Harrison has the pieces for title run
- Updated: July 6, 2015
There will be 17 starters (eight offense, nine defense) returning for Harrison this fall. The Wildcats who won a playoff game last season have high hopes for a run at a SWOC title and even deeper venture into the post-season.
One glaring replacement head coach Kent McCullough must deal with is at quarterback. Gone is 2014 SWOC offensive player of the year Jake Weber who rewrote the Wildcats record books during his time at the school. It will take a group effort to match Weber’s productivity but that may not be a bad thing as more opportunities arise for the Harrison skills players.
A tough schedule awaits and if the Wildcats aren’t focused there is a chance they could be upset. This is a veteran group that should be able to handle whatever is thrown at them. This is a team that went 4-1 in games decided by seven points or fewer in ‘14. They aren’t going to fold under pressure.
Division II, Region 6
2014 RECORD: 8-4, 4-2 SWOC
COACH: Kent McCullough (26-18 at Harrison, four years, 26-18 overall)
HONOR ROLL
Mitchell Hogue, Sr, WR – Hogue set SWOC & Harrison single season records for receptions (78), receiving yards (1,154) to go along with 11 receiving touchdowns and 1,724 all-purpose yards last season. He never had less than four receptions in a game on his way to Third Team All-Ohio honors.
Mason Brunner, Sr, LB – A First Team All-SWOC selection as a junior Brunner emerged as one of the top defensive players in the league. He ended up with 112 total tackles (76 solo), eight tackles for losses, 5.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and two recovered fumbles.
Alex Anderson, Sr, RB – A breakout junior campaign saw Anderson run for 1,292 yards while finding the endzone 17 times (13 rushing, four receiving). He was named Second Team All-SWOC for his efforts.
Tylyn James, Sr, FB/P – The “Harrison Hammer,” James brings a great change of pace in complimenting Anderson out of the backfield. He racked up 517 yards on offense (306 rushing, 211 receiving) on his way to Second Team All-SWOC accolades as a junior. He also averaged 37.3 yards on 21 punts.
Nathan Silcox, Sr, DE – Silcox won’t standout on a stat sheet but the little things he does on the d-line make him a huge asset to the Wildcats. He was a Second Team All-SWOC selection a year ago.
Gerald Smith, Jr, slot – The speedy Smith had a solid varsity debut catching 47 balls for 541 yards, scored six touchdowns (five receiving, one rushing) and amassing 907 all=purpose yards on his way to Honorable Mention All-SWOC acclaim as a sophomore.
OTHER RETURNEES
The defense is loaded with experienced seniors which include NT Dylon Morgan, DE Tim Less, LB Bradley Addis, LB Matt Watson and junior S Drew Banks. One thing coach McCullough would like to see is the team force more turnovers the Wildcats only had 14 takeaways in 12 contests a year ago.
On offense, C Andrew McCord, T Brandon Littleton, RG Nick Gerhart, RT Jordan Young will anchor down the line. All ae senior except Young who is a junior. Receivers Mitchell Crawford and Jacob Back who are juniors add depth at the position. Crawford had 21 receptions for 310 yards and three touchdowns in 2014.
A talented sophomore class will be eased into their roles and should only get better as the season wears on.
PLAYOFF HISTORY
(nine appearances, 5-9) – 2014, 2013, 2011, 2010, 2006, 1997, 1989, 1988 (Regional Champions), 1987
2015 SCHEDULE
Right out of the gate the Wildcats will be challenged by a very good East Central squad then an evolving group at Oak Hills. There are tough conference games on the road versus Mount Healthy and Northwest. It is not out of the question that this team could end up with seven or eight victories once again.
HOLD ‘EM DEFENSE
With nine starters back on defense one thing Harrison should improve on is its points allowed. The Wildcats gave up 34.3 points per contest in ’14. Six times they gave up at least 36 points they were 2-4 in those affairs. Harrison went 6-0 in games where they gave up 17 points or less.
Related Posts
About TSF Staff
You must be logged in to post a comment Login