No more underdog role for defending champion Coldwater

COLDWATER - In 2007, playing the role of David, the Coldwater Cavaliers were able to slew mighty Cardinal Mooney in the Division IV state championship game.

This season the Cavaliers will not be considered underdogs as they strive to make the playoffs for the 12th straight season. Led by a 21-player senior class that has won two state championships, two Midwest Athletic Championships and compiled a 40-2 record, the Cavaliers could have a special 2008 season.

Last year the offense averaged a school record 43.5 points per game. On the line, Alex Dues (5-11, 200), Adam Alig (6-1, 195), Trevor Robbins (6-2, 225), Aaron Gilliland (6-4, 240), Craig Homan (6-0, 210) and Dan Stalder (6-3, 260) will compete for playing time.   

Senior quarterback Cory Klenke (6-1, 195) returns after completing 171 of 297 passes for 2,578 yards and 30 touchdowns last season. On the ground, Klenke rushed for 650 yards and five touchdowns.

Joining Klenke in the backfield will be seniors Tony Harlamert (6-0, 185) and Adam Homan. Harlamert carried the ball 128 times for 782 yards and 28 touchdowns as a junior while catching 59 passes for 882 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Other weapons on the Cavaliers' wide open offense include Zach Kaup (6-1, 185), who caught 37 passes for 500 yards and six touchdowns, and Zach Siefring (5-10, 171), who caught 19 passes for 257 yards. Seniors Dusty Rutschilling and tight end Brock Pleiman (6-2, 220) will also be in the mix.

The defense will be spearheaded by Homan, who recorded 128 tackles last season. The other linebackers will be Rutschilling (83 tackles), Keith Wenning (6-4, 205), Brady Otten (5-8, 180) and Dylan Gillis (5-9, 180).

The defensive line will have depth. The tackles include Ray Brunswick (6-3, 240), Kurt Westerheide (6-2, 195), Craig Homan, Alig and Stalder. The ends will rotate among Pleiman, Eric Lefeld (6-7, 220), Jason Grieshop (5-10, 190) and Keith Uhlenhake (6-4, 185).

The secondary will be talented with Harlamert, Siefring, Kaup and Klenke. Harlamert and Klenke combined for 17 interceptions last season.

First team All-Ohio kicker Mario de la Rosa returns after making all four field goals last season while making 83 of 84 on extra point attempts.

A nonconference opener against Kenton and a visit from Division I, Kokomo (Ind.) High School will give the Cavaliers a test along with the usual grind of the MAC.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Adam Homan

The future Ohio State Buckeye will patrol the middle of the football field as a linebacker, tackling opponents like few others. Offensively, the 6-foot-2, 232-pound fullback will open holes for running back Tony Harlamert and be a weapon in the passing game.

COLDWATER

Coach: John Reed

Years, record at school: 14, 143-28

2007 Record: 14-1, overall, 8-1 in Midwest Athletic Conference

Returning starters:  offense 6,  defense 6

Outlook: The Cavaliers have talent and experience from a team that won the state championship in 2007. Expectations, as always, are high.

Aug. 22          at Kenton

Aug. 29          KOKOMO (Ind.)

Sept. 5           at Versailles

Sept. 12         MARION LOCAL

Sept. 19         at Anna

Sept. 26         PARKWAY

Oct. 3             at St. Henry

Oct. 10           DELPHOS ST. JOHN'S

Oct. 17           at Minster

Oct. 24           NEW BREMEN