2003 LHS Offense
In 2002, the Logan Chieftain offense was three plays from an outright SEOAL title. That seemed to be the resounding theme for the purple and white offense. Just short of Outstanding. After throwing for 474 yards in the first 4 games, Logan managed to throw for just 221 more in the final 6 games. The main reason for that was the loss of 6'6 receiver Jason Dicken for the season due to a seperated shoulder against Columbus Desales in the 5th game.
On the other hand, the one consistent source of offense was Junior Tailback Austin Rohr. Rohr carried the ball 227 times, good enough for second on the all-time list for carries in a 10-game season. His yardage total (1387) was good enough to tie for 6th all-time on the single season rushing list.
Austin Rohr leads a host of skills players to return for the Chiefs in 2003. Among those are three of the top six receivers and four of the teams top five rushers. Quarterback Dave Ellis must be replaced, and four starters graduated from the offensive line.
This preview will start at quarterback, where 6'0 180 lbs. Junior Corey Spackey is set to take the reigns. Corey led the reserve team for the first half of 2002 before injury, and led the Freshman team to a 9-1 mark in 2001. Spackey saw time in four Varsity games last season. Spackey attempted and completed three passes for 59 yards and rushed six times for 48 yards and two TDs. Backing Spackey will be Sophomore Andrew McKee. McKee led the Freshman to a 9-1 mark in 2002, including a victory against Desales. B.J. Hughes, 6'0 155 lbs, was slated to back up Spackey before breaking his collarbone a week ago.
The offensive backfield will be a strong point in 2003 with Senior TB Austin Rohr (6'0-165) and Senior Fullback Steve Call (5'11-200) both return. Rohr rushed for 1387 yards and 16 touchdowns on 227 carries. Austin also made six catches for 21 yards and another touchdown. Call split time with the departed Josh Bailey in 2002, but still managed to finish second on the team in rushing with 174 yards and a touchdown. Steve made eight catches for 58 yards, making him third on the team in receptions. Steve also converted on two 2-point Conversion attempts. Junior Justin Pack (5'10-175) returns to back up Rohr after a 2002 season that saw him score the teams first touchdown on his way to 85 yards on 25 carries for two total touchdwons. Sophomore utility man Justin Coakley will definitely see hes share of carries in 2003, and could even push Steve Call for the starting job on Friday Nights.
The Chiefs should be strong at Wide Receiver, even with the loss of Junior B.J. Hughes (6'0-155) until the 4th or 5th week. Hughes caught the third most balls in 2002, making nine receptions for 84 yards. Junior Patrick Howe saw plenty of quality minutes at receiver in 2002, and caught three passes for 28 yards. Junior Tory Kratzenburg (5'11-170) spent much of 2002 on the JV team at receiver and Quarterback, and will replace Hughes until he heals. Tory caugh one pass for the Varsity in 2002 and ran the ball four times for 14 yards. Junior Jordan Walsh will also see time at wideout, he made one catch for 14 yards in limited action last year. Finally, Sophomore Clayton Frederick, a standout for the Freshman a year ago, has shown good ability to get open down field.
The offensive line returns only two starters, Junior Tight End Cole Resler (6'2-220) and Junior Guard Jared Walton (6'2-220). Cole Resler replaced his brother Max in 2002, and made two catches for 21 yards. Tackles Trevor Emerson (3-year starter) and Tyler Edgar (2-year starter) were both lost to graduation, leaving Logan with some re-tooling to do on the line. Seniors Jacob Bookman (6'2-245) and Kasey Kernen (6'3-320) are early favorites to start at the Tackle spots. Bookman started in week 10 at Gallia Academy last season. Juniors Joe Howdyshell (6'1-245) and Rob Rose (6'2-300) will provide competition at Tackle. Jared Walton returns at Guard to anchor the middle of the line, and joining him is Senior captain Jesse Herring (5'8-225). Sophomores Tyson Kratzenburg (5'10-190) and Bruce Lehman (5'11-220) provide depth at Guard. The Centers are small and scrappy, but Junior Ray Robinson (6'1-160) leads Junior Jon Stoneburner (5'8-175) on the depth chart.
The offense should prove more balanced in 2003. Corey Spackey is smooth on his feet, and should help a young offensive line early. Losing B.J. Hughes was a tough break, but the receiving corps. is still solid and should enable the Chiefs to move the ball through the air. Of course, if Logan keeps defenses honest, Austin Rohr should be even better in 2003.