2016 Snapshot: Mount Healthy

The Mount Healthy Owls enter the season for the first time in three years without David Montgomery as the offensive leader. Montgomery accounted for over 3,400 all-purpose yards last season on his way to being named the Ohio Division III Offensive Player of the Year and the TriStateFootball.com Cincinnati Offensive Player of the Year. Montgomery helped lead the Owls to a 31-7 record over the last three years. Now the Owls look to the veterans and seniors on the team to continue the success in Mount Healthy.

Mount Healthy coach Arvie Crouch / photo by Michael Noyes

Year-after-year head coach Arvie Crouch has the Owls as one of the best teams in the SWOC, and that should be no different coming into this season. The team will lack experience, but Crouch says the speed and senior leadership will be the strengths of this team.

“If we can grow as a team in the first four games then we will compete for another SWOC championship. The underclassmen will need to gain the experience as many conference teams are returning starters from a year ago,” Crouch says.

The program has averaged more than nine wins a year under Crouch. This team has enough going for it to keep that trend going.

Division III, Region 12
2015 RECORD: 8-4, 6-0 SWOC
COACH: Arvie Crouch (64-18 at Mount Healthy, seven years; 64-18 overall)

HONOR ROLL
Justin Clark, Sr, OL – This 6-foot-5, 260 pound lineman helped Montgomery gain over 2,700 yards and was rewarded with First Team All-Ohio honors as a junior. One of the premier offensive linemen in Division III.

Trayvon Wilburn, Sr, LB – Recorded 55 tackles a year ago, which is the most by a returning player. Wilburn was named Second Team All-Southwest District selection as a junior. He has an offer from Kent State.

Mount Healthy All-Ohio OL Justin Clark (photo by Mike Noyes/TriStateFootball.com)

Lee Young, Sr, RB – Young was a Second Team All-SWOC selection as a junior after recording over 500 rushing yards and six touchdowns. His best performance came in Week 5 against Little Miami when he rushed for 222 yards and two scores.

Elijah Williams, Sr, LB – An important part of the defense a year ago. Williams helped the Owls have one of the best defenses in the SWOC, which helped earn him a Second Team All-SWOC acclaim in 15.

OTHER RETURNEES
Kejuan Ethridge, Sr, SS – An individual to watch for this season. He led the team with two interceptions.

Cortez Blassingame, Sr, G – Will be a leader on the offensive line as they look to have similar success in the running game from a year ago.

Bryan Cook, Sr, CB – Last year recorded 30 tackles and an interception that led to a touchdown. He is expected to see some time at wide receiver this season.

Derrell Williams, Sr, slot – Led the team with 19 receptions. He is the only returning receiver with more than 10 touches. He also threw the football four times, which one pass resulted in a touchdown.

Tyree Roberson, Sr, WR – TA big target at 6-foot-3 receiver recorded over 118 yards and a touchdown. He brings size and speed to the outside, and should help open the field.

NEWCOMERS
Michael Crawford, So, QB – This 5-foot-9 quarterback will get a chance to prove himself. Going into the preseason, Crawford is the starting quarterback, but Derrell Williams and Lee Young are possibilities behind center.

Lonnie Phelps, So, DE – A 6-foot-1, 210 pound lineman who could help fill the void left by Montez Davis, who led the SWOC with 10.5 sacks. He could be one of the best ends they have seen at Mount Healthy.

Jaquez Broach, Jr, NG – This 6-foot, 285 pound stopper will be in the center of the defensive line. He was limited a year ago so he should see more significant playing time in 2016, and could be difficult to handle for opposing players.

Mount Healthy RB Lee Young (photo by Mike Noyes/TriStateFootball.com)

LeAunte Baldwin, Sr, LB – Will be looked at to be a senior leader on an explosive defense, and help a team that dominates the turnover category. He is maturing each and every day during training camp, according to coach Crouch.

Brandon Lanier, Fr, QB –  Has had a good training camp and starting to be noticed by the coaching staff. A  6-feet-2, 210 pound athlete is getting better every day according to coach Crouch.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(11 appearances, 6-11) – 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001

2016 SCHEDULE
The Owls have not lost a conference game in over three years, but the SWOC be much improved as many teams return starters from a year ago. The first four games on the schedule are winnable but they are on the road – Amelia, Bishop Fenwick, Glen Este, Little Miami. Mount Healthy lost to Fenwick and Glen Este at home in back-to-back weeks a year ago. Now both those matchups are on the road. The first game at the Owls Nest doesn’t come until the end of September against Ross. The last three tilts will be the toughest hosting Northwest in Week 8 and roadies at Harrison and Edgewood. The team is excited about the challenge this team may have without David Montgomery.

KINGS OF THE SWOC
Mount Healthy heads into ’16 having won 20 consecutive league games. In the SWOC’s four years of existence the Owls are a combined 19-2 against conference rivals.

PLAYOFF PRODUCTION
The Owls have won their first round playoff game in each of the last three years. Mount Healthy has five postseason wins in that span. The program had never won a playoff game until 2010.

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