John Glenn leans on physicality up front and in the running game. Both are led by seniors this year.
NEW CONCORD — John Glenn returned to playoff form last season.
The Muskies went 8-3 before a first-round loss, but they aim to build on that performance behind 27 returning lettermen and 23 seniors for 10th-year coach Matt Edwards.
"With the number of seniors and returning lettermen we have, the expectations are very high for this football season," Edwards said. "Coming off an 8-win season and making the playoffs allowed us to accomplish some of our goals last year and a lot of this group were part of that run.
"Heading into this season some of the goals are the same but we also fell short of some goals. Our locker room knows how difficult it will be to accomplish those and what will be necessary if we want to take the next step. That has been a motivating factor throughout the build up to this season."
Experience up front for the offense
John Glenn graduated 13 players, including quarterback Noah Winland and offensive lineman Noah Scheffler, but the other four linemen return in seniors Clay Mathers, Rock Zemba, Jacob DeMattio and Kaden Stallard. The group has 10 letters between them, including three each for Mathers and Stallard.
Seniors Lincoln Gilcher and Ryder Rock, both three-year lettermen, and junior Reese Metzger return to a talented backfield. Gilcher had more than 800 yards with 10 TDs on the ground, while Rock and Metzger combined for more than 650 yards and five TDs.
Their skill will take pressure off senior Jake Johnson, who was the team's leading receiver last year (29 receptions, 227 yards) and junior Owen Edwards battle for time at quarterback.
John Glenn will lean on the ground game, but has a slew of returning receivers. Junior Ryder Pennington, who had two TDs among his 12 receptions last season, and senior Cannon Fox highlight a group
"We have a very experienced group of front and at running back, as they all saw action last year," Edwards said. "Due to injuries, we also have two quarterbacks and several wide receivers who played meaningful snaps. That experience will be crucial for our offense."
The offense will also get a boost from senior Will Nicolozakes, who returns as placekicker. He made 36 of 37 extra points and all four field goal attempts in the regular season last year.
Defense calling card for Muskies
John Glenn has always leaned on physicality under Edwards. It's an experienced defense on the front line and secondary, as the Muskies bring in four new linebackers.
Senior Tanner Whiteman, a two-year letter winner, and junior Alex Altier, a First Team East District selection, headline the defensive line, which graduated Nic Xanders, who had six sacks last season.
Seniors Andrew Glaub, who picked off nine passes last year, and Kris Wise, along with Johnson, headline the secondary, while senior Kole Johnson, a move-in from Ridgewood, should also get a chance to shine in the defensive backfield and at receiver.
The linebackers will be several new faces after Cameron Barnhouse and Bronson Bendle graduated. Those two combined for more than 150 tackles, 24 tackles for a loss and seven sacks. Senior Gavyn Garber and sophomore Cashton Paisley will be among the players battling for time at linebacker.
"We will lean on a strong unit on the defensive line and in the secondary," Edwards said. "Our players know that every Friday Night in the MVL is a big test and preparation to win is extremely important. There is no substitute for experience, especially with the grind of the MVL Big School division. We will lean on our seniors and returning lettermen to navigate our way through this season."
Inside The Huddle
Key returnees: Rock Zemba (OL/DL, sr.); Clay Mathers (OL/DL, sr.); Kaden Stallard (OL/DL, sr.); Jake DeMattio (OL/DL, sr.); Tanner Whiteman (OL/DL, sr.); Lincoln Gilcher (RB/LB, sr.); Andrew Glaub (WR/DB, sr.); Will Nicolozakes (K, sr.); Kris Wise (WR/DB, sr.); Ryder Rock (RB/LB, sr.); Cannon Fox (WR/DB, sr.); Jake Johnson (QB/DB, sr.); Reese Metzger (RB/DB, jr.); Ryder Pennington (WR/DB, jr.); Owen Edwards (QB/DB, jr.).
Key newcomers: Kole Robinson (WR/DB, sr.); Cashton Paisley (TE/LB, so.).
Coaching staff: Head coach Matt Edwards, Brad Barclay, Mitch Bendle, Tyler Brown, Jim Kornokovich, Nathan Larrick,Chris Merry, Aaron Smith, Nick Winland, Tuff Zemba.
Classification: Division III, Region 11
Last playoff appearance: 2023
Total playoff appearances : 14 (Regional titles: 1978, 1980, 2017).
John Glenn 2024 football schedule
Aug. 23 Maysville
Aug. 30 @ Cambridge
Sept. 6 @ Indian Valley
Sept. 13 Coshocton
Sept. 20 Sheridan
Sept. 27 @ Meadowbrook
Oct. 4 Morgan
Oct. 11 @ River View
Oct. 18 @ Philo
Oct. 25 Tri-Valley
[email protected]; X: @brandonhannahs
This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Success starts with the line for John Glenn
