2023 Snapshot: Springboro
- Updated: August 4, 2023
Springboro LB Connor Smith (photo courtesy of: ScoutingOhio.com)
If you want a team to root for that will fly under the radar and be an underdog in most of the big games it plays in, Springboro is your squad. The Panthers return eight starters on defense and have one of the best offensive game-breakers in Division I, Region 4, in Will Yates. Add in a mental toughness that saw Springboro go 4-3 in games decided by six points or less in 2022 and you have the foundation of something that could be very special on Careflight Field at Watkins Stadium this fall.
“We are returning a lot of talent and experience in the back end of our defense from a unit that was very productive last year, especially against the run,” head coach Ryan Wilhite states.
The offense has some question marks, but the talent is there to step up and answer the call. “We had an amazing group of seniors last year, led by quarterback Evan Ruzzo. Our offensive skill players will have big shoes to fill,” Willhite says.
Springboro has been to the been to the playoffs nine times in the last 11 seasons. Getting back to the postseason is going to take a big effort against a schedule that includes non-conference games against a trio of teams that were a combined 22-14 in a year ago and promises to be even better in 2023. That gauntlet of battles will forge the Panthers identity.
Division I, Region 4
2022 RECORD: 8-4, 5-2 GWOC
COACH: Ryan Wilhite (115-62 at Springboro, 17 years; 115-62 overall)
HONOR ROLL
Connor Smith, Sr, LB – An outstanding high school football player and the leader of the Panthers defense. Smith was named OPSWA Division I Honorable Mention All-Ohio (LB) after registering 138 total tackles, a sack, 12.0 tackles for losses and three takeaways (two FRs, one INT) as a junior. The 2023 team captain also averaged 38.0 yards on 38 punts, placing 11 inside the opponents 20-yard line with a long punt of 74 yards.
Will Yates, Sr, WR/DB – An electric playmaker who moves from running back to receiver and defensive back for his senior season. Yates ran for 739 yards and found the end zone 13 times (12 rush, one rec) on his way to OPSWA Division I Second Team All-Southwest District (RB) accolades in 2022. Yates has verbally committed to Ball State.
Wyatt Standifer, Sr, DB – The Standifer name has produced some pretty darn good defensive players at Springboro and Wyatt is the latest to continue that tradition. Standifer, a 2023 team captain, was named Second Team All-GWOC after tallying 82 total tackles, eight pass breakups and three takeaways (two INTs, one FR) as a junior.
Springboro DB Wyatt Standifer (photo courtesy of: ScoutingOhio.com)
Sylas Cunningham, Sr, S – A big-time ballhawk who always finds himself in the middle of the action. Cunningham was in on 103 total tackles, had six tackles for losses, three pass breakups and three interceptions on his way to being selected Second Team All-GWOC as a junior. The 2023 team captain has verbally committed to Duquesne.
OTHER RETURNEES
Aiden Weimer, Jr, OLB – Broke onto the scene in a big way as a sophomore. The explosive pass rusher was in on 103 total tackles, had eight sacks, 13.0 tackles for losses, forced two fumbles recovered two fumbles and recorded three pass breakups.
Springboro OLB Aiden Weimer (photo courtesy of: ScoutingOhio.com)
Jack Zier, Sr, OL – A returning starter and anchor of an o-line that helped pave the way for balanced Panthers offensive attack that amassed 3,938 yards of total offense (1,976 pass, 1,962 rush) in 2022.
Mason Pittl, Sr, LB – Coming off an impressive junior campaign Pittl has all-district talent. The 2023 team captain tallied 101 total tackles, had two sacks and an interception in 2022.
Benham Kraus, Sr, RB/LB – The 2023 team captain looks to make an impact at running back and linebacker. Kraus has 54 total tackles in his career.
Maxim Butler, Sr, WR – An excellent option in the passing game. Butler was third on the team in 2021 with 33 receptions, 401 receiving yards and five touchdown catches.
Springboro WR Maxim Butler (photo courtesy of: ScoutingOhio.com)
NEWCOMERS
Juniors WR Brayden Wilhite, OL Wade Shellhause and sophomore QB Jake Davis are all looking to crack the starting lineup. The 6-foot-4, 290-pound Shellhause has a tremendous upside.
PLAYOFF HISTORY
(12 appearances, 6-12) – 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2005, 2004, 1999
2023 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/18/23 – LEBANON (4-7 in 2022) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/25/23 – WITHROW (8-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/01/23 – at Elder (10-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/08/23 – at Beavercreek (2-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/15/23 – FAIRMONT (8-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/22/23 – at Centerville (10-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/29/23 – SPRINGFIELD (13-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/06/23 – at Northmont (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/13/23 – at Wayne (6-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/20/23 – MIAMISBURG (4-6) – 7:00 PM
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