Eric Frantz
06-10-2011, 09:02 AM
Huber Heights Wayne (11-4, D-I State Runner-Up)
* Players to Watch – WR Armani Miller (6-0, 175, sr.); Marcus Bonner (6-2, 190, sr.); Toney Peters (6-1, 190, sr.); DL Jonas Mims (6-1, 260, sr.); LB Darien Thornton (5-11, 190, sr.); OL Lovell Peterson (6-4, 280, jr.); QB Javon Harrison (6-1, 190, jr.); DB Jarrod Hardrick (6-0, 180, jr.); OL Cole Newsome (6-3, 260, jr.)
* Outlook – After finishing state runner-up for the second time under his lead, head coach Jay Minton (164-63 in 13 years) said the Warriors goal is easy. “We’re trying to not come in second anymore,” the coach said. Wayne lost in the 1999 state final and followed with a 6-5 record. Overcoming complacency Minton said will be key. A return trip won’t be easy. The Warriors, who play Middletown, Canton McKinley and Trotwood-Madison in the first four games, lost a lot from last year’s team, including superstar QB Braxton Miller (Ohio State). Harrison steps into the QB role and is another young talent. Miller is a D-I receiver and Peterson and Newsome might be the best 1-2 junior OL tandem in the state. The cupboard is far from bare. “There is not much to say when you come in second place,” Minton said. “We are either going to come at this thing hungry for another shot at it or satisfied with being runners-up. I have faith our guys will be hungry.”
* Players to Watch – WR Armani Miller (6-0, 175, sr.); Marcus Bonner (6-2, 190, sr.); Toney Peters (6-1, 190, sr.); DL Jonas Mims (6-1, 260, sr.); LB Darien Thornton (5-11, 190, sr.); OL Lovell Peterson (6-4, 280, jr.); QB Javon Harrison (6-1, 190, jr.); DB Jarrod Hardrick (6-0, 180, jr.); OL Cole Newsome (6-3, 260, jr.)
* Outlook – After finishing state runner-up for the second time under his lead, head coach Jay Minton (164-63 in 13 years) said the Warriors goal is easy. “We’re trying to not come in second anymore,” the coach said. Wayne lost in the 1999 state final and followed with a 6-5 record. Overcoming complacency Minton said will be key. A return trip won’t be easy. The Warriors, who play Middletown, Canton McKinley and Trotwood-Madison in the first four games, lost a lot from last year’s team, including superstar QB Braxton Miller (Ohio State). Harrison steps into the QB role and is another young talent. Miller is a D-I receiver and Peterson and Newsome might be the best 1-2 junior OL tandem in the state. The cupboard is far from bare. “There is not much to say when you come in second place,” Minton said. “We are either going to come at this thing hungry for another shot at it or satisfied with being runners-up. I have faith our guys will be hungry.”