2016 Snapshot: New Richmond

New Richmond had a breakthrough year under head coach Josh Stratton last fall. The Lions made it to the playoffs for the first time in five years. The 2016 New Richmond squad has some loose ends to tie up in order to get to the next level. They have the tools and talent to get back to the post-season but making something happen once they get there is another story.

New Richmond Head Coach Josh Stratton (photo by Mike Noyes/TriStateFootball.com)

The Lions fell in the ’15 regular season finale after starting the year 7-2. The next week was a playoff loss to Mount Healthy. It was a game that New Richmond was in and could have won if they had not turned the ball over five times.

Conquering intestinal fortitude will be a key focus for the Lions if they are to take another step forward. “As a coaching staff our focus has been on toughness. We will be a tough football team this fall,” Stratton says.

With a veteran group of core players returning these goals are truly attainable for New Richmond. The lions are truly masters of their own destiny.

Division III, Region 12
2015 RECORD: 7-4, 3-1 SBAAC American
COACH: Josh Stratton (23-8 at New Richmond, three years; 36-19 overall, four years)

HONOR ROLL
Ethan Gundler, Sr, DB – Coach Stratton calls Gundler “the quarterback of the Lions defense.” Gundler was all over the field registering 71 total tackles, had three and-a-half sacks with five takeaways (two fumble recoveries, three interceptions). He was named First Team All-SBAAC American for his efforts.

Jacob Cyrus, Sr, LB – One of the most underrated players in Southwest Ohio, Cyrus recorded 131 total tackles and recovered three fumbles on his way to First Team All-SBAAC American accolades in ’15. He is on pace for 300 career tackles.

New Richmond WR Chandler Kinhalt (photo by Mike Noyes/TriStateFootball.com)

Dan Troxell, Jr, OL – A First Team All-SBAAC American selection as a sophomore the athletic Troxell should begin to get some college looks this year.

Chandler Kinhalt, Jr, WR/RB/LB – Kinhalt was named Special Mention All-Southwest District after setting the school record for receptions as a sophomore with 37. A very versatile player on offense, Kinhalt also ran for 125 yards while finding the end zone six times (three rushing, three receiving). He has the physicality to play defense this year.

Peyton Schweickart, Sr, OL/DL – One of the strongest players that coach Stratton has had at New Richmond. Schweickart was a Second Team All-SBAAC American honoree a year ago.

Corey Bozic, WR/DB – Bozic started every game on both sides of the ball as a sophomore. He had five interceptions and a fumble recovery on his way to Second Team All-SBAAC American honors. “Corey could be our best all-around football player,” Stratton states.

OTHER RETURNEES
TJ Gelter, Jr, RB/DB – Gelter was just waiting his turn behind two outstanding running backs. “TJ is a smaller but quick guy. He’s a little different running back than what we have had, but he’s hard to tackle in a phone booth,” Stratton states. Gelter heads into his junior campaign with 376 yards and two rushing touchdowns at the varsity level.

New Richmond QB Josh Anderson (photo by Carla Martin/TriStateFootball.com)

Josh Anderson, So, QB – Anderson started the last four games of his freshman year. He finished with 617 passing yards, completed 68% of his passes, ran for 341 yards and accounted for eight touchdowns (four passing, four rushing). Anderson will be the first returning starter under center during Stratton’s tenure at the school.

Kennith Moore, Jr, DL – Moore moved from linebacker to nose guard and made an immediate impact towards the end of last season. He finished the year with 50 total tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery.

Gage Kramer, Sr, TE/DL – The 6-foot-5 Kramer played a bevy of positions before finding a home at tight end in ’15. He caught 26 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns. “Gage is a tough as nails player! We hope he is a big part of our offense and defense this year,” Stratton says.

New Richmond WR/DB Jessup Durbin (photo by Carla MartinTriStateFootball.com)

Jessup Durbin, Jr, WR/DB – Perhaps the most explosive runner on the team, Durbin started every game on both sides of the ball as a sophomore. He finished with 11 receptions for 121 yards, had 29 tackles and two interceptions.

NEWCOMERS
Nick Sanchez, Jr, OL/DL – An injury-riddled sophomore season kept Sanchez from playing a major role for New Richmond. The 6-foot-3, 230 pound lineman is poised for his breakout season.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(five appearances, 3-3 overall) – 2015, 2009, 2001, 2000, 1999

2016 SCHEDULE
Right out of the gate the Lions will be tested against highly ranked Indian Hill. New Richmond struggled with playoff teams last season going 1-3 and allowing 45.7 points in its three losses. The first six games on the schedule (at Indian Hill, at Taylor, Monroe, Talawanda, at Blanchester and at Western Brown) will test the Lions mental and physical toughness. Getting out of that stretch with two losses or fewer should get them back to the postseason.

TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL
In 2017, The Southern Buckeye Academic and Athletic Conference will see Amelia and Norwood leave. They will be replaced by perennial playoff power Clinton-Massie and Wilmington. “It’s time for us to step up with our league getting tougher in 2017 with Clinton Massie and Wilmington entering,” Stratton says.

CATCHING ON
New Richmond receivers caught 100 passes in ’15. The Lions returnees caught 86 of those passes a year ago – Kinhalt (37), Kramer (26), Durbin (11), Bozic (6) and Gelter (1).

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