H.S. Football Preview: A closer look at Fairfield Union and Amanda-Clearcreek
LANCASTER - The high school football season gets underway in less than two weeks in what should be another exciting year.
With the Ohio High School Athletic Association expanding the playoffs to 16 teams in each region qualifying for the postseason, there is an excellent opportunity for even more to qualify this year. The playoffs will begin on Oct. 27.
Here is a closer look at the Falcons and Aces as they prepare for the season opener on Aug. 18.
FAIRFIELD UNION
Coach: Andy Clark (first season)
Conference: Mid-State League-Buckeye Division
2021 record: 5-5
Key returners: Gunnar George, Sr., OL/DL; Owen Ruff, Sr., OL/DL; Kyle Wolf, Sr., OL/DL; Justin Mossholder, Sr., OL/DL; Jase Swisher, Sr., Ol/DL; Carter Murdock, Sr., TE/DE; Keegan Arnett, Jr., OL/DL; Isaiah Saleh, Jr., RB/DB; Hunter Clark, Jr., QB/DB; Clay Markwod, Jr., TE/LB; Brock Terry, Jr., RB/LB; Chase Harmon, Jr., RB/LB; Hayden Rager, Jr., RB/DB; Jake Barr, Wr/DB.
Key newcomers: Trace Pennell, Sr., RB/DB; Grant McPherson, Soph., RB/LB; Zach Berry, Soph., WR/LB.
Coach Clark’s take: “We will be counting on our experience and senior leadership on the offensive and defensive lines which consist of returning starters Gunnar George, Kyle Wolfe, Justin Mossholder, Jase Swisher, Carter Murdock, and Junior Keegan Arnett. They are a veteran group that has improved their strength during the offseason and have stepped up as team leaders. At the skill positions on the offensive side of the ball, junior Owen Ruff returns as the lone running back with starting experience from last year. Junior Hunter Clark made one start at quarterback when filling in for an injured Hayden Collins last season and will be counted on to take the reins full-time this year. The running back spots will be filled by senior Trace Pennell (who missed 2022 due to an injury), juniors Isaiah Saleh, Chase Harmon, Brock Terry, Hayden Rager, and sophomore Grant McPherson. At receiver, we have juniors Jake Barr, Jack Nolan, and sophomore Zach Berry. New non-league opponents plus strong returning teams in the MSL Buckeye Division will be a challenge this season. Having battle-tested seniors in the trenches will be a huge advantage for us, especially early on as we gain experience on the back half of the defense and in the backfield on offense. The tempo and intensity in practices have been good and the players are picking up the new schemes quickly.”
What to expect: After a 5-5 season, the Falcons decided to go in a different direction in hiring Clark, a former head coach, who was the Falcons’ athletic director. He previously coached at Chesapeake and had a 44-29 record from 2011-18. Clark is hoping to lead the Falcons to its first playoff berth since 2006. With a more up-tempo offense, the Falcons will look to start quickly, which would go a long way in gaining confidence in the new coaching staff.
Schedule
Aug. 18: at New Lexington
Aug. 25: at Meigs
Sept. 1: Warren
Sept 8: at Hamilton Township
Sept. 15: Logan Elm
Sept 22: at Bloom-Carroll
Sept. 29: Liberty Union
Oct. 6: Circleville
Oct. 13: at Amanda-Clearcreek
Oct. 20: Teays Valley
AMANDA-CLEARCREEK
Coach: Chet Saum (first season)
Conference: Mid-State League-Buckeye Division
2021 record: 0-10
Key returners: Drew Dossman, Sr., QB; Wyat Detty, Sr., OL/DL; Toby Hicks, Sr., OL/DL; Keller McNear, Sr., OL/DL; Taylon Conrad, Sr., WR/DB; Logan Stevens, Jr., QB/DB; Bryton Carruthers, Jr., WR/DB; Tanner Affolter, Jr., RB/LB; Brody Elder, Jr., TE/LB; Peyton Beavers, Jr., TE/DB; Landon Mills, Jr., RB/LB; Peter Smith, Jr., OL/DL; Tommy Stai, Soph., RB/DB.
Key newcomers: Landon Covell, Sr. RB/DB; Brody Steinmetz, Sr., OL/LB; Colton Westoven, Jr., Camran Tinsley, Jr., OL/DL; Bodue Martin, Soph., RB/DB; Chase Hanna, Soph., OL/DL; Gary Kimmerling, Soph., OL/DL; Preston Young, Soph., OL/DL; Dylan Dyer, Soph., OL/DL.
Coach Saum’s take: “Lead by a solid senior class, we hope to make considerable progress and use this year as a turning point. We are hoping to start with a new foundation built on this senior class’s hard work and leadership, that others may follow and help live up to a high standard of Amanda-Clearcreek Football.
What to Expect: After going 0-10 in 2022, the Aces turned to one of their own in hiring Saum, a former player, with the hopes of restoring the rich tradition the Aces have had. The good news is a lot of younger players gained plenty of experience last season, so there will be some growth and improvement. Like any team looking to turn things around, the Aces will need to have some success early to get everyone to buy in.
Schedule
Aug. 18: Linden McKinley
Aug. 25: at Unioto
Sept. 1: at Adena
Sept 8: Bloom-Carroll
Sept. 15: at Circleville
Sept 22: Hamilton Township
Sept. 29: at Teays Valley
Oct. 6: at Logan Elm
Oct. 13: Fairfield Union
Oct. 20: at Liberty Union
Tom Wilson is a sports reporter for the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette. Contact him at 740-689-5150 or via email at twilson@gannett.com for comments or story tips. Follow him on Twitter @twil2323.
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: H.S. Football Preview: A closer look at Fairfield Union and Amanda-Clearcreek
