Cedarville's Steward learned from coaching legend

Staff photo by Marshall Gorby Senior Billy Vine returns at quarterback for the Indians.

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The Cedarville High School football team (from left to right) Row 1: Luke Sheridan, Corey Shelton, Zach Osburn, Jarrett Test, Billy Vine, David Gayer, Chris Foss, Cody Liming. Row 2: Gabriel Sayers, Zeke Young, Taylor Kordic, Robby Kuriger, Kenny Snyder, Jacob Vest, Seth Wright. Row 3: Brandon Robbins, Austin Ary, Luke Swaim, Kyle Oldiges, Sam Williamson, H.D. Vest, Josiah Vine, Stephen Biddinger. Row 4: Dan Sayers, Nathan Martindale, Austin Steward, Jeff Conrad.

Staff photo by Marshall Gorby The Cedarville High School football team (from left to right) Row 1: Luke Sheridan, Corey Shelton, Zach Osburn, Jarrett Test, Billy Vine, David Gayer, Chris Foss, Cody Liming. Row 2: Gabriel Sayers, Zeke Young, Taylor Kordic, Robby Kuriger, Kenny Snyder, Jacob Vest, Seth Wright. Row 3: Brandon Robbins, Austin Ary, Luke Swaim, Kyle Oldiges, Sam Williamson, H.D. Vest, Josiah Vine, Stephen Biddinger. Row 4: Dan Sayers, Nathan Martindale, Austin Steward, Jeff Conrad.

By Michael Cooper, Staff Writer Updated 11:16 AM Thursday, August 27, 2009

CEDARVILLE — Austin Steward couldn’t help but learn from former Cedarville High School head football coach Jim Villinger while serving as his defensive coordinator last season.

Villinger’s 249 career wins were proof that Steward had to listen.

“It’s really not about him, but what he gets the kids to do for themselves,” Steward said. “It’s just awesome.”

Steward served as defensive coordinator for five seasons. Last season, Villlinger stepped out of retirement for one season when Butch Snider resigned weeks before the start of preseason practices. Under Villinger, the Indians finished 2-8 in 2008.

Steward is ready to help the Indians get back to competing in the Ohio Heritage Conference.

Offense

The Indians will run a pro-style offense again with hopes of getting the ball to their playmakers in open space.

Billy Vine, a 5-foot-10, 145-pound senior, returns at quarterback.

Junior Taylor Kordic and senior Chris Foss will get carries in the running game, while 6-5 junior receiver Luke Sheridan gives Vine a big target.

Zach Osburn, a 5-11, 260-pound center, will anchor the offensive line.

Defense

The Indians will run a 4-4 full time this season, after using both a 4-4 and 50 defense most of last season.

Corey Shelton, a 6-0, 175-pound junior inside linebacker, will patrol the middle, while 5-10, 160-pound sophomore Zeke Young will provide help at outside linebacker.

Extra points

Vine completed 41 of 110 passes with 447 yards and four touchdowns through the air last season. Steward said Vine improved his speed and quickness during the offseason, which will only improve his presence in the pocket.

Coach’s quote

“They’re working hard. We’re a little low on seniors, but when you combine them with the juniors, we’ve got a good group of leaders among them. They’re quick to take on what they’re being taught, which is great.”

Villinger: Playoffs like bowl games

By Michael Cooper

Staff Writer

CEDARVILLE — Jim Villinger knows a thing or two about making the playoffs.

During his 34 seasons as head football coach at Cedarville High School, the Indians were a perennial playoff team, advancing nine times from 1986 through 2001.

“It’s absolutely great,” Villinger said. “It’s like getting invited to a bowl game. Everyone likes to practice. It’s just a super week getting ready.”

Villinger has all kinds of memories of playoff appearances. The Indians advanced for the first time in 1986.

“The whole team was sitting in my office waiting,” Villinger said. “They were supposed to call us at 3 p.m. and we were still waiting. Three-thirty p.m. and 4 p.m. came around, and we were still waiting. Everyone left. At 10 after 4, they called and said we made it. It’s just a great, great feeling.”

Over the next 15 seasons, the Indians advanced eight more times. They never went more than three years without an appearance.

The Indians won four times in the playoffs, including their lone home playoff game against Bethel in 2001, a 35-7 victory.

“I lined the field and I even had fun doing that,” Villinger said. “A bunch of parents came out, and it had to be done exactly right. It was fun.”

Villinger said he’s had lots of great players over the years who understood how important it was to make the playoffs.

“It’s just a very, very big honor to make the playoffs,” Villinger said.

2009 schedule

DateOpponent

Aug. 28 Madison Plains

Sep. 4 at Cincinnati Christian

Sep. 11 Yellow Springs

Sep. 18 at Catholic Central

Sep. 25 at Northeastern