2024 Snapshot: Western Brown

Scoring points has never been a problem for Western Brown under head coach Nick Osborne. The team has averaged 41.2 points per game during his tenure. Last fall foes turned the tables on the men from Mount Orab, torching a young Broncos defense at a clip of 45.6 points per contest. With 19 of 22 starters returning Osborne believes his squad has what it takes to get back on the winning side of the ledger for the fourth time in the last five years.

Western Brown limps into 2024 on a four-game losing streak. The Broncos gave up 281.0 yards rushing in those losses. Getting off the field and keeping opponents out of the end zone will be a focal point this preseason. “We will be a young team again. We played 14 freshmen and sophomores, last season. We need our young o-line and defensive back guys to step up big this year if the program is to get back to making playoff runs,” Osborne states.

As tough as 2023 was, many players emerged especially at quarterback, wide receiver and linebacker. Western Brown has proven weapons that can hold their own with other teams. What the Broncos could really use, is a shot of confidence in the form of early season victories. With three very winnable games to begin 2024, jumping out to a fast start will be the driving force between a good and a great season for the brown and gold.

Division III, Region 12
2023 RECORD: 3-8, 2-3 SBAAC American
COACH: Nick Osborne (30-16 at Western Brown, four years; 30-16 overall)

HONOR ROLL
Brady Sutton, Sr, QB – It was no problem for Sutton to fill the void left behind by one of the most prolific quarterbacks in Ohio history, Drew Novak. All Sutton did in his first year as a starter was throw for 3,857 yards, run for 588 yards and account for 38 touchdowns (28 pass, 10 rush). That performance led to OPSWA Division III Honorable Mention All-Ohio accolades. He heads into his senior year with 3,975 yards passing, 929 all-purpose yards, (724 rush, 202 rec), 31 touchdown passes, 12 rushing scores and one touchdown catch.

Tye Spaulding, Jr, LB – It was a breakout sophomore season for Spaulding. He was named First Team All SBAAC American after tallying 135 total tackles (119 solo), three sacks, seven tackles for losses and three takeaways (two INTs, one FR) including a pick-six.

Lucas Powell, Sr, WR – Moves into the role as Sutton’s number one target. Powell had 58 receptions for 532 yards and eight touchdowns on his way to Second Team All-SBAAC American honors last fall. Six times in his last 10 games, Powell has had seven receptions or more.

Austin Sandefur, Sr, WR/DB – One of the leaders in the secondary. Sandefur was an Honorable Mention All-SBAAC American selection after getting in on 43 total tackles with a forced fumble and an interception as a junior. He also had 12 receptions for 118 yards.

Brayden Harmon, Jr, WR – A key cog in the passing attack. Harmon reeled in 33 balls for 434 yards and a pair of scores as a sophomore. Three times in his last five games Harmon had 70 yards or more receiving. He was named Honorable Mention All-SBAAC American.

OTHER RETURNEES
Izaiah Snow, Sr, DT – Look for Snow to be one of those seniors that steps up and has a magical season. He is primed for a big campaign.

Zaiden Nichols, Jr, SS – An outstanding athlete whose best football is still ahead. Nichols recorded 34 total tackles in his first year as a starter.

Carter Saylor, Jr, LB – Should have a big year alongside classmate Spaulding in the middle of the Broncos defense., Injuries limited Saylor to just four games as a sophomore. He had 28 total tackles in his short time on the field.

Justin Morgan, Jr, RB – Was on his way to a very good season when injuries took Morgan down in Week 3. In the first two games of 2023 Morgan racked up 295 all-purpose yards (124 ret, 91 rec, 80 rush) and had touchdown reception. Morgan will be a huge addition to the Broncos offense.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(seven appearances, 6-7) – 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2014, 2013, 2008

2024 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/23/24 – HILLSBORO (5-6 in 2023) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/30/24 – at Washington Courthouse (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/06/24 – CHILLICOTHE (1-9) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/13/24 –  at Jackson (10-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/20/24 – at Miami Trace (7-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/27/24 – at Batavia (3-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/04/24 – NEW RICHMOND (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/11/24 – CLINTON-MASSIE (12-1) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/18/24 – at Goshen (3-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/25/24 – WILMINGTON (8-3) – 7:00 PM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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