2022 Snapshot: Dunbar
- Updated: August 7, 2022
Dunbar OL/DL DeAndre Bean (photo from Twitter: @LiveDre2)
They have set the bar for the way football should be played at Dayton Public Schools now Dunbar sits in a position to take things up another notch. Last fall the Wolverines became the first Dayton Public School program to reach the playoffs 10 times. With a cast of veteran and experienced studs this could be another special year for the blue and white.
Dunbar’s schedule has challenges but is fair. The Wolverines move down from Division III to Division IV. The slate features five Division II teams. Facing those bigger schools will only benefit and toughen up Dunbar come the playoffs.
This team should make the playoffs but establishing the run is a must for that to happen. The Wolverines averaged just 65.5 yards per game and 3.2 yards per carry on the ground, a year ago. With a veteran core returning in the trenches expect that to happen.
Dunbar has the overall team speed to matchup with anyone. Defensively, the Wolverines will fly to and swarm around the ball. This unit will be a huge strength of this squad.
Staying healthy is key. Like most small schools, depth is something head coach James Lacking and his staff will have to battle against all season long. If they can avoid the injury monster expect the Wolverines to rise to the occasion, win a second straight DPS title and be a menace in the postseason.
Division IV, Region 16
2021 RECORD: 4-4, 3-0 DPS
HEAD COACH: James Lacking
TOP RETURNEES
Dai’Vontay Young Jr., RB/LB – A rising star who has the talent to play at the Division I level in college. Young Jr. was a OPSWA Division III Second Team All-Southwest District (DL) selection after tallying 70 total tackles with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery as a sophomore. He will move into the backfield and be a factor on offense as well, this season.
Dunbar RB/LB Dai’Vontay Young Jr. (photo from Twitter: @Daivontay24)
Omarion Harris, Sr, RB/LB – A cornerstone of the Wolverines defense. Harris was named First Team All-DPS after getting in on 36 total tackles with a half-of-a-sack in 2021.
Jay’Vian Graves, Jr, RB/DB – Can lineup at various positions on offense and be a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Graves who was a First Team All-DPS honoree in 2021 will start on both sides of the ball this season.
Brian Payne Jr., Sr, DL – A tenacious force on the d-line. Payne Jr. was in on 68 total tackles and had two sacks in last fall. He was named First Team All-DPS for his efforts.
Marco Chambers, Jr, OL – A returning starter on an offensive line that should be even better than it was a year ago. Chambers was a First Team All-DPS selection as a sophomore.
DeAndre Bean, So, OL/DL – A pleasant surprise for the Wolverines in 2021. Look for Bean to make great strides after being named Second Team All-DPS as a freshman.
Shyheim Bowman, Jr, RB/LB – Could be one of the breakout offensive performers in the Gem City this fall. Bowman ran for three touchdowns, had 44 total tackles and a sack on his way to Second Team All-DPS honors a year ago.
Dunbar RB/LB Shyheim Bowman (photo from Twitter: @BigHitDream)
Ke’Shaun Golden, Sr, WR/DB – Look for Golden to shine as a senior on both sides of the ball. He had nine receptions for 128 yards and 27 total tackles on his way to Honorable Mention All-DPS accolades as a junior.
Jaylan Sanchez, Sr, OL – The Wolverines will look to 6-foot-3, 265-pound Sanchez to provide senior leadership on the offensive line.
NEWCOMER
A’Daunis Davis, Fr, QB/DB – The Wolverines coaching staff feels that Davis can step in and make an impact right away.
PLAYOFF HISTORY (10 appearances, 4-10) – 2021, 2020, 2017, 2010, 2008, 2002, 1995, 1991, 1990, 1986
2022 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/19/22 – at Troy (6-4 in 2020) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/26/22 – at Walnut Ridge (1-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/02/22 – at Lima Senior (3-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/09/22 – ROSS (7-3) – 7:00 PM*
Fri – 09/16/22 – FORT LORAMIE (5-7) – 7:00 PM*
Fri – 09/23/22 – at Ponitz (4-6) – 6:00 PM*
Fri – 09/30/22 – MEADOWDALE (5-4) – 6:00 PM*
Fri – 10/07/22 – at Trotwood-Madison (4-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/14/22 – THURGOOD MARSHALL (0-8) – 7:00 PM*
Fri – 10/21/22 – at Belmont (2-6) – 6:00 PM*
* At Welcome Stadium (Univ. of Dayton)
Related Posts
About Greg Shoemaker
You must be logged in to post a comment Login