Madison
Coach: Steve Poff, first season
OHSAA designation: Division V, Region 18
Playoff history: None
2013 record: 5-5 overall, 4-2 in the Southwestern Buckeye League Buckye Division (third)
Schedule: Aug. 29 — at Talawanda, 7 p.m.; Sept. 5 — Monroe, 7 p.m.; Sept. 12 — at Valley View, 7 p.m.; Sept. 19 — at Preble Shawnee, 7 p.m.; Sept. 26 — Oakwood, 7 p.m.; Oct. 3 — at Milton-Union, 7 p.m.; Oct. 10 — Carlisle, 7 p.m.; Oct. 17 — at Dixie, 7 p.m.; Oct. 24 — Waynesville, 7 p.m.; Oct. 31 — Northridge, 7 p.m.
It’s a favorable situation for Steve Poff, and Madison High School’s new head football coach knows it.
The Mohawks have gone through several coaching and system changes in recent years, but even though the 2014 squad has some new coaches to deal with, the offensive and defensive schemes aren’t changing at all.
Madison also has a very experienced team with 19 seniors, leaving Poff & Co. in a very optimistic frame of mind. The Mohawks haven’t had a winning record since 2000 and have never made the playoffs.
“I think we have the potential to get over that hump,” Poff said. “I think the sky’s the limit to what we can do. The kids expect to win. I think they put that expectation on themselves more than we talk about it as coaches.
“Right now we’re counting on our senior leadership, and most of them have had a lot of playing time since they were sophomores. All of our coaches have coached in the system at some point, and their relationship with the kids is great. I think we’re in a situation where we can build something solid.”
Madison is sticking with the Wing-T on offense and the 4-2-5 on defense, with Poff coordinating the offense and Jeff Rippl the defense.
Poff said his roster is up to 63 players, an increase of nearly a dozen from last year. He also said the offseason dedication has been impressive.
“Physically, we’re as strong as any team I’ve been a part of in my 10 years here at Madison,” Poff said. “I hope our physicality is one of our strong suits. But we also have a good mixture of speed.”
The Mohawks lost the Southwestern Buckeye League Buckeye Division’s Players of the Year, Chris Mills (defense) and Tre Owens (offense), but not much else.
Senior Randy Davis (6-2, 190) is a strong-armed quarterback who will also run the ball quite a bit. Juniors Stephen Melton (5-8, 170) and Zach Friend (5-10, 165) will be the primary ball carriers, Melton at fullback and Friend at halfback.
Senior split end Jesse Jones (6-2, 200) and senior tight end Caleb Cox (6-2, 240) also return. Senior wingback Justin Thobe (5-9, 215) is a newcomer in the backfield.
“If we can run the ball, we’re going to run the ball,” Poff said. “If we have to throw, we’re very prepared to do it. Davis is very accurate and has a very strong arm.”
Returning starters on the offensive line are seniors James Morris (6-0, 270) at center, Josh Kirby (5-9, 190) at guard and Jacob Parsons (5-10, 190) at tackle.
“We have average size on the line,” Poff said. “They’re going to rely on their toughness. I think our athleticism up front will be a strength.”
The defense is stocked with experience as well. Poff is expecting senior tackle Jake Hartbarger (6-0, 215) and end Kirby to be defensive leaders.
“They don’t say much. They just play hard,” Poff said. “Hartbarger’s got a motor that runs all the time.”
Senior nose guard Chris Dunn (6-2, 230) and end Cox are veterans, as are senior inside linebacker Cole Tackett (5-10, 155), senior outside linebackers Dalton (6-0, 175) and Dakota (6-1, 180) Powell, junior free safety K.C. Lindon (5-9, 170), senior cornerback Caleb Poff (5-10, 190), and cornerbacks Friend and Melton.
Said Steve Poff, “I think our defense is our strength right now.”
He feels the kicking game will be a strength with Melton as the punter and senior Luke French handling placements and kickoffs.
Madison has two more scrimmages, facing Blanchester and host Twin Valley South at 10 a.m. on Saturday, then hosting Taft on Aug. 22 at 6:30 p.m.
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