Salem learned from 2012 struggles

By Brandon Judeh

sports@vindy.com

Salem

The Salem football team was winless in 2012, but enduring an 0-10 season may have motivated the Quakers to push forward and improve.

Second-year head coach Ron Johnson is committed to restoring the program back to its winning ways by instilling hard work and dedication in his young athletes.

“We want to build the confidence of our young players, because with confidence comes experience and that will lead to wins,” Johnson said.

OFFENSE

Junior QB Trace Jenkins threw for 1,600 yards and 14 TDs and completed 52.4 percent of his passes last season.

Salem’s entire offensive line — Mike Ciotti, Keaton Turney, Alex Sosbe, Dan Baer and Nick Larson — is back to clear holes for senior RB Haedan Panezott.

“Our offensive line has developed well and their maturity level has been great,” Johnson said.

Panezott produced a series of big plays last season, including a streak of four consecutive weeks with a 60-plus yard touchdown. He had an 80-yard touchdown catch against Minerva.

Returning receivers Marcus Crittenden and Blake Hochadel round out what should be an explosive spread offense.

“These kids have shown a lot of resolve and are committed to working hard and being good,” Johnson said. “We like who we have back on offense and feel that they are going to put up more points then they did last season.”

DEFENSE

Salem’s defense was dreadful in 2012, giving up 36.5 point per game, but the Quakers’ 4-4 defense should improve as they return seven starters.

“Our goal is to play good, hard two-fisted football and to be in every single game,” Johnson said. “The defense has improved and we’re going to have to continue to get better and shut offenses down.”

Senior linebacker and first-team All-Northeastern Buckeye Conference selection Logan Taylor (118 tackles in 2012) will anchor the defense.

Alongside Taylor will be Shane Metzgar and in front of them, the Quakers’ defensive line includes Zach Cusick, Jesse Slocum and Eli Bricker.

The secondary will feature Thane Sevey and Bret Ahearn.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Jenkins will once again handle the kicking and punting duties for Salem.

OUTLOOK

Johnson says he is happy with the direction his program is headed.

“Things have gone really good during summer practice,” Johnson said. “We have 33 returning letterman so everyone is a year older and a year stronger. The whole program has been impressive this offseason.”