LANCASTER — People who live by the mantra “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” will find themselves scratching their heads when the Lancaster Golden Gales take the field Friday night against the Logan Chieftains.

For four years, the Gales have not only defeated Logan to open their season, but they’ve also reeled off 32 wins against 12 losses, made four playoff appearances, and won three Ohio Capital Conference divisional championships.

However, the Gales haven’t yet advanced past the first round of the playoffs and coach Rob Carpenter believes his team can be even better.
That, combined with having a rare athlete like senior Ryan Cheek (6-2, 227) to play quarterback, have allowed the other LHS to step away from their traditional wing-T offense to a more spread formation that utilizes their speed and ability to play in space.

Cheek headlines the Gales offense but is far from a one-man band. Senior Jordan Shull (6-0, 185), junior Nathan Carpenter (5-11, 185), and sophomore Connor Smith (5-11, 175) provide three outstanding athletes for Cheek to distribute the football to.

But don’t expect an aerial circus. Lancaster will still run the football, but in more creative ways that will allow their athletes to use their speed and athleticism instead of relying purely on power.

Joining Cheek in the backfield will be senior Donnie Roshon (5-10, 185) at running back and junior T.J. Alexander (6-2, 220), who will provide the Gales with a strong tight end/H-back in their offense.

Up front, the blue and gold return three starters, led by senior tackle Adam Grein (6-0, 280). Also returning are senior guard Cody Byers (6-0, 230) and junior center Nathan Cheek (6-1, 235). Nathan Cheek, a guard in 2007, is the quarterback’s brother.

Rounding out the Gales’ front five are senior guard Tyler Winkleman (6-0, 205) and junior tackle Austin Kerns (6-0, 240).

One story line to watch is the health of Lancaster’s quarterbacks. Ryan Cheek did not dress for the Gales’ final scrimmage with Brookhaven last Friday, and his top back-up, Nolan Flowers (6-2, 159), broke his arm and was lost for the season in Lancaster’s first scrimmage against Findlay. Both Carpenter and Smith took snaps at quarterback against Brookhaven.

Defensively, Lancaster looks to plug holes and shut down the running game from a 4-3 defensive front. Ryan Cheek will lead the defense and is starting for a third straight season. Cheek will continue his football career at North Carolina State University next fall as a linebacker.

Joining Cheek at linebacker are seniors Nick Rowlands (6-2, 240) and Jarrid Karns (6-0, 219). Up front, juniors Jayme Aksterowicz (6-2, 210) and Matt Shinn (6-1, 205) start at end, with Alexander providing depth, while seniors Kenny Harlan (6-0, 235) and Adam Anderson (5-10, 210) will start at tackle.

In the secondary, Carpenter and Shull are returning starters at cornerback and safety, respectively. Joining them in the backfield are seniors Chris Dilger (5-10, 160) and Tony Lalli (5-11, 180). Seniors Anthony Hoffman (6-0, 150) and Jentzen Rohr (5-11, 190) add depth.

Dilger will handle kicking and punting duties for Lancaster. Carpenter and Shull are both dangerous kick returners.

Logan football historian Spencer Waugh of loganfootball.com previews the Logan Chieftains’ football opponent every Thursday in The Logan Daily News.

Read More in the Logan Daily News.