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2021 Snapshot: Rushville

Rushville OL/DL Nash Paddack (photo by Teri Barker/Milan Athletics)

Former player and alum, Isaac Sliger takes over as the new head coach at Rushville. He inherits quite the reclamation project. The Lions come into the season on a 14-game losing streak. They haven’t won a game since September 20th, 2019.

Sliger wasted little time in establishing a team motto – Where there is no STRUGGLE, there is no STRENGTH. “We have to create a new culture and a new identity. The main focal point I have challenged everyone on has been simple, they have to identify what they want it to take to be the “new” Rushville Lions. They have a unique opportunity because they get to be the group that lays the new foundation for those expectations,” he states.

He goes on. “We’re finally getting older even though we are somewhat slightly young. Most of our kids are sophomores and juniors now. We return almost everyone. There is inexperience at the skills positions. We lost most of our offensive production but have new and old guys that are ready to step up and make plays.”

“Our offensive line and quarterback are our strengths on offense. We will rely heavily on them. We are a much stronger team and are now in a place for competition at key spots that we have not seen in quite some time,” Sliger says.

Rushville gave up 55.1 points per game in 2020. Every opponent scored 48 points or more on them. The average margin of defeat for the Lions was 42.7 points per contest. The defense needs to play with much more pride and accountability for this transformation is to come to fruition.

It will be an uphill battle but you have to admire the confidence of the new coach. It feels like the Lions are on the right path to turn this thing around, sooner rather than later.

Class 3A, Sectional 31
2020 RECORD: 0-9, 0-3 EIAC 3A
COACH: Isaac Sliger (0-0 at Rushville, first year; 0-0 overall)

HONOR ROLL
Eli McGrath, Jr, OL – The cornerstone of the Lions o-line is back for his third year as a starter. The 6-foot-5, 340-pound McGrath moved to guard last fall and made great strides, earning Class 3A All-EIAC honors. He is a dominating force who will be getting college looks this season.

Rushville OL Eli McGrath (photo from Twitter: @EliMcGrath1)

OTHER RETURNEES
Adam Sizemore, SR, RB/OLB – The most versatile Lions player who is expected to be the leader of the defense and a key component in the running game. Sizemore has 73 total tackles in his career.

Nash Paddack, Sr, H-back/DE – The strongest guy on the team and the anchor of the defensive line. Paddack has 61 total tackles and three sacks at the varsity level.

John Alexander, SR, OL/DL – A three-year starter at center, Alexander is the anchor of the offensive line.

Devin Richardson, Sr, OL/DL – The 6-foot-2, 285-pound Richardson is a leader. He is back for his third season as a starter at guard.

Jonah Shuppert, Sr, H-back/TE – A great blocker who is back for a second year as a starter.

Nick Pavey, Sr, DL – Look for even more production out of Pavey who is a returning  starter on the d-line.

Austin Vance, Jr, QB – Made additional strides as a passer in his second season as a starter. Vance has 1,593 yards passing, 16 touchdown passes and three rushing in his career.

Rushville QB Austin Vance (photo from Twitter: Austinvance014)

Drew Miller, Jr, RB/LB – Look for Miller, who is primed for a big campaign, to be a staple in the middle of the defense. He had 32 total tackles and an interception as a sophomore.

Jack Barnes, Jr, WR/DB – Expected to be the leader of the secondary. Barnes had 42 total tackles in his initial season as a starter last fall.

Austin Kennedy, Jr, OL – Back for his second year as a starter at offensive tackle. The 285-pound Kennedy is an extremely hard worker who has a chance to excel this year.

Landon Trowbridge, Jr, DL – The 270-pound Trowbridge, showed promise as a sophomore starter and should continue to be a strong presence in the middle of the d-line.

NEWCOMERS
Alec Evans, Sr, WR/CB, Dylan Thompson, Jr, WR/CB and Harley Fuller, Sr, WR/CB: “We are VERY excited about these three. Evans and Thompson are both 6-foot-5. All three are extremely athletic and will be immediate contributors on both sides of the ball,” Sliger emphatically chimes.

Kaiden Gabbard, Sr, H-back/LB, Zak Mankin, Jr, H-back/LB, Brian Simmermon, Jr, LB, Jayden Roosa, Jr RB/LB: “All four should bring competition to the linebacker positions with their experience,” says Sliger.

Sam Barada, Jr, DB, Maurice Manghelli, soph, DB Matthew Komlanc, Jr, RB/DB: “These three should compete for one of the safety spots on the back end,” states Sliger.

PLAYOFF HISTORY (16-36)
Sectional Champion (one) – 1983.

2021 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/20/21 – at Milan (7-4 in 2020) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/27/21 – NEW CASTLE (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/03/21 – at Franklin County (6-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/10/21 – at Batesville (4-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/17/21 – CONNERSVILLE (2-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/24/21 – NORTH DECATUR (10-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/01/21 – LAWRENCEBURG (11-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/08/21 – at South Dearborn (4-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/15/21 – at Greensburg (6-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/22/21 – TBD: IHSAA Sectional 31 Playoffs

 

 

 

 

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