Maysville leaning on seniors, 'relentless' defense to guide the way

NEWTON TOWNSHIP — Getting off on the right foot is the focus for Maysville.

The Panthers understand the gauntlet presented by being in the Muskingum Valley League Big School Division, but a senior-laden squad won't be intimidated.

Senior Coen Fink noted Maysville has a plan, and it starts with veterans in key roles.

"We have the experience in our backfield and on the defensive side. We have guys back on the lines who know what needs to be done," Fink said. "We're focused on showing the younger players how things need to be done."

Offense: Panthers leaning on skilled players

Speed and athleticism highlight the Wing-T, as seniors Wesley Armstead, Coen Fink and Casen Hirtle will get the bulk of the carries. Sophomores Alex Ray, Landon Iden and Kohen Lewellen will provide depth at wingback.

Armstead averaged better than 8 yards per carry on 25 attempts last season and led the receivers with 41 catches for 503 yards and four TDs, while Fink had nearly 300 total yards of offense.

Their skill will aid the new signal callers, as senior Todd Saxton and junior Mat Harper step in to replace Alex Bobb, who did not come out this season. Bobb threw for more than 1,500 yards with nine TDs last season.

Seniors Sammy Scott and Tyler Debolt and junior Kaleb Monlux are slated as the split ends, and senior Dylan Stevens will be the starting tight end.

"(Todd and Mat) have grown up in our system and know what's expected. They're both tremendous athletes and have had success in other sports, but they need some game experience," Clarke said. "We have a lot of experience with our skilled players. Debolt, Armstead, Fink and Scott are all two-year starters, and Hirtle will be a good addition with his shiftiness."

Having familiarity with the offense and each other should aid the offensive's development, added Fink.

"We know how to pick up on the little mistakes," he said. "We've been more vocal and had better communication. We're focusing on those little things so we can be better."

The line will be a blend of veterans and youth. Senior Gavin Baker is a two-year starter and returns to center after being a tackle last season, while juniors Logan Wilhite and Aiden Rhoades are slated at the guard spots and senior Connor Luman and sophomores Connor Young and Colton Dumolt will be part of the tackle rotation.

"We're young up front in game experience, but we have more depth than last season," Clarke said. "They have great athletes behind them so we need them to open holes and let those guys get in space."

Armstead also provides a big play returner on special teams, and Scott and Harper are back to share the placekicking duties.

"It's always beneficial to have experience on special teams," Clarke said. "Wesley had some big returns last year, and each of those guys know what they need to do in those roles."

Defense: Depth critical to Panthers' success

The defense returns every starter outside of the graduated Hayden Jarrett, who anchored the middle of the unit.

Stevens and fellow senior Andrew Baughman return to the defensive end roles in the 3-3-stack, while sophomore Jacob Tumblin, who was mainly a short yardage lineman last season, will see more time at nose guard. Junior Noah Jarjou provides depth, returning to the program after not playing since seventh grade.

Saxton, Wilhite and Hirtle are listed as the starting linebackers with Ray behind them. Saxton and Wilhite were the second and third-leading tacklers a year ago with 73 and 71 stops, respectively.

The secondary features junior Kaleb Monlux and Debolt as cornerbacks, Armstead as free safety and Fink and Harper as strong safeties. Armstead, Harper and Debolt each grabbed two interceptions and Armstead had 63 tackles and four pass breakups.

Iden, junior Owen Rusnak and sophomore Kade Rock could also see time in the defensive backfield.

"We need to lean on our defense, and that side of the ball will need to keep us in games, especially early on," Clarke said. "We're fast and run to the ball well. We have more depth so we can give our starters a rest when needed. We don't have a lot of size, but this group will be relentless."

Armstead and Fink will also share reps as punter.

Seeing a renewed commitment to the weight room in the offseason has Armstead confident in the defense.

"We had a lot of guys showing up for spring lifts, and it was a chance to bond and work together," he said. "We know our strengths and what each of us can do. We have to limit those big plays we gave up last year. We need to build on each week and put it all together on Friday nights."

Outlook: Panthers aiming for strong start

Keeping the focus simple is Clarke's approach. The Panthers open against Meadowbrook in Week 1, a team they defeated in the opener last season.

"All our focus is on Week 1," the veteran coach said. "We have to go on the road against an improved team. We need to keep working and trying to get better so we're ready for that game."

Fink added the seniors understand the importance of a good start. They are prepared to set the tone for the season.

"We believe we can have a good season, and we're betting on ourselves," he said. "We want to start strong and build on that week to week."

bhannahs@gannett.com; @brandonhannahs

In the huddle

Key returnees: Wesley Armstead (RB/DB, sr.), Gavin Baker (OL, sr.), Andrew Baughman (DE, sr.), Tyler Debolt (WR/DB, sr.), Coen Fink (RB/DB, sr.), Todd Saxton (QB/LB, sr.), Sammy Scott (WR/DB, sr.), Dylan Stevens (TE/DE, sr.), Mathew Harper (QB/DB, jr.), Logan Wilhite (OG/LB, jr.), Jacob Tumblin (OT/DT, so.)

Key losses: Hayden Jarrett (LB/RB), Alex Bobb (QB), Trenton Pitts (OL/DL)

Coaching staff: Head coach Craig Clarke, Dustin Young, Seth Brown, Evan Brown, Taylor Brown, Derrek Fulk, Mike Harper

Classification: Division IV, Region 15

Last Muskingum Valley League title: 1975

Last playoff appearance: 2020

Last playoff win: 2014

Regional titles: 0

Maysville 2023 schedule

Aug. 18: at Meadowbrook

Aug. 25: New Lexington

Sept. 1: Coshocton

Sept. 8: at Tri-Valley

Sept. 15: at Crooksville

Sept. 22: West Muskingum

Sept. 29: John Glenn

Oct. 6: at Sheridan

Oct. 13: River View

Oct. 20: at Philo

This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Maysville High School football will lean on seniors, defense in 2023