Key playmakers return for big season at Beaver Local

EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio (WKBN) – The Beaver Local football team has made the postseason in four consecutive seasons and looks to make it five in 2024.

“It’s trust. It’s trust, that’s all it is, honesty, loyalty,” said Beaver Local Senior linebacker Kane Curran. “I know, no matter what happens, if I get hurt or if they get hurt, that we’re all going to come out on the field together and play as one and just do our jobs.”

Beaver Local head coach Mike McKenzie said the team will return 10 players with starting experience on offense and 13 on defense in 2024.

“We’ve got some talent, some depth, and that we’re able to push each other and challenge for spots,” said McKenzie.

The Beavers lost star 3-year starting quarterback Austin Cline who set 9 school records. Cline also made the WKBN Big 22 Class of 2023 for his play last season.

Coach McKenzie said the team will have to replace the quarterback but his past weapons will still be playmakers.

“Brock Severs returns, probably our leading playmaker, he had 20 touchdowns last year,” said McKenzie. “Had five touchdowns of over 90 yards last year between returning, offense, and defense.”

Last season, Severs caught 37 passes for 643 yards and 9 touchdowns. The standout Senior also averaged 9 yards a carry on 33 attempts for 296 yards in 2023.

The Beavers have reached the playoffs the past four seasons, something which had not been done at the school in 20 years.

“Win, can’t have fun if you don’t win,” said Beaver Local Senior running-back Brock Severs.

Beaver Local standout Senior linebacker Kane Curran will anchor the defense in 2024. Last season, Curran racked up 141 tackles, 14 TFLs, and 11 sacks.

“When a lot of people say, we need to coach up little kids, I don’t even think like that, I think we need to coach up everybody,” said Curran. “No matter if you’re a senior or a freshman, you need to get coached up no matter what.”

In 2023, Curran led a defense that held teams to 21 points or less in six of their games.

Beaver Local starts the 2024 season against Struthers, who beat the Beavers in 2023, 37-20.

“Go out there and win football games you know,” said Curran.

“A lot of gritty football, just who can play for 4 quarters,” said Severs. “I think if we’re conditioned enough, we have a good chance at winning.”

Beaver Local plays at Struthers Week 1, Aug. 23.

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