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2021 Snapshot: Loveland

Loveland WR/P Ethan Lund (photo from lovelandtigers.org/Emma Christian)

Loveland has been in a funk for several seasons now. The Covid pandemic hampered the Tigers progress under second-year head coach Andy Cruse a year ago. Optimism is high and 2021 may just be the breakout campaign fans have been yearning for.

Cruse jubilantly exclaims. “Our Class of 2022 class has played a lot of varsity football. Many of them started as sophomores. We have had a terrific off-season so far with record weight room attendance! Our team is excited about what we are building and about the opportunities ahead this season!”

Experience is one thing, learning how to win is a whole other story. Loveland is 2-31 in its last 33 tilts dating back to 2017. The Tigers average margin of defeat in those contests is 21.4 points per contest.

The futility spills over to both sides of the ball. The defense hasn’t had an interception and offense hasn’t had a player run for 100-yards or more in a game, in two years.

Cruse would like to see those dubious marks fall. “We have to start consistently making winning plays in all three phases of the game, over the course of four quarters,” Cruse states. It will be a huge step forward for the program, if Loveland can accomplish that under Cruse this fall.

Division II, Region 82020 RECORD: 1-6, 0-4 ECC
COACH: Andy Cruse (1-16 at Loveland, two years; 1-16 overall)

HONOR ROLL
Ethan Lund, Sr, WR/P – A polished receiver who runs great routes. Lund was named OPSWA Division II Second Team All-Southwest District (WR) as a junior. He has 66 receptions for 845 yards and eight touchdowns in his career.

Sawyer Bowin, Sr, RT – A tough, nasty player who loves the game. The 6-foot-3, 280-pound Bowin was an Honorable Mention All-ECC selection in 2020.

OTHER RETURNEES
Luca Aquilino, Sr, QB – Moves to quarterback for his senior season. Aquilino, a team captain is a playmaker who has one starter under center in his career. He has 324 yards and four touchdowns passing at the varsity level.

Loveland QB Luca Aquilino (photo Twitter)

D’Marqo Johnson, Sr, RB/WR – Moving to offense after starting at cornerback for two years. Expect Johnson’s numbers to explode.

Caleb Medeiros, Sr, LT – A senior leader and anchor up front for the Tigers. The 6-foot-2, 270-pound Medeiros has started every game since he was a sophomore.

Noah Kline, Jr, C – A smart o-lineman who will be a staple up front for the next two seasons. The 6-foot-4, 275-pound Kline started every game as a sophomore.

Ethan Freeland, Jr, FS – A smart player who is the quarterback of the defense. Freeland already has two letters on his jacket.

Bailey Jackson, Sr, WR/DB – An electric player with the ball in his hands and good return man. Jackson is Loveland’s best cornerback who has knack for making plays on both sides of the ball. He has 45 receptions for 620 yards and seven touchdown catches in a Tigers uniform.

Loveland WR/CB Bailey Jackson (photo from lovelandtigers.org/Emma Christian)

NEWCOMERS
Senior WR Cam Delaney, juniors MLB Tristen Greatorex, DE Ben Svitkovich and sophomore WR/DB Julius Vorbroker should all move into starting roles this fall.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(five appearances, 6-4) – 2020, 2013 (State Champion), 2002,2000, 1986

2021 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/20/21 – at Sycamore (1-7 in 2020)– 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/27/21 – PRINCETON (6-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/03/21 – at Turpin (5-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/10/21 – at West Clermont (3-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/17/21 – MILFORD (4-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/24/21 – at Little Miami (3-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/01/21 – WALNUT HILLS (2-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/08/21 – KINGS (7-1) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/15/21 – at Anderson (7-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/22/21 – WINTON WOODS (9-1) – 7:00 PM

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