2023 Snapshot: Gamble Montessori
- Updated: March 18, 2023
Gamble Montessori RB/LB Brent Thompson (25) (photo by John Cravaack/Cravaack.Smugmug.com)
Check off another box in the evolution of the Gamble Montessori football program as the Gators are coming off back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time in school history. The next goal is to get a postseason win. This group has the talent and experience to get that done.
Gamble has the size up front to make most Division V schools envious. That plays right into their strength, with a Wing-T offense that the Gators dare the opposition to stop. “We are big, strong and physical. That suits our offensive style of running the ball,” head coach Robert Rachel states. In 2022, Gamble amassed 2,999 yards (272.6 yards/game) and 35 touchdowns rushing. That accounted for 92.8% of the team’s offensive output.
Throw in an experienced defense that will get after the quarterback and force turnovers, Gamble is poised to damage this fall. Still, they must take it up a level against upper echelon opponents if they are to get that Week 11 victory. The Gators allowed 44.0 points per contest in their four losses last season.
Rachel wants to keep his team grounded, literally, and not put one foot too far ahead of the other. “The Gamble football program is going take the 2023 season one week at a time,” he exclaims. If they keep that focus, good things are going to happen again for the Gators.
Division V, Region 20
2022 RECORD: 7-4, 4-0 CMAC Blue
COACH: Robert Rachel (28-37 at Gamble Montessori, seven years; 28-37 overall)
TOP RETURNEES
Desmond Davis, Sr, OL/DL – An absolute beast on defense. As a junior, Davis tallied 102 total tackles, 15.0 sacks, 35.0 tackles for losses and forced two fumbles. He was named OPSWA Division V Third Team All-Ohio. Davis was an OPSWA Division VI Second Team All-Ohio selection as a sophomore.
Gamble Montessori OL/DL Desmond Davis (55) (photo by John Cravaack/Cravaack.Smugmug.com)
Brent Thompson, Sr, RB/LB – The heart-and-soul of the Gators offense. Thompson set the school single season record for rushing yards with 1,583 yards and 22 touchdowns last fall. He also threw for 253 yards, with four touchdown passes, had 71 total tackles and a sack. That effort saw Thompson be named OPSWA Division V Third Team All-Ohio and CMAC Blue Athlete of the Year.
Jaycee Houston, So, WR/S – Friday night lights weren’t too big for Houston as a freshman. The 6-foot-3, 175-pound pickpocket snared eight interceptions, had 213 interception return yards and 44 total tackles in his varsity debut. He was named OPSWA Division V Second Team All-Southwest District.
Deon Coulter, Sr, RB/LB – A great compliment to Thompson out of the backfield for the Gators. Coulter ran for 925 yards and found the end zone eight times (seven rush, one pass) as a junior. He earned OPSWA Division V Second Team All-Southwest District for his work.
Gamble Montessori RB/LB Deon Coulter (photo by John Cravaack/Cravaack.Smugmug.com)
Jaylen Shearer, Sr, OL/DL – Another stellar campaign on both sides of the line saw Shearer be named First Team All-CMAC Blue for a second straight year. The 6-foot-3, 300-pound Shearer also has 61 total tackles in his career.
Tayron Patterson, Sr, WR/DB – Coming off a First Team All-CMAC Blue performance as a junior, Patterson should be an even bigger factor on both sides of the ball in 2023.
Ryan Wright, Sr, OL/DL – A returning lineman who provides senior leadership in the trenches.
Ricky Trimble, Sr, RB/DB – A key member of the Gamble secondary, Trimble was in on 72 total tackles with two sacks and a fumble recovery, a year ago. He was named Second Team All-CMAC Blue.
Ryan Baringhaus, Jr, OL/DL – A valuable member of the offensive line. Barringhaus was named Second Team All-CMAC Blue as a sophomore.
Chayse Mack, So, OL/DL – The future looks very bright for this young 6-foot-0, 230-pound lineman. Mack registered 51 total tackles and a sack on his way to Second Team All-CMAC accolades as a freshman.
Gamble Montessori OL/DL Chayse Mack (51) (photo by John Cravaack/Cravaack.Smugmug.com)
Amir Brown, So, DB – An integral part of what should be an outstanding Gators secondary. Brown was in on 33 total with an interception on his way to Honorable Mention All-CMAC Blue acclaim as a freshman.
Jayden Mabry, So, OL/DL – Another reason why Gamble is so excited about its Class of 2026. The 6-foot-3, 225-pound Mabry was named Honorable Mention All-CMAC Blue in 2022.
NEWCOMERS
Coach Rachel is good at getting positive production out of the Gamble freshmen. Look for WR/DB Jaylen Houston and WR/LB Deondre Carr-Short to continue on with that trend.
PLAYOFF HISTORY
(two appearances, 0-2) – 2022, 2021
2023 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/18/23 – NEW MIAMI (0-10 in 2022) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/25/23 – at Madison Senior (1-9) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/01/23 – TAYLOR (4-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/08/23 – at Clark Montessori (6-5) – 7:00 PM*
Fri – 09/15/23 – SUMMIT COUNTRY DAY (6-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/22/23 – at Shroder (1-9) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/29/23 – DAYTON CHRISTIAN (5-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/06/23 – RIVERVIEW EAST (3-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/13/23 – at CCPA (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/20/23 – TBA
*at Angus King Stadium (Withrow HS)
**ALL Home games at Stargel Stadium
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