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2024 Snapshot: Deer Park

Deer Park DB Kevin Guzman (photo by John Cravaack/cravaack.smugmug.com)

They didn’t have to look too far to find their man. Deer Park will turn to former offensive coordinator Tucker Berger to guide the Wildcats as their new head coach. If Deer Park takes on the persona and intensity that Berger played with while at Wyoming High School the Wildcats will be one fiery and fierce group for foes to contend with on Friday nights.

Berger will continue his role as the teams O.C. running the Gun Triple scheme. He will have to deal with some experience issues at several positions including the backfield. The good news is that Deer Park has a rock-solid offensive line and speed on the perimeter to build a foundation upon.

Defensively, the Wildcats must do a better job keeping opponents out of the end zone. Deer Park allowed 38.0 points per game in Cincinnati Hills League play last fall. Being the smallest school in the league (and by a large margin) is a huge obstacle to overcome so creating depth and staying healthy will be a key to success for Berger’s crew.

The Wildcats haven’t had a winning season since 2019. However, they have made the playoffs a school record four straight years. Expect the latter to continue with a schedule that has three very winnable non-conference affairs. Finishing over .500 could also be achieved. Taking care of all the little details along the way will accomplish that goal for Deer Park.

Deer Park Head Coach Tucker Berger (photo from X: @Coach_Berger)

Division VI, Region 24
2023 RECORD: 3-8, 1-6 CHL
COACH: Tucker Berger (0-0 at Deer Park, first year; 0-0 overall)

HONOR ROLL
Clark McGowan, Sr, C – the 5-foot-11, 290-pound anchor of the o-line is back for his fourth season as a starter. A Second Team All-CHL selection as a junior, the versatile McGowan has played every position on the offensive line over the past three years.

Henry Hays, Sr, LT – A returning starter on an offensive line that helped the Wildcats average 208.7 yards rushing per game and 6.6 yards per carry in 2023. Hays was named Honorable Mention All-CHL as a junior.

OTHER RETURNEES
Kevin Guzman, Sr, WR/DB – Back for his fourth year as a starter, Guzman is one of the team leaders. He has shown the ability to come up and make plays on defense and has recorded 115 total tackles, six passes defended and an interception in his career.

E.J. Goure, Jr, WR/DB – A leader during the back half of last season for the Wildcats, Goure has “home run” ability. Deer Park will look to move him around, allowing Goure to use his athleticism to make explosive plays. He had 21 offensive touches (four receptions) for 305 yards (205 rush, 100 rec) and four touchdowns (three rush, one rec) as a sophomore. On defense, Goure was in on 31 total tackles and had an interception.

Jayden Moore, Sr, LB – A healthy Moore is primed for a big senior campaign. He registered 26 total tackles and had a sack in seven games as a junior.

Joe Smith, Sr, RG/DE – A key cog in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Smith had 18 total tackles a year ago.

Isaiah Alford, Sr, RB/LB – Back after missing last season, Alford has all-league potential. He recorded 70 total tackles, had two sacks a forced fumble and a fumble recovery as a sophomore.

Deer Park RB/LB Isaiah Alford (photo by John Cravaack/cravaack.smugmug.com)

Andre Warren, Jr, RT/DE – He teams with McGowan, Hays and Smith to form what should be one of Deer Park’s biggest strength’s, the offensive line. Warren will also see plenty of snaps on defense.

Nemo Triggs, So, DT – The sky is the limit for Triggs who tallied 35 total tackles, had two sacks and a fumble recovery as a freshman.

Tink Sellers, So, QB/DB – Big things are expected out of Sellers after a promising freshman campaign. He had 11 receptions for 290 yards, one touchdown catch, 22 total tackles and a team high three interceptions in his varsity debut. Seven of Sellers 11 receptions were 23 yards or longer.

NEWCOMERS
Looking to make their presence felt at the varsity level are sophomore DE Justin Moore as well as incoming freshmen RB/LB C.J. Warner and WR/DB Christian Weston. The Wildcats will welcome the depth they add especially on the defensive side of the ball.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(eight appearances, 3-8) – 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2018, 2007, 2006, 1981

2024 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/23/24 – BELMONT (1-8 in 2023) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/30/24 – at Shroder (3-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/06/24 – NORWOOD (1-9) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/13/24 – TAYLOR (4-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/20/24 – at Indian Hill (9-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/27/24 – at Finneytown (3-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/04/24 – WYOMING (12-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/11/24 – at Reading (7-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/18/24 – at Mariemont (4-6) – 7:00 PM
Sa – 10/26/24 – MADEIRA (5-6) – 7:00 PM

 

 

 

 

 

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