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2023 Snapshot: Roger Bacon

Roger Bacon RB Jayson Stewart (photo from: rogerbaconspartans.org/Tammy Rosenfeldt)

The move to the Miami Valley Conference has been very prosperous for Roger Bacon since it joined the league four years ago. The Spartans won their fourth straight Scarlet Division title in 2022. During this run, they haven’t lost a game versus an MVC Scarlet opponent (17-0). At some point this streak will end but these seniors are determined not to let that happen in their last go round.

Maintaining this success will be no easy chore. This Roger Bacon team is “green.” There isn’t much depth with “Friday Night Lights” experience. Head coach Mike Blaut is hoping this squad has taken heed of the examples that have been set for them by those former players who raised the bar to such a high level.

The Spartans have skill positions players that can match up with anybody on their schedule. Their success is going to be determined by line play. One of this team’s great unknowns is if they can win the battles in the trenches. Getting cohesive and consistent up front is a huge hurdle but one that can be conquered with hard work.

There might be some bumps in the road early on for Roger Bacon as it tries to get everyone in sync. By the time MVC Scarlet play rolls around, expect this team to be ready to defend their league crown and retain dominance over their conference peers.

Division IV, Region 16
2022 RECORD: 6-5, 5-0 MVC Scarlet
HEAD COACH: Mike Blaut (49-37 at Roger Bacon, eight years, 49-37 overall)

HONOR ROLL
Jah’Mir Hutsell, Sr, WR/DB – One of the Spartans most talented players. Hutsell has all-district talent. He recorded 46 total tackles and forced a fumble on his way to Second Team All-MVC Scarlet accolades in 2022.

Roger Bacon DB Jah’Mir Hutsell (photo from: rogerbaconspartans.org/Tammy Rosenfeldt)

Jayson Stewart, Jr, RB – Came on strong late last season with 334 of his 471 yards rushing (team high) and four of his five touchdowns as the Spartans went 3-0 in their last three regular season tilts. He was named Second Team All-MVC Scarlet for his work.

Ryan Mulcahey, Sr, DB – Part of a strong secondary, Mulcahey was rock solid in his first season as a starter. He recorded 36 total tackles, had two tackles for losses and broke up a pair of passes on his way Honorable Mention All-GMC Scarlet acclaim as a junior.

Joey Lee, Sr, WR/DB – Will be a major contributor on both sides of the ball. Lee was an Honorable Mention All-GMC Scarlet selection as a junior. He has nine receptions for 57 yards and 19 total tackles in his career.

Roger Bacon DB Joey Lee (photo from: rogerbaconspartans.org/Mulcahey)

OTHER RETURNEES
Ethan Smith, Sr, TE/LB – The Spartans lone returning starter at linebacker. Smith was in on 42 total tackles and had a fumble recovery as a junior.

Mike Thomas, Jr, OL/DL – With a young and inexperienced group up front, the Spartans are going to lean on Thomas to provide leadership on both sides of the line. His varsity snaps as a sophomore should boosts his confidence heading into this season.

Landen Murphy, Jr, WR/DB – Moves from quarterback to receiver and defensive back where he should thrive ove the next two campaigns. Murphy has thrown for 426 yards, ran for 56 yards, caught four passes for 43 yards and accounted for four touchdowns (three pass, one rush) in his career.

Roger Bacon WR/DB Logan Kuethe (photo from: rogerbaconspartans.org/Mulcahey)

NEWCOMERS
Juniors TE/DE Jesse Eubanks, QB/LB Garrett Konesky along with sophomores QB/LB Bubba Smart and TE/LB Kyle Miller will add depth and quality at the skill positions. Smart and Konesky, a transfer from Fairfield will compete for the starting quarterback role. Miller showed great promise with six receptions for 81 yards. He had his first touchdown catch in the playoffs against Springfield Shawnee.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(nine appearances, 9-9) – 2022, 2021, 2020 (Regional Champion), 2019, 2010, 2005, 2001, 1998, 1997

2023 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/18/23 – at Indian Hill (3-7 in 2022) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/25/23 – WESTERN HILLS (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/01/23 – HUGHES (6-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/08/23 – at Badin (13-1) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/15/23 – at McNicholas (7-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/22/23 – at North College Hill (2-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/29/23 – SUMMIT COUNTRY DAY (6-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/06/23 – CHCA (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/13/23 – at Purcell Marian (6-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/20/23 – NORWOOD (2-8) – 7:00 PM

 

 

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