2024 Snapshot: West Clermont

In seven seasons, West Clermont hasn’t really formed an identity on the football field. The Wolves haven’t had a winning season since the programs inaugural campaign in 2017. They have made the playoffs in each of the past four years despite a combined record of 14-27 (.341 winning %), in that span. West Clermont is 0-5 all-time in the postseason. Now, new Head Coach Ben Moorman is ready to turn the page and write a new chapter of history for the Wolves, one that is predicated on sustained success.

Moorman, who was the teams defensive coordinator a year ago, has a handle on what needs to happen to put West Clermont on the path to prosperity. “On defense, we will take pride in stopping the run and playing physical in the box and on the outside. We will be short on experience especially on the defensive side of the ball. We’ll have to do a great job in the spring and summer to get our guys ready to play on Friday’s.” In a league, in which every team returns their starting quarterback, these cubs are going to have to grow up quickly or it could be a long year.

On the bright side, the offense has some key components that could make the unit something special and exciting to watch. Their productivity will provide the squad a huge boost. West Clermont has only averaged 20 points or more per game just one time in its seven years of existence. “We’ll lean on our o-line and our run game on offense,” Moorman states.

Learning how to win isn’t easy. Learning to win on a consistent basis is even tougher. With a good core of players to start the journey look for the Wolves to start trending upward sooner rather than later under Moorman’s guidance.

Division I, Region 4
2023 RECORD: 4-7, 4-5 ECC
COACH: Ben Moorman (0-0 at West Clermont, first year, 0-0 overall)

HONOR ROLL
Maddox Zeigler, Sr, OL – The anchor and leader of the offensive line, whose on-field presence is invaluable. The 6-foot-1, 285-pound Zeigler was a First Team All-ECC selection, as a junior.

West Clermont OL Maddox Zeigler (photo by; Greg Shoemaker/TriStateFootball.com)

Bo Rickman, Sr, QB/DB – Such a valuable commodity and a real “gamer” for the Wolves. A three-year starter who rarely comes off the field on either side of the ball, Rickman was named Second Team All-ECC in 2023. He has run for 884 yards, thrown for 418 yards, accounted for 15 touchdowns (11 rush, four pass), with 40 total tackles and two interceptions, in his career. Rickman has an offer from Grinnell College.

Caillou Robinson, Jr, LB – A budding star in the ECC. The 6-foot-2, 250-pound Robinson earned Second Team All-ECC honors after recording 67 total tackles, four-and-a-half sacks and eight-and-a-half tackles for losses as a sophomore.

OTHER RETURNEES
Hayden Jones, Sr, WR/DB – A three-year starter and a very accomplished player in all phases of the game. Jones is primed to have a monster senior campaign. He has racked up 1,241 all-purpose yards (256 rush, 463 rec, 519 ret), snared 37 receptions, with six touchdown catches, 24 total tackles and an interception at the varsity level. Jones holds the school records for career receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches.

West Clermont WR/DB Hayden Jones (photo by; Greg Shoemaker/TriStateFootball.com)

Julian Hinkston, Sr, LB – Like Burt, Hinkston shined in his first season at the varsity level. He recorded 62 total tackles, had five-and-a-half sacks and one forced fumble, as a junior.

Zander Hauck, Sr, WR/P – A returning starter who should see an expanded role on offense this fall. On special teams, Hauck averaged 23.2 yards on nine kickoff returns including taking one 70-yards for a touchdown against Olentangy Orange last season. He also averaged 35.3 yards on 31 punts.

Caiden Burt, Sr, DB – A pleasant surprise in his varsity debut. Burt tallied 31 total tackles, one tackle for a loss, four pass breakups and two interceptions including a pick-six, last fall.

West Clermont DB Caiden Burt (photo by Greg Shoemaker/TriStateFootball.com)

Isaac Cooper, Sr, K – Back for a third year to handle the place kicking duties. Cooper has connected on 50/52 extra points and 5/7 field goals, in his career.

Landon Young, Jr, RB – A promising start to 2023 ended abruptly in Week 3 at Winton Woods. Out of the gate, Young ran for 177 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the opener versus Olentangy Orange. In Week 2, he had 103 yards rushing with a touchdown run and touchdown catch against Little Miami. In two games as a freshman, Young ran for 144 yards. In the four full varsity games played by Young he has averaged 104.2 yards per contest, on the ground.
Breakout Performers for 2024

NEWCOMERS
The passing attack should see vast improvement with the addition of a pair of healthy targets in junior TE Landen Edwards and senior WR Cameron Strause. Last season Edwards had six receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown in five tilts. Strause had four catches for 68 yards in two games.

West Clermont WR Cameron Strause (photo by; Greg Shoemaker/TriStateFootball.com)

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(five appearances, 0-5) – 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2017

2024 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/23/24 – at Mount Healthy (8-3 in 2023) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/30/24 – ANDERSON (13-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/06/24 – LEBANON (7-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/13/24 – at Kings (6-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/20/24 – MILFORD (11-1) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/27/24 – at Turpin (3-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/04/24 – WALNUT HILLS (0-10) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/11/24 – at Winton Woods (8-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/18/24 – LOVELAND (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/25/24 – at Little Miami (1-9) – 7:00 PM

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