New faces abound at Kenton

KENTON - Kenton enters the 2008 season with a significant lack of experience to overcome.

The Wildcats return only one offensive starter and five defensive starters for coach Mike Mauk, who enters his 26th season as the Wildcats' head coach.

Returning to anchor the offensive line will be 6-foot-3, 250-pound tackle Colby Rush, a three-year letterman. He will be counted on to provide leadership for seniors Ethan Shepherd and Justin Taylor along with juniors Greg Newland, Cody Goslee and Lucas King. Sophomores Garrett Miller, Charlie Hinkle and Michael Hale will all be looking to gain experience, and playing time, throughout the year.

Mauk sees some strengths and also some areas that need improvement for the Wildcats to have a winning season.

"I like our attitude," Mauk said. "These kids are working hard and are receptive to coaching and are doing what we have asked of them. Our young and inexperienced players must grow with strong leadership from our seniors."

The skill position players will need to develop quickly as all five wide receivers and the team's quarterback.

The new receivers will come from a group that consists of seniors Curtis Morris and Dustin Ray, juniors Neil Duffman and Graham Watkins, and/or sophomores Max Morrison and Andrew Tillman.

Senior Chase Barnes, a two-year starter at defensive back, will battle with sophomores Alex Kissling and Damon Evans for the quarterback position.

Defensively the Wildcats need to develop linebackers, as all three from last year's squad have graduated.

Seniors Randy Weyant and Tyler Bordner, along with junior Weston Burnworth, return to anchor the defensive line. Barnes and senior Ryan Gill return to lead the secondary. Linebackers competing for the starting jobs are senior Seth Jackson, juniors Mark Fackler and Jarrod Kissling, and sophomores Bobby Handle and Scott Gammon.

"Our goal is to have a winning season." Mauk said. "We need to improve and continue to get better on a daily basis."

The Wildcats open the season with three extremely difficult games, opening with defending state champion Coldwater followed by Western Buckeye League games against favorites Shawnee and Ottawa-Glandorf.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Chase Barnes

The senior will return at defensive back, and could take the reigns as quarterback.

KENTON

Coach: Mike Mauk

Years, record at school: 26th year, 161-109

2007 record: 7-3 overall, 7-2 WBL

Returning letterwinners: 16

Returning starters: 1 offense, 5 defense

Promising newcomers: Alex Kissling (QB), Damon Evans (QB), Maty Mauk (QB), Garrett Miller (OL).

Outlook: The Wildcats must replace five receivers and their quarterback from last season.

Aug. 22          COLDWATER

Aug. 29          at Shawnee

Sept. 5           at Ottawa-Glandorf

Sept. 12         ELIDA

Sept. 19         at Bath

Sept. 26         CELINA

Oct. 3             at Defiance

Oct. 10           WAPAKONETA

Oct. 17           at St. Marys

Oct. 24           VAN WERT