Waynesfield ready to take the next step

WAYNESFIELD - The Waynesfield-Goshen Tigers have had a sip of success with two trips to the Division VI playoffs in the last three years; losing both times in the first round.

With 16 returning letterwinners from last year's team, the Tigers would like nothing more than to get a big gulp of success with a first-ever playoff victory.

"We have good team speed and numbers (of players)," coach Gary Spencer said.

The Tigers have 41 players - out of 63 boys enrolled in school - out for football.

Leading the way for the Tigers on offense will be senior running back Jake Spencer, who scored 10 touchdowns as a junior. He was a 100-meter finalist in the state track meet.

Joining Spencer in the backfield will be junior running backs Ryan Spencer and Keaton Fetter. Quarterback Connor Mortimer, a 6-foot-1 sophomore, will operate the Tigers' spread offensive scheme.

Seniors Evan Crabtree, Matt Hines, and Tyler Johns return to anchor the offensive line. Juniors Caleb Comstock, Taylor Miller, and Cole Turner will join them.

Defensively the Tigers will operate out of a basic 4-3, but will change to a five-man front, depending on whom they play.

Crabtree, Comstock, junior Christian Lament, Ryan Spencer and Cory Smith will form the linebacking corps.

Jake Spencer and sophomore Cory Hickman will lead the defensive backs.

"We're trying to toughen the schedule," Spencer said. "We played Springfield Catholic Central in the playoffs last year; they were the number one Division VI team in the state and we were tied 0-0 at the half. The kids realized they can play, and compete, at that level.

 "Our goal is to win the league. If you win the league, good things will happen. If we can win the Northwest Central Conference title we have a good chance to get into the playoffs."

PLAYER TO WATCH

Jake Spencer

The senior 5-foot-11, 175-pound running back ran for 369 yards on 50 carries with 10 touchdowns in 2007.

WAYNESFIELD

Coach: Gary Spencer

Years, record at school: Fourth year, 24-6

2007 record: 8-2 overall, second in NWCC

Returning letterwinners: 16

Returning starters: 8 offense, 8 defense

Promising newcomers: Jacob Waitman (TE/DB), Kieran Fetter (RB/DB)

Outlook: The Tigers have made the playoffs two of the last three years. Among their goals for 2008 is another trip to the postseason and a playoff victory.

Aug. 22          VANLUE

Aug. 29          at Anna

Sept. 5           at Triad

Sept. 12         PERRY

Sept. 19         at Riverside

Sept. 26         YELLOW SPRINGS

Oct. 3             at Upper Scioto Valley

Oct. 10           MARION CATHOLIC

Oct. 17           at Ridgemont

Oct. 24           FAIRBANKS