Minster hopes to erase nightmarish memories of 2007

MINSTER - Having had their worst season in 40 years, the Minster Wildcats are hoping that a year's experience will result in more wins.

Losing just seven seniors and having 57 players on this year's roster means this group of players has experience on which to build.

But the offense will have to improve immensely after it managed just 10.6 points per game last season and was shut out three times.

The quarterback duties will fall to either incumbent Austin Baumer or senior Robert Gruber, competing for the starting job.

Baumer, a junior, completed 34 percent of his passes for 476 yards and three touchdowns last season.

Ty Whitford will carry the majority of the rushing load. As a sophomore, Whitford carried the ball 138 times for 447 yards and three touchdowns.

When the Wildcats take to the air, look for seniors Bryan Phlipot and Brian Mueller to be in the mix. Phlipot was honorable mention All-Midwest Athletic Conference last season.

Defensively, Minster allowed 38.3 points per game last season. Mention All-MAC tackle Brad Sekas and a strong secondary consisting of Phlipot, Mueller and Gruber should lead the way.

With four of their first five games on the road, the Wildcats will know early in the season if they can turn things around.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Austin Baumer

The junior quarterback completed 46 of 132 passes for 476 yards, three touchdowns and nine interceptions last season. Baumer will have to be more efficient if the Wildcats hope to compete in the MAC.

MINSTER

Coach: Eric Belcher

Years, record at school: Third year, 4-16

2007 Record: 0-10 overall, 0-9 in Midwest Athletic Conference

Outlook: Minster hopes to wash away a miserable 2007 season that saw the team struggle mightily each game. And there's hope for optimism as the Wildcats embark on the new campaign with more depth and more experience.

Aug. 22 at Fort Loramie

Aug. 29 at Springfield Central Catholic

Sept. 5 DELPHOS ST. JOHN'S

Sept. 12 at Fort Recovery

Sept. 19 at New Bremen

Sept. 26 VERSAILLES

Oct. 3 ANNA

Oct. 10 at Parkway

Oct. 17 COLDWATER

Oct. 24 at St. Henry