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2023 Snapshot: Taylor

Taylor WR/DB Aaron McFarland (photo from wyomingathletics.com)

Things didn’t go quite as expected for Taylor a year ago. The young Yellow Jackets failed to make the playoffs for a third straight season. Hungry for a chance to prove themselves and get back to the postseason the boys from Cleves are ready to show they are going to be a force to be reckoned with in 2023.

“While we only have three seniors on the roster currently, this team is ready to compete. A lot of young men received quality and valuable reps as freshman, sophomores, and juniors in 2022. We have plenty of experience, athleticism, and great camaraderie at the skill positions on both sides of the ball,” head coach Dave Dransman states.

Taylor still has mush to work on to get to the next level. “We started strong last season but faltered in the middle of the year. The offseason has been all about pushing through adversity and finding the strengths from within our team,” Dransman says. “We will be tested in the trenches early on. We are replacing four starters on the offensive line. The offseason practices will give them time to gel, but we will face tough competition to start the year.”

A tough non-conference schedule will bring big gates and crowds the first two games this fall versus local rivals Harrison and Lawrenceburg (IN). It will be a great opportunity for the Yellow Jackets to show off their talents. Taylor isn’t deep but their top tier players will be able to hold their own with anyone. Staying healthy will go a long way in determining the success of this squad.

Division IV, Region 16
2022 RECORD: 4-6, 2-5 CHL
COACH: David Dransman (9-12 at Taylor, two years; 9-12 overall)

HONOR ROLL
Jackson McGowan, Sr, QB/OLB – With his work this off-season, expect McGowan to explode this fall. He led the CHL in passing with 1,903 yards passing and had 14 touchdown passes in 2022. He was named Second Team All-CHL.

Taylor QB Jackson McGowan (photo by: Jack Cravaack/cravaack.smugmug.com)

JT Rudisell, Sr, WR/DB – The diminutive Rudisell can really fly and he has great feet/hips. Despite breaking his collarbone during Week 6, a as a junior, Rudisell was still named Second Team All-CHL (DB). He finished the season with 36 receptions, 383 receiving yards, three touchdown catches, 40 total tackles, seven pass breakups and one interception.  He has 77 total tackles and four interceptions in his career.

Aaron McFarland, So, WR/DB – A rising star whose best football is still ahead. As a freshman, McFarland averaged 25.4 yards on 31 receptions for 786 yards and eight touchdown catches. He also returned a kickoff for a score, had 17 total tackles, two forced fumbles and two takeaways (one FR, one INT). He was rewarded by being named OPSWA Division IV Honorable Mention All-Ohio.  McFarland picked up his first offer, from West Virginia.

Mike Branch, So, TE/DL – Busted onto the scene as a freshman. Branch finished the year with 48 total tackles, six-and-a-half sacks, 18.5 tackles for losses, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. He was named Second Team All-CHL for his efforts.

OTHER RETURNEES
Brody Lehmann, Jr, LB/HB – Will be a leader of the defense as he looks to step in and replace Grant Booth. Lehman also carried the ball some as a sophomore and will be a key piece in the offensive backfield and at slot. He tallied 46 total tackles, had one sack, 13.5 tackles for losses, one fumble recovery, 180 yards rushing, five rushing touchdowns and 18 receptions for 164 yards, a year ago.

Braxton Bufler, Jr, OL/DL – A solid starter on both sides of the ball who looks to make his presence felt even more in 2023. Bufler was in on 25 total tackles and had four tackles for losses as sophomore.

Grant Ferguson, Jr, WR/DB – An impact player who can change the game from multiple places. Ferguson finished his sophomore year with 28 total tackles, four pass breakups and three takeaways (two FRs, one INT).

NEWCOMERS
Steven Kauffman, Jr, WR/DB – Dealt with some injuries that kept him off the field in 2022. Kauffman has had an awesome off season. He’s really going to help the Yellow Jackets stretch the field.

Owen Draughn, Jr, OL/DL – Lost to an injury Week 1 last year. Draughn will be a corner piece on both sides of the line.

Easton Schrimpf, So, RB/LB – Had a great JV season as a freshman, Taylor hopes Schrimpf can fill the big shoes left behind from Leland Jones-Royalty.

Ben Sweigard, Sr, LB/DL/RB – Has played a few different positions for the Yellow Jackets. He can help immensely the front seven of the defense.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(three appearances, 1-2) – 2021, 2020, 2014

2023 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/18/23 – HARRISON (1-9 in 2022) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/26/23 – LAWRENCEBURG (13-2) – 7:00 PM*
Th – 08/31/23 – at Gamble Montessorri (7-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/08/23 – DEER PARK (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/15/23 – at Wyoming (15-1) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/22/23 – MARIEMONT (3-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/29/23 – at Finneytown (1-9) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/06/23 – MADEIRA (11-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/13/23 – at Reading (7-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/20/23 – INDIAN HILL (3-7) – 7:00 PM

2023 ACTIVE LEADERS: CHL

 

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