[Eric Frantz]

Columbus Watterson (13-1, D-III State Champion)

* Players to Watch – WR/DB Erik Oman (6'0, 170, sr.), LB Craig Fada (6'1, 220, sr.), OL Eric Rutkowski (6'1, 250, sr.), DE Chris Seguin (6'1, 221, sr.), FB/LB Mario Dean (5'9, 197, sr.), RB Isaish Murray (5'9, 165, sr.), OL/DE Andrew Lorenz (6'3, 240, sr.), QB Andy Elberson (6'2, 185, jr.)

* Outlook – The Eagles are out to defend their state title and have some holes to fill. Head coach Dan Bjelac (70-27 in eight years) returns just four starters, so inexperience – not talent – will be a concern. Orman is a solid two-way standout (10 catches, 238 yards, three TDs, 45 tackles, 4 INTs), while defensive stalwarts include Fada (119 tackles), Segun and Lorenz (28 tackles). Offensively, Elberson will direct a backfield that includes Dean (13 carries, 285 yards, two TDs; 8 catches, 94 yards, three TDs) and Murray (75 carries, 342 yards, four TDs). Watterson’s schedule is brutal with homes games against Pickerington North, Walsh Jesuit, Cincinnati LaSalle, Columbus DeSales and Jonathan Alder. Home games include Winton Woods, Beechcroft and St. Charles.

[NoLimit12]

Can't wait for this season. Watterson will be hungry as always, and as has been said many times, Watterson doesn't rebuild, they reload!

[EaglesNest99]

New on JJ but im excited for the season! Watty will be tough again this year

[WattersonNation]

Originally Posted by NoLimit12

Can't wait for this season. Watterson will be hungry as always, and as has been said many times, Watterson doesn't rebuild, they reload!

Exactly!

should be another fun year of Watty Football.

[Squirmydog]

Originally Posted by EaglesNest99

New on JJ but im excited for the season! Watty will be tough again this year

Best wishes for th Eagles and welcome to the Huddle!

[Walking Boss]

What a difference a year makes! 12 months ago, Watty was heading into the season having dropped 4 of their last 5 against rival DeSales, who had also eliminated the Eagles from the playoffs two years in a row. Many folks on these boards were also wondering aloud about the coach, play calling, and whether the programs were heading in opposite directions.

Now, the optimism cup runneth over. Not trying to tweak anyone, just making an observation. Watty always represents Central Ohio well, and for that I am grateful.

Serious question, Hunter Maynard was a load. The sort of space-eater who swallows double teams and allows others to roam freely. What are the thoughts of the Watty faithful with regard to the ability of the defense to fill the enormous space left by his graduation?

[boisebronco]

Boss,

It really was 24 months ago when all the critics were at their loudest after the 5-6 season. In 2009 Watty had a great year making the regional finals and only losing to 2 state champions(Mooney,Winton Woods) and 1 runner up (Desales)with a brutal schedule.They beat ASVSM, Westerville South, Detroit Delasalle, Cincy Lasalle, St Chux, and Cle Ben. 12 months ago optimism was back. As far as the defense, they will be solid but there is no replacing Maynard. Hard to find a 300 pound kid that can move like him and he will be greatly missed.

[Drewline]

Lines on both sides of the ball were dominant last year. As mentioned much thanks to Maynard anchoring it in the center. The line play is critical for Watterson to succeed. Especially due to the philosophy of the offensive scheme which became more balanced and unpredictable on first down last season. More so than I have seen the last five years.

[NoLimit12]

As difficult as it is to replace Maynard in the middle I think that Lorenz and Seguin being experienced on the edge will not make up for it but definitely bring a lot more at the beginning of the season because of that experience. At the beginning last year Lorenz and Seguin had no experience and McCarthy had had limited time his Junior season. But hopefully the coaches find someone else to plug the middle. The defense is always going to be good at Watterson.

[sccards7]

no way. sc upset over watty

[PICKSIX]

sccards 7 you better worry about C.W. today..