By Ty Bartell
NEWTON FALLS, OH — Although past times have been tough in Tiger Town, there is a renewed optimism around Newton Falls Football this year. With Head Coach Josh Goss back as the skipper this season and plenty of returning talent, the Tigers are primed to take a step forward this season. “Despite two back-to-back 0-10 seasons, I would say the excitement level surrounding this group of guys that I have is at an all-time high. We bring back 10 starters on offense and nine on defense.” Goss said. “The other kids that are stepping in this year got a lot of experience as freshmen and sophomores last year. In our eyes, we return 11 starters on offense and defense just because of all the experience we’re bringing back.”
Another positive sign comes in the increase of participation numbers. “Last year we really struggled with numbers. We averaged probably 16, 17 guys at practice and 20 on Friday nights. We’re looking at probably close to 30 this year on the team. When you have numbers, football is a numbers game. You’re able to do so much more in practice, and it’s a lot better for us this year.” Goss said.
Goss believes the biggest difference from a year ago starts in the trenches, where an offseason spent in the weight room has transformed the offensive line into one of the team’s strengths. Along with an improved front line, the Tigers will rely on a lot of returning talent, starting under center with Chace Clonch. “He’s the heartbeat of our team. He’s the heartbeat of our offense.
He’s what keeps us going. Without him, we change a lot of who we are.” Goss said. ” He accumulated 77 percent of our total offensive yards last year, and he led our team in tackles with 50 as a corner. He’s a name that you’re going to hear a lot this upcoming football season.”
Returning captains Georgie Phillips, Devon Goncz and Kaden Prout will be the impact playmakers on the defensive line, with Phillips playing both ways. Seniors Phil Davis and HunterPersin will open up the passing game as two experienced wide outs and senior Robert Robinson returns as a multiple-use tight end, effective in blocking and pass catching. Senior Connor
Dunlap and junior Sim’Wan Allen will get a lot of carries out of the back field, while junior Zayne Shelton will be featured heavily as a slot receiver. Sophomore Mason Dillon gives the Tigers another versatile weapon, capable of lining up nearly anywhere on the field.
But aside from everything, Coach Goss hopes the Tiger faithful have one takeaway this season. “I hope they say that they’re well coached and they’re disciplined and they’re good young men. We’re going to play hard, we’re going to play fast. I kind of hope we’re the team that nobody wants to play this year, and when people see us play, they say they’re a good, well-disciplined football team. They win with class, and they represent their community real well.” Goss said.
Newton Falls opens the season on the road against another ambush of Tigers in Wellsville, hoping to snap their losing streak and begin a new chapter under Goss. “The true test for us week one is going to be when adversity strikes, how do we handle it? If we stick to our motto, which is ‘the most important play is the next play,’ we live and die by that saying. I think we’re going to be just fine.” Goss said.
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