»RELATED: Top all-time players at Springfield North
“That’s a big boost for us,” Houseman said. “The participation is getting bigger. … We’re young in some spots but I’m positive about what’s going on. We’re continuing to build this program.”
The Jets went 2-8 in 2015 and followed that with a 5-5 campaign. And though the team is fielding more players, a handful of them haven’t played since junior high. Still, it’s good to have numbers when other programs are going in the opposite direction.
»RELATED: Top all-time players at Kenton Ridge
“The biggest concern is we have to get kids Friday night experience,” Houseman said. “These kids from juniors on down played for me when they were 8 to 11 years old. It’s nice seeing that progression. I’m optimistic. We have a good group of kids.”
Seniors Tanner Stratton and Dylon Hand highlight a group of 12 seniors. The 6-foot-4, 270-pound Stratton returns at defensive tackle where he recorded 49 tackles, four sacks and six tackles for loss last season. Hand, who has missed time in the preseason with an injury, will compete at quarterback. Hand also had four interceptions last year playing defensive back.
»RELATED: Top all-time Dayton-area players
Juniors Mac Davis and Max Queen are key players in the junior class and will both see time at running back. Davis also returns at defensive back, where he had three interceptions, and could see time at quarterback. Queen had 25 carries for 25 yards and two touchdowns in 2016. He also caught seven passes for 145 yards and two more scores.
Northeastern’s skill positions and depth will be strengths for the Jets this season. An area Houseman wants to see improvement is on special teams.
“Last year special teams really had a negative impact on us,” Houseman said. “You could say we lost three games through special teams so that’s been a big push for us. We’re working to get the right people in the right places to make us more competitive there. Special teams is a big part of football and it has to be just as important as the offense or the defense.”
Northeastern opens with Kenton Ridge on Friday and then takes on Northwestern in non-conference action. Ohio Heritage crossover games include Madison Plains, Southeastern and Greeneview. The OHC splits into divisions for the first time and Northeastern joins Fairbanks, Mechanicsburg, Triad, West Jefferson and West Liberty-Salem in the North Division.
“I think it’s going to be a good challenge for everybody,” said Houseman.
»RELATED: Week 1 game schedule
Northeastern finished fourth in the OHC at 4-3 in 2016 with defeats of Catholic Central, Southeastern Triad and Cedarville. The Jets lost to West Liberty-Salem, Greeneview and Mechanicsburg. Houseman hopes to be more competitive in the OHC with those extra numbers.
“We’ve got players now that spell some of our starters and give kids a break for a play or two. That’s big for us,” he said. “I think we’ve got a lot more commitment this year. A lot of kids were committed to the off-season program. Although we don’t have a lot of experience, for the first time we’ve really got depth and we’ve been able to push each other in a way we haven’t been able to do in the past at practice.
“I think the kids have a clear understanding of what my expectations are. As a coach you gain more experience. You maybe get a little smarter on what to do and what not to do. You try to surround yourself with the best staff possible to have a successful program.”
About the Author