Experience from last season motivates this year's Cougars.
August 23, 2009 By Kieron Boyle of Edgewood High School
 PAT AUCKERMAN/AP Edgewood High School varsity football players run a conditioning drill during the team's practice Thursday Aug. 6, 2009 at the school in Trenton, Ohio.
By Rick Cassano, Staff Writer Updated 1:16 AM Saturday, August 22, 2009 TRENTON - The last time Edgewood High School's football team took the field for real, it was blown away by Anderson in the Division II playoffs. Tough to swallow ... indeed. But veteran Cougars coach Steve Channell found a silver lining. "It was a short-term negative that could have long-term benefits," said Channell, admitting the 55-7 loss was "very humbling and an eye-opening experience." "I think it's made us a little more hungry in the long-term sense," he continued. "We don't want to just make the playoffs. I think our kids feel like they want to be a postseason factor in the regional, and they're working with that attitude. I think it's more of a mental hunger than it is a physical thing." Channell likes what he's seen so far as Edgewood aims for a fourth straight Fort Ancient Valley Conference Scarlet Division title and 11th playoff berth in 13 years.
The Cougars have arguably the fastest backfield in school history, a boatload of returning starters and new FieldTurf at Kumler Field.
"I've been very pleased with the chemistry of how the kids are coming together," Channell said. "That process started in the offseason. I think it's the team's biggest strength right now."
Offense
Senior running back Justin Elder heads the returnees, having rushed for more than 1,000 yards last year in the wing-T offense. Senior fullback Dean Estes, junior wingback Tony Davis and four of their blockers are back, too.
"You've got three very good backs, and any one of them could be the primary focus in a given game," Channell said. "All three of them can potentially score anytime they touch the ball.
"Our goal is to run the football," he added. "Our best success has been when we run the ball well. When we need to throw it, we feel like we have that capability also."
Senior Drew Bostic is the new quarterback, and Channell feels he's a very good fit for this offense. He's athletic and can throw while also being known for not making many mistakes.
Defense
The Cougars gave up 27.3 points per game last season, way too many for Channell's taste.
A lot of the defensive starters have returned, and Edgewood will still run the 50 scheme, but with a few variations.
"We've simplified the defense," Channell said. "It's not as much read-and-react as just go. We don't have anybody that will ooh and aah you, just scrappy, hungry players that like playing defense."
Senior inside linebackers Billy French and Guy Luda will direct things in the middle, and everybody on the line - Ryan Roach, Casey Russell, Kyle Root and Joey Bennett - can cause havoc.
The Cougars have had one significant loss. Senior Kaleb Birch was slated to start at cornerback but suffered a season-ending knee injury in the first scrimmage.
Three To Watch Tony Davis - WB/CB He's been slowed by a shoulder injury in the preseason, but look for the speedy junior to be a playmaker once the regular season begins. Billy French - ILB The 5-foot-11, 190-pound senior will likely be one of the leaders for the Cougars' defense. Kody McCall - SE/OLB A returning starter on defense, the senior will also be in the offensive starting lineup as a target for Drew Bostic.
DEFENSE Projected Starters
Player PS CL Ryan Roach E Sr. Casey Russell E Sr. Kyle Root T Sr. Joey Bennett T Sr. Billy French ILB Sr. Guy Luda ILB Sr. Kody McCall OLB Sr. Jeremiah Turner OLB Jr. Jeff Bennett CB Jr. Tony Davis CB Jr. Tom Thacker FS Jr. Dean Estes P Sr. ------------------- OFFENSE Projected Starters Player PS CL Drew Bostic QB Sr. Justin Elder RB Sr. Tony Davis WB Jr. Dean Estes FB Sr. Kody McCall SE Sr. Sam Hackney TE Sr. Travis Spivey LT Sr. Taylor Miller LG Sr. Kevin Riley C Sr. Tyler Metsker RG Jr. Tyler Breh RT Sr. Zach Griffin K Fr. -------------------- 2009 Schedule Date Opponent Aug. 28 Withrow Sept. 4 at East Central (Ind.) Sept. 11 Dayton Meadowdale Sept. 18 Wilmington Sept. 25 at Harrison Oct. 2 at Northwest Oct. 9 at Ross Oct. 16 Talawanda Oct. 23 Norwood Oct. 30 at Mount Healthy NOTE: All games at 7:30 p.m. -------------------- 2008 RESULTS Opponent Score Withrow W, 31-21 Eaton W, 51-45 East Central (Ind.) L, 23-20 Wilmington W, 65-17 Harrison L, 42-28 Northwest W, 49-7 Ross W, 27-7 Talawanda W, 48-38 Norwood W, 34-24 Mount Healthy W, 27-21 Anderson L, 55-7 Overall: 8-3 (5-0 FAVC Scarlet)
*MIDDLETOWN JOURNAL*
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