Tressel Says Pryor Has Much More Experience

Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel talks to the media on Thursday August 13, at Ohio Stadium. Tressel addressed a variety of different topics at the media day. Staff Photo by Bryant Billing

By BRYANT BILLING
Sports Editor

COLUMBUS — If things turn out the way Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel says they will, Buckeye fans have a lot to look forward to over the next few seasons. Tressel said earlier this month that current Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor has much more experience than Ohio State Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith did at the comparable point in their career.

“I think [Pryor] will evolve [as a quarterback] every year, not unlike Troy,” Tressel said at Ohio State’s media day on Thursday, August 13, at Ohio Stadium. “I think in Troy’s first year, he was a six or seven-hundred yard rusher, then he was a five-hundred yard rusher, then, in his last year, he was [about] a 175-yard rusher. [Troy] got more experience [as he went on], and Terrelle has a lot more experience than Troy had at the outset.”

And experience can’t hurt, according to Tressel.

“His experience is amazing,” Tressel said, “whether it’s doing interviews or handing installations of new offenses or handling the understanding of what a coverage is designed for and what you have to read in order to react to it and so forth. He’s got so much more experience, probably more experience than I thought he would have at this point. That’s going to do nothing but help him.”

Pryor has improved in all aspects of his game, as expected, but his passing abilities are much more improved from last season. With Ohio State’s playbook being redesigned in the off-season — or reordered, anyway — to compliment the abilities of Pryor, will we see more passing from Pryor this season, especially after the stellar spring practice the sophomore quarterback had?

“Well, the problem I have with spring is that you practice and then you sit a day and then you practice for a day and then wind’s blowing and it’s raining so you go inside and you can’t throw deep or whatever,” Tressel said. “I’d like to think that these 29 practices will be huge [in determining that]. And he’s not different than anyone else; he needs to stay healthy and keep his arm healthy.”

But, make no mistake, Pryor is a running quarterback — for now, at least. Just ask Pryor himself.

“Right now, I’m a running quarterback, we’ll put it like that,” Pryor said at media day. “I’d like to be a quarterback that can run someday, and maybe that will come out. But right now, I’m a running quarterback.”

“I’d like to think he’ll really grow into that mold [of a quarterback that can run],” Tressel said.

Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel talked on multiple subjects at the Buckeyes’ media day.

On Ohio State’s defensive line this season: “If we’ll be healthy, we’ve got good depth,” Tressel said. “Now, those guys have to improve; they have to be better than they were a year ago. I think we do have a chance to be disruptive.”

On Ray Small: “He’s progressed pretty well, so we’ll see.”

On what to expect from Ohio State this season: “I think the more you don’t know, the more differences there are in the outcomes you might anticipate. I’m hoping that we’ll get an extraordinary amount of improvement from guys who haven’t got much experience and that they’ll really grow leaps and bounds through the season. I don’t really know what to expect; I know what we need in all the different areas to do.”

DePriest Lifts Springfield to Overtime Win

Springfield quarterback George Walkers gains a few yards on a scramble in the first quarter against Hamilton last Saturday, August 29, at Evans Stadium. The game was postponed from Friday night due to inclement weather, but the Wildcats went on to win an overtime thriller Saturday by defeating Hamilton 35-28. Staff Photo by Bryant Billing

By BRYANT BILLING
Sports Editor

SPRINGFIELD — Trey DePriest was ready to play football last Friday night.

“Man, we better play,” DePriest said over and over looking out onto the field from underneath Evans Stadium. He shared the sentiment of about twenty Wildcat players who said the same thing.

However, Mother Nature apparently wasn’t ready for football, as rain, thunder, and lightning all came and forced an hour delay of Springfield’s season opening contest against Hamilton. The teams were eventually given the all-clear sign to warm up by the officials, but after warming up for 27 minutes, and only three minutes away from kick-off, Springfield High School officials decided to postpone the game a day to Saturday at 1 p.m., sending a stadium full of fans back home.

Sixteen hours later, things finally got underway at Evans Stadium, and the wait turned out to be worth it for all fans — and DePriest.

“Man, I just wanted to get out there and play,” DePriest said of the postponement after the game on Saturday. “I didn’t want to wait; I was all fired up. But I guess it all worked out.”

It did all work out for the Wildcats (1-0), as Springfield overcame a 14-0 halftime deficit to defeat the Hamilton Big Blue (0-1) 35-28 in an exciting overtime battle last Saturday, August 29.

It didn’t look like an exciting battle at the start, as it was all Hamilton in the first half. The Big Blue struck first with 6:30 left in the first quarter on a 54-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Drew Townsend to receiver Kenny Lewis. Townsend got one last opportunity to score in the final seconds of the second quarter after Springfield quarterback George Walker threw an interception deep in his own territory with 1:28 left in the half, to which Townsend and the Big Blue capitalized on. Townsend connected with receiver Brian Cleckley with eighteen seconds left in the second quarter for a 5-yard touchdown pass, which put Hamilton up 14-0 at halftime.

But DePriest and the Wildcats went to work in the second half.

Springfield first got on the board with 7:47 left in the third quarter, thanks to a 14-yard touchdown run by DePriest. DePriest then added the extra point for Springfield, which cut Hamilton’s lead to 14-7. The Big Blue struck again with 10:55 left in the fourth quarter, though, this time on a 12-yard pass from Townsend to Cleckley, which gave Hamilton their two touchdown lead back at 21-7.

But Springfield wasn’t quite finished. The Wildcats responded on their following drive, as George Walker found DePriest for a 28-yard touchdown pass with 8:06 left in the fourth. DePriest missed this extra point, however, but the Wildcats had come within eight points at 21-13. DePriest struck again for Springfield with 4:31 left on an eight-yard touchdown run, and, after George Walker found Erick Collins in the end zone for a successful two-point conversion attempt, Springfield had tied the game at 21-21. The Wildcats carried over the momentum shift on Hamilton’s next drive, as Springfield linebacker Hayden Davis intercepted a Townsend pass and took it 31 yards for a score with 3:35 left in the fourth, which gave Springfield its first lead of the day at 28-21.

Hamilton appeared to be stunned after the interception, but the Big Blue still had one last offensive drive in them. Townsend led the Big Blue down the field on a 64-yard drive, and capped it off with an 11-yard touchdown pass with twenty-nine seconds left to none other than Brian Cleckley, which tied the game at 28-28. Springfield was unable to score on the last drive of the game, so the contest had to be decided in overtime.

Springfield got the ball first in overtime, and the Wildcats quickly capitalized. DePriest moved from running back to quarterback for Springfield in the final drive of regulation, as he replaced a slightly-injured George Walker, who moved to running back. It only took DePriest four plays to move the ball the necessary 20 yards to score, as he capped the drive off with a two-yard touchdown run. After he added Springfield’s extra point, the Wildcats were up 35-28. Hamilton only moved the ball three yards in overtime, as the Big Blue couldn’t complete a pass in their final three plays. Hamilton couldn’t covert a first-down as a result, and Springfield went home with the victory.

“We hadn’t faced adversity in our scrimmages,” Springfield head coach Rick Robertson said after the game. “We blew-out Mason and we blew-out Fairborn, and this finally gave us a situation with adversity, and I think our kids responded really well.”

The odds were working against Springfield from the beginning, as Robertson explained after the game. Springfield quarterback George Walker was dealt a blow on the first play of the game, which hampered the Wildcats offensive firepower.

“On the first play, George got his eye poked,” Robertson said. “So, part of it was that he had trouble seeing; I think he had a problem with depth perception. Hamilton did a nice job of putting pressure on him and he didn’t have the time to throw that he normally had.”

However, Robertson was pleased with the play of DePriest and how he came in at the end.

“He’s throwback,” Robertson said. “He kicks, he punts, he throws, he runs, he catches; he does it all.”

Overall, Robertson said it was a great way to start the season.

“It’s not where you start the race, it’s where you finish the race,” Robertson said. “It is great, because of how bad we played last year (Hamilton won 30-6 in the season opener at Hamilton in 2008), and the comeback is great, and that part to me [makes me] really proud of the kids. I think everyone probably assumed that as the game wore on in the fourth quarter, Hamilton would have the edge because of the physical pounding, and that wasn’t true.”

Springfield will travel to Pickerington Central this Friday, September 4, for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff. Pickerington Central defeated Orange Lutheran (CA) 28-14 last Sunday, August 30, at a shoot-out at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. The Wildcats will be looking to avenge a 21-0 loss to Pickerington Central that occurred in week two last season.

The Springfield Paper will have an early press deadline next week due to the Labor Day holiday next Monday, September 7. As a result, our deadline, which is normally on Monday at 5:00 p.m., will be Friday at 5:00 p.m. Since the Springfield and Pickerington Central game will not be completed before our deadline, the game article will not be in next week’s edition. However, you can find an extended notes section from this week’s game in next week’s edition, as well as a commentary from myself on the Wildcat’s season.

Hamilton- 7 7 0 14 0

Springfield- 0 0 7 21 7

Passing Stats: Player, Completions-Attempts, Yards, Touchdowns, Interceptions. Hamilton- Drew Townsend 17-35 237 4 1. Springfield- George Walker 12-23 102 1 1, Trey DePriest 0-2 0.

Receiving Stats: Player, Receptions-Yards, Touchdowns. Hamilton- Kenny Lewis 8-134 1, Brian Cleckley 7-70 3, Malachai Daniels 1-25 0, Devin Jarrett 1-8 0. Springfield- Trey DePriest 3-35 1, Byron Thompson 4-35 0, Josh Bass 2-15 0, Lamar Davenport 1-12 0, Erick Collins 1-3 0, Corey Henry 1-2 0.

Rushing Stats: Player, Carries-Yards, Touchdowns, Fumbles. Hamilton- Devin Jarrett 19-52, Chris Tarrant 8-16, Brian Clackley 1-0, Drew Townsend 4--8 0 1. Springfield- Trey DePriest 16-91 4 2.

2009 Springfield High School Football Preview

Above: Springfield head coach Rick Robertson (center, white) rallies his Wildcats in a post-game huddle after a scrimmage game against Mason on Friday, August 14. The Wildcats' football squad is highly talented and features several top college prospects. Springfield is looking to build off of a 4-6 campaign in 2008. Staff Photo by Bryant Billing

By BRYANT BILLING
Sports Editor

SPRINGFIELD — Things are now moving in a rhythm for the Springfield Wildcats. Unlike last season, which was the first football season for the program, the Wildcats have been practicing at their own high school on a consistent, non-changing schedule.

“It is nice, from the standpoint that we have a great weight room, and it’s nice that you don’t have to worry about traveling between two schools,” Springfield head coach Rick Robertson said after a seven-on-seven passing camp at Springfield High School this past July. “We had to coordinate times between two schools, and we had to practice at South. Now we‘re [centralized] at the school.”

And unlike last season, there are no jitters for the players or coaches. All of the Wildcats are used to each other and the system, and everyone knows how the program is run.

“And that’s great,” Robertson said.

Great, because the Springfield Wildcats have a lot to look forward to in the 2009 season.

Springfield finished with a 4-6 record in a 2008 season that included upsets, drama, and even an on-field scuffle against another team, much to the chagrin of Robertson.

“Last season was, well, interesting,” Robertson said with a grin. “But there was a lot of good stuff that happened.”

Particularly the Wildcats’ 7-0 upset over Centerville on September 19?

“Yes, that was a bright spot,” Robertson said after the season last November.

The upset ultimately revived what was looking like a dead season at 1-3 to a playoff potential season at 2-3, although the Wildcats finished with the same exact record in the second half of the season as they did in the first half. Springfield was battling for a playoff spot in week 10 against Wayne, tough, which was a game they narrowly lost at 20-14. Had Springfield won, the Wildcats would have qualified for the 2008 playoffs. Now, Springfield is looking to build off of their disappointment from last season and turn it into a quality outing in 2009.

The Wildcats return nine starters from 2008 — four on offense, and five on defense. On offense, Springfield looks the be led by returning sophomore quarterback George Walker. Walker, who started the last seven games of the 2008 season as a freshman, threw for 760 yards and four touchdowns, in addition to leading the team in rushing with 212 yards and a touchdown.

“Walker is a strong-armed thrower with elusive running skills as well,” Robertson told The Springfield Paper. “[He’s] stronger and heavier, and he provides a dual threat of passing and running.”

Walker will have plenty of options to throw to, as starting wideout Byron Thompson (23 receptions, 282 yards) returns, in addition to returning wideout Lamar Davenport (4 receptions, 28 yards), who saw some playing time at the position last season as well. Josh Bass, who led Springfield in both the receptions (24) and receiving yards (323) categories, also returns at wide receiver for Springfield.

Onslow Williams returns for Springfield at the starting tailback/fullback position, and normal linebacker Trey DePriest will see more time this season at both running back positions.

“We return four out of six ‘skilled’ spots on offense,” Robertson said. “[Both] Thompson and Davenport bring height and speed to the wide receiver position, [and] Bass, the 2009 [Division I] state Long Jump champ, brings quickness to the slot receiver position.”

The main question on offense is, just as in years past for the old Springfield North and Springfield South, will be the offensive line. Springfield loses all five starters from 2008, including current University of Buffalo lineman Jeremy Johnson at offensive tackle and current Wittenberg lineman Jerrell Ragland at center. Tyler Compston, a tight end on the 2008 version of the Wildcats, moves to center to replace Ragland. Multiple players look to see time on the line, including James Ackley, Brendon Davis, Brandon Ehlinger, Travis Myers, Brian Richards, and Stewart Vlcek.

“Compston has provided experience and leadership for this young group,” Robertson said. “[But] the line is going to be a question mark heading into the season.”

Overall, Springfield looks to be more flashy on offense this season and to put up larger numbers, both on the scoreboard and in the box score. The Wildcats will run a variety of formations, according to Robertson, but they will primarily run out of the spread formation to take advantage of the speed at the running back position and at the receiver position.

“With a year of the same system under their belt, the offense looks for improved results from the 2008 season,” Robertson said.

Springfield was hit hard by graduation on defense, as the Wildcats lost both current Division I players in linebacker Austin Moore (Miami, Ohio) and defensive back Karlos Marshall (Mercyhurst College, PA), in addition to defensive tackle Doug McCowan, among others. But, the Wildcats do return five starters from the 2008 season, including linebacker Trey DePriest.

“He’s a three-year starter, [and he] leads the team on defense,” Robertson said. “Expect a big year from him.”

DePriest is a highly-touted prospect for the Wildcats, and he has been offered scholarships from Cincinnati, Michigan, Oklahoma, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia, among others. He will be moving to the middle linebacker position this season to replace Austin Moore, and is expected to greatly improve his number of tackles from 2008 at that role.

Linebacker looks to be Springfield’s strongest position, as the Wildcats also return starter Hayden Davis at the position. Brent Bush, a defensive end for Springfield in 2008, will move to outside linebacker for Springfield in 2009.

“The LB crew is a team strength with the addition of Bush to DePriest and Davis,” Robertson said.

Springfield’s secondary will again be strong, too. Erick Collins returns for Springfield and will lead the Wildcats at free safety, moving from the corner spot last season. The secondary will also include corners Josh Bass, Alex Gaskins, Devonte Moore, and strong safety Onslow Williams.

“Collins started eight games last year at corner, but with the addition of over 25 pounds, Collins has moved to free safety,” Robertson said. “[He’ll] help provide experience to a young secondary.”

On the defensive line, returning starter Desmond McCowan, who is being recruited by several MAC schools, will provide leadership and experience to a mostly new group of players. Greg Bacon, J-O DelaCruz, Darius James, and Jalen Wood will all see time at defensive line for Springfield. James missed most of the 2008 season as he battled cancer, as he went through chemotherapy in the off-season to combat the illness, in addition to having part of his jawbone removed at Ohio State. Robertson said that Daruis’ being able to return to action this season, let alone be a possible starter, is “truly amazing.”

Overall, the defense looks to be the Wildcats strong spot again this season.

“The defense was a team strength in 2008, highlighted by shut-out of Centerville,” Robertson said. “[This season] looks for more of the same. Play hard, play fast, [and] play physical are all hallmarks of the Wildcat defense.”

Springfield will be running out of a 4-3 defensive formation in 2009.

“Defense should again be the strength of the Wildcats, although the offense has the potential to bring a lot of excitement to Wildcat fans,” Robertson said.

Robertson also told The Springfield Paper that the speed in which the offensive line matures will be a major factor in the offensive development. Springfield will also be playing several players on both offense and defense, so depth is also a concern. But, while Springfield may lack in size and numbers a bit, they make up for in talent.

“With only six seniors on the squad, several younger players will need to step up and provide leadership, most notably quarterback George Walker and linebacker, running back, and kicker Trey DePriest,” Robertson said.

Springfield will also have many tough games ahead of them, as their opponents finished with a combined record of 65-35 in 2008, with five of the ten teams advancing to the playoffs.

“The tough schedule will provide and excellent opportunity to showcase improvements in the Springfield program,” Robertson said. “[We] have had an excellent summer, and are excited to open up the season.”

Springfield will open the season this Friday, August 28, against Hamilton at Evans Stadium.

Springfield Blasts Fairborn in Second Scrimmage

Above: Springfield running back Trey DePriest (center) scores a touchdown for Springfield on a one-yard run in the first quarter against Fairborn. The highly recruited DePriest, who will also start at his main position at linebacker, also recorded one sack on the night for Springfield. Staff Photo by Bryant Billing

By BRYANT BILLING
Sports Editor

FAIRBORN — “It’s a scrimmage.” Yes, the old cliché was used by Springfield head coach Rick Robertson last Friday, August 21, after a scrimmage game against Fairborn High School at Fairborn’s Memorial Stadium. The cliché is true, too — the Wildcats haven’t won anything yet, and there is no reason to celebrate a scrimmage victory that doesn’t count for anything. But, there is reason for optimism — and maybe even a little excitement — for Wildcat fans, as Springfield blasted the Fairborn Skyhawks 34-9.

“Well, if we keep this up, we’ll be okay,” Robertson said laughingly. “We had a pretty good night all-the-way around.”

Springfield’s defense opened the game by holding Fairborn to negative yardage on their first drive and forcing a three-and-out. Springfield then drove sixty yards on their first offensive drive, capped off by a one-yard touchdown run from Trey DePriest with 7:40 left in the first quarter. Alex Gaskins converted a fake extra-point attempt for Springfield to put the Wildcats up 8-0. The Wildcat defense then forced Fairborn into another three-and-out, making them punt for the second time in as many drives. Springfield receiver Josh Bass fielded the ball at about the fifty yard line and, after weaving through the field, ran the punt return back for a touchdown. Springfield freshman kicker Megan Prendergast missed the extra point, but Springfield was still up 14-0.

Springfield scored their third touchdown of the night on a 60-yard touchdown pass from quarterback George Walker to Bass with 2:15 left in the first quarter. Prendergast made that extra point, and the Wildcats were up 21-0, more or less solidifying their scrimmage win.

Springfield also scored on a 25-yard touchdown pass from Walker to receiver Corey Henry with 7:54 left in the second quarter and on a 45-yard fumble recovery from defensive back Erick Collins. Fairborn scored the only touchdown of the night on a 25-yard touchdown pass with 5:39 left in the third quarter (the varsity teams only played three quarters in the scrimmage).

“We were actually pretty simple and basic in what we did [on offense],” Robertson said after the scrimmage. “We didn’t use DePriest [that much], and normally we’ll usually use DePriest more. We tried to do some things, but once we got the lead early, we actually did pretty basic stuff.”

Granted, Fairborn isn’t usually a strong team; they finished with a 3-7 record last season. So, was Fairborn just weak on defense, or was Springfield just that good on offense?

“Probably a little bit from column A and a little bit from column B,” Robertson said laughingly. “We have some speed; both Corey [Henry] and Josh [Bass] are fast kids. George [Walker] is so athletic, that he either throws in a hurry or runs in a hurry. That in itself is a phase of the game, just being able to spread it all out.”

Springfield still has work to do, though. In particular, Robertson and defensive coordinator John Cupps weren’t happy with the touchdown that Fairborn scored. Normal defensive starters Trey DePriest (LB) and Desmond McCowan (DL) were out on that series, and Cupps told the team after the game that he thought the defense “lightened up.”

“There were still nine starters left,” Robertson said. “No matter who [we] brought in to replace them, those nine starters need to show up a little more and hold the ball.”

But, there wasn’t much to complain about overall.

“I’m pleased with both sides of the ball,” Robertson said. “It is a scrimmage, though; it doesn’t matter what you do in a scrimmage, everyone is still 0-0.”

Springfield lost a two-way starter earlier this week in starting running back and defensive back Onslow Williams. Williams suffered a broken collarbone, and is expected to be out for six weeks. Titus Montgomery, who was expected to see playing time at both of those positions as well, is out with the same injury for the same amount of time.

“So, they’ll potentially be back for the heart of the division schedule,” Robertson said. “If we play like we’re capable of, and coach like we should coach, we should be in a good situation then.”

Defensive back Alex Gaskins has stepped in during Williams’ absence. Robertson said Gaskins has worked into the position well.

“Alex missed most of the summer, so it has taken him awhile to get back,” Robertson said. “He’s never really played on the defensive side, either. He was in a little bit longer than most of the kids [are in the scrimmage game], because he needs the reps. He’s getting better everyday and getting more physical. So he’s helped tremendously on defense since we lost Onslow.”

Springfield opens the season this Friday, August 28, against Hamilton at Evans Stadium. Springfield will be out to avenge a 30-6 loss from the season opener in 2008.

“We watched a little bit of the tape of last year, and we pointed out certain things that we just didn’t do and execute very well,” Robertson said. “It was a 7-7 game until two minutes left in the second quarter, but we just didn’t do some things well.”

“We’ve got a totally new attitude this season going into this game,” Robertson continued. “We are so further along offensively than we were last year. The kids had zero confidence going into the Hamilton game, and they’ve got confidence this year.”

The Springfield Paper is your best source for Springfield High School football again in 2009, as I will be personally covering each and every Springfield game. In addition to finding all Springfield articles on our website at www.thespringfieldpaper.com, we’ve added new features this season, including a preview of every Springfield High game posted the Thursday before the game, as well as video coverage of home games from our television studios in the Harvest Television Network, and more in-depth articles that will not appear in the paper itself, plus photo galleries of each game.

In addition, head over to my blog at www.thespringfieldpaper.braveblog.com for live score updates and quarter-by-quarter summaries and stats. If you’re out and don’t have access to a computer, don’t worry, because you can get the same updates by logging onto my twitter page from your mobile phone at www.twitter.com/BBilling.  

Ohio State Poses, Talks About Upcoming Season

Above: Ohio State's offensive lineman prepare to have their picture taken at the team's media/photo day last Thursday, August 13, at Ohio Stadium. The offensive line has underachieved in years past, but several players on the line said that they're out to prove themselves. Staff Photo by Bryant Billing

By BRYANT BILLING
Sports Editor

COLUMBUS — Last Thursday, August 13, is a day that media personal like myself circle months in advance and a day players and coaches probably loathe: media day. Yes, the Buckeyes put on their uniforms for the first time this season, went out onto the field at Ohio Stadium, posed for a few team pictures, and answered an endless barrage of questions from reporters varying from the upcoming season, to sportsmanship, and even, in Terrelle Pryor’s case, a good five questions about a recent golf game.

Nevertheless, it was a good chance to get a look into the mindset of Ohio State, who, as players and coaches alike said, are out to get redemption in 2009.

“We’ll look pretty good,” Pryor said. “We have athletes all around. [Last year] was an experience. I always wanted to play against teams like Texas, USC, Penn State, and teams like that, but we‘re ready to get it out of our heads.”

“As a team, we’ve got a lot of things to work on and a lot of things to do [still] mentally,” offensive lineman J.B. Shuggarts said. “But physically, as a team, we’re ready to play. We’re ready to take on the world.”

And Ohio State is looking forward to doing it. The common theme from last year, according to several players, was that a bad taste was left in the Buckeyes mouth from losses on a national stage to Southern California, Penn State, and the last-second Fiesta Bowl loss to Texas. The Buckeyes get a chance to redeem themselves right out of the gate with a September 12 showdown at Ohio Stadium with Southern California.

“[USC] has a great offense; it’s not like anything you see around here,” defensive back Andre Amos said. “It’s going to be a great challenge, but I can’t wait to go at it.”

“We’re really focused on one game at time, though,” Amos added, implying the Buckeyes won’t overlook Navy in the home opener on September 5. “At the end of the day, we don’t want to look back and say ‘what if’.”

A key factor this season is the offensive line which, despite losing a few starters from last season, looks to be much improved this season.

“They’re a lot slimmer and a lot leaner,” Pryor said. “I told them the other day that they look good. The coaches have done [a] good [job] getting them ready for the season. [What they’re doing] works.”

"We have some great players waiting to play,” offensive lineman Mike Adams said. “The coaches will have a hard time picking who to play. We’ll wait and see who the pick. I feel we’re better, [though].”

“It was tough [last year],” Shuggarts said. “It was tough for me because I was out and I wanted to play. But it was a disappointing year for the line. The whole unit is better, though, and we’ll prove it.”

Until then, the Buckeyes are going to have to wait — and prepare more.

“We’ve got to take it one game at a time,” Shuggarts said. “Last year, we had a whole lot of hype, and we had a lot to live up to. This year, I don’t want to say we’re an underdog, but I feel as a team that we’ve got a big chip on our shoulder. We want our respect back; we want everyone to know that we’re Ohio State.”

Springfield Impresses, Dominates in First Scrimmage

Above: Springfield quarterback George Walker (center) moves through Mason defenders for a touchdown run in a mock game during a scrimmage at Springfield High School last night, August 14, at Springfield High School's soccer stadium. Springfield won the scrimmage 3-0.

By BRYANT BILLING
Sports Editor

SPRINGFIELD — “What just happened?” one Mason football player asked another during a scrimmage game last Friday at Springfield High School. Neither player looked like nor in actuality had any clue as to what just happened on the football field. The answer? Springfield quarterback George Walker had just blazed by both players for a 25-yard touchdown run, only four plays into Springfield’s first offensive possession in the scrimmage game. The theme continued, as the Wildcats went on to win their first scrimmage game at Springfield’s soccer stadium three touchdowns to none.

“They looked good out there tonight,” Springfield head coach Rick Robertson commented after the game. “We’ve still got some things to work on, but I can’t complain too much after a [performance] like that.”

And what a performance it was for Springfield. Each team was allotted four possessions of ten plays each on offense in the scrimmage game, and Springfield made the most of their possessions right out of the gate. George Walker scrambled for a 30-yard pick-up on Springfield‘s first offensive play of the night, leaving an impressed crowd surprised at his speed. Walker sealed the deal himself two plays later with the aforementioned 25-yard touchdown run.

Springfield still had six plays left on their first offensive possession, and went to work quickly. A 25-yard pass from Walker to Wildcat wideout Byron Thompson set-up a 1-yard touchdown run by running back Trey DePriest on the following play. Springfield capped off the offensive series with a 65-yard touchdown pass from Walker to Thompson on the last play of the possession.

Springfield’s defense was equally impressive. Springfield collected two sacks on the night, forced two fumbles, and had two interceptions. Meanwhile, Mason never threatened to score, as the Comets never advanced past Springfield‘s 40 yard line.

Springfield’s junior varsity team lost to Mason 2-1 in their scrimmage game. Both varsity teams played a mock game after the conclusion of the J.V. scrimmage, which Springfield won by an actual score of 12-0. Both of Springfield’s touchdowns in the game were scored by short runs from George Walker.

DePriest Impressive

Highly-recruited linebacker Trey DePriest made an impression in the scrimmage. The junior, by this writer’s raw count, had seven tackles and one sack on the night. DePriest will be moving from outside linebacker to middle linebacker this season to replace the departed and current Miami Redhawk Austin Moore.

Quality of competition?

Although Springfield’s performance was nothing that coaches and fans were sorry to see, a few people, including a coach, pointed out that Mason may not be an ideal team to gage yourself against. The Comets, typically a whipping boy in the Greater Miami Conference, finished 2-8 in 2008. However, let it be noted that Springfield and Mason scrimmaged in the 2008 preseason as well, and Mason beat Springfield in that go-around.

Next Up: Fairborn

Springfield’s second and final scrimmage game is this Friday, August 21, at Fairborn High School. Springfield opens the season the following Friday home against Hamilton. Springfield’s season preview and complete schedule will be in next week’s The Springfield Paper special Fall Sports Preview edition.

Football Practice Starts For Springfield, Everyone Else

Above: Springfield quarterback George Walker looks for an open man to pass to during a seven-on-seven football camp hosted by Springfield High School last month on July 13 at Springfield's practice field and soccer stadium. Football practice began across Ohio last Monday, August 3, and the Wildcats took to the field for the first time with around 60 players. Staff Photo by Bryant Billing

By BRYANT BILLING
Sports Editor

SPRINGFIELD — High school football practice started across the state last Monday, August 3, as it was the first day that the Ohio High School Athletic Association allowed member schools to start practice. It was no different here in Clark County, as the average fan could simply see by driving along Home Road and looking out at Springfield High School. And right there, out in front of the school on the practice field, were the Springfield Wildcats. The Wildcats, who are hoping to build off of an inaugural 4-6 2008 campaign, began their 2009 season with just about 60 players — and a lot to look forward to.

“Our returning kids, that we count on, had a great off-season,” Springfield head coach Rick Robertson said after a seven-on-seven passing camp that the Wildcats hosted on July 13. “We were disappointed in some of the new turnout, from an inconsistency standpoint [in winter training], but our returning kids have had a great off-season. We don’t have great numbers, though.”

But Springfield still has a lot to work with. The Wildcats return most of their skill players from 2008, but graduation did hurt both their offensive and defensive lines. Robertson was impressed with the play of the Wildcats at their own seven-on-seven, but did say that there was room for progression.

“This was the first time that we’ve done this,” Robertson said, referring to playing in a seven-on-seven camp. “There are teams that do things offensively and defensively at a seven-on-seven that they won’t or even can’t do during the year. Some teams design plays just to score points at a seven-on-seven just to get success. We don’t do that; we play a pretty basic defensive [formation].”

“We had a couple of good games today that we shouldn’t have had if you consider the special formations other teams were using,” Robertson continued. “On offense, we don’t use some of those cockamamy formations that other teams use.”

This was the second season that Springfield held their annual Wildcat Passing Tournament, which brought a total of eight teams to the school: Springfield, Cincinnati Aiken, Dayton Belmont, Beavercreek, Dayton Dunbar, Tippecanoe, West Carrollton, and Trotwood-Madison.

“We knew we could get this done by using two fields (their practice field and the soccer stadium),” Robertson said. “Everyone played five games, which got everyone a lot of reps, and you didn’t play one team long enough to where you get [overly mad] at them.”

The Wildcats prepared for the season heavily in July as they participated in a total of six seven-on-seven passing camps, most of which they were able to compete in for free. Springfield even took a day-long trip to Canton on July 24 for a trip to the National Football Hall of Fame and a seven-on-seven camp at Canton McKinley High School.

“And we’re still happy to take donations to help offset the cost for that trip,” Robertson said laughingly, although he was serious. “It was about a $2,000 trip, and we don’t have a disposable income, so we’d be happy for whatever anyone could give us.”

Robertson did say that the trip was well worth the cost.

“For one, the division I state championship game is played there at Fawcett Stadium,” Robertson said. “So our goal is to get the kids to realize that this is where they want to be at the end of the year. Canton’s supposed to be very good, so they’ll be quality competition to practice against. Thirdly, an opportunity to get in and see the Hall of Fame is great, and it would make it a special trip.”

Springfield has also benefited in the summer from not having to worry about coordination between two separate schools, as Robertson had to in training programs for the first year of the combined high school while North and South were still open. Springfield’s training facilities were finished last fall, and the Wildcats have been practicing at the high school ever since.

“It was nice, from the standpoint that we have a great weight room, and it’s nice that you don’t have to worry about traveling between two schools. We had two different starting times at the school [last year], and two different lifting times [as a result]. That made it nice as far as numbers in the weight room [per lifting session]. But, you also never had the whole team in their at one time to talk to. We’re going to one [dismissal] time this year, though, so that will make it easier.”

Springfield practices daily from 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. The public is invited to watch each practice as well. A complete practice schedule is available on the team’s web site at www.shswildcatfootball.com. Springfield also has their first scrimmage game scheduled for this Friday against Mason, at a time still TBA.

“I liked how we looked,” Robertson said at that seven-on-seven. “Our quarterback George [Walker] has a nice strong arm, we’ve got two good wide-outs, and we made a lot of progress on offense and defense. We’ve still got a lot of work to do, but we’ve got a lot of time to do it in.”