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2023 Schedule Sneak Peek: Withrow

Withrow DB Terhyon Nichols (photo by: Shelby Frieszell/ TriStateFootball.com)

The pieces are in place and the preparations has been done for Withrow to make a legitimate run at the Division II, Region 8 Regional title. It’s all about execution for the Tigers in 2023 as this squad is loaded with talented athletes who are hungry to prove that they can be something special.

Withrow will challenge itself with a non-conference portion of the schedule that includes three Division I, Region 4 teams – St. Xavier, Springboro and Walnut Hills, as well as Division III state championship favorite, Trotwood-Madison. The Tigers opponents were a combined 51-61 (.455 winning %) in 2023.

Here is a look at the 2023 Withrow schedule:

2023 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/18/23 – at Walnut Hills (0-10 in 2022) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/25/23 – at Springboro (8-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/01/23 – LIMA SENIOR (3-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/08/23 – ST. XAVIER (5-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/15/23 – TROTWOOD-MADISON (7-5) – 7:00 PM
Sa – 09/23/23 – TAFT (11-3) – 3:00 PM
Sa – 09/30/23 – WOODWARD (5-6) – 3:00 PM
Fri – 10/06/23 – AIKEN (1-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/13/23 – at Hughes (6-4) – 6:30 PM
Fri – 10/20/23 – at Western Hills (5-6) – 7:00 PM

Withrow Head Coach Kali Jones (photo By Amber Duncan/TriStateFootball.com)

Division II, Region 8
2022 RECORD: 8-4, 5-0 CMAC Red
COACH: Kali Jones (21-19 at Withrow, four years; 27-33 overall, six years)
PLAYOFF HISTORY (six appearances, 3-6) – 2022, 2021, 2020, 2013, 2007, 2004

HONOR ROLL
Terhyon Nichols, Sr, DB – One of America’s elite cover men. Nichols tallied 59 total tackles, had three tackles for losses, three forced fumbles and five pass breakups on his way to OPSWA Division II First Team All-Ohio and Second Team All-TriState Football honors as a junior. He has narrowed his college choices down to Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, Kentucky, Pitt and Cincinnati.

Chris Henry, Jr., So, WR/DB – Transferred back to Withrow after catching 29 balls for 292 yards receiving with five touchdown catches as a freshman at West Clermont. He also had 16 total tackles, three interceptions and a scoop-and-score on defense on his way to OPSWA Division I Second Team All-Southwest District (DB) honors as a freshman. Henry has more than 25 offers which include Cincinnati, Georgia, Kentucky, Miami (OH), Michigan State, NC State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Wisconsin.

Withrow WR/DB Chirs Henry Jr. (photo courtesy of ScoutingOhio.com)

Rex Shaffer, Sr, K/P – Was named the CMAC Red Kicker of the Year as a junior after connecting on 40/44 extra points, 5/6 field goals (long of 39-yards) for 55 kicking points.

Quintin Simmons Jr., Jr, WR – A rising star. Simmons had 40 receptions for556 yards, five receiving touchdowns and 684 all-purpose yards on his way to a Second Team All-CMAC Red selection as a sophomore. He has offer from Boston College, Cincinnati, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisville, Marshall, Michigan, Penn State, Purdue, Syracuse, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech and West Virginia.

Luke Dunn, Sr, QB – Transferred from Moeller (13-2) after helping the Crusaders to the GCL South title and a Division I Regional title a year ago. Dunn threw for
1,856 yards with 18 passing and two rushing touchdowns on his wat to being named Second Team All-GCL South as a junior.

Moeller QB Luke Dunn (photo by: Sandy Mahoney/Twitter: @InMotionBySandy)

Erik Gayle, Jr, DE/OLB – The end rusher is ready to explode onto the scene in 2023. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Gayle has garnered offers from Colorado State, Kentucky, Louisville and UMass.

Alai Uaisele, Jr, LB – Gaining notoriety and attention this offseason with his play at camps. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Uaisele has picked up offers from Kentucky and UMass with more to come.

Wylen Gover, Sr, DT – Had a breakout junior campaign with 39 total tackles, two-and-a-half sacks, seven tackles for losses, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and a 30-yard pick-six (against Withrow). Gover garnered Honorable Mention All-CMAC Red recognition for his work.

Withrow WR Quintin Simmons Jr. (photo by Amber Duncan/TriStateFootball.com)

FINAL TAKE: Momentum is clearly on Withrow’s side. The Tigers are entrenched of the most successful football run in school history which also includes first round playoff wins in each of the past two seasons. A playoff thumping at the hands of Kings last fall has this team itching to prove they belong and were much better than they showed in that loss.

Weeks 2-6 on the slate are going to tell us plenty about Withrow. The final four of those games are in front of the home crowd which should play into the Tigers favor. Springboro, Taft, Trotwood-Madison and St. Xavier have the athletes to match up and give this team fits. How Withrow responds to the challenge will be monitored and scrutinized closely.

Defense has been the Tigers calling card under head coach Kali Jones but the 2023 Withrow offense loaded with explosive and dynamic playmakers. Both sides of the ball are going to be difficult to game plan around for opponents. Every week this team is going to have mismatches to exploit.

Angus King Stadium fans are going to be highly entertained. As long as the press clippings don’t go to their heads, and they remained focused on the task at hand Withrow is positioned for a very memorable campaign.

 

 

 

 

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