2013 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Hilltop Cadets

Toledo Area Athletic Conference

2013 Hilltop Cadets

Row 1: Justin Grapengeter, Danny Payne, Miklo Abner, Chad Champion, Logan Brooker, Luke Wagner, Jesse Westfall, Cayden Blaisdell, Will McKinney

Row 2: Ethan Dunson, Quinton Miller, Austin Batt, Joe Shilling, Seth Altaffer, Chance Grapengeter, Jalen Towers, Scott Goodnight, Caiden Miller Back

Row 3: Head coach Paul Kyser, assistant coach Nate Massie, Taylor Trent, Dallas Timberman, Zack VanDyke, Quinn Smith, Mikel Burlew, Mason Locke, assistant coach Corey Eisel, assistant coach Josiah Poletta

ABOUT THE TEAM

Coach: Paul Kyser, second year

Last season: 4-6, 2-5 TAAC

Returning letter winners: 10

Returning starters: Offense 8, defense 8

Schemes: Wing-T/​4-3

Top players: Seniors Chad Champion, 5-11, 180, RB-LB; Justin Grapengeter, 5-11, 160, RB-CB; Miklo Abner, 6-0, 195, FB-DE; Cayden Blaisdall, 6-1, 230, C-DT; Logan Brooker, 6-3, 190, TE-DE.

Outlook: The Cadets return a good portion of last year’s starters on each side of the ball. Kyser sees deception in the wing-T as a key, and will obviously count heavily on the run game. His top concern is a lack of overall depth.

Champion was second in the TAAC in rushing last year with 844 yards on 132 carries, and scored seven TDs. Abner added 510 rushing yards.

“With one season under the belt, our scheme is set,” said Kyser. “Our players have big hearts, big minds, and are ready to play.”

HILLTOP SCHEDULE

Aug. 30-Montpelier

Sep. 6-Antwerp

Sep. 13-at Holgate

Sep. 20-Toledo Christian

Sep. 27-at Ottawa Hills

Oct. 4-at Northwood

Oct. 11-Edon

Oct. 18-Gibsonburg

Oct. 25-Cardinal Stritch at Clay

Nov. 1-at Danbury