Coshocton leaning on veterans up front. Their dominance will be key to the team's success

COSHOCTON — Miscues haunted Coshocton throughout last season.

The Redskins started 0-6 and finished 3-7 as they lost three games by one point and another setback came in the final minute.

Those lessons have brought a new sense of determination to a senior-laden squad.

"We were our own worst enemy last year. We had some close games not go our way," fifth-year coach Steve Smith noted. "Coming into this summer, our guys had a positive chip on their shoulders. They have a lot to prove. We have an outstanding culture in our locker room, and the players are doing things the right way."

Having several players move up after a successful junior varsity season has senior quarterback Colton Conkle excited about Coshocton's prospects.

"We have four linemen back, and our JV played well and hopefully, they carry that to the varsity level," Conkle said. "Everyone is working hard. We got after it in the weight room, and we have more quickness. It also helps there's a better attitude and feel around this team. Everyone wants to be here."

Strength in the trenches

The Redskins have to replace several playmakers, but returning nearly every linemen is crucial, noted Smith.

Seniors Julian Rivera and Joe Walters are back as three-year starters at right and left tackle, respectively. Senior Allan Harstine returns to center and junior Severeign Workman begins his third year at guard.

Junior Koltin Tidwell, who lettered on defense last season, is slated as the other guard, and sophomore Calan Shaw will be the tight end in the Wing-T.

Most will also be on the defensive line with junior Haiden Slaughter, and Smith is pleased with the depth in the trenches.

"We have multiple years of experience up front. These guys know how to play physical and win the line of scrimmage," Smith said. "We're asking them to give our skilled guys some space on offense and let them work. Having that game experience up front is key, and we're excited to see what they can do."

Setting the tone has also been a focus for the linemen, added Rivera.

"It starts with leadership. If one person is working hard, and the rest feed off that. We're staying positive," he said. "We've been playing together for awhile so there's confidence there. We trust each other up front, and we focus on building each other up and pushing one another."

Underclassmen ready to shine

Most of the skilled positions will be filled by new faces, except for quarterback where Conkle enters his third year as a starter. His knowledge is an asset for the Redskins.

"I'm leading by example and making sure we're doing the right things," Conkle said. "There's a different culture here. Everyone is showing up on time and is ready to go. We're working together because we want the same things."

Smith added Conkle will be another coach on the field.

"He has a great understanding of the offense. He knows where everyone needs to be," he said. "He's even corrected me a few times. It's great to have him under center."

Sophomore Logan Wince saw time as wingback last year and highlights the group. Senior Isaih Bronston and junior Coen Phillips have waited their turn to be in the backfield. Sophomore Champ Haley and senior JT Newell will share reps at fullback, and freshman Kash Murphy may also provide a boost in the running game.

Coshocton may not go to the air often, but there's experience with seniors Blayden Workman and Jackson Smith highlighting the receivers.

"We kept the younger guys together last season, and they had a lot of success. This group is very dynamic," Smith said. "Newell is a power back, 3 yards and a cloud of dust, while Haley is shifty and elusive. We have a lot of athletes and speed on the field. It helps to have some good hands and size out wide."

Many will also see time on defense. Newell and sophomore Hayden Young will start as inside linebackers, while Haley, Bronston, Shaw and Workman will split time on the outside.

Conkle and Blayden Workman are the starting corners, with Wince and Phillips as the safeties. Junior Ben Duren highlights the depth in the backfield.

"Our experience is in the front seven, and it starts with us stopping the run," Smith said. "I like our speed, but we have to pursue the ball better. We need to play with a great effort, and we have to have the mindset of being able to dig deep and make plays, especially late in games."

The players have shown the commitment needed for the desired results. Smith hopes this team can build early momentum on the way to a special season.

"We've had outstanding attendance, and our leadership has been great since Day 1," he said. "The coaches can meet and don't have to worry about what's going on in the locker room or on the field. This group is willing to learn and put the work in. It comes down to executing what we do and avoiding costly mistakes."

Inside the huddle

Key returnees: Joe Walters (OL/DL, sr.); Julian Rivera (OL/DL, sr.); Colton Conkle (QB/DB, sr.); Allan Hartsine (OL/DL, sr.); Severeign Workman (OL/DL, jr.); Koltin Tidwell (OL/DL, jr.); Logan Wince (RB/LB, so.).

Key newcomers: Haiden Slaughter (OL/DL, jr.); Champ Haley (RB/LB, so.); Calan Shaw (TE/DL, so.); Hayden Young (OL/LB, so.).

Coaching staff: Head coach Steve Smith, Josh Coffman, Jerry Shook, Judd Baker, Nate Prati, Nick Shaw, Jim Woodrum, Gary Forbes, Garrett Rice, Wes Woodie.

Classification: Division V, Region 17

Last Muskingum Valley League title: None

Last playoff appearance: 2021

Last playoff win: 2020

Regional titles: 2

2024 Coshocton football schedule

Aug. 23 Ridgewood

Aug. 30 @ Johnstown

Sept. 6 Sparta Highland

Sept. 13 @ John Glenn

Sept. 20 @ Maysville

Sept. 27 New Lexington

Oct. 4 @ Meadowbrook

Oct. 11 Crooksville

Oct. 18 @ West Muskingum

Oct. 25 River View

bhannahs@gannett.com; X: @brandonhannahs

This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Coshocton leaning on veterans up front. Their dominance will be key to the team's success