Tigers looking to roar for 2024 campaign
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NEWTON FALLS -- Newton Falls coach Jim Hogue was in charge of both sides of the ball during his first season with the Tigers.
However, this year, he's bringing in a defensive coordinator to help him focus more on the offense.
"We're bringing in LD Hartman to coach the defense," Hogue said. "He played football at Kent State. His brother played for Ohio State. He's been coaching for over 30 years. It'll take some responsibility off of my shoulders. We're going to get these kids moving and blitzing. We're going to keep everything in front of us from the secondary."
Newton Falls won three of their first four games before injuries caught up with them in 2023.
"We started out strong at the beginning of the year," Hogue said. "Then, we had about 10 or 12 injuries at one time heading into the league schedule. We still competed, but we lost five straight games. We finally got over the top there at the end against Champion. The seniors that we had were a good group of kids to build a program around. They were a good group of leaders."
The addition to the coaching staff might be just what the Tigers need to finish with their first .500 record since 2017.
"We're trying to get over that hump," Hogue said. "Our goal is to compete and finish with at least five wins. It's not going to be easy. We're in a tough league. Last year, we finished 4-6. But, we were real close to getting five or six wins. We were close, but we just couldn't finish those opportunities.
"The players got tired at the end of games. So, in the offseason, we've worked on getting these kids conditioned. We've got to stay healthy. We're going to be the small kids on the block in this league. So, we're going to have to be well conditioned."
The players have been getting ready for the upcoming season with 7-on-7 practices against Windham, Western Reserve, Leetonia and Grand Valley.
"It's not real football," Hogue said. "7-on-7 practices have their advantages and disadvantages. It can help with designing certain formations. However, you don't have somebody in your face. That might lead your quarterback to feeling a little overconfident. Get somebody in his face, and it can be a completely different ballgame."
OFFENSE
The Tigers will deploy a power-spread offense.
"We'll spread them out and try to run the ball," Hogue said. "We'll throw the ball and try to balance it out. But, we'll run the ball more than we pass."
Senior Keegan Howard is under center again this season at quarterback.
"He started, at the beginning of the year, last season," Hogue said. "The position runs in his family. His older brother, Ivan Howard, threw for over 1,000 yards a few years ago."
Seniors Gage Phares, Dean Goncz and Ethan Powell will run the ball for Newton Falls.
"Gage is back," Hogue said. "He's gotten a lot stronger and bigger too. He's about 210 pounds. He's already got an offer from Baldwin Wallace for a roster spot. Dean and Ethan are both back, as well. They're big kids, too. They're H-backs and Ethan will play some at tight end."
Juniors Caden Clonch and Dallas Dunlap anchor the receiving corps, along with sophomore Chace Clonch and senior Carson Howard.
"Caden and Dallas both lettered last year," Hogue said. "Although, Dallas did get injured a little bit. Caden is smaller, but he's quick. You want to get him the ball in space and let him make plays. And, we've got Carson Howard who is Keegan Howard's cousin. He's a basketball player. He's pretty fast and athletic."
Seniors Trevor Ruscoe, Dom Paolella and Thomas Ainsworth are up front on the offensive line. Sophomores Kaden Prout and Georgie Phillips round out the group.
"Trevor played center and guard for us last year," Hogue said. "He can play anywhere on the line. Dom is back at guard. We added Thomas. He's a big kid at 6-feet-6 inches. He'll play tackle for us.
"Kaden and Georgie were both freshmen last year. Kaden ended up getting hurt and Georgie played a lot because of injuries. These kids are scrappy. We're not going to be real big on the line. But, we'll be quick and athletic."
DEFENSE
Newton Falls will run a 3-3 stack base defense.
"Trevor Ruscoe will anchor the defensive line," Hogue said. "He'll play nose tackle. He can play defensive end as well. Dom Paolella will play defensive end. He might play some linebacker too. He's that size kind of a kid. Georgie Phillips, Kaden Prout and Thomas Ainsworth will all play on the line. We'll probably rotate some freshmen in there as well."
The linebackers are the heart and soul of the Tigers' defense.
"They definitely lead the way on that side of the ball," Hogue said. "Those three big running backs, Gage, Dean and Ethan are the linebacking corps. Sophomore Connor Dunlap will be our spur on the outside."
The Tigers are less experienced in the secondary.
"We have a mixture back there," Hogue said. "Chace Clonch and Keegan Howard are the corners. Carson Howard will rotate in there as well. The receivers, Caden Clonch and Dallas Dunlap, will be the safeties. That's our youngest group right there. Everyone will have to rotate positions."
SPECIAL TEAMS
Chace Clonch and freshman Zane Shelton will return punts and kicks for the Tigers.
"They're both about the same size," Hogue said. "They're small. But, they're both quick. Either one of them could take it to the house.
"We're not sure who will do the kicking and punting yet. We do have a couple of kids that play soccer as well."
Newton Falls opens the season Aug. 23 at East Palestine.
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