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2022 Snapshot: Talawanda

Talawanda LB Blake Detherage (photo from Talawanda football)

To say that the cupboard was bare when Jay Volker took over as the head coach at Talawanda a year ago, would be a profound understatement. After a season of hard knocks Volker and his Brave are ready to take the next step up.

“We were very young last year with only three players having varsity experience. We are returning 16-17 starters from last year. Now we have a plethora of experience. There is a great core group of guys that are pushing the culture needed,” Volker states.

The Talawanda offense will be much improved. It will be led by a big offensive line, the centerpiece of the squad. Their ability and keep the Brave defense and opposing offenses on the sideline, keeps them closer in games, deeper into the second half. In 2021, Talawanda went in the fourth quarter of six of their losses trialing by 15 points or more including four contests by at least 25 points.

The Brave battled injuries and depth issues as they finished last season with just 45 players on the roster. The good news is that the 2022 roster is up to 74 players. That helps competition immensely. Talawanda needs that part of the program to continue to flourish if they are going to get to the next level and stay there for an extended period of time.

Division II, Region 8
2021 RECORD: 2-7, 1-4 SWOC
COACH: Jay Volker (2-7 at Talawanda, one year; 2-7 overall)

HONOR ROLL
DJ Morris-Williams, Sr, FB/DL – The heart-and-soul of this Talawanda team. Morris Williams is a force on both sides of the ball. He finished his junior year with 293 yards rushing, two scores on the ground and two sacks on his way to First Team All-SWOC accolades.

Talawanda FB/DT DJ Morris-Williams (photo from Talawanda Football)

Blake Detherage, Sr, LB – The signal-caller for the Braves defense. Detherage was a Second Team All-SWOC selection in 2021.

Hayden Marcum, Sr, WR – Led the team with 284 yards and three touchdowns receiving. There is no reason for those numbers not to double this fall. Marcum was named Second Team All-SWOC as a junior.

Owen King, Jr, OL – A returning starter who really came into his own as a sophomore. The 6-foot-1, 260-pound King earned Second Team All-SWOC honors for his work.

OTHER RETURNEES
DaQuawn Roberson, Sr, RB – Will be a much larger factor in the offense in 2022. Roberson had 265 yards and one touchdown rushing as a junior.

Talawanda RB DeQuawn Roberson (photo from Talawanda football)

Gavin Schlichter, Jr, OL – One of the jewels of a Talawanda o-line that should be one of the team’s strengths for the next couple of years. The 6-foot-2, 300-pound Schlichter is back for his second season as a starter.

Heath Powell, Jr, TE/LB – Started both ways until he was injured. Powell heads into his junior campaign with 18 total tackles in seven varsity games.

Caleb Dillhoff, Jr, LB – Had a strong varsity debut as a sophomore. Dillhoff led the Brave with 48 total tackles and had a fumble recovery.

Ryan Wright, So, RB/DB – Started every game in the secondary as a freshman. Wright finished with 34 total tackles and an interception.

Cale Leitch, So, QB – After starting his freshman year at cornerback, Leitch took over at quarterback in Week 3. He threw for 227 yards, ran for 152 yards with a pair of touchdowns passing and rushing. Expect Leitch to make great strides as a sophomore.

Talawanda WR/DB Hayden Marcum (photo from Talawanda football)

NEWCOMERS
Sophomores WR/DB Jason Frank, LB Tristan Tincher and the 6-foot-4, 280-pound OL Landon Coffey are expected to break into the rotation and possibly even the starting lineup. Senior WR/DB Logan Howard a transfer from Landmark Christian brings an element of speed.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(four appearances, 1-4) – 2020, 2014, 2001, 1991

2022 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/19/22 – MONROE (8-3 in 2021) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/26/22 – READING (7-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/02/22 – at Eaton (11-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/09/22 – at New Richmond (4-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/16/22 – CARROLL (1-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/23/22 – at Harrison (4-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/30/22 – ROSS (7-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/07/22 – EDGEWOOD (9-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/14/22 – at Mount Healthy (6-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/22/22 – at Northwest (3-7) – 7:00 PM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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