With plenty of veterans, Meadowbrook is aspiring for a playoff run

BYESVILLE − Expectations are high surrounding the Meadowbrook High football team entering the new football season with plenty of experience returning, including the Colts' main skill position players from last season.

Entering his fourth season guiding the Colts' program, head coach Steve Norman can take comfort with getting back a total of 18 lettermen for another run to return to the OHSAA playoffs.

Meadowbrook's last appearance in the playoffs came following the 2021 season and Norman feels the Colts will be well equipped to make a return trip to the postseason.

"We have a lot of experienced players coming back, with several guys in key positions they have been playing for a couple of seasons now," Norman said. "We hope to rely on the guys up front to establish the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. With us having our skill players all back from last season will be a huge advantage for us.

"When you have experience like that, it allows you to open up the playbook a lot more. We feel we have some athletic kids that we can get the ball to and really be pretty diverse on offense," Norman continued. "I feel we have the capability to get back to where we were a couple of seasons ago."

Large group of returning veterans gives Colts confidence

Headlining the returning skill position players is senior three-year letterman Justice Huey (QB/LB) who will handle the QB duties for the Colts for a third season this fall. Last season, Huey racked up 140 completions that piled up 1,853 yards, with 11 TDs and 10 INTs.

"Justice returns at QB with two years of experience under his belt, and I expect his decision making to be really sharp this season," Norman added. "He has a total grasp on the offense and has really developed as a leader on the team. With an experienced offensive line in front of him and a talented group of receivers and running backs, he looks to have a big year."

A pair of junior two-year letter winners will handle the bulk of the Meadowbrook ground game duties with Brayden Black (RB/LB) and Cooper McManaway (RB/LB) as the top options to start the year.

"Cooper and Brayden will split time in the backfield for us this year," Norman said. "Last season, Coop had 174 yards and a TD, while Brayden had 374 and 5 TDs. Both are tough hard-nosed kids that enjoy the game of football between tackles."

Senior three-year letterman Nick Norman (WR/DB) will be the Colts' top receiving threat after hauling in 56 receptions for 777 yards and six TDs last year. Norman has plenty of versatility and can play both the inside or outside receiver spots. He also has been a two-way starter the past two season at receiver and linebacker on defense.

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Sophomore letterman Bentley Sedor (WR/DB) teamed with Norman for a solid 1-2 punch last year for the Colts in the passing game. He turned in an impressive freshman season where he collected 21 receptions for 408 yards with two touchdowns

Other veteran receiving targets for Huey will be seniors Landon Khune (WR/OLB) and Jackson Landon (WR/DB) along with junior two-year lettermen Braylon Lowery (WR/OLB) and Jacob Burris (WR/DB).

Colts figure to win battle in the trenches

Leading the way in the trenches for the Colts will be the talented duo of senior three-year lettermen Mitchell George (OL/DL) and Talan Cannon (OL/DL). There will be plenty of veteran help from Ethan Heady (OL/DL), Jahvaugn Black (OL/DL) and junior Casey Clendenning (OL/DL).

"Mitchell returns to anchor the left side of the offensive line and also play defensive tackle. He has put in a tremendous offseason and has developed his strength and skill set," Norman said. "Cannon returns to play offensive line and defensive end. He’s been a two-year starter on offense and defense. He is one of the Colts' most versatile athletes, who can play all five positions on the offensive line."

Other returning letter winners battling for playing time include junior Will Smalley (RB/OLB) and sophomores Michael Ray (WR/DB), Evan Fox (OL/DL) and Amonti Lofton (OL/DL).

Tough schedule will prepare Colts for postseason play

"As always, we play a pretty tough schedule. We open up with Tri Valley, who very well could be the best team in their region," Norman said. "We follow that up with Indian Valley, who could be the best team in their region. Week three we play our rivalry game with THEM and then we go right into MVL league play.

"It's a very challenging schedule but we wouldn’t have it any other way," Norman added. "You get to see all types of schemes, both offensively and defensively in our league. Some very good football coaches and programs."

Inside The Huddle

Key returnees: Justice Huey (QB/LB, sr.), Nick Norman (WR/DB, sr.), Mitchell George (OL/DL, sr.), Talan Cannon (OL/DL, sr.), Brayden Black (RB/LB, jr.), Cooper McManaway (RB/LB, jr.).

Key newcomers: Chase Myers (OL/DL, soph.), Aidan Ferrell (RB/DB, soph.)

Coaching staff : Head coach Steve Norman, Teryn Jarrett Tyler Baker, Kahle Flowers, Brady Blattner, Paul Gabel, Chad Flowers, Matt Dalton, Dalton Wiggans, Devon Norman, Rhett Dyer.

Classification: Division V, Region 19

Last playoff appearance: 2021 (2nd round loss to St. Clairsville)

Total playoff appearance s: 5 (2015, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021)

Meadowbrook football 2024 schedule

Aug. 23 @ Tri-Valley

Aug. 30 Indian Valley

Sept. 6 @ Cambridge

Sept. 13 Crooksville

Sept. 20 @ Philo

Sept. 27 John Glenn

Oct. 4 Coshocton

Oct. 11 @ New Lexington

Oct. 18 @ Maysville

Oct. 25 West Muskingum

KSutton1@gannett.com; X: @KSuttonDJSports; Instagram: kevinsutton_dailyjeffsports

This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: With plenty of veterans, Meadowbrook is aspiring for a playoff run