STRENGTH IN NUMBERS: Huron's undefeated football team is led by 23 seniors

HURON — It takes some patience to count all the seniors on Huron's football roster. After checking twice, the number is impressive: 23. That's more than double the number of seniors on most area high school rosters. "That's the biggest I've had," said Huron coach Sam Hohler, who is in his fifth season as head coach and 21st in the program. "We've had some in the 20s over the years. It's a great bunch of kids; very tight-knit." The Tigers roll into Saturday's Division IV Region 14 quarterfinal against Clyde with a 7-0 record. Huron finished 5-0 in the Sandusky Bay Conference Bay Division, winning its title since 2014. Last Saturday, the Tigers blitzed Bryan 44-22 to record their first playoff victory in six years. It all starts with the seniors, who dominate the starting lineup. Jacob Lamb, who starts at linebacker and wide receiver, is one of the Tigers' five co-captains. He says his team's approach is consistent no matter the opponent. "We never expect to lose. It's not a mindset anyone should have," Lamb said. "We come to every game prepared. "Our 23 seniors, we've been together since seventh grade. We're all friends; we want to play for other. We spend countless hours out here on the field. If we didn't like each other as much, no one would want to be here." Lamb leads the Tigers in tackles with 69 and has made three quarterback sacks and two interceptions, including a highlight-reel Pick-6 in a victory at Port Clinton. Huron's defense has allowed only one first-half touchdown this season. "We have a great game plan and know where we have to be," Lamb said. "It speaks to our D-line, who's always getting a push up front. The linebackers fill our gaps and we all like to hit hard." Eye-opening start Not all of Huron's seniors have a ton of experience in their respective positions. Take quarterback Cole Parker, for example. Parker, who also starts at safety, is in his first season as the Tigers' starting QB. His first game was against a strong Norwalk team, so it didn't take him long to realize what he was getting into. "The first half I was kind of shaky, like 'this is real, this is legit,' " Parker said. "By the time the second half came around I was ready." Parker has done well. He has accumulated 1,306 total yards and 23 touchdowns. "Cole's improved from week to week," Hohler said. "He's such a good athlete and lately he's evolved into a terrific quarterback. He's shown great leadership and is taking care of the football." Parker has plenty of options when he drops back to pass. Seniors Lamb (25 receptions, 266 yards, four touchdowns) and Richie Delaney (21-418-5) have been his top targets. "We like to get everybody the ball and take what we can," Parker said. The Tigers' offensive line consists of five senior starters: tackles Ian Wellborn and Joey Huddleston, guards Kadyn Yates and Devin Spurrier and center Jake Koba, the only returning starter up front this season. "A lot of those guys rotated in and played a lot on the defensive line last year," Hohler said. "For them to step up and start this year has been huge for us." Senior running back/defensive end JJ Holliday is another impact player on both sides of the ball. He's the Tigers' leading rusher with 455 yards and leads the team with five quarterback sacks. Jacob Detlor is second on the team with 58 tackles and three sacks. Delaney has 49 stops. Senior scout team Of course, with 23 seniors and some talented juniors and sophomores getting playing time, not everyone gets to see the field. The Tigers say that's not an issue with their senior class. Parker mentioned, unsolicited, Ben Wainwright, who pushes the starters in practice. "He's always working us hard and making everybody better," Parker said. "When he's on scout team and the starting defense is on, he's always going his hardest to make sure we're getting good looks. He shows a lot of good character. "Even though he knows he's not going to play as much on Friday night he gives it his all." Hohler seconded Parker's motion when speaking of Wainwright's contributions. "He is a trash-talker on the practice field," Hohler said. "He goes hard each play. He delights in burning anybody he can on scout team or in his actual reps. "I played with Ben's uncle, I went to school with his mom. He's a great kid and brings the energy to practice and keeps everybody on their toes. He helps make us better. Once he gets going the other guys get going, too." Another senior who exhibits effort and has helped build team camaraderie is Mason Luipold, who came out for football this year. Luipold scored a touchdown in a game last month, setting off a sincere celebration on the sideline. "We were all pumped for him," Lamb said. "Everyone was jumping on him, slapping his helmet, yelling in his face. It was awesome." Huron's roster size not only helps in games, it helps in practice, which Hohler characterizes as "spirited." "Some of them are battling each other for playing time," he said. "They go hard each day and they push one another. That's the key to hopefully making us better. "It's easier to practice every day. We don't have to use garbage cans. Things can get very competitive in practice because we have enough bodies to make it that way." Good sports The Tigers are competitive in practice, but they've also been recognized for their conduct during games. After Huron's home victory over Edison, game official Eric Erickson filed a report with the OHSAA thanking the players, coaches and fans for exceptional sportsmanship. "The student-athletes were completely respectful, courteous and sportsmanship was displayed continuously throughout the entire contest," the official wrote. Huron athletic director Steve Camella told Hohler that the team had been written up, and Hohler's first thought was, "Oh, man we did something wrong." Camella eventually told him the report was positive, something Hohler relayed to his players. "It's a great bunch of kids. We've got honor students, we have kids from great families," Hohler said. "They're outgoing and nice, but they do needle each other in practice." The Tigers want to keep making noise in the playoffs, but they're also happy to simply be playing this season, which a few months ago seemed to be in jeopardy because of the coronavirus. As the summer dragged on and workouts became monotonous, players began questioning whether there would be a Week 1 kickoff. They got their answer Aug. 19 when contact sports were approved. Huron's players were getting ready for practice that Wednesday when they were notified — on their cellphones, of course. "After we found out we were going to get this opportunity, they've been going hard ever since," Hohler said. "I remember having a conversation with the kids before practice one day and just the grins on their faces was priceless. "I'm proud of all of them, dealing with how school has changed and how sports have changed. I"m proud of the effort (the seniors) have put in to lead these guys in the right direction."