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Reading ready to make strides

After consecutive 3-1 starts in 2013 and 2014, the Reading Blue Devils hope that they can change the script in 2015 to extend the start into a winning season, and possibly a post-season berth. With several playmakers back on both sides of the ball optimism is high on Columbia Avenue for year two of the Pat McLaughlin era.

Reading will have to replace five key seniors from last year, including lineman Austin King and Derek King, QB Eric Wachendorf, TE/LB Jesse Walker, and WR Grayson Roberts. Eric Wachendorf and Roberts hooked up for over 600 yards and seven touchdowns.

Neriah-Brooks-Reading

Senior Sam Ashbrock is expected to move over to quarterback from receiver. He will have plenty of targets to throw to including senior Neriah Brooks and junior Jake Clements in the spread offense McLaughlin brought over from his days as Moeller offensive coordinator. The Blue Devils leading rusher in ’14 junior Baden Pinson is also back.

Junior Alex Wachendorf and sophomore Mancini Jackson look to be the leaders on defense. Senior Noah Pettyjohn, Brooks, and Pinson will also be counted on.

Seniors Bo Lind and Tyler Cromer, and junior Cory Frank will be staples in the trenches on both sides of the ball.

Breaking in a new quarterback in the Cincinnati Hills League will be challenging, but year two of a new coach’s system should start showing dividends. Hopefully for the Blue Devils and their fans it will mean more checks in the win column.

Division IV, Region 14
2014 Record: 4-6, 2-5 in the CHL
Coach: Pat McLauglin (4-6 at Reading, one year, 4-6 overall)

HONOR ROLL
Neriah Brooks, Sr ATH – Amassed 963 all-purpose yards to go along with an Interception on defense. He was a Second team All-CHL selection in ’14.

Sam Ashbrock, Sr QB – Expected to take over for Eric Wachendorf under center. As a junior, Ashbrock had 298 yards receiving on 26 receptions, 130 yards rushing with a touchdown catch and a scoring run. He was a Honorable Mention All-CHL pick in ’14.

Baden Pinson, Jr RB – Pinson ran for 607 yards on 131 carries with six touchdowns in his sophomore season. He earned Honorable Mention All-CHL acclaim for his efforts.

Noah Pettyjohn, Sr DE/TE- An Honorable Mention All-CHL honoree as a junior Pettyjohn will move to tight end this fall.

OTHER RETURNEES
On the lines seniors C Bo Lind, OL/DL Tyler Cromer along with junior OL/DL Cory Frank are experienced and poised for solid campaigns.

Jake Clements, Jr WR – The Blue Devils leading returning receiver, Clements had 324 receiving yards and one touchdown as a sophomore.

Mancini Jackson, So LB – Expect big things from this sophomore. Jackson had an interception as a freshman.

Alex Wachendorf, Jr S – The leading returning tackler for Reading. Wachendorf was in on 27 total tackles with three sacks as a sophomore.

Brendan Eadiccico, Sr WR – With Ashbrock’s move to quarterback that means more playing time is available at receiver. The senior will be a candidate for those snaps.

Schedule
Newport is the first opponent at Sheakley Center in the Skyline Crosstown Showdown. A road game at Adena and a home game against Summit Country Day round out the non-CHL slate. Last year’s top two CHL teams, Wyoming and Taylor, both come to Veteran’s Memorial Stadium. A fast league start is a must, with an opening conference game at Deer Park, but the pivotal game in league could be the second conference game, a home date with Madeira.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(eight appearances, 8-8) – 2006, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000 (Regional Champions), 1973, 1972

MOVING ON UP
The Reading moves from Division V to IV in 2014.

FINISHING STRONG
After back-to-back 3-1 starts the past two seasons Reading has sputtered down the stretch going 1-5 to end ’14 and 2-4 to finish ’13. The Blue Devils have not had a winning year in CHL play since 2010.

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