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2022 Snapshot: Stebbins

Stebbins OL/DL Jake Wheelock (photo from Twitter: @jakewheelock)

They are taking football seriously at Stebbins and the sleeping dog has awakened.
This once hapless and down-trodden program has figured out how to play and be victorious at higher level. No one could have projected this prosperity, five seasons ago. The Indians head into 2022 having completed back-to-back winning campaigns while coming out triumphant in their first-round playoff game (the only two postseason appearances in program history) in each of those years.

The good news for coach and his staff is that their kids aren’t resting on past laurels. They have had a taste of the sweet nectar and now they are hungry for more. “Our offseason has been a success. We have a lot of younger players that are building confidence. The work ethic of these kids this offseason will make us a better football team,” states head coach Greg Bonifay.

The loss of many key players to graduation means new faces need to step up and take the lead. Bonifay has confidence in the core of Indians that return. “We should be solid upfront. We have players that can make plays. We must be able to get the ball into their hands.”

It is tough to figure out how to win. Sustaining that success on a year-to-year basis is even more difficult. Stebbins needs to take care of business, beat the teams that they are now expected to defeat. The Indians stay disciplined to achieving that, they will continue down this fortuitous path that they’re currently on.

Division II, Region 8
2021 RECORD: 6-5, 4-4 MVL
COACH: Greg Bonifay (15-34 at Stebbins, five years; 50-101 overall, 15 years)

TOP RETURNEES
Adrian Norton, Sr, WR/DB – It was a breakout junior season for one of the top players in Region 8. Norton had 51 receptions for 1,062 yards receiving, 13 receiving touchdowns, two punt return scores (27.3 yards/PR) and 1,588 all-purpose yards. He earned OPSWA Division II First Team All-Ohio honors for his efforts. Norton just picked up his first BCS offer from Akron.

Rayvonn Harris, Jr, WR/DB – A explosive athlete that can create big plays on both sides of the ball. Harris was a Second Team All-MVL selection as a sophomore. He heads into his junior campaign with 1,231 all-purpose yards, 40 receptions, 723 yards receiving, nine touchdowns (seven rec, one rush, one PRTD), 38 total tackles, one sack, one fumble recovery and one interception in an Indians uniform.

Stebbins WR/DB Rayvonn Harris (photo from Twitter)

Jake Wheelock, Jr, OL/DL – A big body that uses his strength, size and speed to create holes on offense and make plays defensively. Wheelock was named Second Team All-MVL in 2021. The 6-foot-5, 300-pound lineman just picked up his first BCS offer from Akron.

Cadan Keller, Jr, DB – Gained great experience last year and has worked hard this off season. Keller tallied 43 total tackles and had an interception in his varsity debut.

Lavell Lyles, Jr, RB/LB – Was rock solid in his first year as a starter. Lyles recorded 35 total tackles, forced a fumble and had his first varsity score on a 3-yard run against Springfield Northwestern. It was Stebbins’ first touchdown of the 2021 season.

NEWCOMERS
Isaiah Stoudemire, So, OL/DL – Has a chance to be special. The 6-foot-3, 285-pound lineman had eight tackles in four games as a freshman.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(two appearances, 2-2) – 2021, 2020

2022 SCHEDULE
Sa – 08/20/22 – at Aiken (3-5 in 2021) – 4:30 PM
Fri – 08/26/22 – at Greenville (2-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/02/22 – at West Carrollton (0-9) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/09/22 – TROY (6-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/16/22 – at Tippecanoe (10-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/23/22 – BUTLER (3-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/30/22 – FAIRBORN (1-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/07/22 – at Xenia (5-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/14/22 – SIDNEY (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/21/22 – at Piqua (12-1) – 7:00 PM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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