2022 Snapshot: Taylor
- Updated: June 8, 2022
Taylor RB Leland Jones-Royalty (photo by Tim Wilking/Wyoming Athletics)
There is no doubt that the expanded playoff format has been very beneficial for Taylor. Before 2020, the Yellow Jackets had only made the post season one time in their history. Now they are working on back-to-back playoff appearances. Every player in the program now puts in the work and expects to be playing in Week 11.
“We have a great group of young men that are ready to prove what they can do. We are losing one heck of a senior class, but we are confident that they built a solid foundation for this program. We are excited for this fall,” head coach David Dransman states.
Taylor must make over its offensive and defensive lines. All five offensive linemen and three d-linemen have graduate. On the bright side the Yellow Jackets have a lot of athletic, skill position guys that have experience and are ready to take the next step on Friday nights.
Getting back to the playoffs for a third straight year won’t be easy. Taylor must fare well versus the non-conference portion of its schedule against three teams primed to make runs in November – Greenon, Lawrenceburg and Gamble Montessori. Winning at least two of those games is imperative for a successful campaign.
Division IV, Region 16
20201RECORD: 5-6, 4-3 CHL
COACH: David Dransman (5-6 at Taylor, one year; 5-6 overall)
HONOR ROLL
Leland Jones-Royalty, Sr, RB/Slot/DB – Had a breakout junior season and will be a huge asset on both sides of the ball this fall. Jones Royalty ran for 808 yards, found the end zone seven times and had 21 tackles in 2021. He was named Second Team All-CHL for his work.
JT Rudisell, Jr, WR/DB – The leader of the secondary who will be an offensive threat in 2022. Rudisell was named Second Team All-CHL as a sophomore after getting in on 37 total tackles and snaring three interceptions.
OTHER RETURNEES
Grant Booth, Sr, OL/TE/LB – A leader on the Yellow Jackets defense who will also help solidify the offensive line. Booth tallied 70 total tackles and one-and-a-hal sacks as a junior.
Jackson McGowan, Jr, QB – Was thrust into the starting job last year when Mark Snowden tore his UCL. McGowan has had a great off season. He has the talent to be one of the top quarterbacks in the CHL. McGowan threw for 595 yards and five touchdowns as a sophomore.
Tony Kuhr, Sr, WR/LB/DB – Picked up some valuable great experience playing receiver, running back and defensive back as a junior. The coaching staff looks for Kuhr to take the next step as a senior leader this fall. He ran for his first varsity touchdown a year ago.
Taylor RB/DB Tony Kuhr (photo by Tim Wilking/ Wyoming athletics)
NEWCOMERS
Brody Lehmann, So, RB/Slot/LB – A fierce competitor. Lehman started the last four games in 2021 at offensive guard.
Braxton Bufler, So, OL/DL – A high ceiling guy for Taylor who has an excellent opportunity to crack the starting lineup.
Ben Sweigard, Jr, RB/LB – Played sparingly on defense last year but looks to take on a significant role as a starter this season. Sweigard had 11 total tackles as a sophomore.
Graysen Evans, Sr, OL/DL – Was hurt to begin last season but was able to work his way back into the rotation. Evans will have a huge impact on both sides of the line.
Grant Ferguson, So, WR/QB/DB – A skill player that can play multiple positions for the Yellow Jackets. Ferguson will be called on to fill important roles on Friday nights.
Taylor QB Jackson McGowan (photo courtesy of Taylor football)
PLAYOFF HISTORY
(three appearances, 1-2) – 2021, 2020, 2014
2022 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/19/22 – GREENON (6-4 in 2021) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/26/22 – at Lawrenceburg (11-2) – 7:00 PM
Sa – 09/03/22 – GAMBLE MONTESSORI (6-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/09/22 – FINNEYTOWN (2-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/16/22 – at Deer Park (4-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/23/22 – at Indian Hill (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/30/22 – WYOMING (12-1) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/07/22 – READING (7-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/14/22 – at Madeira (4-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/22/22 – at Mariemont (8-4) – 7:00 PM
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