SPORTS

Veteran Muskies aiming to surprise in OAC

Brandon Hannahs
Reporter

NEW CONCORD — A senior-laden lineup, especially on offense, has expectations high around Muskingum under veteran coach Al Logan.

“Our offense is confident, and many of those players have now been in our system for three or four years,” Logan said. “Having that continuity is important, but so is health. We need to stay healthy, and if we do, this group has a chance to break into the top half of the (Ohio Athletic) conference.”

The Muskies open the season for the fourth straight season with Waynesburg in a non-conference game. Kickoff will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at McConagha Stadium.

Waynesburg defeated Muskingum 33-0 a year ago, but Logan said the Yellow Jackets graduated several key pieces from that squad.

“They lost six, seven starters on both sides so they won’t be the same team we’ve seen the past couple seasons,” he noted. “We’re a much improved team from last season and we have high expectations.”

Experience is behind Muskingum’s aspirations. It starts with senior quarterback Cody Williams, who collected more than 1,000 total yards and nine touchdowns in nine starts last season.

“He understands what we want to do and has improved with his decision-making,” Logan said. “His athletic ability makes teams have to prepare for his running, and he’s throwing the ball as well as I’ve ever seen him.”

The backfield also features junior running back Melvin Smith, who was the team’s offensive MVP a year ago. He ran for 807 yards and six touchdowns.

Senior Dominic Bell returns at fullback and freshmen Jordan Scanlon and Nick Asturi should see time.

They line up behind a veteran line, anchored by seniors Sam Lucas (left tackle), Patrick Hoben (left guard) and Zac Snively (right guard).

“We could have all four (backs) on the field at the same time,” Logan said. “They’re physical kids who can run and catch. It’s one area we have depth.

“Our line is a close-knit group and smart. It all shows on the field.”

Seniors Aaron Sutton and Brandon Hardy and sophomores Damon Jones and Ross Brenneman highlight the receivers. Freshman Granger Long of Zanesville is slated to start at tight end.

“Granger couldn’t have come at a better time with our tight end not coming back out this season,” Logan said. “He’s a smart kid and caught on to our system quickly. He seems happy, and hopefully, he has found a place at Muskingum.”

The defense is headlined by All-American and first-team OAC junior linebacker Chaney Fulton. He collected 97 tackles and ranked third in the conference with 13 tackles for a loss.

Several seniors surround Fulton, including linebacker Zach Barry and linemen Jordan Lee and Barry Parks.

Junior defensive end Alex Bryant, a New Lexington grad, sophomores Tommy Layman and Mick Fishel and freshmen brothers Staci (tackle) and Traci (linebacker) Wilson provide depth in the front seven.

The secondary is a question mark due to injuries, but Logan expects senior Dorian Maynard, an All-OAC selection, and freshman Henry Alexander to lead that group.

Sophomore Logan Ryan will be a part of the rotation when he returns from injury.

“Chaney is our emotional stimulant. He’s big, and he runs well,” Logan said. “We have a solid group up front, but we need our secondary to prevent those big plays and provide run support.”

Special teams should be solid. Junior Samuel Green, an All-OAC and North Region honoree, is back at punter and Zanesville alum, junior Cody Dent, returns as the placekicker.

Green led the OAC by averaging 39.9 yards per punt, and Dent made 18 of 23 extra points and 4 of 7 field goals, including a career-long of 42.

Starting the season victorious is a must for the Muskies, who head to Mount Union on Sept. 19 to open conference play.

“Our kids don’t mind playing Mount, and we’re going to hit them,” Logan said. “We had a great offseason, and our kids understand it’s imperative to start the season with a win.”

bhannahs@zanesvilletimesrecorder.com

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Twitter: @brandonhannahs