2016 Snapshot: Rushville

Rushville Head Coach Scott McMurray hasn’t been playing with a full deck of cards since being at the helm. Not being able to dish out a competitive hand has been an uphill battle the coach. This fall things may change and as the Lions may just have an ace or two up their sleeve and lay some winning hands on the table.

“The team will be somewhat young again, but the eight to 10 seniors still around should provide for a much improved team. The motto in the off-season has been “Team First” and many are buying into it,” McMurray says.

Rushville’s Keith Yager (15) and Preston Bowling (22). (photo from Facebook)

That is a good sign whose overall youth and inexperience up front and at receiver is a concern. Building confidence is key especially early to help ensure Rushville’s success. “We are very capable of being good,” an optimistic McMurray proclaims.

The Lions only returns two starters on each side of the line. If that group comes together the Rushville offense will be very formidable. “We have the skilled players, but need the offensive linemen to step up and take ownership of the running game,” McMurray says.

This is a team that has some nice pieces and leadership in place. The sooner the untested players come together the more dangerous this pack of Lions become. They could end up playing a major role in determining the outcome of a very good EIAC 3A division.

Class 3A, Sectional 30
2015 RECORD: 1-9, 0-3 EIAC 3A
COACH: Scott McMurray (5-16 @ Rushville, two years, 5-16 overall, two years)

TOP RETURNEES
Preston Bowling, Sr, RB/LB – The leader of the Rushville defense. Bowling has averaged over 100 total tackles in each of the last two years. He is all-league material.

Rushville RB/DB Keith Yager (photo from Facebook)

Keith Yager, Sr, QB/DB – Yager is a “gamer” who plays with passion and desire on both sides of the ball. He has put together a solid career with 1,403 yards passing, 10 touchdown passes, 805 yards rushing, 13 rushing touchdowns, nine receptions, 149 receiving yards, two touchdown catches, 64 total tackles and four interceptions at the varsity level.

Tyler Turner, Sr, TE/LB – A staple in the middle of the Rushville defense Turner has 147 career tackles including 11 tackles for losses.

Jase Meyer, Sr, OL/DL – The Lions are counting on Meyer to have a major impact on the lines play after returning from injury.

Noah Yazel, Jr, OL/DL – Big things are expected out Yazel who is a tall, lean athletic lineman that comes from a football family.

Leland Joya, Jr, OL/LB – It was trial by fire last year Joya. He started to develop later in the season. Joya should pick up where he left off.

Rushville WR/DB Gunner Yurack (photo from Facebook)

Gunner Yurack, Sr, RB/DB – A leader of the Lions secondary Yurack had five interceptions in ’15.

Duncan Draper, So, OL/DL – The 6-foot-3, 230 pound Draper is a three-sport athlete that has a tremendous upside in football. Look for the Lions play him some at TE to capitalize on his athletic ability.

Hunter Campbell, Jr, OL/DL A part-time starter a year ago Campbell should capitalize on that experience and have a solid campaign as a junior.

Cameron Craig, So, RB/DB – The athletic Craig will be used at a variety of positions on offense to get the ball in his hands.

Mason Springman, So, QB/DB – Springman started the second half the his freshman year at under center. He threw for 732 yards with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions. That experience should lead to confidence and a big step forward this season.

Ike Sheehan, Sr, K – A strong leg and special teams leader Sheehan will make his presence felt on more than one occasion this fall. Mc Murray plans on taking more advantage of his talents in ’16. He has connected on all five of his career field goals.

NEWCOMERS
A trio of young lineman junior Kohl Mann along with sophomores Cody Howe and Ethan Zeisloft have all had good off seasons in the weight room. They will settle into starting spots somewhere on the line for the Lions.

Another junior looking to fit is WR/LB Andrew Wehr. He is a strong competitor who will be a contributor on defense. McMurray thinks Wehr could be a “diamond in the rough.” His classmates RB/LB Jacob Adkins and WR/DB Jordon Davis give Rushville some added depth with size.

There is even more in a sophomore class that has tons of promise. McMurray likes seeing double in sophomore twins OL/LB Austin Trebley and OL/LB Aaron Trebley. The duo possesses the same smart, hardworking and competitive characteristics that will lead to playing time for them. They join classmate TE/LB Cody Carmony who had a hearty helping of varsity actions as a freshman. His ability to finish plays makes him an important part of the Lions defense.

The skill positon players might be a year away from being an explosive bunch. The group includes RB/DB Trey Cain who might just end up being the best of Rushville’s Class of 2018 by the time it is all said and done. McMurray calls him a “raw talent that has a tremendous upside.”

What RB/DB Matt Grote lacks in size he makes up for with quickness and hard work. The coaching staff will find a spot for Grote and TE/LB Colin Whelan this fall. Rounding out this trio of sophomores who should have their moments for the Lions is WR/DB Jordon Smith an athletic player who loves the game.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(15-32 overall)
Regional Champions – 1983

2016 SCHEDULE
The Rushville non-conference schedule includes Milan New Castle and Lapel. Those three schools were a combined 10-21 in ’15. The Lions other six games will be against EIAC teams. The only EIAC team they will not play is East Central.

A REVERSAL OF FORTUNE
The Lions have had just two winning seasons since 2001. They went 7-5 in ’08 and 6-4 in ‘13. Only four times during that span has Rushville won more than three tilts in a year.

RUSHVILLE SINGLE SEASON RECORDS
Passing Yards: 1,502…Doug Marlow (1992)
Rushing Yards: 1,219…Jay Davis (1985)
Receiving Yards: 1,000…Jason Yurak (1,992)
Interceptions: 11…Dennis Goins (1977)

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