Paulding ready to take next step in development

PAULDING -Paulding second-year coach Chris Etzler's squad is way ahead of where it was at this point last season.

In fact, Etlzer has many reasons to smile when watching the offensive backfield. Quarterback Haden Sholl, who missed the last six games of 2007 due to an injury, is back.

In addition, he will rely on senior running back Corbin Rhonehouse (910 yards, 182 carries) split end Andrew Mott, who was voted second team All-Northwest Conference last year.

Also returning to the Panther offense are junior fullback Tyler Rohrs, senior tight end Garrett Stoller and senior wing back Wade Bissell.

On the offensive line, Tyler Arend and Clint Vance will see plenty of action at tackle, junior Dakota Vogel and sophomore Cameron Aldrich will play at the guard spots and Corbin Vance will shift from a guard spot to center.

In the defensive secondary, junior Justin Riley and Mott will play at the safety spots, Remy Tope and Dalton Stallkamp will be at the corners, and seniors Garrett Stoller and Wade Bissell will bring experience to the linebacker spots. Also, Rodney Baxter will play middle linebacker and Corbin Vance will enter the game when Etzler wants his offense to have a four-linebacker look.

Anchoring the defensive line will be sophomore Dylan Welch and junior Derick Schlatter at the defensive ends, and a defensive tackle rotation of Arend, Clint Vance, Jon Kohart, Rohrs and Travis McPherson.

Sholl will be kicking extra points; Schlatter and Tope will be sharing punting responsibilities.

"One of our biggest challenges early on will be developing a positive mental approach," Etzler said. "We had a lot of close games in the final part of the season last year. I keep telling them that close is good but winning is better."

One advantage Eztler sees with this year's team is the players have learned the system he installed last season.

"I introduced a new way of blocking and the kids are catching on to that," Etzler said. "Last year we wanted to perfect the basics. This year, we are already way ahead of where we were last year at this time.

"Offensively, we want to diversify our offense; we want to throw the ball more and move out of more formations. Defensively, we're looking for an aggressive defense that starts with the linebackers, a defense that is fundamentally sound and tackles well."

Eztler views his entire program as experienced with lots of athleticism.

"Everyone understands the system better," he said. "We can play faster when we know what we're doing."

Even though the Panthers have 56 players out for the program, Etzler stressed that a healthy squad is imperative because the highest numbers are in the lowest grades.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Corbin Rhonehouse

Rhonehouse returns as one of the top rushers in the Northwest Conference.

PAULDING

Coach: Chris Etzler

Years, record at school: Second year, 1-9

2007 record: 1-9 overall

Returning letterwinners: 14

Returning starters: 14

Promising newcomers: Ian Moore, Ethan Wolfe, Anthony Arellano, Kory Plotts, Derrick Schrider, Cameron Aldrich

Aug. 22 at Wayne Trace

Aug. 29 at Delphos Jefferson

Sept. 5 LIMA CENTRAL CATHOLIC

Sept. 12 SPENCERVILLE

Sept. 19 at Delta

Sept. 26 at Ada

Oct. 3 ALLEN EAST

Oct. 10 COLUMBUS GROVE

Oct. 17 at Bluffton

Oct. 24 CRESTVIEW