2011 Football Preview: Reynoldsburg

[Eric Frantz]

Reynoldsburg (3-7)

Outlook – New head coach Buddy White, who won a D-IV state title last year as an assistant at Hartley, takes over a program that’s gone 12-38 the last five years. Senior DL Lavonne Gauthney (6-1, 285) is a D-I prospect. Other key contributors will be Sean McKeen (sr., LB, 5'11", 235), Jimmy McKean (sr., DB/WR, 5'10", 180), Mykel Traylor-Bennett (jr., WR/DB, 6'3", 195), Ryan Carter (sr., TE/DE, 6'6", 220), Takael Holland (sr., WR/DB, 5'9", 180) and Emmanuel Beal (jr., LB/WR, 6'1", 200). Said White: “We believe the biggest game we will have will be our first game against Dublin Jerome. They have dominated (us) over the past five years and we need to be more competitive against them to show progress in the program.”

[Walking Boss]

I was at the '07 game between Jerome and the 'Burg. Was down on the field with the DFL kids forming a spirit tunnel. After both teams ran through, I said to myself, "I hope Jerome packed a bunch of body bags, because they are going to get de-stroyed!". The physical differences between the teams (size, muscle development, athletecism, etc.) could not have been more dramatic.

Well, Jerome won by the score of something like 37-0. Ricky Kovatch ran wild and was all over the field on defense. The thing that stood out was Reynoldburg's lack of discipline. Senseless penalties, miscues, and turnovers. Total meltdown.

I don't expect the same from a Buddy White coached team. He WILL turn things around in the 'Burg. It will be a long, at time slow, slog. But it will happen.

I think they will beat Jerome this year. White will have them organized and motivated. The Wilson brothers will get their touches and their yards, but the Celts won't have the horses to hang with Raiders this year.

[tiger_86]

I think that coach White is trying to downplay his team. Don't listen to him. They are loading up. I keep my ear to the ground in the "Burg" and they have been working extremely hard and there have been an number of quality transfers that have showed up there. A commited team is a dangerous team. I heard that they will be at Capital Univ next week for a 7 on 7 in the big school division. I think I will check them out myself to see how they are coming.

[SANDMAN965]

It looks as if Reynoldsburg has a new enthusiasm about its football program and it seems that it has affected the players big time. I watched the 7 on 7's and it seems Reynoldsburg has a lot of speed especially at the QB position. They have some transfers and they look good but I'm impressed with their wide receiver Bennett. The kid is exceptionally fast but needs to protect himself when he runs. Can't wait for the high school season to start! Good luck RAIDERS!