42, Elgin 6
Ada 57, Hardin Northern 40
Delphos Jefferson 56, Perry
13
Green 41, Ridgedale 14
Buckeye Central 42,
Ridgemont 18
Waynesfield-Goshen 26,
Lehman Catholic 7
Upper Scioto Valley 46,
North Baltimore 8
Week 4
Ridgemont 56, Crestline 0
Hardin Northern 61,
Ridgedale 12
Waynesfield-Goshen 42,
Upper Scioto Valley 14
Week 5
Upper Scioto Valley 86,
Crestline 8
Elgin 12
Hardin Northern 47, Perry 0
Ridgemont 24, Ridgedale 0
Week 6
Hardin Northern 41, Elgin 35
Upper Scioto Valley 40,
Perry 0
Waynesfield-Goshen 40,
Ridgemont 0
Ridgedale 36, Crestline 0
Week 7
Waynesfield-Goshen 62,
Crestline 8
Elgin 28, Ridgedale 14
Upper Scioto Valley 28,
Hardin Northern 14
Ridgemont 30, Perry 21
Week 8
Hardin Northern 49,
Crestline 8
Elgin 40, Ridgemont 20 TEAM PROFILE
Waynesfield-Goshen 47, Coach: Travis Rettig (first season)
Division: VII
Perry 0 Last year’s record: 4-6 (3-4 NWCC)
Upper Scioto Valley 56, Ticket information: ridgemont.k12.oh.us/TicketBoxOffice.aspx
Ridgedale 6 Returning 2022 varsity letter winners include: Colton Bailey (Jr.,
Week 9 OL/LB), Landon Eaton (Jr., OL/DL), Jevin Henderson (Jr., RB/LB),
Perry 41, Crestline 0 Kenny Feasel (Jr., OL/DL), Connor Manns (Jr., QB/DB), Kolton
Manns (Jr., WR/DB), Carter Ruppright (Jr., OL/DL), Patrick Stacklin
Upper Scioto Valley 34, Elgin (Jr., TE/LB), Xavier Stuck (Jr., RB/DB), Daniel Chapman (Soph.,
14 WR/DB), Jon Cromer (Soph., WR/DB), Hunter Ewing (Soph., TE/
Hardin Northern 35, LB), Mason Howard (Soph., RB/DB)
Ridgemont 20 Promising newcomers include: Dylan Penhorwood (Sr., OL/DL),
Blake Crum (Fr., OL/DL), Maverick Dawson (Fr., RB/LB), Kody Kiser
Waynesfield-Goshen 54, (Fr., Ath/DB), Kaine Ruppright (Fr., OL/DL), Riley Sifrit (Fr., OL/
Ridgedale 0
DL), Luke Stacklin (Fr., OL/DL), Wyatt Taviano (Fr., RB/LB), Maddox
Week 10 Thompson (Fr., OL/DL), Jakob Wallace (Fr., RB/LB)
Elgin 56, Crestline 14 Coach’s comments: We want to compete at the top of the NWCC. We
return a solid nucleus of players from last year’s team. We’re looking
Waynesfield-Goshen 35,
for a couple guys to step up and fill some big shoes at LB. While we
Hardin Northern 7 return a lot of experience at several positions, we are still very young
Ridgedale 26, Perry 20 (OT) overall with only three seniors on the roster. Leadership from some
younger players will be an important part of our team as we move
Upper Scioto Valley 46
Ridgemont 24 through the season. Depth at a couple positions and overall roster
size is always a concern at a small school, but numbers are trending
Opening Round in the right direction.
Fort Frye 57, Elgin 6 2023 schedule
Pandora-Gilboa 42, Upper (Kickoffs scheduled for 7 p.m.; subject to change)
Aug. 18 – Spencerville
Scioto Valley 8
Antwerp 43, Hardin Northern Aug. 25 – at Perry
Sept. 1 – Ridgedale
13 Sept. 8 – at Elgin
Waynesfield-Goshen 32, Sept. 15 – Crestline
North Central 8 Sept. 22 – at Upper Scioto Valley
Sept. 29 – Hardin Northern
Regional Quarterfinal
Oct. 6 – at North Baltimore
Gibsonburg 30 Waynesfield- Oct. 13 – Cory-Rawson
Goshen 20 Oct. 20 – Waynesfield-Goshen

2023 DELPHOS ST. JOHN’S

BLUE JAYS
Protection for your Good Luck
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Delphos, OH 45833
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OH-70137368T
OH-70337653L
The Lima News HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW Saturday, August 19, 2023 23E

W-G sees need for improvement even after winning NWCC

By Mike Purdy excited to play cause a will help us with what believes “we’ve done a We have had since I on the field and play with
mpurdy@limanews.com lot of them come with the we are trying to do offen- pretty good job of devel- have been here …, we you and still challenge
mind-set that I’m young sively. Not that we aren’t oping our younger talent. have a tendency to kind you just as well as if we
WAYNESFIELD — and I’m not going to play going to still run the ball, “We have guys that of feel our opponent out were in your conference,”
Waynesfield-Goshen is and all that stuff but we but we want to be sure we haven’t been starters but and start slow, kind of see Wireman said. “We still
looking to build on the really lost a lot of guys, can pass block. they’ve been constantly what they are about so have good football play-
success of going unbeaten and we don’t have a lot of “Up front in the rotating in the last couple that’s been an emphasis ers … good coaches and
in the regular season and depth so everyone needs trenches, we return a years waiting for their too. We want to come out there are a lot of good
collecting the Northwest to be ready to step in (first-team) all-conference chance so I kind of think that first drive and jump things happening in
Central Conference cham- on Friday nights to help selection in senior Drew you’ll see some guys on somebody and not small town football.
pionship. us out,” Breitigam said. Cook, and another multi- that may surprise people let them throw the first “In terms of goals/
“We talked about at “We’ve got to come closer year starter in senior because they are going punch. Get the ball let’s expectations, we want
the end of last year how as a team. Since we grad- David Born. Alongside of to think that’s a first-year go out and get a drive to do our very best to
much work it took to get uated those 10 seniors those we will have a lot of starter but that’s a guy and not wait for two or defend our league title
where we were last year last year, there are a lot competition to fill out the who’s been kind of wait- three possessions before from last year, and after
and if we want to go fur- of new kids and we just starting lineup upfront, ing in the wings for a cou- we start playing like we being eliminated from
ther, obviously, it’s going aren’t as close as we were but we feel strongly about ple years to get out there are capable of so, that is the playoffs each of the
to take more of the same last year from a personal the likes of Jayce Turner, and make an impact. So, something we want to get last two years in Week
and then be willing to standpoint. We need to Layden Porter, Ty Staf- I think we will have some better at as well.” 12, we would like to push
give more than we did last learn to grow together ford and Brody Roberts. guys do that for us.” He is also hoping for our season into Week 13
year,” head coach Shane kind of unify that brother- “We got some good “We’ve been trying a strong performances and hopefully beyond.
Wireman said. hood a little more.” playmakers on the out- to preach that every from the other confer- That being said, we
One of the thing Breitigam also received side, and that’s an area underclassman needs to ence members at playoff know the amount of work
the Tigers will have to second-team all-NWCC we have to get better. We buy in, show up during time. it has taken to accom-
address immediately is recognition at defensive know teams like to try the offseason, have good “Hopefully, in the plish these recent goals,
finding replacements for back. to bring pressure on us. winter workouts and postseason, I want to see and we know it will take
last year’s seniors. “Honesty, I look at Keep our quarterback spring workouts,” said some of our teams go out more of the same to try
“Just as many schools it the same way either in the pocket and things Cook, who also plays on and show other confer- and accomplish such
have done, we graduated side,” he said.”I love get- like that. So, those are all the defensive line.” They ences that, yeah, we are goals again this upcom-
a very solid senior class ting hit, I love hitting things we want to keep need to keep showing up small but we can still get ing season.”
…, many who were multi- people. I like being able getting better at offen- throughout the summer
ple-year starters, exit the to help my team however sively. and putting in the work
program,” Wireman said. I can.” “Our backfield will be we need to succeed in our TEAM PROFILE
“I think using the example Also returning is senior led by a group of juniors season.” Coach: Shane Wireman (eighth season)
from the guys that go Dalton Jordan, who made who will take their turn “We want to go out and Division: VII
before you, that last year’s The Lima News Dream toting the rock, which defend that league title,” Last year’s record: 11-1 (7-0 NWCC)
senior class had 10 guys Team at wide receiver includes Grant Breitigam, Wireman said. “If we are Ticket information: wgschools.org/o/wga/page/
in it, and they set a good as well as first-team all- Carson Barnes and Gage kind of walking around
online-ticket-purchasing
example for how we want NWCC and all-district Steinke. All three of these with a big head and not
to do things and, hopeful- and second-team all-state backs bring something taking our job seriously, Returning 2002 varsity letter winners include: David
ly, some of that leadership after posting 35 recep- different to the table and teams are going to catch Born (Sr., OL/DL), Drew Breitigam (Sr., QB/DB), Jay
and kind of lead by exam- tions for 773 yards and 13 we plan to use each to up to you. Carter (Sr., OL/DL), Drew Cook (Sr., OL/DL), Landin
ple type of thing, whether TDs. their strengths.” “We don’t want to get DeWitt (Sr., WR/DB), Dalton Jordan (Sr., WR/DB),
it was a vocal leader or “Like coach said, you W-G also returns complacent, regardless Devon Klenke (Sr.. WR/DB), Keaghan McKercher (Sr.,
something like that would just got to keep teaching Lane Steinke, who made of who we are playing,” OL/DL), Ty Stafford (Sr., OL/DL), Jonathan Yoder (Sr.,
be good at showing these these younger classmen first-team NWCC as a Wireman said. “We still OL/DL), Carson Barnes (Jr., RB/LB), Grant Breitigam
guys kind of how to do to fill in those spots and freshman kicker. Barnes have things we want to
(Jr., RB/LB), Jordan Gossard (Jr., OL/LB), Jace
the same kind of thing for try to teach them what was a second-team all- work on, and we want to
the underclassmen that they need to do,” said Jor- conference tight end and make sure that we get bet- Kaufman (Jr., QB/WR/DB), Layden Porter (Jr., OL/
are coming from behind dan, who is excited about Born, who also plays on ter as a team regardless DL), Cayden Ridgeway (Jr., RB/LB), Troy Spencer (Jr.,
them.” “going back and defend- the defensive line, was of who we play on Friday TE/LB), Gage Steinke (Jr., RB/DB), Jayce Turner (Jr.,
The Tigers do “return ing the NWCC champion- named honorable men- nights. … Our ultimate OL/DL), Bradey Miller (Soph., RB/LB), Lane Steinke
another group of 10 ship and going into my tion all-NWCC. goal is not just to beat (Soph., WR/DB/K)
seniors who are looking last year just trying to W-G’s base defense will the team we are playing Promising newcomers include: Brody Roberts (Soph.,
to build upon last season’s have fun and play ball be a 4-2-5 but the 3-4 will Friday night but we are OL/DL), Levi Werling (Soph., OL/DL), Reed Waitman
success,” Wireman said. with all my teammates.” also likely be employed. working towards that
(Soph., WR/DB), Kolten Webb (Soph., WR/DB)
Among them is quar- Jordan was also first Among those back is Week 12, Week 13, Week
terback Drew Breitigam, team all-NWCC selection junior Grant Breitigam, 14. So, we want to make 2023 schedule
who was named the con- at defensive back. who was named first-team sure we are getting bet- (Kickoffs scheduled for 7 p.m.; subject to change)
ference’s offensive player Wireman said an area all-NWCC at linebacker. ter, not just staying the Aug. 18 – at Mississinawa Valley
of the year after throwing of emphasis for W-G in “I think one thing we same so that’s something Aug. 25 – Crestline
for 1,280 and 22 touch- order to improve on last want to do better this these guys hear a lot from Sept. 1 – at Upper Scioto Valley
downs and rushing for year’s success is pass pro- year is we want more me. Every week we have Sept. 8 – at Hardin Northern
564 yards and seven TDs tection. turnovers,” Wireman different goals. We want Sept. 15 – North Baltimore
during the regular sea- “That’s something said. “We had guys to meet those goals and
Sept. 22 – at Cory-Rawson
son. He was also named we’ve worked on with the around the ball a lot last get better at things that
first-team all-district and offensive line,” Wireman year with the new cover- maybe we’re not putting Sept. 29 – Elgin
second-team all-state. said. ages we were running. together as well as we Oct. 6 – Perry
“I want to see more He said this year the We just want to capitalize could.” Oct. 13 – at Ridgedale
younger classmen get Tigers will be smaller up more.” He also wants to start Oct. 20 – at Ridgemont
more involved and more front “but we think that Overall, Wireman games off stronger.

Upper Scioto Valley Hardin Northern preview

preview
TEAM PROFILE
Coach: Dustin Price (seventh season)
Division: VII
Last year’s record: 8-3 (6-1 NWCC)
Ticket information: usvschools.org/athletics.aspx
Significant stat: Alex Sanders rushed 213 times for
1,855 yards and 30 touchdowns last season.
Returning 2022 varsity letter winners include: Alex
Sanders (Sr., RB/LB), Drew Sanders (Sr., OL/DL),
Connor Scott (Sr., WR, CB), Maddox Underwood
(Jr., QB/FS), Mason Thompson (Jr., TE/OLB), Wyatt
Helton (Jr., WR/OLB), Ryan Roberts (Soph., RB/S),
Mykal Ellerbrock (Jr., OL/DL), Jerson Hernandez (Sr.,
DB)
Promising newcomers include: Carter Peoples (Sr.,
OL/DL), Beau Sanders (Fr., OL/LB), Brice Johnson
(Sr., OL/DL)
Coach’s comments: Continue to build on our recent
success. We have a good core group of guys that
have worked really hard. There are multiple guys who
are versatile in positions that they can play well. This
will allow us to be more flexible on defense and show
different looks on offense.
2023 schedule
(Kickoffs scheduled for 7 p.m.; subject to change)
Aug. 18 — at Ada
Aug. 25 — at Cory-Rawson
Sept. 1 — Waynesfield-Goshen
Sept. 8 — at Perry
Sept. 15 — at Ridgedale
Sept. 22 — Ridgemont
Sept. 29 — Crestline
Oct. 6 — Elgin
Oct. 13 — Hardin Northern
Oct. 20 — at North Baltimore
TEAM PROFILE
Coach: Jerry Cooper (first season)
Division: VII
Last year’s record: 6-5 (5-2 NWCC)
Ticket information: sites.google.com/hardinnorthern.org/hn-athletics/tickets
Returning 2022 letter winners include: Bo Bame (Sr., OL/NG), Carter Curtis (Sr., RB/S), Rowan Frater
(Sr., OL/DL), Branson Grindell (Sr., RB/CB), Sean Kuhlman (Sr., WR/S), Michael Pizzuti (Sr., OL/DL),
Clay Rager (Sr., OL/DL), Justin Refitt (Sr., OL/DL), Cooper Thomas (Sr., RB/LB), Kruz Curtis (Jr., OL/LB),
Caleb Emerine (Jr., OL/DE), Kam Frank (Jr., C/DE), Kaden Guinn (Jr., OL/LB), Bodi Hipsher (Jr., TE/DE),
Nolan Hopson (Jr., QB/SS), Cody Spearman (Jr., RB/LB), Xander Wilson (Jr., WR/LB)
Coach’s comments: The 2023 Hardin Northern Polar Bears are hoping to improve upon last year’s 6-5
record. With 18 returning lettermen and nine starters back on both offense and defense our goal is to be
competing for the Northwest Central Conference championship and a Division VII playoff berth. We will
be a run first offense from our sprint option offensive set. We will play a multiple aggressive 4-3 defense
which will be rooted in physical play and solid tackling. The key to a successful season is developing depth,
improving every week, and staying injury free. The enthusiasm and optimism around Hardin Northern
football is very high. Our work ethic and selfless attitude as well as attention to detail will determine the
fate of this year’s edition of Polar Bears football.
2023 schedule
(Kickoffs scheduled for 7 p.m.; subject to change)
Aug. 18 — Arlington
Aug. 25 — North Baltimore
Sept. 1 — at Cory-Rawson
Sept. 8 — Waynesfield-Goshen
Sept. 15 — at Perry
Sept. 22 — Ridgedale
Sept. 29 — at Ridgemont
Oct. 6 — at Crestline
Oct. 13 — at Upper Scioto Valley
Oct. 20 — Elgin
St. John’s bunch. So, right there are three guys
who played a lot up front. Then, we
players on both offense and defense.
“We talked today, and I told them,
have some linebackers coming back. ‘What we do in practice - everything is
From page 2E
T.J. Werts had a great year for us, until (about) conditioning. Nobody stands
he got hurt. Riley Mueller started as a around.’ I told them, ‘The only time
have returners. freshman. He (Mueller) has put on 30 you’re coming off the field, for most of
“Carson White (5-10, 230, Sr., pounds during the off-season. And we you, is at halftime’,” Schulte said with
DL/OL) played a bunch up front. have guys returning on the back end. a grin.
Joel Schrader (6-3, 200, Sr., DE/ We have Braylon Metzger, who played “I would like to think we are build-
TE) played a bunch up front for us safety for us. Connor Gaynier also ing some depth. So, if there’s a place
as a defensive end. Josh Mueller played on that side of the ball.” where we can spell some of the guys,
(5-11, 245, DL/OL) also played a Schulte plans to utilize a lot of his we will certainly try to do that.”
 24E Saturday, August 19, 2023 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW The Lima News
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