As Newark looks to turn the corner, upperclassmen lead young talent
NEWARK ― Newark finally got a taste of winning last season. Now, the Wildcats want to take a bite out of the postseason apple.
There are only 10 seniors and 15 juniors on the 2023 roster, but they are ready to lead a large group of talented, if inexperienced underclassmen towards the promised land.
"We're young, but the coaches do a good job of developing players," said senior quarterback Steele Meister, a three-year starter. "We only have 10 seniors, but the ones we have are super committed, and juniors like Austin Rose and K.K. (Kalen) Winbush are ready to step up and lead."
Meister, a southpaw basketball standout who has committed to Findlay University on the court, threw for 791 yards and six touchdowns last year and also emerged as a running threat with 313 yards and four more scores.
"My maturity and leadership have improved, things that are expected in a football culture," Meister said. "The game has slowed down for me. We lost a lot of seniors, but guys are really stepping up, which makes my job easier."
Coach Bill Franks said Meister, who checks in at 6-foot-4, 220, has developed a good pocket presence.
"He's reacting in the pocket more efficiently, and he's putting some touch on the ball," Franks said. "We're very deep at that position. We have a very capable backup in (sophomore) Bodie Smith, and (junior) Xander Martin (6-2, 180) will play tight end, but has won 12 games as a jayvee quarterback."
Wide receivers Winbush (6-2, 180), Braelen Stephens, Drayson Peterson and Carson Burnett, along with the 6-4, 200-pound Rose and Martin at tight end, give Meister plenty of viable options. Peterson and Rose each had 11 receptions in 2022 with Rose hauling in a pair of touchdowns.
"They like my ability to make plays," Winbush said. "I've put on weight, and (assistant coach) Roy Price has worked with us on nutrition and improving our speed."
Rose, a rare three-sport athlete, recently returned from a baseball tournament in Georgia, but is fully committed to football.
"I've gotten a lot stronger, been living in the weightroom," he said. "It's hard to play three sports, but I've gotten myself on a certain schedule, and I'm good with it. (Assistant) coach Darby Riley has really helped us with our run blocking, and tackling."
Senior Tee Davie ran for 274 yards and three touchdowns last season, also grabbing three passes, and is ready to step forward as the main running back. Peterson will also see carries in the backfield, and sophomore Jalen White can contribute at both wideout and running back.
Senior Shane Seville (6-0, 230) is a three-year starter on the offensive line, and has shifted over to center from tackle.
"I've played it in the past," he said. "We're not a very large line, but you can see all the effort and I think we can become a very good unit, with seniors, juniors and sophomores."
Franks praised former Newark head coach Mike Kopachy for the job he's doing with both the offensive and defensive lines. "I think we have a lot of talent there," Franks said.
Senior Kam Davis (5-6, 180) and junior Parker Campbell (6-3, 200) are working at the tackles, but freshman Zion Scott is pushing for playing time. Senior Elijah Fraizer (6-0, 280) and sophomore Jack Kopachy (5-8, 204) are at the guards.
Kopachy at linebacker, Rose at end, Winbush at strong safety and Davie at cornerback figure to be leaders on the Newark defense. Winbush had three tackles for loss last year.
"Our defense can run, and play the style we need to play for matching talent," Franks said. "Our defensive coordinator Howie Bretz is very detail oriented."
The defensive line will have some youth. Freshman Roy Price and sophomore Preston Lunsford play the other end, while seniors Jesiah Draper, Kavaun Achempong and Seville, and sophomore Kyle Green will split time at the tackles.
Davis will join Kopachy at linebacker, while Peterson will man the other corner, with Stephens and Alex Irvin-Royster playing at free safety, where White will be expected to help. Sophomores Brody Driskel and Tyler Hurd could also play in the secondary.
Newark thinks it finally has the right mix of experience and talent to get over the hump.
"We have a lot of young guys coming in, and K.K. and I have to step up and help them, not act like juniors, but seniors," Rose said.
Franks is excited that the Wildcats have a complete cross section of all classes, including freshmen, competing at the varsity level.
"We're making steady progress," he said. "We need to focus on each play, each day, and trust our training and fundamentals for success to come our way, and put a complete product on the field."
Winbush said last year's seniors, led by Trey Robinson and Max Durbin, took the lead on turning things around, and have passed the torch onto this year's upperclassmen.
"I think we're capable of having a winning season," he said. "It's right there for us."
At a Glance
Coach: Bill Franks
State Classification: Division I Region 3
In 2022: 2-8, 0-5
Key players: Steele Meister, Sr., QB; Tee Davie, Sr., RB-DB; Shane Seville, Sr., OL-DL; Kalen Winbush, Jr., WR-LB; Austin Rose, Jr., TE-DL; Drayson Peterson, Jr., WR-DB; Braelen Stephens, Jr., WR-DB; Jack Kopachy, So., OL-LB.
What to expect: Newark finally broke through in the win column in 2022, and had a chance for a couple of more victories and a playoff berth. The Wildcats are excited about their future, with 25 sophomores who went 7-1 as freshmen, and 18 more freshmen. With senior Steele Meister returning for his third year at quarterback, and juniors Kalen Winbush and Austin Rose ready to lead, Newark could finally put things together if the sophomores and freshmen mature quickly.
Game to watch: Week 1 at Zanesville — The Wildcats have this one circled every year. But for six years in a row, and 15 of the last 16 , the Blue Devils have owned the rivalry. If ever Newark is going to turn things around, they need to win this game and gain the confidence needed for the rest of the season, and the future.
Postseason outlook: Sixteen teams make the playoffs and there are only 17 teams in Newark's region. It the Wildcats can put together some wins and reach the postseason, it would give them a taste of it and set them on course for a bright future with the young talent.
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This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: As Newark looks to turn the corner, upperclassmen lead young talent
