John Glenn football fueled by last year's struggles

NEW CONCORD — There were many growing pains last season for John Glenn.

The Muskies had only five seniors on the roster and numerous underclassmen took on varsity roles.

The result was a 3-7 campaign and no playoff berth under ninth-year coach Matt Edwards, who had led John Glenn to five straight postseasons before last year.

"Last year we took a step back, and it has really fueled our guys. Our offseason has been incredible," Edwards noted. "We played a really difficult schedule with perennial playoff teams Fort Frye and Bloom Carroll out of the gate, and the Big School Division is always tough. We had to throw a lot of guys in who weren't quite ready, but we want to take advantage of that experience."

Offense: Running game to carry the load

Relying on a strong ground game, featuring a trio of playmakers, will be the Muskies' focus.

Junior Lincoln Gilcher, who had 854 yards and nine TDs on 69 carries a year ago, enters his third varsity season, while classmate Ryder Rock will also tote the rock after averaging more than 4 yards per carry on 38 attempts a year ago. They will be joined by a sophomore Reese Metzger, who has impressed Edwards with his quickness.

The group will run behind an experienced line, which has four of five starters back. Junior Clay Mathers, who has started since his freshman season, returns to left tackle, and senior Noah Scheffler, a four-year starter, is back at left guard. A pair of juniors, Kaden Stallard and Jake DeMattio, are back at right guard and tackle, respectively, while junior Rock Zemba will be a first-year starter at center.

Having varsity experience in those areas will assist John Glenn, as the quarterback battle continues.

"We're built on our offensive line and running game," Edwards said. "We have three different styles in the backfield. Lincoln is a downhill runner, Ryder is shifty and gives us a solid pass catcher, and Reese could be a home run threat, something we haven't had in a while.

"Our line started working hard in January. They were in the weight room, focused on getting bigger and stronger," Edwards added. "We have legitimate Friday night players, who have played a lot of football. They've bought into everything. They understand the importance of being consistent and relying on each other."

Those players will assist whoever is tabbed the starting quarterback between senior Noah Winland and junior Jake Johnson. Both saw quality playing time last year, as Winland went 70 of 149 for 833 yards with four TDs and 13 INTs and Johnson was 40 of 82 for 407 yards with two TDs and two interceptions.

"Both have a year of growth and have been good, steady leaders this offseason," Edwards said. "We've seen them cut down on their mistakes. They've learned what it takes on Friday nights. We're seeing who steps up and takes the job."

One area of inexperience will be the wide receivers and tight ends. The Muskies graduated Nathan Walker, who accounted for 56 of the team's 111 receptions. He had 834 yards and five TDs.

This year's group features plenty of upperclassmen, but none have been the main target. Seniors Kobe Shade, Gates Thompson, Joey Wentland, Caleb Larrick and Lane Hall and juniors Cannon Fox and Andrew Glaub will get their chances. Thompson, Shade and Larrick have the most experience, as they combined for 34 catches and 247 yards last season.

"This is our least experienced group on the roster, and it will be receiver by committee," Edwards said. "We have seven, eight guys who we can put out there. Defenses won't be able to focus on just one guy, and we can spread it around. It will be a group effort no matter who's throwing them the ball."

The Muskies also have weapons on special teams. All-Ohio soccer player, junior Will Nicolozakes, will handle the placekicking duties, while Metzger and Glaub have the athleticism to make big plays in the return game, noted Edwards.

Defense: Depth gives Muskies an edge

John Glenn has developed the depth where nearly every starter will be one way. It should be beneficial for the front seven, especially several senior starters.

Senior Nic Xanders, who played left tackle last year, will focus on being a defensive end, with sophomore Alex Altier on the other side and junior Tanner Whiteman lining up at nose in the 3-4 scheme.

All four starting linebackers are seniors, highlighted by the return of Bronson Bendle, who missed most of last season with an injury. He is surrounded by classmates, Cash Smith, Cameron Barnhouse and Connor Sensabaugh.

Last season, Barnhouse had 81 tackles with 10 for a loss, Sensabaugh collected 77 tackles and Smith made 63 stops with six TFLs and four sacks to lead the defense.

"It's important to have seniors and juniors in those spots," Edwards said. "Having Bronson back is huge. When healthy, he's one of the most athletic players I've coached. Cash and Cameron are track athletes with good speed.

"Our line dedicated to changing themselves in the weight room. They're stronger and physically ready," he added. "This group has played a lot of football, and we expect big things from them."

The secondary has a blend of experience and speed. Winland and Johnson are the cornerbacks while Metzger and fellow sophomore Owen Edwards provide depth, and Wise and Glaub will be the safeties.

"Their jobs will be made easier by our front seven," Edwards said. "We need them to hold up the back end. With their experience and athleticism, we expect they can do that."

The Muskies have a new punter this year after losing Walker, who averaged 37 yards per punt last season. Junior Evan Rector and Bendle will share the duties, and each should improve as they get more reps.

Outlook: John Glenn striving to reach old standard

The playoffs had been a regular occurrence under Edwards. He expects the Muskies to again contend for the postseason, as well as in the hard-nosed Big School Division with 37 combined juniors and seniors and 27 lettermen back on the roster.

Their knowledge of the game has prepared the upperclassmen for what lies ahead, remarked Edwards.

"Our upperclassmen have shown the leadership needed to be successful. We want to take advantage of the experience we gained," he said. "They were fueled by last season's struggles, and their commitment and dedication this offseason has been incredible. We have guys who are ready for Friday nights, and they have high expectations."

bhannahs@gannett.com; @brandonhannahs

In the huddle

Key returnees: Cameron Barnhouse (LB, sr.), Cash Smith (WR/DB, sr.), Noah Winland (QB/DB, sr.), Ryder Rock (RB, jr.), Bronson Bendle (RB/LB, sr.), Gates Thompson (WR/LB, sr.), Lincoln Gilcher (RB/LB, jr.), Connor Sensabaugh (RB/LB, sr.), Noah Scheffler (OL/DL, sr.), Clay Mathers (OL/DL, jr), Nic Xanders (OL/DL, sr.), Kaden Stallard (OL/DL, jr.), Caleb Larrick (WR/DL, sr.).

Key losses: Nathan Walker (WR), Gunner Fox (OL/DL), Ethan Derwacter (OL/DL), Blandon Baker (DL)

Coaching staff: Head coach Matt Edwards, Brad Barclay, Mitch Bendle, Clint Fox, Jim Kornokovich, Nathan Larrick, Chris Merry, Aaron Smith, Tuff Zemba

Classification: Division III, Region 11

Last Muskingum Valley League League title: 2019

Last playoff appearance: 2021

Last playoff win: 2021

Regional titles: 3

John Glenn 2023 schedule

Aug. 18: at Circleville

Aug. 25: Cambridge

Sept. 1: New Lexington

Sept. 8: at Coshocton

Sept. 15: at Sheridan

Sept. 22: Meadowbrook

Sept. 29: at Maysville

Oct. 6: River View

Oct. 13: Philo

Oct. 20: at Tri-Valley

This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: John Glenn football ready to rebound after missing playoffs