FOOTBALL 2024: Edison loaded for another run

MILAN — There is no hiding it. And the key seniors on the Edison football team have no intentions of doing so, anyway. "Obviously our expectation is to repeat as SBC champs with a lot of us back," said Luke Blatnik, a two-way starter at running back and outside linebacker. "We're looking to do big things in the SBC and in the playoffs." Edison was 11-2 last season with a pair of playoff wins. The Chargers will return nine starters on offense and eight on defense from a team that outscored teams by an average of 35-11 in 2023. "We'd like to go as far as possible, and we think we have the team to do it," Blatnik said. "There were a lot of learning experiences last year, so I feel like that can be a stepping stone and we can carry a lot from what we went through." Perhaps more importantly for longtime head coach Jim Hall is having an experienced team has meant for a smoother preseason. "It's been good that way because of the knowledge base coming in," Hall said. "But also the expectation level they put on themselves. They know that if they want to achieve that, it has to be every day — when you feel like it and when you don't — it doesn't matter. "I think they've accepted that challenge, and the older kids are challenging the younger kids to also have that same mindset. They've set the tone, and we're excited about playing on the new (turf) field. We have a lot of things going." Offense Few times can a program lose a star player like Marcus Medina and feel as good as the Chargers do about their offense. Medina accounted for 2,279 yards and 31 touchdowns last season from the quarterback position, on top of being an All-Ohio safety. But Hall's triple option offense welcomes back four of his five offensive linemen, three running backs and two receivers. Up front, the Chargers start with two seniors in SBC Bay first team guard Zach Rang (5-foot-8, 160) and first team SBC tackle Lucas Langhals (6-4, 200). Juniors Ryder Kramb (5-9, 180) and Tristian Whetherill (6-3, 195) man the other guard and tackle positions. The center position has been a competition in camp between juniors Jacob Kuhl (5-9, 180) and Chaz Smith (5-9, 190). Tight end could be any of the three between senior Malachi Hawkins, senior Luke Whiley and junior Brody McFadden (5-11, 185). "The thing we love is they are such good athletes," Hall said of his offensive line. "They are not big linemen at all, but they are athletic, fast and aggressive — which is a perfect fit for us." Senior Cy Finnen (5-11, 215) and junior Bryson Wittmer (6-0, 225) are the fullbacks with Blatnik (5-11, 205) at halfback. In 2023, Finnen rushed for 1,082 yards and 14 TDs on 150 attempts (7.2 average), while Blatnik had 723 yards and 12 TDs on 81 attempts (8.9 average), and Wittmer added 594 yards and 4 TDs on 67 attempts (8.9 average). The trio also caught a combined 25 passes for 298 yards and 6 TDs last season. Finnen and Blatnik were Bay first-team picks, while Wittmer was honorable mention. Hall said junior returning letter winner Caden Clere (5-9, 175) is a fourth name to watch. "He played a huge role last year, and I told him I see him as a starter," Hall said. "Caden may not get the first call of the game, but those four guys are going to rotate through as we try and keep them fresh on defense by rotating on offense. "Each one of them is a weapon in their own right. We're excited to have them, and the best thing is, they understand we're better when there is balance. It's going to be spread out, and they've bought into it." And though there is no replacing Medina, the Chargers also find themselves in a strong spot at quarterback. Senior Abe Hermes — a multi-time All-Ohioan and state champion wrestler — will take the reins in 2024. Hermes (5-9, 160) attempted two passes last season, but completed them both for 60 yards, including a TD. "It's a great situation because Abe understands the level we want to get to, because he's been there," Hall said. "As a leader, he's taken that role of being the central voice on a very experienced team. He's got exceptional arm strength for a kid that's not that big, and he has the mind for it and understands the game. "What he understands the most is, he has three or four running backs around him that when all else fails, hand them the ball." Senior Davin Wendt (5-8, 160) returns as an all-league first team receiver after catching 21 passes for 251 yards with 3 TDs in 2023. Also back is senior Grayson Smith (5-11, 155) and his 20 catches for 266 yards and 3 TDs. Junior Coltyn Meagrow (6-3, 180) and junior Andy Strecker (6-0, 150) are other potential targets. Defense A lot of the same names will return on defense for the Chargers, including both Rang (45 tackles, 1 sack) and Langhals (27 tackles, 2 sacks) up front. Rang was first team in the Bay. Many of the same offensive line names will also be filling in between the two defensive ends, along with sophomore Colten Collins (5-10, 200). At outside linebacker, Finnen was first team league, Northwest District and was All-Ohio third team in Division V with 91 tackles and two sacks. Blatnik (61 tackles) is also back at OLB, while Wittmer (62 tackles, 2 sacks) is back in the middle. Clere will also work at outside, while both Kramb and Hawkins will be in the middle. "We really like that group and feel like all six guys can make an impact," Hall said. Smith was a first team league selection at safety with 87 tackles and an interception returned for a TD last season. Hermes (53 tackles, 3 INTs) was a second team Bay pick, while Wendt (33 tackles, 2 INTs) returns at corner. Hall said Whiley, junior Cole Leimeister (5-10, 145), Meagrow and Strecker are other candidates to see time in the secondary. With the exception of their two losses to state powers Perkins and Coldwater, the Chargers yielded just 6.5 points per game in the 11 wins in 2023. "With the experience coming back and the way we were able to hit the ground running (in camp), we want to use our speed and experience on defense," Hall said. "We want to continue to be an attacking defense that pressures teams. "Any coach will tell you the best pass defense is a good pass rush. We want to put pressure on teams, but at the same time, let these guys be athletes. We want to attack, but we want to be sound." Special teams Junior Alex Davidson (5-9, 140), a key soccer player for the Chargers, returns to the kicking duties. He made 53-of-60 extra points and 2-of-3 field goals last season. Wittmer will punt, which he did nine times for a 35.8-yard average in 2023. "Alex has gotten better, I can tell you that," Hall said. "Every coach's dream is having a kicker who can kick it in the end zone all the time so you don't have to worry about covering kicks. "At least that's my dream, and he's close to that level." --------------- 2024 scheduleAug. 23: at FirelandsAug. 30: at St. PaulSept. 6: GibsonburgSept. 13: NorthridgeSept. 20: at NorwalkSept. 27: at BellevueOct. 4: PerkinsOct. 11: Port ClintonOct. 18: VermilionOct. 25: at Huron 2023 results (11-2)Edison 35, Firelands 6Edison 42, St. Paul 6Edison 42, Gibsonburg 6Edison 62, Berkshire 19Edison 28, Norwalk 0Edison 41, Bellevue 7Perkins 49, Edison 14Edison 30, Port Clinton 0Edison 34, Vermilion 14Edison 35, Huron 7PlayoffsEdison 48, Spencerville 0Edison 38, Eastwood 7Coldwater 42, Edison 7 2024 rosterNo. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr.1 Abe Hermes QB/DB 5-9 160 122 Grayson Smith WR/DB 5-11 155 123 Davin Wendt WR/DB 5-8 160 124 Cole Leimeister QB/DB 5-10 145 115 Garn Blaise WR/DB 5-9 150 116 Luke While TE/DB 6-3 165 127 Malachi Hawkins 6-2 185 TE/LB 128 Cadyn Clere HB/OLB 5-9 175 119 Luke Blatnik RB/OLB 5-11 205 1210 Coltyn Meagrow WR/DB 6-3 180 1111 Brody McFadden RB/DB 5-11 185 1112 Matthew Goodrich TE/DB 5-9 155 1213 Wesley Seel RB/OLB 5-10 160 914 Caleb Wigner WR/DB 5-6 120 915 Andy Strecker WR/DB 6-0 150 1116 Keegan Dingle WR/LB 6-1 150 1217 Cy Finnen RB/OLB 5-11 215 1218 Eli Hermes QB/LB 5-6 205 1020 Dominic Sallee WR/DB 5-10 145 921 Kyle Robinson QB/DB 5-6 120 922 Silas Perez RB/DB 5-8 145 1023 Alex Davidson K 5-9 140 1124 Max Limberios RB/LB 5-10 175 925 Bryson Wittmer RB/LB 6-0 225 1126 Alex Garton WR/OLB 5-7 140 1028 Elijah Ruck RB/LB 5-8 175 1130 Alik Houser WR/BD 5-5 120 932 Aden Palicka RB/LB 5-9 175 1033 Camdyn Horvath RB/OLB 5-9 140 941 Kaden Mees K 5-9 150 944 Isaiah Grady WR/DB 5-8 120 1050 Josh Thompson OL/DL 5-10 205 1151 Kaleb Martin OL/OLB 5-9 165 1052 Chaz Smith OL/DL 5-9 190 1153 Colten Collins OL/DL 5-10 200 1054 Savastian Garton OL/DL 5-10 235 1055 Jacob Kuhl OL/DL 5-9 180 1156 Ryder Kramb OL/LB 5-9 180 1157 Tristian Wetherill OL/DL 6-3 195 1159 Jacoby Kraft OL/DL 6-0 300 960 Zach Rang OL/DL 5-8 160 1261 Connor Goodwin OL/LB 5-11 170 962 Josh Felter OL/DL 5-11 175 963 Jordan Lewis OL/DL 5-9 170 965 Weston Hoover OL/DL 5-8 285 966 Josiah Walbom OL/LB 6-0 165 1067 Joseph Heitz OL/DL 5-10 245 1071 Kayden Hunter OL/DL 6-1 250 1072 Joel Smith OL/DL 6-0 250 976 Korbin Kozlowski OL/DL 5-11 200 1077 Luke Langhals OL/DL 6-4 200 1279 Mason Murphy OL/DL 6-0 305 980 Jackson Esser WR/DB 5-11 145 983 Dane Chaney WR/BD 5-7 135 1084 Nolan Ezell TE/DL 5-5 135 9