Returning from a 6-4 season, the Ontario Warriors football team will have their work cut out for them as they face a competitive lineup of schools for the 2013 season.
“We definitely have one of, if not the toughest, schedules in this area. We are renewing our rivalry with Clear Fork and picked up perennial state power, Norwayne, along with Lexington and Vermilion to round out our non-league schedule. Throw in the Northern Ohio League opponents [Willard, Norwalk, Shelby, Sandusky, Bellevue and Tiffin Columbian] and you have a very tough, respectable schedule that we are looking forward to,” stated head coach Scott Kreger.
The team welcomes back five starters on offense: Tyler Boatwright, Jordan Campbell, Cameron Mack, Josh Plieninger, Tyler Gorbett, and eight on defense: Logan Armstrong, Tyler Boatwright, Bryce Kepple, Aaron Baker, Eddrick Holley, Cameron Mack, Colton Sprague, Bronson Krull.
“We have a lot of team speed and a lot of experience. We will definitely be relying on the experience of our defensive back seven. Offensively, we have a lot of varsity experience in the backfield and at the receiver position,” said Kreger.
Veteran football player Logan Armstrong eagerly anticipates his final high school football season. “I’ve been training since the spring,” he said. “I’m excited to compete in the NOL, and hoping that we can earn some respect in this conference.”
The senior has been part of the team for the past four years, serving as the free safety. With his defensive position, his aim has been, “just trying to tackle guys,” he said.
Armstrong faces some friendly competition from fellow teammate, Bronson Krull, for racking up the most defensive tackles. Both of them earned over 70 tackles the previous season.
Krull, a junior, has turned heads from not only the coaches, but even Division I colleges.
Krull stated that he would like to play football at a D1 college, and if he’s unable to play football, then he would like to do track. Last track season, Krull made it to the state track meet for shot put.
Varsity assistant coach Brian Vredenburgh mentioned, “He’s an animal. He’s definitely come around and will be an asset to the team.”
Kreger commended the team’s work ethic and mentioned, “The team has really meshed well and has come together as a unit rather than a bunch of individual groups. The senior leadership that is present has been very uplifting and is essential to having a successful program.”
He further stated, “We must fill holes in our offensive line that were created by graduation.” The team graduated 12 seniors from the previous season. He added, “Defensively, we must get better at tackling and creating turnovers.”
In an effort to bolster improvements out on the field, the Warriors have been undergoing strength conditioning with Coach John White, who has implemented a new program that focuses not just on building strength, but also on building speed and stamina. The coaching staff is also emphasizing more “core” exercises and incorporating some Cross Fit principles into the training.
Coach Kreger stated, “Our young men know what is ahead of them for the next 13 weeks. They know that we have a challenging schedule and they know that we are in a new, more challenging league. They look forward to the opportunity of going out and earning respect for not only themselves, but for Ontario.”
“I’m excited to compete in the NOL, and hoping that we can earn some respect in this conference,” stated Ontario Warriors’ veteran player Logan Armstrong.
