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2018 Snapshot: Anderson

It is a tale of two lines for Anderson this fall. The Redskins return a veteran core up front on offense. The defensive line has the opposite problem. They are an unproven bunch. Even with the unknowns this is still a team that will contend for an Eastern Cincinnati Conference championship and playoff spot.

“The offensive line will be the key to our success,” head coach Evan Dreyer says. This group has all the makings to be something special. They are the identity of the team. There is plenty of production that needs to be replaced at the skills positions. That problem is easier to address than having to tackle a lack of size issue in the trenches.

Anderson will look to its linebackers to lead the defense. “Our defensive line has to be replaced. Its where we lack experience. Our linebackers will have a great chance to show how good they are at the line of scrimmage,” Dreyer states.

Clock management usually evades Dreyer-led squads because of their quick strike abilities. The Anderson offensive line will be able to wear opponents down as games wear on. Balance between the run and pass will lead to big things for the Redskins. Sustained, long drives will make the clock this teams friend.



Division II, Region 8

2017 RECORD: 10-2, 6-1 ECC
COACH: Evan Dreyer (17-6 @ Anderson, two years; 61-34 overall, nine years)

HONOR ROLL
Zeke Correll, Sr, OL – One of the top linemen in the entire country. The 6-foot-4, 270-pound Correll was named First Team All-Ohio as junior. He has verbally committed to play for Notre Dame.

Jimmy O’Toole, Sr, LB- The heart and soul of a Redskins defense that posted four shutouts last season. O’Toole was in on more than 90 total tackles and had four-and-a-half sacks on his way to Second Team All-Ohio honors as a junior.

OTHER RETURNEES
Joey Newton, Sr, WR – Averaged 17.0 yards on 29 receptions for 494 yards and five touchdowns a year ago. The speedy and shifty Newton will be an important piece of the offense.

Ethan Hamilton, Sr, ATH – Will have a more expanded role for the Redskins. As a defensive back, he came up with two takeaways last season.

Kevin Stone, Sr, OL – Returning starter who was a part of a line that churned out 472.25 yards per game (145.1/rush, 327.1) in ’17.

Brian Stone, Sr, OL – Returning starter who helped escort a slew of Redskins into the end zone 68 times (35 pass, 33 rush) last fall.

Tim Swaney, Sr, LB – Like his counterpart O’Toole, Swaney knows how to get to the quarterback. He finished with four sacks as a junior.

NEWCOMERS
A quartet of juniors QB David Thompson, LB Leyton Wheeldon, DL Nate Crawford and WR/TE Ross Parrish should have breakout years. Thompson has a great arm and should flourish in Dreyer’s wide-open spread offense. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Parrish has offers from Indiana and Akron. He will be used at tight end, wide receiver and out of the backfield. Don’t be surprised if Wheeldon blossoms into and all-conference player this fall.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(12 appearances, 13-11) – 2017, 2016, 2009, 2008 (runner-up), 2007 (State Champion), 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1996, 1994, 1992

2018 SCHEDULE
Fri – 8/24/18 vs Mount Healthy (site/time TBD)  7:00 PM
Fri – 8/31/18 HAMILTON  7:00 PM
Fri – 9/7/18 HARRISON  7:00 PM
Fri – 9/14/18 at Kings  7:00 PM
Fri – 9/21/18 at Withrow  7:00 PM
Fri – 9/28/18 MILFORD  7:00 PM
Fri – 10/5/18 at West Clermont  7:00 PM
Fri – 10/12/18 TURPIN  7:00 PM
Fri – 10/19/18 WALNUT HILLS  7:00 PM
Fri – 10/26/18at Loveland  7:00 PM

LIGHTING UP THE SCOREBOARD
In 23 games under Dreyer, the Redskins have scored 40 points or more 16 times. They are averaging 41.5 points per game with Dreyer on the sidelines. Ironically, there are only two players on the 2018 Anderson roster that have found the end zone – Newton (five times) and Thompson (once).

TOUGH LUCK
All six of the Redskins losses under Dreyer are to five teams that went on to make the playoffs. Those teams were a combined 35-11 for .761 winning percentage.

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