New Bremen has plenty of speed, talent for the season

NEW BREMEN - First, the bad news.

New Bremen enters the 2008 season young, with only nine seniors and five juniors on its 45-man roster.

And, that young team faces a downright mean schedule with the likes of defending state champions Marion Local and Coldwater along with St. Henry, Delphos St. John's and Parkway.

Now, some good news.

New Bremen's team enters the campaign with plenty of speed and talent on both sides of the ball. Add in the fact that second-year coach Rob Messick's team is working its fingers to the bone and the Cardinals have reason for optimism.

Senior running back Corey Jutte (5-10, 185) will be a top player on the offense, which features a one-back set.

Under center will be junior quarterback Calib Williams (6-7, 185), a first-year starter who has been throwing the ball well in practices. Receiver Jared Cox (5-10, 180) gives Williams a nice target while Dillion Otting (5-11, 190) will also see time at running back.

Senior Matt Zirkle (6-0, 250) and junior Adam Bushman (6-2, 250) will return to the offensive line.

Both lines, offensive and defensive, are areas Messick said his team needs to work on - not that the talent isn't there, but once again the group lacks varsity experience.

Returning to the defensive line is senior end Kyle Craft (6-2, 200) and senior linebacker Adam Meyer (6-1, 230). Sophomore Calib Cox (5-10, 165) will return as the team's strong safety.

Junior Spencer Rohr joins the varsity as a promising newcomer. Rohr (6-0, 180) is a very physical linebacker, according to Messick.

New Bremen begins the season Friday at Covington before playing host to Olentangy Orange and St. Henry in back-to-back weeks.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Corey Jutte

The 5-foot-10, 185-pound senior running back will ignite New Bremen's speedy offense.

NEW BREMEN

Coach: Rob Messick

Years, record at school: Second year, 2-8.

2007 record: 2-8 overall, 2-7 Midwest Athletic Conference

Returning letterwinners: 8

Promising Newcomers: Calib Williams (QB), Spencer Rohr (LB/Flanker).

Outlook: Though the team is young, it features speed and talent on both sides of the ball. According to Messick, one question mark is the offensive and defensive line play.

Aug. 22 at Covington

Aug. 30 OLENTANGY ORANGE

Sept. 5 ST. HENRY

Sept. 12 at Delphos St. John's

Sept. 19 MINSTER

Sept. 26 at Fort Recovery

Oct. 3 MARION LOCAL

Oct. 10 at Anna

Oct. 17 Parkway

Oct. 24 at Coldwater