Knights plan to light up scoreboard

CONVOY - With the return of a strong corps of skilled players, Crestview coach Jason Cross is looking to improve on last season's 5-5 record.

The Knights' offense will build on the experience of four-year letterwinner Jordan Gibson (RB/LB), who Cross characterized as, "an excellent athlete on both sides of the line."

At the quarterback spot, Crestview will rotate between sophomore Cody Hagerman and junior Steve Semer.

"One runs a little more than the other," Cross said. "This rotation is extremely instrumental in the success of our offensive scheme. Things look promising as far as being able to put points on the board. We have some really good athletes."

On the receiving end, sophomores Andrew Nofer, Logan Rayer, Jody Overmyer, and senior Ian Clay will provide good targets. Giving protection will be center Kyle Balliet, guards Steven Pierce and Cody Averesch, and tackles Todd Grubaugh and Rob Cook.

Defensively, Cross will go with the quickness of Daniel Lichtensteiger, Grubaugh and Balliet at the tackle spots, and Cook at defensive end. Also, Gibson and Curtis Kreischer will play linebacker, Pierce and Drew Miller will hold down the outside linebacker spots, Clay and Rayer will play defensive back, and free safety will be Overmyer.

The Knight special teams will consist of kicker Jared Perrott with Lichtensteiger punting the ball.

"We're breaking in a lot of young fellows this year," Cross said. "We graduated our whole offensive line accept Balliet and Grubaugh. We have two new quarterbacks, but we're going to open up some new offensive schemes that's going to really help us in the long run.

"We have good skilled players and good receivers. We're going to have a quick offense. We're going to spread our offense out a lot."

Defensively, Cross looks to run a 4-4, thanks to some highly skilled linebackers.

"We're going to go after the football and make things happen," Cross said. "With our quickness, we're hoping to force a lot of turnovers."

In the Northwest Conference, Cross sees a lot of tough competition between teams that are going to have a lot of experience.

"Delphos Jefferson is returning 18 or 19 players from their 7-3 team last year, and they're going to be strong and physical; Lima Central Catholic could be very strong with a lot of returners," Cross said.

"Paulding is going to be much tougher this year; they're returning a lot guys. This league is going to be tough. We're hoping that we figure into the mix somewhere."

PLAYER TO WATCH

Jordan Gibson

The four-year starter returns as an All-NWC running back and linebacker

CRESTVIEW

Coach: Jason Cross

Years, record at school: fourth year, 17-13

Last year: 5-5 overall

Returning letterwinners: 6

Returning starters: 6 offense, 6 defense

Promising newcomers: Logan Rayer, Daniel Lichtensteiger, Cody Hagerman, Joseph Overmyer, Andrew Nofer Cody Averesch

Aug. 22 PARKWAY

Aug. 29 at Lima Central Catholic

Sept. 5 WAYNE TRACE

Sept. 12 BLUFFTON

Sept. 19 at Allen East

Sept. 26 DELPHOS JEFFERSON

Oct. 3 at Ada

Oct. 10 SPENCERVILLE

Oct. 17 at Columbus Grove

Oct. 24 at Paulding