By Chris Parker
College Heights enters its second season as a football program with John Lucas taking over as head coach.
“My interests in the position grew from witnessing the efforts, how much progress and the successes this group of young men accomplished in just one year,” Lucas said. “Also, the support from the school board, school superintendent, athletic director, faculty and parents is unique plus unrivaled whom have a love for Jesus and each other. Being a first-year program, the kids learned a ton about the game of football, how to play the game of football, and how to compete in the game of football. The team was very successful with many victories both individually and as a team plus a great group of kids who work hard.”
College Heights won one game in its inaugural season. Experience gained both last fall and over the winter should pay dividends this season.
“(There are) many challenges when starting a first-year football program,” Lucas said. “These athletes had limited exposure to a sustained weight lifting program. The physicality of football was the biggest challenge. The biggest difference from last year is the kids have a year of lifting and are stronger physically. There’s still much room to improve but making progress.”
Offensively, six starters return led by quarterback Logan Decker. Decker threw for 2,100 yards and rushed for almost 900 with 45 total touchdowns last season.
“Logan is self-driven and wants to do things the right way. He’s harder on himself for missing a pass or a read as opposed to being satisfied with the other plays that were successful. He’s his worst critic and strives for excellence,” Lucas said. “Two areas Logan has improved are his confidence in his abilities at the quarterback position, and his overall physical strength. These will improve his on-field leadership in running the offense, vocal command in leading and his overall game management.”
Cannon Miller had a big season catching the ball last year with 38 catches for 745 yards and nine touchdowns. He will see more touches out of the backfield in 2023 but will also find time at receiver.
“Cannon is a gifted athlete with special physical skills and abilities,” Lucas said. “He’s quick off the ball with good agility who also has good hands.”
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Levi Durling, Matt Williams and Colsen Dickens will also be in the mix for carries out of the backfield.
Caleb Quade returns to his wide receiver spot coming off a season where he caught 63 passes for 957 yards and 16 touchdowns.
“Caleb is a competitor and will be successful at anything he does,” Lucas said. “He works hard and is meticulous in doing things the right way. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that he’s 6’4 and can jump with good hands.”
Durling, Corbin Cronnenwitt, Jadon Smith, Jace Bowen and Nick Pfeffer will also see time at receiver.
Kye Miller, Tate Angel, Kaleb Kennedy, Caleb Hipple and Max Long will be on the offensive line.
Defensively, six starters also return.
The defensive line will feature the same players as the offensive line plus Hunter Marsh.
Matt Miller, Durling, Decker, Connenwitt, Bowen and Dickens will be at linebacker.
Quade, Dickins, Cannon Miller, Brodrick Burns, Jadon Smith, Anderson Smith and Aiden Cummins will be in the mix in the secondary.
Decker, Quade and Cannon Miller will all look to take their games to the next level.
“All three have the capabilities to build on their accomplishments from last season and become some of the better players in the state,” Lucas said.
Dickens, Durling, Matt Miller, Kye Miller and Kennedy all could have breakout seasons according to Lucas.
Lucas on Dickens: “A senior who was injured early last year. He’s gifted athletically with speed and good hands as a receiver and a defensive back.”
Lucas on Durling: “(He’s a) good athlete who’s gotten stronger in the weight room. He’s a good ball carrier and receiver who’s durable and capable of making big plays.”
Lucas on Matt Miller: “A senior who played both offensive line and defensive line last year. This year he will see time at running back and wide receiver and as a linebacker on defense. He’s a physical runner with some speed and a player who could be a difference maker at linebacker.”
Lucas on Kye Miller: “A senior who plays both offensive line and defensive line. He’s not a big, physical threat, but a player with very good technique, skills and abilities especially as a center on the offensive line.”
Lucas on Kennedy: “A good size athlete who plays offensive line and defensive line. He’s making improvements with his footwork as an offensive lineman who could make a difference.”
College Heights opens the season on Aug. 25 at Rich Hill.
“Our expectations and goals are very clear,” Lucas said. “We will use football as a platform to honor Jesus in all aspects of our program. our hope is for people to bump into Jesus through our conduct both on and off the football field. We will honor him by competing, playing to our highest potential, and through our best efforts plus have fun playing the game.”
