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