TriStateFootball.com

2022 Snapshot: Oakwood

Oakwood DB Max Parker (photo by AJ Fullam/6sphoto.com)

Even though it has been 13 years since Oakwood finished a season above .500 (8-4 in 2008) there are signs the program is heading toward more prosperous times. Confidence is high after back-to-back playoff appearances but getting back to the postseason won’t be easy. The Lumberjacks are moving up to Division III, Region 12. The task of playing in Week 11 is daunting but this squad has the make-up to get it done.

Oakwood is experienced and has a slew of underclassmen who have seen significant snaps at the varsity level. “We have a great group of seniors returning that have played together for a long time. They are a close-knit group that believes in putting in the work to get the job done,” head coach Butch Snider states.

Snider knows the uphill battles his team will face along the way. “As always, our roster numbers are in the mid-40’s. We play in a tough league, where many of the teams usually have more depth than us and not as many two-way players as we do. We are almost always the smaller team up front.”

The schedule does Oakwood no favors the Lumberjacks will face nine teams that made the playoffs in 2021 (three of those finished with losing records). Snider believes his team is up to the challenge but must stay healthy to be competitive. “If we can stay away from injury, we can have some really good success this season. Last year, the week of our playoff game versus Eaton we only had 27 players dressed. Several who had to play in that game had little to no Friday night experience.”

Division III, Region 12
2021 RECORD: 4-7, 2-5 SWBL Southwestern
COACH: Butch Snider (23-50 at Oakwood, seven years; 28-65 overall, nine years)

HONOR ROLL
Max Parker
, Sr, WR/DB – A great all-around athlete with explosive speed and quickness. Parker has a great understanding of the game and will do many different things and play many different positions for Oakwood this season. He was named OPSWA Division IV Second Team All-Southwest District (DB) as a junior after recording 61 total tackles, coming up seven takeaways (two FRs, five INTs) including a 90-yard pick-six against, amassing 941 all-purpose yards, with 18 receptions for 285 yards and four touchdowns.

Nate Clark, Sr, RB/LB – A big, strong, physical player with an aggressive demeanor on the field.  Clark will be a force on both sides of the ball. He ran for 234 yards with a pair of touchdowns, had 56 total tackles and a sack on his way to being named Second Team All-SWBL East in 2021.

Oakwood RB/LB Nate Clark (photo by AJ Fullam/6sphoto.com)

Ethan Stone, Sr, WR/DE – An extremely intelligent player that has a nose for the ball. Stone will be one Lumberjacks leaders in 2022 both vocally and by example. He made an immediate impact after returning from a preseason injury that sidelined him for the early part of 2021. Stone would go on to earn Second Team All-SWBL East honors.

Ben Moreira, Sr, WR/DE – Has great instincts and awareness and is almost always around the ball. Moeira was a rock on the edge for the defense in 2021. He tallied 51 total tackles, had a sack, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble on his way to Honorable Mention All-SWBL East accolades as a junior.

Harrison Greathouse, Jr, OL/DL – The Lumberjacks center a year ago who played consistently throughout the season. Greathouse helps makes the call up front. He was named Honorable Mention All-SWBL East as a sophomore.

OTHER RETURNEES
Steve Lauterbach, Jr, QB/DB – Will take on a much bigger role this fall after seeing time at quarterback last season when Oakwood’s starter was out. Lauterbach threw for 584 yards and five touchdowns.

Oakwood QB/DB Steve Lauterbach (photo by AJ Fullam/6sphoto.com)

Jackson Thobe, So, QB/DB – Comes with a high ceiling and great pedigree. Don’t be surprised if Thobe is one of the breakout performers in the SWBL. As a freshman he was in on 17 total tackles and had two receptions for 21 yards.

JJ Wilson, Jr, WR/DB – A returning starter who became a very good cover corner that was tough to throw against last fall. Wilson will also have more of an impact on the offensive side of the ball this year. He was in on 31 total tackles, with a fumble recovery and an interception a year ago.

James Altenburg, Sr, RB/DL – A big, strong, physical and quick player who has an incredible motor. Altenburg is the anchor of the d-line. He has 55 total tackles and three sacks in his career.

Oakwood WR/DE Ethan Stone (photo by AJ Fullam/6sphoto.com)

NEWCOMERS
Carter Stack, Jr, OL/DE – A good size player with great natural strength. Last season Stack earned a spot due to his performance and showed a lot of good things in games. He finished the year with 23 total tackles and a pair of sacks.

Nate Wertz, Jr, OL/DL – An undersized lineman who has great feet and is explosive. Wertz knows how to use his body to get the most out of his frame.

Carsen Dinkler, So, WR/DB – Has good athleticism and speed and should be a bigger part of the offense and defense this fall.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(nine appearances, 4-9) – 2021, 2020, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2004, 2003, 2001, 1985

2022 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/19/22 – MARIEMONT (8-4 in 2021) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/26/22 – at Northridge (7-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/02/22 – at Milton-Union (10-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/09/22 – VALLEY VIEW (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/16/22 – at Monroe (8-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/23/22 – FRANKLIN (4-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/30/22 – at Waynesville (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/07/22 – BELLBROOK (11-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/14/22 – at Brookville (8-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/21/22 – MADISON SENIOR (0-10) – 7:00 PM

 

 

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