RELATED: Edgewood voted No. 1 in SWOC coaches poll
Clemmons is looking for more success in 2017, despite returning zero starters on offense.
“We always talk about tradition with the boys,” Clemmons said. “They understand the expectations. We want quality young men in the classroom and in the community and on the football field.
“As athletes, it’s always that hunger thing. We talk about hanging up banners that say you’re champions. That’s what every young boy and coach wants to do. The expectations here are we’re playing for championships.
SEASON PREVIEWS
“We always strive for perfection. You never get there, but overall, we’re pleased with where we’re at. The boys’ effort, their attention to details, attention to coaching … we’re pleased with how they’re carrying themselves that way. We just have to clean up the mental mistakes.”
The Cougars have been voted No. 1 in the SWOC preseason coaches poll with a roster that’s 70 percent seniors and juniors.
Clemmons said his 3-4 defense will have to lead the way, especially early in the year. Nine of the 11 starting positions on “D” are filled with veteran players.
“We’ve got a lot of size to us. Not necessarily bulk, but a lot of length, a lot of 6-footers,” Clemmons said. “We’re also happy that we’ve got a lot of multi-sport athletes. What we don’t have in strength, we make up for in size and speed.”
Among the defensive returnees are senior inside linebackers Jake Paulsen (6-2, 190) and Garrett Gabbard (6-1, 195), who played on the outside last year.
The outside linebackers are juniors Evan Brown (6-4, 215) and Justin Hiltbrand (6-3, 190). The latter is a newcomer to the starting lineup.
Back in the secondary are four seniors: D.J. Whiles (5-11, 180) at free safety, Austin Scott (6-2, 200) at strong safety, and Nick Noble (5-11, 150) and Ben Boyd (5-11, 155) at cornerback.
Up front, senior C.J. Broughton (6-2, 200) returns at tackle, and senior Rob Vogel (5-9, 215) is back at nose guard. Junior Caden Nance (6-0, 195) is a new starter at tackle, while senior Deric McIntyre (6-5, 230) and junior Trent Persinger (5-9, 165) also figure to contribute on the D-line.
“Every year brings different dynamics,” Clemmons said. “We’re giving up a little weight on the front line, but we’re picking it up with speed. We want the boys to be fast and go. We’re not just going to hang back and see what people do. We’re going to take the fight to them.”
SEASON PREVIEWS
The Wing-T offense is still alive and well in Trenton, and junior Corbin Craft (5-10, 155) has taken over at quarterback. He was the junior varsity QB last season.
“He’s a very coachable young man who doesn’t force things,” Clemmons said. “He’s a baseball kid, a catcher, which is kind of nice because a catcher has got to have a little grit. If he’s got to run, he’s not going to be scared to take off. But he also doesn’t have a problem with sitting in the pocket and throwing the ball.”
Junior Elijah Williams (5-10, 190) is the fullback. Whiles and senior Dalton Lakes (6-0, 170) are wingbacks, and junior Wade Phillips (5-11, 170) and sophomore Lincoln Howell (5-9, 170) are running backs.
“The fullback starts our offense, and everything happens from there,” Clemmons said. “Elijah has nice power, great speed and great field vision.”
Noble, Boyd and senior Matt Gault (6-0, 175) are the wide receivers. Junior Kory McCall (6-3, 200) is the tight end.
SEASON PREVIEWS
The starting O-line consists of senior Ian Bietenduvel (6-1, 195) at center, senior Seth Phipps (6-1, 245) and junior Andy Weaver (6-1, 235) at guard, and senior Logan Young (6-2, 220) and sophomore Isaac Hamilton (6-1, 205) at tackle.
“What I like about those kids on the O-line is they’re very attentive to coaching. They’re a very smart group that’s forming a nice bond together,” Clemmons said. “We want to run the ball … that’s no secret. We’re a run-to-set-up-the-pass offense.”
Edgewood has a significant weapon in senior place-kicker Julian Pletz (5-10, 180), who totaled 63 points last year. Pletz and Phipps may both do some punting.
Clemmons has added two former head coaches to his staff, Brian Butts from Ross and Bill Tenore from Badin. Both are line coaches, Butts on defense and Tenore on offense.
EDGEWOOD COUGARS
Coach: Scott Clemmons, sixth season (26-26)
OHSAA designation: Division II, Region 8
Playoff history: 12-12 in 12 appearances (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2016)
2016 record: 8-3 overall, 6-0 in the Southwest Ohio Conference (first)
Schedule: Aug. 25 — Monroe, 7 p.m.; Sept. 1 — at Franklin, 7 p.m.; Sept. 9 — at Badin, 7 p.m.; Sept. 15 — at Northwest, 7 p.m.; Sept. 22 — Harrison, 7 p.m.; Sept. 29 — Ross, 7 p.m.; Oct. 6 — Columbus DeSales, 7 p.m.; Oct. 13 — Talawanda, 7 p.m.; Oct. 20 — at Little Miami, 7 p.m.; Oct. 27 — at Mt. Healthy, 7 p.m.
About the Author