Rolfes hopes to right the ship at Celina

CELINA - The Celina Bulldogs are turning over a new leaf this season as they look to get back on track after several years near the bottom of the Western Buckeye League.

First year head coach Jared Rolfes, a 2001 graduate of Celina, takes over for Jerry Harris, whose second tenure at Celina lasted one year, resulting in a 2-8 record.

Quarterback Derek Gagle returns to an offense that averaged 18.5 points per game, but bumped that average to 27.5 points per game over the final four games last season.

Gagle was Honorable Mention WBL in 2007 after he completed 78 of 183 passes for 1,056 yards, nine touchdowns and nine interceptions. On the ground, Gagle averaged 3.9 yards per rush.

"I call it a multi-formational offense," Rolfes said. "We try to do a variety of things and use our formations to our advantages. Our kids have picked up on it quickly."

Running back Alex Dues returns after rushing for 549 yards on 93 carries last season. The junior averaged 5.9 yards per carry and one touchdown. Other skilled players include senior receivers Blake Moran, Dylan Link and Isaiah Schmackers.

The offensive line will have competition and depth. Seniors Joe Granger and Aaron Snyder will be the guards while Cody Welker will start at one of the tackle spots, the other one is up for grabs. Bryan Donovan and Chad Schumann are competing at center.

Defensively, the Bulldogs will run a 4-3 base and mix up their coverages.

"We have some strong guys coming back," Rolfes said. "We are trying to improve our tackling each week."

Snyder, at tackle, and senior Dylan Link, at end, will anchor a line that allowed 29 points per game last season.

Senior Dylan Pottkotter returns at middle linebacker. As a junior, he recorded 112 tackles. Joining Pottkotter will be Alex Dues.

The secondary will probably be Celina's strongest area as Moran, Caleb Wilson and Gagle will lead the charge.

Rolfes feels the talent is good enough, but getting the players mentally prepared will be the biggest challenge.

"The important thing is to get over the hump where Celina has not been competitive the last few years," Rolfes said. "We try to be positive with them and get them excited as a team."

PLAYER TO WATCH

Derek Gagle

Last year Gagle completed 42 percent of his passes for 1,056 yards and nine touchdowns. On the ground he rushed for 369 yards and eight scores.

CELINA

Coach: Jared Rolfes

Years at school: 1st season

2007 Record: 2-8 overall, 2-8 in Western Buckeye League

Returning Letterwinners: 12

Returning starters: 6 offense, 4 defense

Outlook: New coach, new system. How quickly the players buy into Rolfes will go a long way in determining the Bulldogs success. Celina has not had a winning season since 2000.

Aug. 22 LIMA SENIOR

Aug. 29 WAPAKONETA

Sept. 5 at St. Marys

Sept. 12 VAN WERT

Sept. 19 SHAWNEE

Sept. 26 at Kenton

Oct. 3 at Elida

Oct. 10 BATH

Oct. 17 at Ottawa-Glandorf

Oct. 24 at Defiance