New Castle brings energy to ’18 campaign

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, August 15, 2018 | 10:33 PM

Replacing a 1,000-yard rusher is never an easy feat.

For New Castle, knowing that another one is returning makes things a bit easier.

That is what the Red Hurricanes offense will look to do in replacing Marcus Hooker, who is now playing football at Ohio State. Josh Thomason, who also surpassed the 1,000-yard mark a year ago, now steps into the leading role.

“He will be our primary ball carrier,” seventh-year coach Joe Cowart said. “His deal will be, people will be really focused on him without Hooker in the backfield this year. Coming off a 1,200 yard season … people will have him circled.”

Replacing Hooker, who accounted for more than 1,000 yards and double-digit touchdowns each of the past two seasons, will be difficult to do. For the 2018 campaign, it will be about spreading the wealth. Along with Thomason, sophomore Jaylan Cox and senior Matt Senchak will see plenty of touches out of the backfield.

“Because we were so top-heavy a year ago, the ball is going to be distributed more than it has been in a few years,” Cowart said. “We’re not going to replace what Marcus Hooker brought to the table offensively with just one guy. We’ll do our best to spread the wealth.”

The key in distributing the ball more this year will begin with the quarterback position. Stepping in behind center will be sophomore Donovan Crocket, who the coaching staff believes will have a breakout season after a great summer. Junior Dan Minenok, who is recovering from an ankle injury during basketball season, also could see time at quarterback.

No matter who gets the touches, the focus is to run the ball behind a veteran offensive line. All-conference linemen Josh Bartley and Bernie Fabian anchor the offensive front, along with two-year starter Nick Papa, who missed a majority of last year with a rotator cuff injury.

“We like to run the football. We’ll throw off of our run. We need to have to the capability of threatening people in the pass game, so we certainly need to be better than we were a year ago in that regard. But we believe we will win football games with our running game.”

The defense will be bolstered by senior linebackers Devin Sams, Payne Prowell and Senchak. Donte Burnett and Drew Cox are returning starters in the secondary. The ‘Canes defense allowed just over 22 points per game last year.

The team features a good mix of senior leadership and young talent. Off-season workouts have been productive and full of energy. And Cowart knows that the energy is going to be key for the ‘Canes, who have made playoffs in five straight seasons, to make another postseason run, especially in a difficult Northwest 8 Conference.

“We say ‘if you’re juiceful, you’re useful.’ We’re trying to bring the juice,” Cowart said. “We tell our coaching staff the same thing. (The players) will follow our lead. The energy you bring will be a determining factor in how good every day is going to be. And that’s certainly a part of our leadership.”

Schedule

Coach: Joe Cowart

2017 record: 7-4, 6-2

All-time record: 734-399-69

Date, Opponent, Time

8.24, Shaler, 7 p.m.

8.31, at Montour*, 7 p.m.

9.7, South Fayette*, 7 p.m.

9.14, at Beaver*, 7:30 p.m.

9.21, at West Mifflin, 7:30 p.m.

9.28, South Park, 7 p.m.

10.5, at Blackhawk*, 7 p.m.

10.12, Knoch*, 7 p.m.

10.19, Highlands*, 7 p.m.

10.26, at Ambridge*, 7 p.m.

*Class 4A Northwest 8 Conference game

Statistical leaders

Passing: Marcus Hooker*

28-58, 500 yards, 5 TDs

Rushing: Hooker*

193-1,412 yards, 20 TDs

Receiving: Drew Cox

6-142 yards

*Graduated

James Dotson is a freelance writer.

Tags: New Castle