GENEVA — With just three returning starters on offense — senior offensive linemen Jacob Clemens, Braden Stark and senior split end Michael Anderson — Geneva head coach Don Shymske is not necessarily expecting his team to average the 43 points a game his team did last year.
Figuring out the best positions for each of his new players is going to be the key.
“That’s going to be the secret for this year,” Shymske said.
While he wasn’t a starter, senior Owen Davis is the most experienced skill player returning after gaining 561 yards rushing and seven touchdowns last season.
Junior Cooper Dubsky had just 44 yards rushing, but found the end zone four times. Senior Brody Hamm had 24 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns as both gained some valuable experience in the backfield in reserve roles.
“Owen Davis and Cooper Dubsky have solidified themselves as our halfbacks and Brody Hamm as our fullback,” Shymske said.
Hamm, in particular, has impressed his coach in the offseason.
“Brody Hamm has done a great job leading us in the weight room,” Shymske said. “He definitely has emerged as a vocal leader.”
However, all that could change depending on who is going to win the quarterback battle this preseason.
“[Senior] Nate Hutchens and [junior] Johnny Dodick are kind of battling it out right now,” Shymske said. “I say they are neck and neck at this point.”
Shymske, however, didn’t rule out moving one of his other backs behind center as well, replacing senior Caden Proy, who led the area with 182 points scored.
“Who is going to be starting Week 1 for us? We will see,” Shymske said.
Senior Brayden Wright, along with junior Gavin Queen and sophomores Herdy Christian and Chevin Rought, are also among the skill players vying for snaps.
Along the offensive line, Shymske is unsure who will win the spots around Clemens and Stark. However, he feels the group of players he has is formidable.
The list of candidates include senior Jesse Butterfield, a returning letterman, along with classmates Griffin Habina and Connor Ridenour. Junior Ahmad Sawyers and sophomore Levi Klotz are also in the mix.
Each of these players are also going to be counted on to contribute along the defensive line as well as seniors Jake Winchell and Devin Owens, who will be the tight ends.
“It is very, very unsettled right now,” Shymske said as to who will win those jobs. “I think our offensive and defensive lines should be our strength.
“Those guys who are up front have put themselves in a position where they can compete with the best linemen on the other side.”
Senior Tavien Siler and junior Max Cochran will rotate with Anderson at split end.