Experienced leaders on Lutheran’s defense are (from left) senior linemen John Pasch, Franklin McFadden and Payton Ditchley and juniors in lineman Michael Eakle, linebacker Brett Prewitt and lineman Emeka Jiliani.
Lutheran running backs Tyler Johnson and Andre Jones provide the punch for the Saints’ ground attack. Jones has two straight seasons of gaining more than 1,000 yards. LUTHERAN (1A, 8-5) – Saints claimed sectional last year and have won 55 games in eight seasons … coach Dave Pasch has a bigger and stronger team … started seven sophomores and a freshman in ’15 … preseason All-State lineman John Pasch plays both sides … O-line features 6-4 Payton Ditchley, Brett Prewitt, Mike Eakle, Emeka Jiliani, all started last year, but double on the D-line … senior Zach White succeeds Jake Reid (Mount Union) at quarterback … high expectations for junior running back Alec Jones, two straight seasons of 1,000-plus yards rushing … returning starters Jake Faubion, Tyler Johnson, Trevor Russell and Baily Barham give the Saints options on offense … Franklin McFadden (300 pounds) leads defense up front … Barham, Johnson, Prewitt start at linebacker spots … D-backs Russell, Faubion and Noah Wood are experienced … junior transfer Austin Bryant and Michael Schultz bolster linebacker corps … Immanuel Knox at safety adds to defense … another sectional trophy in sight.
Coach’s comments:
“Anytime you lose seniors, it’s significant. Our players who were young last year have grown stronger physically. Those kids are different now with experience and maturity. The junior class is a strong group athletically and very determined to continue our success. Our seniors are exceptional.
“Any depth we have will be done by committee. We have to be able to interchange a lot of different parts. We have the state’s second-most difficult schedule in 1A. The goal is to always make the new season better than the last one.” – Coach Dave Pasch
Coach’s comments:
“Anytime you lose seniors, it’s significant. Our players who were young last year have grown stronger physically. Those kids are different now with experience and maturity. The junior class is a strong group athletically and very determined to continue our success. Our seniors are exceptional.
“Any depth we have will be done by committee. We have to be able to interchange a lot of different parts. We have the state’s second-most difficult schedule in 1A. The goal is to always make the new season better than the last one.” – Coach Dave Pasch
Lutheran senior quarterback Zach White (middle) has plenty of targets (from left): slot backs Trevor Russell, Noah Wood and Bailly Barham and wide receiver Austin Bryant.
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