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2023 Snapshot: Western Brown

Western Brown TE Nick Osborne (photo by AJ Fullam/Facebook: 6sPhoto)

A new era begins at Western Brown. The Broncos graduated two-time OPSWA Ohio Division III Offensive player of the Year, quarterback Drew Novak, one of the most prolific and productive passers in state history. How the team responds to the great unknown is a bit scary but exciting for Head Coach Nick Osborne and his boys from Mount Orab. The 2023 campaign is going to be fascinating to follow.

Line play on both sides of the ball we be key in this team’s success. “We will be very young on the offensive and defensive lines. We need our young guys to step up and play a big role,” Osborne states.

Over the past three years and last 35 games the explosive Western Brown offense has averaged 47.2 points per contest. The Broncos have scored 30 points or more in 27 consecutive games heading into 2023.

As prosperous as things have been on offense, the Western Brown defense will need to tighten up if they want to win 11 games for a third straight season. Over the same 35 game span the Broncos have allowed 28.4 points per contest. Having a ”nasty” identity defensively will go a long way toward racking up victories this fall.

The schedule features battle-tested teams that are eager to avenge losses to Western Brown. Five teams in the first eight weeks won at least one playoff game a year ago. The Broncos are going to have to match and exceed the hunger that those foes will have if they are going to continue the run that the program is currently on. Preparedness won’t be an issue under Osborne’s guidance, but execution will be imperative against this slate.

Division III, Region 12
2021 RECORD: 11-2, 5-0
COACH: Nick Osborne (27-8 at Western Brown, three years; 27-8 overall)

HONOR ROLL
Isaiah Smith, Sr, WR – One of the few experienced returning players on offense for the Broncos. Smith had 46 receptions for 1,22 yards and nine touchdowns as a junior. He was named OPSWA Division III Honorable Mention All-Ohio for his work. Smith has 85 receptions for 1,807 yards and 15 touchdowns in his career.

Western Brown WR Isaiah Smith (photo from: https://wbfootballrecruiting.weebly.com)

Matthew Osborne, Sr, TE/LB – A touchdown making machine. In two seasons as a starter, Osborne has found the end zone 15 times (including 10 times as a junior) on 68 catches for 663 yards. He was a Second Team All-SBAAC American selection in 2022.

OTHER RETURNEES
William Pletz, Sr, OL – The leader and anchor of the offensive line. The 6-foot-4, 270-pound Pletz will to be asked to bring the younger linemen up to speed.

Austin Huff, Sr, DL/LB – Had an excellent first year as a full-time starter in 2022. Huff recorded 58 total tackles, three sacks, forced a fumble and recovered five fumbles.

NEWCOMERS
Junior QB Brady Sutton has big shoes to fill under center. Classmate WR Lucas Powell will be one of his top targets. Sophomores RB Justin Morgan, LB Tye Spaulding and LB Carter Saylor will get the opportunity to crack the starting lineup. Sutton had 15 receptions for 202 yards and a touchdown last fall. He also has 118 yards and three touchdowns passing in limited time at quarterback over the past two seasons. Powell hauled in 11 receptions for 122 yards and a score as a sophomore.

Western Brown QB Brady Sutton (photo by AJ Fullam/Facebook: 6sPhoto)

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(six appearances, 6-6) – 2022, 2021, 2020, 2014, 2013, 2008

2023 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/18/23 – @ Hillsboro (4-7 in 2022) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/25/23 – WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE (9-3)  – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/01/23 – at London (8-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/08/23 – JACKSON (10-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/15/23 – MIAMI TRACE (4-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/22/23 – BATAVIA (1-9) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/29/23 – at New Richmond (8-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/06/23 – at Clinton-Massie (7-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/13/23 – GOSHEN (2-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/20/23 – at Wilmington (5-6) – 7:00 PM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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