2023 Snapshot: Kings

By Greg Shoemaker
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Updated: March 14, 2023

Kings OL Camden Crooks (photo by Greg Shoemaker/TriStateFootball.com)

They are coming off the most storied season in school history with a program best 13 wins and first ever regional title, now Kings looks to match or even better those accomplishments in 2023. With the loss of 12 all-conference performers topping last year’s dream season going to be easy but the returning Knights appear to be eager, poised and ready for that challenge.

“Our team is full of great competitors who have had an excellent off season so far. We know they are hungry to pick up where last year’s group left off. We expect them to have a great summer and be ready to compete for another ECC championship come August 18th,” head coach Alex Garvin states.

So many veterans are gone from last season’s squad, filling the leadership void is a serious concern for Kings. Garvin expects that the Knights will forge their identity with physicality in the trenches on both sides of the line and with a nasty attitude from the linebacker unit. Expect a core of leaders to emerge, embracing a “smash-mouth” mentality. When that happens this group’s confidence will soar through the roof. The beauty of this team will be how refreshingly different than they were in 2022.

Expectations are high and there is pressure that goes along with that. These Knights have plenty to prove yet how they handle adversity on Friday nights is still to be seen. Bank on Garvin to have Kings well-prepared and answer the calls in difficult situations which will make this another successful campaign for the men in red, white and powder blue.

Kings head coach, Alex Garvin (photo by Greg Shoemaker/TriStateFootball.com)

Division II, Region 8
2022 RECORD: 13-2, 8-1 ECC
COACH: Alex Garvin (37-8 at Kings, four years; 37-8 overall)

HONOR ROLL
Camden Crooks, Sr, OL – The anchor of the offensive line. Crooks earned OPSWA Division II Third Team All-Ohio honors as a junior after helping the Knights amass 423.0 yards of total offense and 39.4 points per game.

Paul Kelly, Sr, WR/DB – One of the top returning secondary players in the ECC. Kelly had 34 total tackles, a fumble recovery, 15 passes defended and six interceptions including a pick-six against Sycamore, a year ago. He also racked up 675 all-purpose yards, with two touchdowns rushing and two more receiving. Kelly was named OPSWA Second Team All-Southwest District for the work.

Colton Weisbrod, Sr, LB – Posted rock solid numbers in his first year as starter getting in on 64 total tackles, with eight tackles for losses, six passes defended and two interceptions as a junior. He was named Second Team All-ECC for his efforts.

Kage Payne, Jr, OL – A rising star in the Class of 2025. The 6-foot-4, 280-pound Payne has picked up his first two offers from Miami (OH) and Toledo with many more to come his way.

Kings OL Kage Payne (photo from Twitter: @kagepayne0)

OTHER RETURNEES
Nate Lyman, Jr, WR – Will be the top target at receiver for the Knights. As sophomore Lyman put up some amazing numbers as Kings’ third option in the passing game. He averaged 21.7 yards on 36 receptions with seven touchdown catches. Lyman had career highs of six receptions, 174 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the Knights state semi-finals loss to Toledo Central Catholic.

Kato Meissner, Jr, TE/LB – The 6-foot-3, 230-pound Meissner will be a major contributor on both sides of the ball. Expect his numbers to more than double from last season when he caught 11 balls for 125 yards, with a touchdown reception, 19 total tackles and a sack.

Patrick Holubetz, Jr, LB – One of those core linebackers who is just beginning to tap into his talents. Holubetz was all over the field as a sophomore with 46 total tackles, seven tackles for losses, two interceptions and a pick-six against Sidney.

NEWCOMERS
Opportunities knock for senior LB Mason Smith (Sr/LB), juniors TE/LB Zach Hoying, DL Caden Walker, RB/LB Carson Linholm, DB Carter Poirier along with sophomores QB Grant Nurre and WR/DB Jacob Rudowski. Nurre got his feet wet under center playing in four games as a freshman including a playoff tilt versus Sidney. Poirier had 18 total tackles a year ago and will be a key component of what should be an outstanding secondary for the Knights. Linholm should have some big evenings out of the backfield in what should be a breakout season for him.

Kings QB Grant Nurre (photo by Greg Shoemaker/TriStateFootball.com)

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(17 appearances, 20-17) – 2022 (Regional Champion), 2021, 2020, 2108, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2011, 2010, 2008, 2007, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 1999

2023 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/18/23 – at Sycamore (0-10 in 2022) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/25/23 – TURPIN (1-9) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/01/23 – WALNUT HILLS (0-10) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/08/23 – at Loveland (4-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/15/23 – MILFORD (9-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/22/23 – WEST CLERMONT (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/29/23 – at Winton Woods (12-1) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/06/23 – at Lebanon (4-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/13/23 – at Little Miami (4-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/20/23 – ANDERSON (8-6) – 7:00 PM

KNIGHTS OF STEAL
In four years under Garvin, Kings has forced 110 turnovers (74 INTs, 36 FRs) of which 15 have been returned for touchdowns (10 IRs, five FRs). Last season the Knights had 40 takeaways (27 INTs, 13 FRs) with five defensive touchdowns (three IRs, two FRs).

2023 Active Leaders: ECC

Tristate Football Podcast: 2023 ECC Preview