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2023 Snapshot: Loveland

Loveland RB Colton Endicott (photo by Carter Pendlum, Twitter: @photo_varsity)

What a big year this is for Loveland. Head coach Andy Cruse and his Tigers feel like they began to turn the corner toward success in 2022. Despite a losing record Loveland made the playoffs and had the school’s first four game winning streak since 2014 (the team’s last winning season). With a veteran core returning in all phases of the game and young talent pushing for playing time, the program looks to make history with its first back-to-back postseason appearances.

“As a program we understand that hard work and consistent attention to details leads to positive results. Our program had the most success it has had in a long-time last season. Our players are hungry. They love to compete and there is a strong desire to win,” Cruse states.

Winning in the Eastern Cincinnati Conference is no easy task. To get to that next level the Tigers must be more consistent on defense. Loveland allowed 42 points or more in six of their seven losses and 33 points in the other, a year ago. “We return six starters and will be very versatile overall. Our defense was very good at times last year. We had some success getting to the quarterback, but we need to improve when only bringing four. During our four-game win streak, we had 11 quarters of shutout football. Our defense forced 18 takeaways total on the season (most since 2016) and was third in rushing yards allowed per game and fourth in passing yards allowed per game in the ECC,” Cruse says.

The offense returns seven starters. It will have good balance and the run game will be a strength. There are excellent candidates battling it out at quarterback, but Friday night experience is lacking. Cruse knows the key to success on this side of the ball. “We must win the takeaway battle. In games we struggled last year, we turned it over too much. In wins, we did a great job with the takeaway battle finishing with a +11 turnover ratio.”

Cruse finishes off, “we have continued to put our heads down and go to work this off-season focusing on the process. Guys have taken some tremendous strides and there is some clear competition within our program. We understand the challenges of the ECC and we are doing everything we can to be near the top of the conference in 2023.”

Division II, Region 8
2022 RECORD: 4-7, 4-5 ECC
COACH: Andy Cruse (7-31 at Loveland, four years; 7-31 overall)

HONOR ROLL
Colton Endicott, Sr, RB – One of the top talents in Region 8 and a preseason ECC Offensive Player of the Year candidate. Endicott is a tough, physical and powerful runner who racked up 1,317 yards rushing, had 19 receptions for 125 yards and found the end zone 14 times (14 rush, one rec) as a junior. He was named OPSWA Division II Second Team All-Southwest District for his work.

Sawyer Muchmore, Jr, S/P – A pleasant surprise and welcomed addition to the varsity as a sophomore. Muchmore very athletic defender who has good ball skills and is an outstanding tackler. He started every game, tallying 78 total tackles and averaging 36.0 yards on 39 punts on his way to Honorable Mention All-ECC accolades.

Loveland DB/P Sawyer Muchmore (photo by Carter Pendlum, Twitter: @photo_varsity)

OTHER RETURNEES
Drew Holman, Sr, DL – A high motor guy who is destined for a huge senior year. Holman will play multiple spots on the d-line and see some snaps on offense. The 6-foot-3, 245-pound lineman had 33 total tackles, three sacks and six tackles for losses as a junior.

Brayden McCaleb, Sr, WR/DB – A great route runner who is physical and has strong hands. He is also a very good safety. McCaleb had 31 catches for 264 yards and three touchdowns last fall.

Loveland WR Brayden McCaleb (photo by Joe Hallquist, Twitter: @photo_varsity)

Julius Vorbroker, Sr, ATH – A quick player who is great with the ball in his hands. Vorbroker will start and be a difference-maker in all phases of the game at receiver, defensive back and as the team’s top returner. Vorbroker amassed 1,116 all-purpose yards as a junior.

Kolby King, Sr, CB – Has the ability to be a shutdown corner. King snared three interceptions and had 25 total tackles last season.

Max Carver, Jr, TE/LB – A big time talent who is one of the best kept secrets in the Cincinnati-area. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Carver started all 11 games last season registering 60 total tackles, three-and-a-half sacks, a forced fumble and an interception. He will also play some tight end this year.

Loveland TE/LB-Max Carver (photo by Carter Pendlum/Twitter: @photo_varsity)

Luke Kline, Jr, OL – Having a great off-season, gaining strength and explosiveness. Kline started as a sophomore and can play anywhere on the o-line.

Ben Hicks, Sr, K – Connected on all 21 of his extra point attempts in 2022.

Brady Stidham, So, K – The teams long range field goal specialist. Stidham knocked down 3/5 field goals with a long of 32-yards as a freshman.

Dylan Hacker, Jr, WR/CB – A dynamic and athletic player who jumped onto the scene mid-way through last season. Hacker ended up starting eight games as a sophomore. He recorded 18 total tackles and four takeaways (three INTs, one FR). Hacker may also play some offense this year.

Loveland DB Dylan Hacker (photo by Joe Hallquist, Twitter: @photo_varsity)

NEWCOMERS
Kole Dahlke, Jr, DB – Looks to start at one of the safety spots after playing an important role on special teams last year. Dahlke is a long, rangy player with spectacular knowledge of the game and is a great tackler.

David Lorek, Jr, OL – A very athletic lineman. The 6-foot-3, 250-pound Lorek is one of the strongest players on the team.

Nathan Burch, Sr, OL- The 6-foot-4, 240-pound Burch has developed well and will look to start at tackle this year.

Tyler Roberts, Jr, QB – Has the inside track on being the Tigers starter under center because he has a high football IQ, understands the offense and is good at reading defenses.

Jewel Vorbroker, So, QB – Will battle Roberts for the starting quarterback job. Vorbroker, a very explosive player who has a good feel for the game. He led the Loveland freshman squad to a 9-1 record and the ECC championship, last fall.

Will Stewart, Jr, DE/LB – A versatile defensive player, will have a big role on defense either at linebacker or defensive end.

Cody Hustead, Sr, DL – A tough, strong and hard-working player who will push to start on the Tigers d-line.

Kolyn Ogletree, So, WR/DB – Will compete for a starting job at the skills positions. Ogletree played in six games as a freshman recording six tackles and had his first varsity reception.

Loveland DB Kolby King (photo by Carter Pendlum, Twitter @photo_varsity)

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(six appearances, 6-5) – 2022, 2020, 2013 (State Champion), 2002, 2000, 1986

2023 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/18/23 – at Middletown (3-8 in 2022) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/25/23 – at Anderson (8-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/01/23 – MILFORD (9-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/08/23 – KINGS (13-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/15/23 – at Lebanon (4-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/22/23 – WALNUT HILLS (0-10) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/29/23 – at Turpin (1-9) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/06/23 – at Little Miami (4-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/13/23 – WINTON WOODS (12-1) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/20/23 – at West Clermont (5-6) – 7:00 PM

2023 Active Leaders: ECC

Tristate Football Podcast: 2023 ECC Preview

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