Walsh expects more success this season

The Cavs return eight starters on offense from last year’s team that went 9-3.

BY ERIC HAMILTON

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

NORTH CANTON — The Walsh University football team has some lofty expectations to live up to this fall. But if anyone can make it happen, it’s coach Jim Dennison.

Dennison will enter his 13th season at Walsh (26th overall) and has led the Cavaliers to winning seasons in each of his first 12 years. He is the only coach in the program’s history and led the Cavaliers to the playoffs for the first time last season.

Walsh was 9-3 last fall, winning its first nine games. The Cavs were ranked as high as third in the nation.

The Cavs return eight starters on offense, but did lose key people on the offensive line. The right side of the line took the biggest hit, with the losses at right tackle and right guard. The Cavs will also have to replace their center.

Poland’s Seibert ready

Sophomore William Call should get the call at right tackle, while redshirt freshman Michael Seibert (Poland) looks to have the edge at right guard. Max Ramsay (Dalton) should be the starting center.

With a revamped line, the Walsh running game expects to be improved with four tailbacks vying to carry the ball. Returning starters Antwan Reine’ and Jeff Tallman will be heavily challenged by redshirt freshman Clinton Blossomgame and sophomore Tim Cox .

Reine’ gained 1,098 yards last season and averaged 4.8 yards per carry, while Tallman led the team in rushing touchdowns with eight.

Incumbent Marc Pullen returns at quarterback. Pullen became the starter in the second game last year and led the Cavs to eight straight wins. His ability to throw the deep pass is a strength.

Receiver Rob Lash returns after leading Walsh with 35 catches last year, with four touchdowns. Mike McGill, who became a starter when John Rutan suffered a broken leg in the second game of the season, is back. McGill averaged 22.2 yards every catch, with one touchdown.

Defense will carry team

Dennison is expecting his squad to go as far as the defense will take it. With a solid group up front, he’s hoping for the best.

“We expect to be a dominant run-to-the-ball team and create turnovers with our defense,” said Dennison. “We had a good spring. The key will be how quickly we develop as a unit. Our defense will be the key in our championship drive.”

First team All-Mid-States Mideast defensive end David Hardwick returns after starting every game the last two years. He was second in tackles for a loss (10.5) and third in sacks (4.5). Keith Anderson returns at nose after starting a majority of the games last year and recording six tackles for a loss.

The defense will have new starters at inside linebacker. Justyn Beadling, Royal Porter, Luke Kolic and Lou Ward (East Liverpool) are all available to fill the spots.

The Cavs secondary, always a strength, is expected to be strong again. Eric Peavy will step in at left cornerback, with Sterling Tatum taking over at right corner. Mike Garden and Storm Hill will supply depth at the corners.

Phinisee at fee safety

The final two secondary spots are filled by returners Craig McConnell and Joe Phinisee (Warren Harding). McConnell, who finished fourth in tackles (84), will handle strong safety. Phinisee, who led the team with six interceptions, returns at free safety.

Look for Joe Copeland, Kyle Harrison and redshirt freshman Mike Welce (Columbiana) to provide depth.

Dennison’s recruiting class for 2007 includes several Valley players. Leading that contingent will be punter Mark Babyak (Mooney), who should compete for the starting job.

Other locals fighting for playing time with the Cavs are Michael McGlone (Mooney), Dan McGarry (Poland), Walt Krezeczowski (Niles), Greg Patterson (Howland) and Brad Schrecengost (Lakeview).