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2023 Snapshot: Centerville

Centerville DB Ross Coppock (photo by Barry Burtentshaw/burtenshaw.smugmug.com).

Things appear to have turned the corner for head coach Brent Ullery and Centerville as they look to expanded on what was an illustrious 2022 campaign for the program. With some dynamic talent coming back the Elks are primed to build upon the foundation of what last two classes of seniors have laid for them.

Last season, the Elks won 10 games (or more) for the 13th time in school history and second time for Ullery. It was also the first time the program won two playoff tilts in the same year since 1991 (a span of 31 seasons with one post season win or less over 15 playoff appearances). Centerville is a combined 18-7 the past two seasons after posting a 10-18 mark in the three previous campaigns under Ullery. It is easy to see why Elks fans are fired up about the black and gold.

The skill position players are polished with some seniors that have unfinished business. They are hungry to go out in style. If Centerville gets above average performances in the trenches, on both sides of the line, the Elks will be making their fourth straight playoff appearance with their sights on doing some damage in the postseason once again.

Division I, Region 2
2022 RECORD: 10-3, 5-2 GWOC
COACH: Brent Ullery (38-27 at Centerville, six years; 38-27 overall)

TOP RETURNEES
Reggie Powers, Sr, DB – One of the best defensive backs in Ohio and the entire Midwest. Centerville will look to Powers to provide leadership and pass what it takes be a winner as an Elk to the underclassmen. Powers recorded 78 total tackles, had a sack, seven tackles for losses, forced two fumbles and recovered two fumbles earning OPSWA Division I Honorable Mention All-Ohio acclaim, a year ago. He has offers from Akron, Appalachian State, Army, Ball State, Boston College, Central Michigan, Cincinnati, UConn, Eastern Kentucky, Eastern Michigan, Iowa State, James Madison, Kent State, Liberty, Louisville, UMass, Northwestern, Ohio, Pitt, Toledo, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Western Michigan and West Virginia.

Centerville DB Reggie Powers (photo by Barry Burtentshaw/burtenshaw.smugmug.com).

Ross Coppock, Sr, DB – Arguably the best player in Southwest Ohio without a FBS offer. Coppock, emerged as one of Southwest Ohio’s best ballhawks in his first year as a starter. He tallied 65 total tackles, had a sack, five tackles for losses, seven interceptions, 179 interception return yards and two pick-sixes on his way to being named OPSWA Division I Honorable Mention All-Ohio as a junior.

Bryce Cowgill, Sr, TE – Another Elk who had his season cut short and is ready to shine as a senior. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound was a top target of Wells early in 2023 and was named Second Team All-GWOC before missing six of the team’s final seven contests. He has 32 receptions for 404 yards and four touchdowns in his career.

Centerville WR Bryce Cowgill (photo by Barry Burtentshaw/burtenshaw.smugmug.com).

Drake Wells, Sr, QB – Was cruising right along when injuries took him down last fall. Wells will slide back in under center after throwing for 1,184 yards, rushing for 105 yards and accounting for 10 touchdowns (eight pass, two rush) in seven games on his way to OPSWA Division I Honorable Mention All-Southwest District honors as a junior.

Mason Keeley, Jr, DL – A pleasant surprise a year ago who has a high ceiling as a junior. Keeley tallied 43 total tackles, had two-and-a-half sacks, five-and-a-half tackles for losses and an interception on his way to Second Team All-GWOC honors in his first season as a starter.

Jamar Montgomery, Jr, WR – If ever there were a receiver primed for a monster season in 2023, Montgomery would top the list. He reeled in 38 receptions for 397 yards and three touchdowns on his way to Second Team All-GWOC honors as a sophomore.

Centerville WR Jamar Montgomery (photo by Barry Burtentshaw/burtenshaw.smugmug.com).

Braylon Newcomb, Jr, ATH – A dream to have on your offense and nightmare for opposing coaches to plan to defend against. Line Newcomb up at any skill position and he will produce. Did a great job filling in at quarterback after Wells went down. Over his last five starts to end his sophomore year Newcomb averaged 127.0 yards passing, 87.0 yards rushing and accounted for 14 touchdowns (eight rush, six pass) as the Elks went 4-1 in those affairs. He finished the year with 652 yards passing, 598 yards rushing, 14 receptions for 115 yards, one touchdown catch, six touchdown tosses and a team high 10 rushing touchdowns on his way to Honorable Mention All-GWOC accolades.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(19 appearances, 13-19) – 2022, 2021, 2020, 2017, 2014, 2013, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2005, 2004, 1999, 1998, 1993, 1991 (State Runner-up), 1986, 1984

2023 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/18/23 – LAKOTA EAST (3-7 in 2022) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/25/23 – at Dublin Coffman (7-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/01/23 – PICKERINGTON CENTRAL (9-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/08/23 – MIAMISBURG (4-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/15/23 – at Northmont (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/22/23 – SPRINGBORO (8-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/29/23 – BEAVERCREEK (2-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/06/23 – at Springfield (13-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/13/23 – FAIRMONT (8-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/20/23 – at Wayne (6-5) – 7:00 PM

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