NEWARK ― The faces have changed but the main goal remains the same for Newark football after back-to-back playoff seasons: continue the winning.
During a 7 on 7 passing scrimmage on July 14 at White Field against visiting Watkins Memorial, the Wildcats showed they still have the speed and athleticism to compete at a high level. Only this time it will be with a new quarterback and a mostly new receiving corps.
One constant remains in senior Kolton Peterson, starting his fourth season at tailback and in the secondary. He was all over the field in this one, grabbing three TD passes and intercepting another.
“He’s been behind the winning we’ve had, and he tells us what we need to do,” said 6-foot-3, 205-pound sophomore Jace Hodges, who split time at quarterback with junior Michael Kopachy (6-2, 175) as the Wildcats look to replace Bodie Smith. “We want to keep stacking the wins, and feel like we’re just getting started,” Hodges added.
After Kopachy looped one over the Watkins secondary to Peterson near the end zone for a score, Hodges connected with senior speedster Jason Giblin down the right sideline for a TD on a deep route, then found Peterson on a post all alone in the end zone. Kopachy later hit promising sophomore Noah Jackson for another score.
Hodges said he doesn’t consider it competition between him and Kopachy.
“We’re just trying to get better, and get as many reps as we can,” he said. “It’s development, and we both root for each other to do well.”
It helps having those weapons at their disposal. Giblin just started scratching the surface of his potential last year in his first year of football.
“He can make the big play or he can handle the short routes. And he’s a great leader,” Hodges said. “Noah (Jackson), that kid can move. You get him into space, he’s gone.”
Jackson also made a leaping interception, while linebacker Demetrius Sneed also picked one off. University of Minnesota-bound senior defensive end Roy Price showed he can also drop into coverage at linebacker. He was in the right spot and got his hands on a couple of potential interceptions.
Seniors Kai Comedy and Brandon Scott are a couple of more potential targets in the offense.
“Brandon can stay underneath and block, or he can be more involved in the passing game,” Hodges said.
Watkins Memorial coach Darren Waters wasn’t too concerned about the outcome, as he tries to replace numerous starters on offense and defense.
The Warriors will return to White Field on Aug. 7 for a regular scrimmage, and open the season on Aug. 21 at Worthington Kilbourne. Newark will also scrimmage visiting Thomas Worthington on Aug. 13 before hosting Licking Heights in the season opener Aug. 21.
“I’m not a big fan of 7 on 7s. I would much rather it be with the linemen involved,” Waters said. “Coach (Bill) Franks and I have a good relationship and he asked if we wanted to come over and work on the passing. We’re such a young team and it was good to see us face a good team like that. But this was just the third time we were together defensively.”
On Newark’s first possession, senior Ethan Horn and sophomore Jamayn Crawford, who transferred from Cambridge, both had interceptions. But the Warriors had trouble moving the ball offensively.
“We used three quarterbacks, (sophomore) Xander Matchak, (senior) Dallas Grimes and (junior) Frank Tanzillo,” Waters said, as Watkins looks to replace Drew Samsal. “We used this as a practice, an opportunity to play everybody, watch the film and see what they can do. Our underneath communication on defense was great today, as far as re-routing guys.”
Sophomore Jax Dey proved to be a favorite receiver, while junior Myles Crockett lined up with returning senior tailback Graham Smith in the backfield.
“We don’t get started until after July 4, because we need to let them enjoy the summer and be kids,” Waters said. “But we’ve had a great summer, and their attitude has been really good.”
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This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Newark showcases speed, athleticism in 7 on 7 against Watkins Memorial
Reporting by Dave Weidig, Newark Advocate / Newark Advocate
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By Dave Weidig, Newark Advocate | USA TODAY Network
