Football preview: Better starts, defense keys for high-powered New Lex

NEW LEXINGTON − Slow starts and defensive lapses haunted New Lexington a year ago.

The Panthers hope to erase both of those under fourth-year coach Kevin Board.

"We missed a couple of opportunities last season with slow starts so we need to break bad habits and find a way to start faster," Board said. "Our leadership is strong. We lost some vocal leaders the past two years and have been looking for some new ones. We're seeing it from our seniors and juniors in practice, and their lead will aid us on the field."

Senior Tatem Toth, who had 1,155 receiving yards with eight TDs as a receiver last season, will highlight both sides of the ball. He admitted the defense is ready to show their improvement.

"We gave up too many big plays and touchdowns on third and fourth downs last season," said Toth, who holds several records at the school. "We have playmakers on offense, but this is a comeback year for our defense. It's about getting stops and stepping up on money downs so we can get off the field."

An improved defense paired with a skilled offense has the Panthers ready to go. Senior Lukas Ratliff will step into the quarterback role after a productive Hunter Kellogg graduated. Sophomore Isaiah Stephens has also seen reps this summer and could be called upon depending on the situation. Stephens will likely also see time at wide receiver.

"It's been competition. Neither could rest on their laurels knowing the other could take the job. We kept it open to see who would take command, and they had good summers," Board said. "Lukas has taken it so far, and his athleticism and experience should help in that transition. They're both competent in our system, and we feel comfortable with either back there."

Ratliff, who has excelled at receiver the past few seasons, noted that experience has aided his transition.

"Being a wide receiver shows me what to do to help my teammates get open and get them the ball in space," Ratliff said. "We have a very experienced team with high expectations. We're very determined and want to do everything right. We believe in each other because we have good chemistry on and off the field."

There will be plenty of help on the offensive side of the ball. Senior Hunter Rose, who ran for nearly 1,200 yards and 16 TDs last season, has better understanding of the offense, noted Board. He expects Rose to be a factor again, while sophomore Carson Kellogg brings elusiveness as the backup.

Along with Toth, seniors Isaac Dick and Ryan Hobbs are back at wide receiver, while junior Jerek Braglin returns to the program. Sophomore Bentley Hanson and seniors Hunter Renick and Gabe Lavender provide some depth.

"Tatem is a sure-handed receiver and brings all of his experience to the younger guys," Board said. "Jerek is a high-energy guy, and Ryan and Isaac bring a lot of skill. I like what this group brings to our offense."

Toth believes Ratliff's athletic ability adds another element to what should be a high-powered offense.

"Lukas is a big run threat, and his athletic ability can keep plays alive," Toth said. "Our line can get off the ball, and we have a lot of experience in key spots. That also helps bring the younger guys along and show them what we expect. We have a lot of confidence in each other."

The offensive line will also feature plenty of experience. Seniors Zach Robinson, a three-year starter and four-year letter winner, and Brady Kennedy, a three-year starter at center, return. Senior Zane Pletcher, who played on the defensive line last year, will become a two-way starter for the Panthers, while seniors Conner Miller, an out-of-state transfer, and Michael Vernon and sophomore Malakye Thresher round out the rotation.

Pletcher and Vernon will also start as defensive ends with Robinson, Kennedy, Miller and sophomore Ethan Fondale among those seeing time inside.

"Zach and Brady know how to communicate well. Their leadership is key to both lines and making sure everyone is on the same page, working together," Board said. "We have eight, nine guys we can rotate in. Having that versatility up front will help us out. It's nice to have depth there."

The back end of the defense will feature plenty of speed. Rose steps into the MIKE linebacker spot, which Hunter Kellogg played last season, while returning starter, junior Lane Baker, the team's third leading tackler, is also back at inside linebacker. Junior Nolan Carson and freshman Harrison Ratliff will be the backups, while the outside backer spots include Hobbs and Lavender with Carson Kellogg, junior Caleb Back and sophomore Nicholas Finley set to fill in.

Hanson developed into a shutdown corner last season and will anchor the secondary with junior Chase Dumolt back on the other side. Ratliff and Toth will be the starting safeties with Stephens and junior Trace Wollenberg available to provide some rest.

Toth also returns to the punting role as one of the best in the Muskingum Valley League, while Chase and junior Cameron Dumolt and freshman Tristen Barrowman are battling for the kicking duties.

Pletcher and Rose understand the importance the defense will be to New Lex's aspirations. They agreed it will take a four-quarter effort.

"Our line is growing together, and we're learning to talk to each other better," Pletcher said. "We're going to play hard for four quarters and give 100% effort each play. That's why we expect to compete for the Small School Division and more."

Rose added, "We have a lot of explosive players, and we need to be better tacklers. I feel like we have a powerhouse offense, and we need a defense to match. I'm going to bring hard-nosed play up the middle, and I know the guys around me will do the same."

Working with these seniors for four years has instilled confidence in the program. Board believes that continuity could help the Panthers, who expect to be in a battle with what could be a wide-open MVL Small School race.

"Our guys understand what we need and want to do. The standard has been set," Board said. "The Small School will be very competitive, and the hunger is there. Now, it comes down to being better in the areas we struggled last season and putting together four good quarters. If we can do those things, we should have a chance in every game."

bhannahs@gannett.com; @brandonhannahs

This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Better starts, defense keys for high-powered New Lex