2016 Snapshot: Wilmington
- Updated: July 22, 2016
Wilmington has gone a combined 15-5 under head coach Scott Killen the past two season but has not been rewarded with a playoff berth. The Hurricane are knocking on the door and Killen’s 2016 squad has some talented pieces that might just be enough to get the program over the hurdle.
A young team isn’t about to curb Killen’s optimism and enthusiasm. “This is going to be an exciting year for the Hurricane. We have size, strength and athleticism. We need to really grow up fast and play to our strengths,” he states.
This will be a scary squad for opponents to prepare for. The ‘Canes will score in bunches. Comfortable leads will allow Killen to set the big dogs free on defense. When that all clicks Wilmington will be capable of beating anyone on its schedule. This group could be a real nuisance in the post-season.
Division III, Region 12
2015 RECORD: 7-3, 5-2 SCOL
COACH: Scott Killen (15-5 @ Wilmington, two years; 15-5 overall)
TOP RETURNEES
Dylan Beaugard, Jr, ATH – A First Team All-Southwest District selection as a sophomore Beaugard was Wilmington’s leading tackler on defense and top receiver on offense. Beaugard is a game changer in all phases of the game. In ’15, Beaugard scored on receptions, runs, interception and kickoff return touchdowns. He has more than 1,200 yards receiving with 12 touchdowns catches and six interceptions during his career.
Connor Barton, Jr, OL – The 6-foot-2, 270 pound Barton earned Second Team All-Southwest District honors as a sophomore. He is one of the top returning linemen in Region 12 and that is saying something with the o-line talent that has honors in Southwest Ohio.
Alex Muslar, Sr, OL – A full season out of Muslar will be a huge boost to the Wilmington o-line.
Gage Smith, Sr, OL – Smith will be a leader on the ‘Canes up front.
Camperon Pace, Sr, OL – Another member of a veteran offensive line that should be part of one of the most productive units in school history.
Wes Lunsford Jr, OL – Part of a very good junior class Lunsford is back for another year as a starter.
Brett Bell Jr, LB – Bell has a knack for getting into opposing backfields. He will be a load for foes to handle.
Porter Pagett, Sr, DL – Pagett can blow plays up and when he does good things happen for the Wilmington defense.
Tralee Joiner, Sr, LB/DL – Teamed with Porter up front, Joiner and the ‘Canes d-line get excellent push up front more often than not.
DJ Ames, So, RB/SS – Averaged 8.5 yards on limited carries while finding the end zone three times as a freshman. Ames will also start in the ‘Canes secondary.
NEWCOMERS
Garrett Hickey, So, DL/LB – Hickey could make an impact early and often as a sophomore.
Jake Vaughn, So, QB/DB – The young Vaughn is too good of an athlete not to have on the field somewhere.
Brady Evans, Fr, QB – During the preseason this freshman will get a strong look at being the varsity starter.
PLAYOFF HISTORY
(three appearances, 0-3) – 2009, 2005, 2003
2016 SCHEDULE
The young ‘Canes will have to weather six road games including the final two at Clinton-Massie then Chillicothe. That duo handed Wilmington a pair of tough losses to end ‘15 which kept them out of the playoffs. GWOC North opponents Greenville and Butler will be a step up in non-conference competition.
LIGHTING UP THE SCOREBOARD
The high scoring trend continues for Wilmington under Killen and offensive coordinator Josh Wulff. The ‘Canes averaged 36.1 points per contest. In ’15 they averaged 36.9 points per game. It was the first time in more than a decade that the program has averaged more than 30 points in back-to-back seasons.
CONFERENCE VAGABOUNDS
The will be the last season for Wilmington in the SCOL. The ‘Canes along with Clinton-Massie will be moving to the Southern Buckeye Academic and Athletic Conference (SBAAC). It will be the fourth different league that Wilmington will participate in during a seven year span. Wilmington played its final year in the Fort Ancient Valley Conference (FAVC) in ‘11 followed by a two-year stint in the Southwestern Ohio Conference (SWOC) and the past three campaigns in the SCOL.
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