SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTOS BY AL STILLEY Roncalli’s defensive line features seniors (from left) Ethan Lockwood, John Harris and Tyler Muse RONCALLI (8-2) – First year under coach Scott Marsh netted seventh straight winning season and second Circle City Conference title … rugged sectional resulted in opening loss to Cathedral, first time since 2005 … new challenge to replace 31 graduated Rebels; eight of whom were All-Conference … gone are quarterback Conner Gore, 73.6 completion percentage; record-setting receiver Jacob Luedemann, 67 career receptions; kicker Merrick Strykowski, 40-of-40 PATs; linebacker Cade Morgan, 84 tackles, eight sacks; and safety Ethan Newett, five interceptions … 39 seniors, many lack quality varsity playing time, primed for action. Key players: linebacker John Harris, Brandon Berger, running back Elijah Mahan, quarterback Alex Volk, O-line returners Simon Dias and Joe Mullin, who moves to center, Jerzy Pawlak, Robbie Butts, Clayton Schura and Conner Demoss … offense features receiver Luke Dill; 6-7 Danny Asher moves to wide receiver … D-line and linebackers Rebels’ strong point with Harris, Nate Comley at nose, Tyler Muse, returning starter Ethan Lockard at end, starter Tom Hodge, junior David Clayton and Matt Waugh …corners are Dylan Lewis and Jacob Denney … safeties untested … first two games on road against Southport and Franklin Central.
Coach’s comments: “We have a large senior group; not a lot of them have had a ton of varsity experience. The ones who are here are chomping at the bit to play. They have stuck it out for two years and have been on two really good teams. This is exciting; this is fresh to see what they can do. We do have good players, some better than we have had for a while. We have kids who are resilient and smart and that gives us a chance. “The depth that we can coach these kids is unique at the high school level. They guys who have experience are our solid leaders. Our O-line has a nasty streak, and they are a smart group. Our defensive line and linebackers are strengths; we should be hard to run the ball against. A work in progress because we have inexperience in spots. It will take a while to make all the pieces fit. Our schedule is difficult, bringing in Columbus North and Bloomington South. We see quality returning quarterbacks in our first six games. We’re going to see really good opponents.
Coach’s comments: “We have a large senior group; not a lot of them have had a ton of varsity experience. The ones who are here are chomping at the bit to play. They have stuck it out for two years and have been on two really good teams. This is exciting; this is fresh to see what they can do. We do have good players, some better than we have had for a while. We have kids who are resilient and smart and that gives us a chance. “The depth that we can coach these kids is unique at the high school level. They guys who have experience are our solid leaders. Our O-line has a nasty streak, and they are a smart group. Our defensive line and linebackers are strengths; we should be hard to run the ball against. A work in progress because we have inexperience in spots. It will take a while to make all the pieces fit. Our schedule is difficult, bringing in Columbus North and Bloomington South. We see quality returning quarterbacks in our first six games. We’re going to see really good opponents.
Rebels defensive backs include safety Gavin Snyder and linebackers Brandon Berger, Jacob Denney and Tom Hodge.
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