NEW CONCORD – John Glenn is back in playoff form last season.
The Muskies had an 8-3 record before being eliminated in the first round, but they will look to build on that performance by fielding 27 returning lettermen and 23 seniors for 10-year coach Matt Edwards.
“With the number of seniors and returning key players we have, expectations are very high for this football season,” Edwards said. “After an eight-win season and making the playoffs, we were able to accomplish some of our goals last year, and many of this group were part of that success.”
“At the start of this season, some of our goals are the same, but we also haven’t achieved some goals. In the dressing room, you know how difficult it will be to achieve these goals and what is needed if we want to take the next step. That has been a motivating factor throughout the preparation for this season.”
Experience in attack
John Glenn released 13 players, including quarterback Noah Winland and offensive lineman Noah Scheffler, but the other four linemen return with seniors Clay Mathers, Rock Zemba, Jacob DeMattio and Kaden Stallard. The group has 10 letters total, including three each for Mathers and Stallard.
Seniors Lincoln Gilcher and Ryder Rock, both three years in the league, and junior Reese Metzger return to a talented backfield. Gilcher had more than 800 yards with 10 touchdowns on the ground, while Rock and Metzger combined for more than 650 yards and five touchdowns.
Their skills will ease the pressure on senior Jake Johnson, who was the team’s best receiver last year (29 receptions, 227 yards), and junior Owen Edwards, who is battling for playing time at quarterback.
John Glenn will rely on the running game, but has a number of returning receivers. Junior Ryder Pennington, who had two TDs among his 12 receptions last season, and senior Cannon Fox are the highlights of a group
“We have a very experienced group of front and running backs who all played last year,” Edwards said. “Due to injuries, we also have two quarterbacks and several wide receivers who played important snaps. That experience will be critical to our offense.”
The offense will also be bolstered by senior Will Nicolozakes, who returns as kicker. He made 36 of 37 extra points and all four field goal attempts last season.
Defense calling card for Muskies
John Glenn has always relied on physicality under Edwards. The defense on the front line and in the second line is experienced, as the Muskies bring in four new linebackers.
Senior Tanner Whiteman, a two-year honoree, and junior Alex Altier, a first-team all-East District selection, headline the defensive line that produced Nic Xanders, who recorded six sacks last season.
Seniors Andrew Glaub, who intercepted nine passes last year, and Kris Wise join Johnson as the headliners in the secondary, while senior Kole Johnson, who transferred from Ridgewood, should also get a chance to shine in the defensive backfield and as a receiver.
There will be several new faces at linebacker following the graduation of Cameron Barnhouse and Bronson Bendle. Those two combined for more than 150 tackles, 24 tackles for loss and seven sacks. Senior Gavyn Garber and sophomore Cashton Paisley will be among the players competing for playing time at linebacker.
“We will rely on a strong unit on the defensive line and in the secondary,” Edwards said. “Our players know that every Friday night in the MVL is a big challenge and preparing to win is extremely important. There is no substitute for experience, especially given the rigors of the MVL Big School Division. We will rely on our seniors and returning top performers to navigate us through this season.”
In the huddle
Important returnees: Rock Zemba (OL/DL, sr.); Clay Mathers (OL/DL, sr.); Kaden Stallard (OL/DL, sr.); Jake DeMattio (OL/DL, sr.); Tanner Whiteman (OL/DL, sr.); Lincoln Gilcher (RB/LB, sr.); Andrew Glaub (WR/DB, sr.); Will Nicolozakes (K, sr.); Kris Wise (WR/DB, sr.); Ryder Rock (RB/LB, sr.); Cannon Fox (WR/DB, sr.); Jake Johnson (QB/DB, sr.); Reese Metzger (RB/DB, Jr.); Ryder Pennington (WR/DB, Jr.); Owen Edwards (QB/DB, Jr.).
Important new additions: Kole Robinson (WR/DB, sr.); Cashton Paisley (TE/LB, so.).
Coaching staff: Head Coach Matt Edwards, Brad Barclay, Mitch Bendle, Tyler Brown, Jim Kornokovich, Nathan Larrick, Chris Merry, Aaron Smith, Nick Winland, Tuff Zemba.
Classification: Division III, Region 11
Last playoff appearance: 2023
Total number of playoff appearances: 14 (Regional titles: 1978, 1980, 2017).
John Glenn Football Schedule 2024
23.August Maysville
30.August @Cambridge
6 September @ Indian Valley
13 September Coshocton
20 September Sheridan
27 September @Meadowbrook
October 4 Morgan
11 October @ Riverview
18 October @Philo
25 October Three Valley
[email protected]; X: @brandonhannahs
