2016 Snapshot: Connersville

There will be no hidden secrets as to what the task at hand is for Connersville in 2016. The Spartans have to keep the opposition out of the end zone and take care of the football on offense. There are some pieces in place to make that happen but is there enough depth and experience to keep Head Coach Adam Kelley’s troops from wearing down.

The Spartans gave up 43 points per game in 2015. Seven time they allowed 40 points or more.

Connersville TE/LB Chris Dudas (photo from Facebook)

“Similar to last season we will be a young squad in many areas. Many of our young players gained a tremendous amount of experience last season especially in the skill positions, Kelly says. “Our offensive and defensive lines may be void of many seniors but the expected sophomore and junior players are good and will create competition for playing time which is something we have lacked in the past.

“We know we are going to have to earn the respect of our opponents this year but I believe this group of young enthusiastic and dedicated players are up for the challenge,” Kelley states. It will be a challenge but also an opportunity for Connersville to show that they are on their way up.

Class 4A, Sectional 23
2015 RECORD: 1-9, 0-3 EIAC 4A
COACH: Adam Kelley (14-27 @ Connersville, four years, 14-27 overall)

HONOR ROLL
Chris Dudas, Sr, TE/ILB – As a junior Dudas was in on 67 total tackles with five takeaways (three fumble recoveries) including two pick sixes versus Rushville. He was named All-EIAC 4A for his performance. Dudas is a team captain and leader of the defense. He will be called upon to make sure the young unit lines up in the right place on every down

OTHER RETURNEES
Seth Bean, Jr, OT – Back for his third season as a starter the 6-foot-3, 270 pound Bean is one of the top offensive lineman in the EIAC. A real impact player up front. The versatile and powerful Bean will be the Spartans leader in the trenches.

Connersville QB Dalton Light (photo from Facebook)

Dalton Light, So, QB/DB – Light started better than half of Connersville’s contests at quarterback as a freshman will compete again to be the starter. Light threw for 480 yards with five touchdowns but did have 10 interceptions. “Dalton is a smart and athletic player that we expect to build on the bumps and bruises he experienced last season,” Kelley states.

Mason Sullenberger, Sr, WR/CB – One of the few proven big play threats for the Spartans Sullenberger led the team with 11 receptions for 228 yards and four touchdowns a year ago. He also paced the squad with three interceptions on defense. “Mason is the most athletic player on the team. He really matured last season as a player and should be an all-conference performer this season,” Kelley says.

Christian McHenry , Sr, FB/OLB – A Spartans team captain this fall McHenry was the teams most productive and consistent offensive performer in 2015. He will be a steady weapon out of the backfield and is a load to bring down.

Dalton Dubois, Jr, Slot/RB – Connersville will look to get the ball into the hands of Dubois and let him do his thing in open space. This could be a breakout season for the versatile Dubois who is back for his second year as a starter.

Dalton Lee, Jr, QB/CB – Lee split time under center last season and will compete for a starting job again this year. He is a team leader and a confident player. Connersville expects him to make an impact on both sides of the ball this fall.

Noah Barnes, Sr, OT – Barnes will be one of the teams leaders on and off the field. He started more than half of the Spartans contests a year ago. Kelly like that Barnes is aggressive and smart as well as a very good blocking in the open field.

Connersville DL Dylan Rohn (photo from Facebook)

Dylan Rohn, Jr, DE – The 6-foot-3, 245 pound Rohn came on strong late last season finishing with 32 total tackles including four tackles for losses as a sophomore. “We will need his continued maturity as a player if our defense is going to do well against the sizable offensive lines in the EIAC 4A Division,” chimes Kelly.

Donavan Foreman, Jr, RB/OLB – Foreman showed he was capable of handling the load during a three week stretch in September where he gained 446 of 480 yards and scored all five of his touchdowns as a sophomore. Injuries impacted his explosiveness as he was limited after that. “Donovan will be a big part of our defensive game plan this season and we expect him to have a big impact coming out of the backfield as well,” Kelley state.

NEWCOMERS
Jacob Adams, Sr, DT – This will the first season as a starter for Adams whose speed and size will make him hard to handle for opposing offensive lines.

Jacen Beckman, So, LB – Beckman has very good instincts and a tremendous work ethic. He is expected to earn a starting role as an inside linebacker. “As he gains experience he should be a solid player for us in the middle,” Kelley quips.

Garrett Flowers, Jr, TE/DE – Flowers lacks experience at the varsity level but is expected to contribute at both positions this season. Kelley likes his great work ethic and good strength for his size.

Colton Massey, So, FB/FS – He got his feet wet as a freshman now Massey has a chance to make an impact on both sides of the ball.

Connersville FB/FS Colton Massey (photo from Facebook)

Alec Atkins, Fr, QB/DB – Kelly expects a very skilled and confident Atkins to work his way into playing time in some capacity.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(5-31)
Eighteen times in the last 22 years Connersville has bowed out of the playoffs in Week 10.

2016 SCHEDULE
Richmond and Broad Ripple are the only non-EIAC foes on the Spartans schedule. We will find out just how much heart and fortitude Connersville has the final three weeks of the regular season versus East Central, Lawrenceburg and Batesville. The Spartans were outscored by a combined 147-7 against these three squads in the similar stretch a year ago.

PROMISING FUTURE
The process of making Connersville to become a consistent winner hasn’t been an easy turnaround for coach Kelley. “We expect the team to increase our win total this season and compete for the conference title. Our playoff loss last season was our best output of the season on the offensive side of the ball that has provided both players and coaches encouragement of better days ahead. We have had a great amount of participation in our off season strength and conditioning program from our middle school and high school players.” There is hope and help on the horizon for the Spartans.

LEARNING TO WIN
Coach Kelley’s 14 combined wins in his four seasons is one more than the program was able to produce in the entire decade before he was hired.

FINISHING STRONG
Connersville has lost its last four games in each of the last three seasons. Eight times in the 10 years the Spartans have dropped at least four games in a row to close out campaigns.

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