By Chris Parker
New Heights Christian Academy (formerly College Heights Christian Academy) took a big jump in the program’s second year of existence going from one win in the inaugural 2022 season to six wins last year under new head coach John Lucas.
“There were several factors contributing to a winning record last year,” Lucas said. “The progress in the weight room impacted our play on the field. Kids embraced the importance of getting stronger which transitioned onto the playing field in being more physical. Also improving our position fundamentals helped improve our level of play. We also talk about improving every game by learning from our mistakes and using those opportunities to raise the expectations bar.”
Things could get even better this season entering the third year of the program’s existence.
“Most of these kids have only been around the game of football for a couple of years,” Lucas said. “As they continue to learn, you can see their confidence grow as well. They are increasingly becoming more confident in themselves plus their teammates in playing the game of football.”
Three full-time starters return on the offense led by quarterback Logan Decker. Decker threw for 2,170 yards and 26 touchdowns while rushing for 697 yards and 15 touchdowns on 102 carries last season.
“Logan is a competitor and a playmaker. His athletic skills allow him to play the game at a high level. He can spin the ball accurately plus has the mobility and speed to make plays running the ball,” Lucas said. “Expectations are high for Logan. We’ve stressed on him owning his leadership skills in controlling and commanding the offense. With his experience and input, he’ll play a big role in what we do on offense.”
Levi Durling returns to the backfield at running back after taking 68 carries for 701 yards and six touchdowns last season.
“Levi is a versatile runner who has the speed to get to the outside but also a physical and tough ball carrier inside,” Lucas said. “Levi continues to get physically stronger. Levi is seeing the field better as a play develops and willing to stick his foot in the ground to get what he can get.”
Cannon Miller returns at wide receiver as a full-time starter as well. Miller will get carries out of the backfield as well. He will be joined by Corbin Cronnenwitt, Durling, Barrett Boan, Jake Sullivan and Crew Holland.
Maxton Long and Kaleb Kennedy will lead the offensive line. Both saw some starting time last season. Tate Angel will see time along with Andersen Smith and Caleb Hipple. Hipple got some starts last season as well.
Three starters return on defense with Decker and Miller in the secondary and Durling at linebacker.
Decker had 54 tackles and Miller 19 last season. They will be joined by Boan and Aiden Gipson in the back half of the defense.
Durling is the leading returning tackler after he had 66 total last season. Sullivan, Cronnenwitt, Smith and Jakob Maffei will also play linebacker.
Look for Long, Kennedy, Angel, Nick Pfeffer, Hunter Marsha and Wesley Williams on the defensive line.
“Offensively our strength is the play at quarterback in Logan (Decker). Entering Year 3, he has command of the offense, understands what we want to do and can make something from a broken play. Also with the improvement up front we’ll be a balanced offense who can run and throw the football,” Lucas said. “Defensively our strength will be team tackling and getting hats to the football.”
New Heights opens the season on Aug. 30 at home against Rich Hill.
“This will be a successful season if we improve from game to game on both sides of the football,” Lucas said. “We continue to raise the expectation bar in becoming a fundamentally sound football team. We want to be a team who’s competitive with kids who love to compete.”
