EDON VARSITY FOOTBALL … (Front) Noah Robbins, Jobe Carlson, Destin McCartney, Dawson Kiess. (2nd Row) Cassius Hulbert, Henley Dye, Drew Gallehue, Ethan Steinke, Hayden Dye, Jayden Craven. (3rd Row) Jack Morris, Wade Parrish, Garrett Skiles, Ian Hickman, Carter Kiess, Konnor Prince. (4th Row) Wyatt Moore, Caden Nester, Connor Towers, Kole Olds, Clay Dulle, Peyton Trausch. (Back) Coaches: LJ Walker, Matt Holcomb, Head Coach Bob Olwin, Jamison Wisel, Larry Copeland. (PHOTO BY RICH HARDING, STAFF)
By: Nate Calvin
Veteran coach Bob Olwin returns to the head coaching ranks as he takes over the reins at Edon this season. Olwin spent the last two seasons serving as an offensive assistant coach at Fairview, helping the Apaches to an appearance in the regional finals in 2018 and the regional semifinals in 2019.
Olwin takes over for Scott Staten who resigned in early December after ten years guiding the Bomber program. In his time, Staten compiled a record of 54-49 including making the playoffs three times during his tenure. His 54 wins are a school record.
The Bombers are coming off a 7-4 season which included a second-place finish (5-1) in the TAAC and a first-round playoff loss to Norwalk St. Paul.
Olwin, who has a career record of 212-62 in 34 seasons, will have his work cut out for him with the Bombers having plenty of holes to fill.
Leading receiver and kick returner last year Chase Reed is among the notable players Edon will be looking to replace. Last season Reed hauled in 35 passes for 548 and seven touchdowns along with averaging 26.2 yards per punt return and 22.5 yards per kickoff return.
Also lost to graduation for the Bombers is Austin Kiess (116 tackles, 13 TDs, 450 yards receiving), leading rusher Dylan Mason (158 carries for 894 yards, 9 TDs), and receiver Kelby Sapp (23 rec., 464 yards).
Edon does have 10 returning letterman on this year’s squad led by junior quarterback Drew Gallehue who was 126/227 passing for 1,893 yards and 36 touchdowns last season. Ethan Steinke (15 rec., 164 yards, four TDS), Henley Dye (77 tackles), and Wade Parrish (230 yards rushing) also return for the Bombers.
Coach Olwin points to Caden Nester-QB/DB, Carter Kiess-WR/DB, Cole Olds, Garrett Skiles-H/LB, Konnor Prince-OL/DL, and Clayton Dulle as players he expects to have an increased role on the team.
“I really like our players attitude, work ethic, and desire to be successful”, said Olwin when commenting on positives he has seen so far. “We lack depth and are young and inexperienced at several positions. We want to show improvement each week and ultimately compete for a conference title”.
Edon opens the season on August 28th at home versus Lakota.
Nate can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com
