(ARCHIVE PHOTO/ THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
LOCOS SEASON PREVIEW … Senior receiver Kam Smith takes the ball up field after making a catch last season versus Hilltop.
By: Nate Calvin
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
sports@thevillagereporter.com
MONTPELIER – Third-year head coach Any Robinson leads a Montpelier team into 2024 that enjoyed a big turnaround in 2023.
The Locos racked up seven wins last season, went 5-0 at home, and earned their first playoff berth since 1993.
“More importantly we learned how to practice in a manner that allowed us to be successful and the kids have grasped our systems on both sides of the ball which allows us to play much faster within the game”, added Robinson when talking about other areas the team grew in.
“Last season was crucial for our program as a whole to show kids that we can be successful here and there is now an expectation and standard that teams can look at for years to come.”
“This year we will need to focus heavily on completing easy passes. We need to once again take care of the ball at a high level and extend drives.”
“We will have a young group of kids starting so we will have to be extremely focused on learning our concepts and adjusting to the physicality of high school football.”, he added.
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Eli Fackler (OL/DL); Carter Wade (OL/DL); Ash Walz (OL/LB); Landon Fackler (OL/DL); Grant Girrell (TE/DL); Brennen Friend (RB/S); Chavez Martin (WR/CB); Brayden Brink (WR/CB); Nathan Rummel (WR/DB)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Kam Smith (WR/DB/PK); Hayden Sharps (QB/P); Griffin Cooley (RB/LB/LS/Returner); Jaxson Stahler (WR/S/Holder); Logan Pontious (OL/DL); Wesley Hartsock (WR/DB), Gary Robinson, Johnny Fritsch, Carter Watterson, Malachi Smith
NEWCOMERS: Freshman – Ryan Riggenbaugh, Travis Clifford, Carter Meek, Zepplin Morals, Jacob Lyons
STRENGTHS: Team speed, experienced QB play, linebacker play, experience in the secondary.
WEAKNESSES: Inexperienced offensive line, young wide receivers, depth and experience up front on defense.
LEAGUE OUTLOOK: “Edon brings back a slew of talent along with reigning champs Ottawa Hills. I expect both teams to be strong at the top of the league.”
“Northwood is always well coached, and Hilltop was improved last year. The league will be competitive week in and week out.”
ABOUT THEIR SCHEDULE: Season Opener: August 23 – Antwerp (H) 7pm; TAAC Opener: September 27 – Edon (H) 7pm
