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2016 Snapshot: Madeira

The returning lettermen at Madeira will have a chip on their shoulder this fall. The Mustangs head into 2016 having just gone through the programs first losing season since 2007. Compounding matters are the four consecutive losses the team ended ’15 on.

A bounce here or there and Madeira’s fortunes would have been very different last fall. Four of the team’s six losses were by eight points or fewer. “We lost a several close games last year. That will need to change if we want to be more successful this year,” head coach Mike Shafer says.

Madeira Head Coach Mike Shafer (photo by Mike Noyes/TriStateFootball.com)

Madeira Head Coach Mike Shafer (photo by Mike Noyes/TriStateFootball.com)

For Shafer, the foundation is in place to rebound. “Overall we are experienced at the skilled positions. We had several young players gain a lot of varsity experience last year.”

There are still voids that need to be filled. Depth and experience on both sides of the line have Shafer’s attention. “This year we will have to play some sophomores and both sides of the ball up front.” If that group comes together the Mustangs will be in the running for a Cincinnati Hills League title and the schools fifth playoff berth in the last six years.

Division V, Region 20
2015 RECORD: 4-6, 2-5 CHL
COACH: Mike Shafer (61-34 @ Madeira, nine years, 98-67 overall, 16 years)

HONOR ROLL
Nick Ramos, LB, Sr- The leader of the defense Ramos was in on 98 total tackles (68 solo), has three sacks and an interception as a junior. He was named Second Team All-CHL for his work.

Greg Corn, RB/DB, Sr – A model of consistency, Corn ran for 884 yards and 10 touchdowns. Those numbers were up from the 727 yards and seven scores on the ground he posted as a sophomore. He was named Second Team All-CHL for his efforts.

Chris Landgrebe, Sr, K – A big time weapon with his foot Landgrebe was a Division V First Team All-Southwest District selection as a junior. He has scored 118 points (91/100 XPs, 9/14 FGs) at the varsity level.

Jacob Bellayuto, Sr, DB – A steadying influence in the Mustangs secondary Bellayuto has averaged 56 tackles over the past two seasons. He was a Second Team All-CHL selection in ’15.

Matt GelhausJr, OL/DL – The two-year letter winner is no stranger to this rodeo. Gelhaus has 58 tackles and four sacks heading into his junior season. He was named Honorable Mention All-CHL despite missing the final three games last fall.

Kyle Johnson, Jr, QB – A dual threat running and passing Johnson is primed for breakout season especially with the weapons that surround him. He amassed 1,425 yards of total offense (684 passing, 741 rushing) and accounted for 13 touchdowns (seven passing, six rushing) earning Honorable Mention All-CHL accolades as a sophomore.

Mark Manfredi, Jr, RB/LB – A fine varsity debut saw Manfredi get in on 40 tackles for Mustangs defense and run for 55 yards with three scores on offense. That was good enough to get him Honorable Mention All-CHL recognition as a sophomore.

Madeira TE/DE Jack Cravaack (phot by Greg Shoemaker/TriStateFootball.com)

Madeira TE/DE Jack Cravaack (phot by Greg Shoemaker/TriStateFootball.com)

Jack Cravaack, Jr, TE/DE – The 6-foot-5, 220 pound Cravaack heads into his junior year as a hot commodity. Cravaack already holds offers from Central Michigan and Wake Forest with plenty more to come. He was an Honorable Mention All-CHL performer a year ago after catching 14 balls for 157 yards and registering a pair of sacks. Don’t be surprised if Cravaack’s numbers are equally as good if not better on the defense as they are on offense. He really came on strong late last season and has all the tools to be a dominate force at defensive end.

OTHER RETURNEES/ NEWCOMERS
Madeira will be looking for depth at receiver and in the secondary. Coach Shafer believes senior Jacob Hunter along juniors Adam Wieczorek and Anthony Herron can fill voids at those positions. Hunter had 32 tackles and a 16-yard pick six as a junior. Herron saw action in eight game and recorded 10 tackles a year ago.

Sophomore OL/DL Eric Hoeffel has all the tools to become an all-league player.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(nine appearances, 0-9) – 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2005, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1982

2016 SCHEDULE
The schedule is conducive to a good start with games at Norwood, hosting Aiken, on the road at Batavia and back home against Finneytown. The month of October will be grueling but will have ample opportunities for Madeira to prove they are playoff worthy. The Mustangs host Wyoming, go to Indian Hill, take on Taylor at home and finish at Mariemont.

CLOSING OUT
Madeira lost four of its six games by one, three, six and eight points in 2015.

UNHAPPY ENDINGS
Many good things came to an end for Madeira in 2015. The Mustangs ended a run of seven consecutive winning seasons in the CHL. They snapped a four year post-season run. Madeira goes into ‘16 having lost is final four games a year ago. From 2008 through 2014 the Mustangs never lost more than two in a row in a campaign.

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