(ARCHIVE PHOTO/ THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
CADETS PREVIEW … Brock Kesler carries the ball while being pursued by an Edon defender.
By: Nate Calvin
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
sports@thevillagereporter.com
WEST UNITY – Injuries hurt what Hilltop and head coach Nathan Massie thought would be a better 2023 season as the Cadets went 1-9 and were 0-4 in the TAAC.
Finding a quarterback and improving offensive line play will be two of the top priorities for Massie, who is entering his seventh season.
On the defensive side, Hilltop will look to limit big plays after giving up too many 3rd and long situations according to Massie.
The punting and kickoff part of special teams is expected to be a strength with the return of Cameron Schlosser while they continue to look for consistency at place kicker.
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Branson Heisey (WR/DB); David Rodriguez (OL/DL); Wade Wagner (WR/LB); Aiden Terril (OL); Dalton Bauer (LB); Shannon Spires (DL)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Cameron Schlosser (WR/DE/P); Brock Kesler (DB/WR/QB); Terry Rebeck III (RB/FB/LB); Brycen Grubbs (WR/DB); Brian Guillen (OL/DE), Jon Stephens (OL/LB); Jesus Guillen (OL/DL); Scott Bowers RB/FB); Cameron Shimp (LB), Zakk Cammack, Toby Hartman, Zane Burdine
NEWCOMERS: JUNIOR – Brady Wagner; SOPHOMORE – Fred Reinbolt; FRESHMAN – Corbin Hartman, Noah White
STRENGTHS: Skill positions depth; Defensive line and linebacker depth and experience
WEAKNESSES: Experienced depth on the offensive line; Secondary and outside linebacker experience/depth
LEAGUE OUTLOOK: “I believe if we can stay healthy, we can compete in the conference this year, we have experience returning in many positions and many players have worked hard this offseason to get better.”
ABOUT THEIR SCHEDULE: SEASON OPENER: August 23 – Ridgedale (H) 7pm; TAAC Opener: October 4 – Ottawa Hills (A) 7pm