Cincinnati Turpin (9-2)
* Players To Watch – RB Wayne Dunham (5-7, 175,
Sr.), FB/DL Jeff Groene (6-2, 245, Sr.), QB Eric Martin (6-2, 185, Jr.), OL John
Adkerson (6-1, 275, Jr.), MLB Matt Kelly (6-0, 195, Sr.), OLB Ken Mason (6-0,
205, Sr.), DB Zach Page (6-1, 180, Sr.), K Alec Gates (5-11, 160, Sr.)
* Outlook – The Spartans were the No. 4 seed in
Region 8 last season (lost to Kings Mills Kings in the first round) and they
have made the playoffs four consecutive times. This year, with 14 returning
starters (nine offense, five defense) Turpin is primed for another quality
season.
Dunham has racked up 2,679 career rushing yards (1,221 last
year, 1,458 as a sophomore in 2007) and 28 touchdowns (15 last year, 13 in 2007)
while averaging 6.4 yards per carry. He also has 24 career receptions for 311
yards and two touchdowns.
Groene is the best college prospect on the team and he
starts both ways at fullback and on the defensive line. In addition to being a
good blocker, he is a quality receiver out of the backfield and has 25 career
receptions for 215 yards (8.6 yards per reception) and four touchdowns. He also
has 73 career rushing yards (3.3 per carry) and six scores on the ground.
Martin took over starting quarterback duties last year and
was very solid in the role. He threw for 1,267 yards (57.2 percent) with 11
touchdowns and three interceptions. He added 290 rushing yards (3.8 yards per
carry) and five touchdowns. Considering he was able to do all of that as a
sophomore, Martin’s numbers could rise exponentially in 2009.
“We have tons of potential this year,” Turpin head coach
Rob Stoll said. “Our backfield, if healthy, should be one of the best in the
city. Jeff Groene is a big, bruising, athletic fullback who is often a lead
blocker. Wayne Dunham is looking to completely re-write our record book this
year.
At quarterback, Eric Martin brings a year of experience
under his belt, as well as a ton of athleticism. All three of his main targets
(Mike Millikin, Shade Whitfield and Will Stocker) were sophomores last year.
“In addition, we return four starting offensive linemen led
by John Adkerson.
“Defensively, Matt Kelly and Ken Mason will lead an
athletic but inexperienced group. Our secondary returns four players that
received extensive playing time, led by Zach Page. Our defense should be aided
by a strong kicking game with kicker Alec Gates and punter Brogan Orcutt
returning.”
The Spartans are confident their front-line players will
get the job done, but Stoll has things he’s concerned about like any other
coach.
“Our keys to success this year will likely rely in the
hands of fate – we need to stay healthy – because we don’t have a great deal of
depth at key positions. We want to run Dunham and play sound defense and special
teams. This year, we’re looking for our offense to shoulder a critical part of
the load, at least until the defense can mature.”
If the Spartans are able to quality for the playoffs as
expected, they know from first-hand experience it will be a tough road in their
region.
“The past several years, Region 8 has been the
most-difficult Division II region in Ohio,” Stoll said. “Winton Woods will be
one of the most-talented teams in the state regardless of division and the road
to state will run through them. Edgewood, Trotwood-Madison and Kings have strong
programs that will challenge for the regional title.”
Stoll is entering his eighth season at Turpin and has a
career record of 53-25.
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Schedule
Aug. 28, at Loveland, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 4, Cincinnati McNicholas, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 11, at Cincinnati Indian Hill, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 18, at Cincinnati Northwest, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 25, Hamilton Ross, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 2, at Cincinnati Walnut Hills, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 9, at Kings Mills Kings, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 16, Morrow Little Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 23, Batavia Amelia, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 30, at Wilmington, 7:30 p.m.
