2024 Snapshot: New Miami
- Updated: April 3, 2024
It has been a rough two-plus years at New Miami. The Vikings have lost 21 straight games. The program’s last victory was October 8th, 2021 over MVCA. With 10 returning starters on both sides of the ball and a schedule that includes eight teams that finished with losing records a year ago it appears that the struggles on Seven Mile Avenue may be coming to an end.
“We had a great off season in the weight room and our lineman should be our key to victory,” head coach Chris Fogle states. The Vikings have respectable size up front for a Division VII school. There are no less than six players on the roster that tip the scales at 230-pounds or more.
All of the aforementioned linemen are underclassmen. “Youth and inexperience” are things that Fogle knows New Miami must contend with and play through if they are to be successful.
The biggest obstacle the Vikings must conquer is learning how to win. That first victory is going to be a huge weight off of everyone’s shoulders. When that happens New Miami’s confidence should skyrocket. At that point how New Miami handles success will be the real story to keep an eye on.
Division VII, Region28
2023 RECORD: 0-10, 0-5 MVC Gray
COACH: Chris Fogle (0-10 at New Miami, one year, 13-29 overall, four years)
TOP RETURNEES
Dalton Gentry, Sr, OG/DT – The anchor and leader on both sides of the line. The 6-foot-0, 240-pound Gentry was an Honorable Mention All-MVC Gray selection as a junior. He has 75 total tackles, one-and-a-half sacks, nine tackles for losses, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and a pick-six in his career.
Dalson Hayes, Sr, RB/LB – The Vikings top offensive threat and a defensive stalwart. Hayes has 648 yards rushing, five rushing touchdowns, 927 all-purpose yards, 163 total tackles, 12.0 sacks, 21.0 tackles for losses, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in three years as a starter.
Sam Mayer, Sr, WR/DB – A big play threat at receiver, Mayer averaged 24.6 yards on 13 receptions for 320 yards and a touchdown last fall. He had back-to-back games with four receptions and over 100-yards receiving in Weeks 6 & 7. Mayer was named Second Team All-MVC Gray for his efforts.
Jacob Curtis, Jr, TE/DE – Will make a formidable duo on the rush ends with Johnson over the next two seasons. Curtis should benefit stats-wise from all the attention foes put on Johnson. He had six receptions for 95 yards and 24 total tackles as a sophomore.
Hayden Stephens, Jr, OL/DL – A real bright spot the Vikings last fall. The 6-foot-1, 230-pound terror in the trenches was named Honorable Mention All-MVC Gray in 2023 after recording 27 total tackles and a fumble recovery.
Isaiah Johnson, So, OT/DE – One of the rising stars in the Miami Valley Conference. The 6-foot-0, 255-pound Johnson was a one-man wrecking crew for the Vikings, tallying 56 total tackles, three-and-a-half sacks, 14.0 tackles for losses with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He was named Second Team All-MVC Gray as a freshman. Johnson will be a candidate for the OPSWA Division VII Southwest District Defensive Player of the Year over the next three years.
Freshmen of Influence: Class of 2027
PLAYOFF HISTORY
(four appearances, 1-4) – 2020, 2019, 2018, 2008
2024 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/23/24 – GAMBLE MONTESSORI (4-5 in 2023)– 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/30/24 – at Manchester (2-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/06/24 – at Middletown Christian (3-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/13/24 – DAYTON CHRISTIAN (3-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/20/24 – FAYETTEVILLE-PERRY (2-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/27/24 – at Clark Montessori (4-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/04/24 – at Lockland (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/11/24 – CINCINNATI COUNTRY DAY (12-1) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/18/24 – ST. BERNARD-ELMWOOD PLACE (8-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/25/24 – at MVCA (2-8) – 7:00 PM
SCORING DROUGHT
During the Vikings current 21-game losing streak they have scored seven points or less 14 times. New Miami scored 67 total points last season and averaged just 4.4 points per contest over the last eight games of the year.
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