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2022 Snapshot: Blanchester

Blanchester WR/DB Bryce Sipple (photo courtesy of Blanchester football)

Getting off to a prosperous start could be the difference between a good and a great year for Blanchester. The Wildcats dropped their first three games in 2021, then won five of the next six before falling to Mariemont in the first round of the playoffs. This is a squad that has enough talent to compete for a SBAAC American title and host a postseason tilt.

“I’m excited to get started with this team. It could end in our best season in a long time with the work these guys are putting in this offseason. There is a very bright future here,” head coach Jon Mulvihill states.

Blanchester will be deep and experienced on both sides of the line as the Wildcats return a slew of multi-year starters. The team did graduate eight seniors and that leaves them young at the skills positions. The few proven commodities coming back at those spots have tremendous upsides.

The schedule is set up for getting out of the gate with some victories. There isn’t any one on the slate that Blanchester isn’t capable of beating. It is just a matter having the will, want and desire to get it done on Friday nights.

Division V, Region 20
2021 RECORD: 5-5, 4-1 SBAAC National
COACH: Jon Mulvhill (17-12 at Blanchester, three years; 17-12 overall)

Blanchester OL/DL Chasen Allison (photo courtesy of Blanchester football)

HONOR ROLL
Chasen Allison, Sr, OL/DL – A four-year starter and one of the top offensive linemen in Region 20. The 6-foot-1, 250-pound Allison became a two-time OPSWA Division V Second Team All-Southwest District selection last fall.

Michael Mulvihill, So, QB/MLB – What a freshman year this rising star had. Mulvihill threw for 362 yards, ran for 620 yards, had five touchdown passes, seven scores rushing, 61 total tackles, one-and-a-half sacks and two takeaways (one FR, One INT). He was named OPSWA Division V Second Team All-Southwest District.

Ty Goodwin, Sr, OL/DL – A key component on the veteran Wildcats d-line. Goodwin was named Second Team All-SBAAC National as a junior. He has 48 total tackles and a pair of sacks in his career.

Bryce Sipple, Jr, WR/DB – Will move to receiver and become the team’s top option at the position this fall. Sipple threw for 431 yards and had 447 yards and six touchdowns rushing as a sophomore. He was named Second Team All-SBAAC National for his efforts.

Dustin Trace, Sr, WR/LB – A vital cog in the Wildcats defense. Trace registered 31 total tackles, had a sack and two interceptions including a pick-six in 2021. He earned Second Team All-SBAAC National accolades for the work. Look for Trace to make an impact in the passing game as well.

Blanchester WR/LB Dustin Trace (photo courtesy of Blanchester football)

OTHER RETURNEES
Cody Kidd, Sr, OL/DL – Back for his third season as a starter. Kidd helped lead the way for a Blanchester offense that averaged 40.6 points per contest during SBAAC National play in 2021.

Gabe Staehling, Sr, OL/DL – Opens big holes for the Blanchester ground game. The 6-foot-3, 315-pound Staehling is an anchor and a leader on the o-line.

Wyatt Oberle, Sr, OL/DL – Will give the team depth and quality downs on both sides of the ball. Oberle had nine total tackled and forced a fumble last fall.

Kyle Garrett, Sr, OL/DL – The 5-foot-10, 260-pound Garrett helped pave the way for a Wildcats offense that found the end zone 30 times rushing in 2021.

Casey Shank, Sr, WR/LB – The coaching staff looks for Shank to have a very productive senior campaign.

Carson Curless, Sr, WR/DB – A returning starter in the secondary who will also play a bigger role at receiver on offense. Curless recorded 20 total tackles, had two takeaways (one FR, One INT), three receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown catch as a junior.

Dylan Short, Sr, WR/DB – A returning member of what should be a very good defensive backfield. Short had 12 total tackles a year ago.

Dylan Creager, Sr, WR/DB – Could be a hidden gem in the passing attack this fall. Look for Creager to have some big moments for the Wildcats.

Aiden Begley, Sr, WR/DL – Brings senior leadership to the d-line. Begley is primed for an outstanding final season.

Sebastian Smith, Jr, RB/DE – A versatile option out of the backfield who can run or catch the ball. Smith had eight receptions, 89 yards receiving, 164 yards and two touchdowns rushing last season.

Dameon Williams, So, WR/DB – Has the gifts to be the Breakout Player of the Year in the SBAAC. Williams racked up 403 all-purpose yards on 20 touches, averaged 11.4 yards per carry, averaged 30.2 yards per catch with touchdowns on a run, reception and kickoff return as a freshman. He also had 17 total tackles and a fumble recovery on defense.

NEWCOMERS
Seniors DL Nate Meyer, DB Hunter Smith, juniors WR/DB Seth Perkins, RB/LB Chase Barnes, RB/DE Dakota Applegate, DL Caleb Holley, OL/DL Collin Elston, WR/DB Ray Montgomery along with sophomores OL/LB Tristan Malone, WR/DB Zach Musselman and WR/DB Levi Turner will compete for snaps. Applegate ran for his first varsity touchdown last season versus Williamsburg. Holley had flashes of brilliance with one-and-a-half sacks as a sophomore.

Blanchester QB/MLB Michael Mulvihill (photo courtesy of Blanchester football)

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(seven appearances, 3-7) – 2021, 2020, 2019, 2016, 2006, 2005, 2000

2022 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/19/22 – PAINT VALLEY (5-5 in 2021) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/26/22 – at Batavia (1-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/02/22 – at Waynesville (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/09/22 – TBA – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/16/22 – GOSHEN (1-9) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/23/22 – at Clermont Northeastern (2-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/30/22 – WILLIAMSBURG (7-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/07/22 – at Bethel-Tate (9-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/14/22 – FAYETTEVILLE-PERRY (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/21/22 – at East Clinton (5-6) – 7:00 PM

 

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