SpringfieldNewsSun.com

SPRINGFIELD — A large roster and the combined football might of two schools propels the Springfield High School program in 2008.

The school, created when North and South merged after closing in May, begins a new era with the optimism provided by a new start.

Still, the Wildcats have many holes to fill, especially along the offensive and defensive lines.

Offense

Any one of four players could see action at quarterback: Jordan Moore, Alex Gaskins, Zack Burks or George Walker.

Kent Scott rushed for 539 yards last season, but he could miss some time with a wrist injury. Amante Howard, Josh Bass, Larry Samson and Onslow Williams could also get carries.

Linemen Jeremy Johnson, Jerell Ragland, Keith Bailey and Jedidiah Tritle are strong building blocks on the line.

The Wildcats will have multiple looks that includes option, spread and power.

Defense

The front seven is strong with linebackers Austin Moore, Trey DePriest, Hayden Davis, Jamar Roberts and defensive linemen Doug McCowan, Desmond McCowan, Brent Bush and David Matuke.

Defensive back Karlos Marshall had three interceptions last season, and Derek Woods recovered three fumbles.

The Wildcats can either run a 4-4 or a 4-3, depending on what the opponent offers.

Integral ingredient

The blending of two schools happened quickly and easily.

Getting a roster of 90 moving in the same direction has proved to be a larger challenge. Head coach Rick Robertson has instilled a disciplined attitude and his coaches are feeding off his energy.

The Wildcats' defense will need to be strong while the offense finds an identity.

Coach's quote

Rick Robertson: "We have a question mark at quarterback, but the question mark is not as bad as what it was at the beginning of the summer. They've made tremendous improvement and we'll be alright there."

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Actions, not looks, are what concern OL

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SPRINGFIELD — It's the actions most people don't see that keep offensive linemen going.

At least, that's what keeps Springfield High School guard Jedidiah Tritle going. He's not flashy or even fast compared to most of his teammates. Offensive linemen need a total team mentality, and Tritle's embraced it.

"You can't have a prima donna attitude," he said. "You have to know that what you do is affecting the outcome of the team. You're not out there to look good, you're out there to help your team score points."

Being a lineman also means finding self-motivation.

"You have to be coachable," Tritle said. "No matter how good you are, the coach will always find something for you to improve on. You can't let that get you down."

Tritle has accepted the fact that he'll likely never catch a pass, gain a first down or score a touchdown.

"A lot of people think offensive line is a thankless position, but I'm happy knowing that what we do up front gets points on the board and will open up holes for our running backs," Tritle said.

The average fan might not see the block that springs a ball-carrier free for a huge gain. But after a play that gains positive yardage, the quarterbacks, receivers and running backs make sure the line gets the credit.

"When we get back in the huddle after we get a good gain, they'll get back in the huddle and say, 'Great job line, keep it up,' " Tritle said. "That's really encouraging for the line, because we know that they appreciate what we do."

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Program info

Conference: Greater Western Ohio Conference Central Division

Division/Region: I/3

Head coach: Rick Robertson (20th season, 110-81-1)

Assistant coaches: Vernon Bass, Larry Brown, John Cupps, Dan Dellapina, Joel Householder, Eddie Lee, Jon Rommel, Kevin Schalnat, Darryl Smith, Buddy Woods

Stadium: Evans Stadium

School address: 701 E. Home Rd., Springfield, 45503

Stadium address: 1700 Clifton Ave., Springfield, 45505

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2007 North results

Opponent Result Score

at Lebanon W (ot) 30-28

at Kenton Ridge W 18-0

Piqua L 33-6

at Butler L 41-34

at Troy L 27-7

Wayne L 45-7

at Centerville L 49-13

Fairmont L 12-6

at Beavercreek L 28-0

South W (ot) 6-0

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2008 schedule

Date Opponent

Aug. 22 at Hamilton

Aug. 29 Pickerington Central

Sep. 5 Vandalia-Butler

Sep. 12 Piqua

Sep. 19 at Trotwood-Madison

Sep. 26 Centerville

Oct. 3 at Northmont

Oct. 10 Fairmont

Oct. 17 at Beavercreek

Oct. 24 at Wayne

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2007 South results

Opponent Result Score

Hamilton W 21-15

at Troy L 38-7

at Lebanon L 14-7

Sidney L 21-13

Greenville L 21-13

at Fairmont L 21-14

at Wayne L 35-7

Beavercreek L 35-7

Centerville L 42-0

at North L (ot) 6-0

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Roster

No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr.

1 Trevor Ellington K/P 5-9 166 Sr.

2 Jordan Moore QB 5-9 184 Jr.

3 Derek Woods LB 5-11 192 Sr.

4 Josh Bass WR/DB 5-7 155 So.

5 George Walker QB 5-8 160 Fr.

6 Trey Thomas RB/DB 5-11 173 So.

7 Doug Hamilton RB/DB 5-7 150 Sr.

8 Amante Howard WR 5-6 134 Sr.

9 Michael Wallace WR 5-9 150 Sr.

10 Zack Burks WR 6-4 185 Sr.

11 Karlos Marshall DB 5-9 149 Sr.

12 Tre' Oliver LB 5-6 159 Jr.

13 Alex Gaskins QB 5-11 163 Jr.

15 Nick Johnson WR 5-11 161 Sr.

16 Deairco Wilson WR 5-10 185 Sr.

17 Braylin Collins QB 5-10 168 Fr.

18 Michael DeArmond WR 6-0 160 Sr.

20 Westly Holder DB 5-8 147 Jr.

21 Chris Phelps DB 5-9 168 Sr.

22 Kent Scott RB 5-9 168 Jr.

23 James Moore DB 5-10 167 Jr.

24 Erick Collins DB 5-11 175 Jr.

25 Toliver Dechaun DB 5-9 132 So.

26 Onslow Williams RB 5-8 166 Fr.

27 Devonte Moore DB 5-6 153 So.

28 Larry Samson RB 6-1 170 Sr.

29 Aaron Thompson RB 5-11 190 Sr.

30 Rakeem Ford RB 5-8 144 Sr.

31 David Matuke DL 5-9 218 Sr.

32 Dontez McWhorter RB 5-8 190 Sr.

33 Trey DePriest LB 6-0 192 So.

34 Austin Moore LB 6-1 216 Sr.

35 Anthony Roberts DB 5-9 169 Sr.

36 Carlin Pritchet RB 5-8 167 So.

37 James Cooper DB 5-7 128 So.

38 Darick Dunn LB 5-7 154 So.

39 Timothy Reed RB 5-7 159 Fr.

42 Trent Davenport LB 5-10 180 Jr.

44 Zack Whitt LB 6-0 149 Jr.

45 Hayden Davis LB 5-11 233 So.

46 Fred Oliver DB 5-2 116 So.

47 Jamar Roberts DB 5-8 159 Sr.

48 Chris Porter RB/DL 5-8 165 Fr.

50 Justin Williams OL 5-9 185 Sr.

51 Jerell Ragland OL 6-0 228 Sr.

52 James Ackley OL 5-9 242 Fr.

53 J-O DeLaCruz OL/DL 5-8 209 So.

54 Jedidiah Tritle OL 6-0 237 Sr.

55 Justin Robotham OL/DL 5-7 223 So.

57 Andy Plant OL/DL 5-9 287 Sr.

59 Barry Hall OL 5-10 242 Sr.

60 Kyle Camp OL 5-9 186 Jr.

61 Dominic Ligon OL/DL 5-7 250 Fr.

64 Aaron Steinhauer OL 5-10 216 So.

65 Allen Craycraft OL 5-9 221 So.

66 Joseph Crosnoe OL/DL 5-11 369 So.

72 Keith Bailey OL 6-0 230 Jr.

73 Kaleb Camp OL 5-9 226 Jr.

74 Rocky Davenport OL/DL 5-11 291 Sr.

77 Jeremy Johnson OL/DL 6-4 321 Sr.

80 Lamar Davenport WR 6-2 160 Jr.

81 Byron Thompson WR 6-1 179 So.

82 Brent Bush TE/DL 6-1 190 Jr.

83 D.J. Lewis WR 6-1 166 Sr.

84 Davonne Tanksley WR 6-0 167 Jr.

88 Tyler Compston TE 6-1 199 So.

90 Doug McCowan DL 6-0 217 Sr.

91 Jalen Wood DL 5-10 229 So.

92 Darius James DL 6-0 183 Fr.

94 Ben Kyle LB 5-11 177 So.

96 Dayron Mapp DL 6-0 212 Sr.

99 Desmond McCowan DL 6-1 220 Jr.