'Next Man' Stepping In For Whitko
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Dale [email protected]
Among those graduated from last year’s team that finished 6-4 for a second consecutive season is all-state running back Tanner Hughes.
Hughes rewrote the Wildcats’ record book and finished last season with 1,431 rushing yards en route to becoming the program’s career leader as well.
“An athlete like Tanner is hard to replace,” said Mohr. “We have always had the ‘next man in’ mentality. We’re looking at some underclassmen to fill that role.
“We’re looking at our veteran players to step up and carry more of the offensive load this season. Our scheme and style will not change much. We’re focused on getting better each day throughout the season.”
Also graduated from last year’s team are all-conference linemen/linebackers Zach Baughman and Sam Silor.
On the flip side of that, the Wildcats do return eight starters on offense, including quarterback Garrett Elder.
Elder, in a run-heavy offense, threw for 319 yards and rushed for 770 yards and seven touchdowns.
His play this season will likely be a big key to Whitko’s success.
“Garrett’s role won’t change,” said Mohr. “We are a triple-option team ... each week is different, and we will take what the defense gives us. His role as a leader, along with some others, will be the key to our success this season.”
Other returning starters on offense include senior running back Gavin Powell, senior wide receiver Tanner Gaff and junior wide receiver Landon Goff.
The Wildcats also return experience to the offensive line with seniors Walker Hobbs, Garrett Titus and Garrett Cokl, and junior Gavin Howard.
Defensively, Whitko returns six starters.
Headlining that list are senior linemen Chase Bradley and Austin Hyde, senior linebacker Garrett Smiley, junior linebacker Conner Sherwin and senior Brady Weeks in the secondary.
“Defense has been more of the focus this offseason,” said Mohr. “We have to be disciplined, trust each other, and play fast.
“This year’s team has gelled together really well over the summer and past couple weeks. They do a lot together on and off the field. We have seen several leaders emerge over the summer. They are great kids and are working really hard to improve daily.”
Whitko opens the season Friday when it hosts Cambridge City Lincoln.
In Week 2, the Wildcats will travel to county rival Columbia City.
Whitko will open Three Rivers Conference play Sept. 4 when Maconaquah travels to South Whitley.
Maconaquah and Peru are new to the TRC this season, making it a 10-team league that is split into two divisions.
Manchester, Northfield, Rochester and Tippecanoe Valley will join the Wildcats in the North.
The South will feature Maconaquah, North Miami, Peru, Southwood and Wabash.
“Rochester is alway the team most of us look at,” said Mohr. “They’ve had at least a share of the conference the past four seasons. Conference play will be interesting this season with the two new teams and the playoff week. It adds some excitement and anticipation to each week and makes each conference game more important.”[[In-content Ad]]
Among those graduated from last year’s team that finished 6-4 for a second consecutive season is all-state running back Tanner Hughes.
Hughes rewrote the Wildcats’ record book and finished last season with 1,431 rushing yards en route to becoming the program’s career leader as well.
“An athlete like Tanner is hard to replace,” said Mohr. “We have always had the ‘next man in’ mentality. We’re looking at some underclassmen to fill that role.
“We’re looking at our veteran players to step up and carry more of the offensive load this season. Our scheme and style will not change much. We’re focused on getting better each day throughout the season.”
Also graduated from last year’s team are all-conference linemen/linebackers Zach Baughman and Sam Silor.
On the flip side of that, the Wildcats do return eight starters on offense, including quarterback Garrett Elder.
Elder, in a run-heavy offense, threw for 319 yards and rushed for 770 yards and seven touchdowns.
His play this season will likely be a big key to Whitko’s success.
“Garrett’s role won’t change,” said Mohr. “We are a triple-option team ... each week is different, and we will take what the defense gives us. His role as a leader, along with some others, will be the key to our success this season.”
Other returning starters on offense include senior running back Gavin Powell, senior wide receiver Tanner Gaff and junior wide receiver Landon Goff.
The Wildcats also return experience to the offensive line with seniors Walker Hobbs, Garrett Titus and Garrett Cokl, and junior Gavin Howard.
Defensively, Whitko returns six starters.
Headlining that list are senior linemen Chase Bradley and Austin Hyde, senior linebacker Garrett Smiley, junior linebacker Conner Sherwin and senior Brady Weeks in the secondary.
“Defense has been more of the focus this offseason,” said Mohr. “We have to be disciplined, trust each other, and play fast.
“This year’s team has gelled together really well over the summer and past couple weeks. They do a lot together on and off the field. We have seen several leaders emerge over the summer. They are great kids and are working really hard to improve daily.”
Whitko opens the season Friday when it hosts Cambridge City Lincoln.
In Week 2, the Wildcats will travel to county rival Columbia City.
Whitko will open Three Rivers Conference play Sept. 4 when Maconaquah travels to South Whitley.
Maconaquah and Peru are new to the TRC this season, making it a 10-team league that is split into two divisions.
Manchester, Northfield, Rochester and Tippecanoe Valley will join the Wildcats in the North.
The South will feature Maconaquah, North Miami, Peru, Southwood and Wabash.
“Rochester is alway the team most of us look at,” said Mohr. “They’ve had at least a share of the conference the past four seasons. Conference play will be interesting this season with the two new teams and the playoff week. It adds some excitement and anticipation to each week and makes each conference game more important.”[[In-content Ad]]
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