2023 football preview: Can Greencastle replace the production of its All-State back?
Replacing talented seniors is usually on the agenda of all high school teams every given year. But not often do teams have to replace All-State level talent.
That is what Greencastle is tasked to do in 2023.
Running back Tavon Cooper was sensational for the Blue Devils last year, earning a spot on the Class 5A All-State Team. But he has since graduated, leaving a lot of production that needs to be made up.
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It's not going to be one guy to step in and replace him.
"You replace him by balance," head coach Devin McCauley said. "We don't have another Tavon Cooper ready to go. But I do think we have quality depth."
The Blue Devils will rely on multiple running backs to step in, but McCauley also knows that his senior quarterback will have to take on more responsibility as well.
Logan Alvey was strong in 2022, having an efficient season, only throwing three interceptions. His growth will be huge for this squad.
"After starting 10 games, you slow the game down," McCauley said. "The game slows but your decision making goes faster. He knows what we expect, and he knows what we want on each play. So with that, you assume he can take the next step."
Alvey will have to step up in crunch time, which has been a big focus this offseason.
Greencastle started last season 4-0 and had chances to add wins down the stretch, but some poor second-half performances led to a 1-5 stretch to end the season.
"The biggest thing was we were in really good positions and couldn't finish games that could have put us in the playoffs," McCauley said. "So it's about finishing games and executing when you're tired."
The mental side of it has been as big of a focus, if not more, than the Xs and Os side.
"It's a belief. Winning is a belief," McCauley said. "If you get down it's not, 'Here we go again.' It's, 'What can I do to lift everyone else up?'"
Inside the Blue Devils' huddle
Head coach: Devin McCauley
2022 record: 5-5
Classification: 5A
Last District 3 appearance: 2011
District 3 playoff record: 2-7
Last District 3 win: 2010
This article originally appeared on Chambersburg Public Opinion: Greencastle-Antrim High School football preview 2023
