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Arnold, Harding look to build on surprising 2012
By Steve Ruman
WARREN
The 2012 season had “transition” written all over it for Warren Harding.
The Raiders were coming off a 2-8 campaign in 2011, and were welcoming their third coach in three years. Even the rabid Warren fans were willing to give Steve Arnold time to make the adjustment from basketball to football.
But Arnold and his players weren’t willing to buy into a rebuilding process.
After losing its opener at Austintown Fitch, the Raiders ran off nine straight wins, won a Lake Erie League title and advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 2010.
“Our kids bought into what we were bringing to the table from the very start,” Arnold said. “Look, I know the expectations in this town are high. But the expectations of our fans are no higher than our own.
“The players and us coaches, we expect to win. I know Warren always produces the talent needed to succeed. It’s up to me and my staff to bring out the success on the field.”
OFFENSE
The Raiders lost their top rusher (LeShun Daniels, 1,622 yards) and top receiver (Jalyn Powell, 22 catches) to graduation.
Harding returns a solid and deep nucleus, including quarterback Lamar Carmichael. As a junior, Carmichael completed 79 of 131 passes for 986 yards and eight touchdowns.
“Lamar makes plays, and he doesn’t force things — he doesn’t make mistakes,” Arnold said. “Having a proven leader back at quarterback is huge.”
Harding also returns four starters on the line, including junior center James Daniels, who is receiving Big Ten offers.
“An experienced quarterback and offensive line can really make the rest of the offense click,” Arnold said.
Senior John Coleman (411 yards, 92 carries, 12 TDs) will be asked to step up and highlight a youthful, but deep group of skill players.
DEFENSE
Three-year starting defensive end Ty Howard anchors a line which features a number of athletes who have already received Division I offers. Junior Ja’Vonte Provitt and senior Andre Henderson also bring experience up front.
Coleman and Keith Adams are among a large group who should help the Raiders at the linebacker position.
Senior Deonte Morgan and junior Nate Walls, who Arnold describes as “one of the best athletes on our roster,” will bring leadership to what is an otherwise inexperienced defensive backfield.
“We have some experience on defense, and the guys we do have coming back are tremendously talented. They make plays,” Arnold said. “But we also have some gaps to fill.”
SPECIAL TEAMS
Arnold isn’t too concerned about his kickoff and punt return teams, as he has plenty of weapons to put on the field.
“We’ll be putting some new guys on the field to handle our kicking and punts,” Arnold said. “We have confidence in their abilities, but it is always nerve-wracking as a coach until they actually get that varsity experience.
“Playing under the lights with the crowds and the bands playing, it becomes a whole different animal.”
OUTLOOK
Having gone 9-2 a year ago, Arnold says that his troops fully understand that “now we’re the hunted, not the hunters.” He said his team is anxious to prove last season was no fluke.
“We’ll have to be ready for every opponent,” Arnold said. “Teams are always geared up to play Warren. But we learned last year, even in a good season, nothing comes easy.”
Harding opens its season with three consecutive home games, all against opponents (Austintown Fitch, Howland and Massillon) Arnold and the rest of Warren consider strong rivals.
“You generally don’t see a schedule like this, not this early on,” Arnold said. “But our kids are excited for the challenge. We’re going to get tested right from the start.”