Columbiana challenged by tough offseason

August 24, 2014 at 12:00a.m.

COLUMBIANA

As unusual as Columbiana’s 3-7 season was in 2013, it’s nothing compared to what the program has endured since.

“In 40 years of coaching, I have never had an offseason like this one,” Columbiana head coach Bob Spaite said. “Call it a perfect storm of unbelievable circumstances that have left us depleted at many positions and very young and inexperienced at many others.”

The Clippers had 48 players when last season ended. Nine graduated, including All-Ohio defensive lineman Mike Buzzard. Fourteen who could have returned did not.

Two are hurt, two moved away, four dropped football to concentrate on one sport. A two-way starter dropped out of school while three transferred (two were two-way starters).

“This will be our biggest challenge this year,” said Spaite, who is in his 21st season as the Clippers’ head coach (146-78).

OFFENSE

The bright spot is the return of quarterback Mitch Davidson, who started nine of 10 games as a freshman.

Davidson says he’s not as overwhelmed compared to last summer.

“It really helps knowing the plays and getting reps in practices,” Davidson said. “A lot of the reads are a lot easier. Last year for me was really [challenging] coming from middle school and not knowing anything on where to progress your reads.”

If an inexperienced line can give Davidson time, the Clippers have several experienced receivers, including Nick Nemick, Cooper Smith and sophomore tight end Sean Congemi.

“He is truly a remarkable young man — as mature as any young man I’ve ever had in high school period,” Spaite said of Davidson. “I’ve had seniors who weren’t this mature. We put a lot on his plate and he has responded. The beautiful part of it is that the rest of the team has responded in the same way.

“He has great leadership qualities [but] also lets others lead. It’s not all about him. It would be real easy for a kid like that to get a real big head [but] he is as humble as anybody I’ve been around.”

DEFENSE

The Clippers don’t have many veterans returning on defense. Drew Cyrus, a safety last year, has shifted to linebacker and doesn’t mind.

“I played linebacker my freshman year,” Cyrus said. “I liked it; it’s not as complicated as free safety.”

Spaite said the Clippers made the move because defensive back Jake Ward transferred from Crestview to Columbiana, allowing Matt Weidner to move from corner to safety.

Nemick, Congemi, Nate Armstrong and Alex Peck also are linebackers.

The defensive line is a trouble spot, with sophomore Tim Davin, junior Robbie O’Malley and freshman James Hum being looked upon to lead.

Cyrus said watching the team come together with new faces is part of the fun.

“I love the team camaraderie,” Cyrus said. “I like to see [us try to be] able to live up to the tradition that we have here.”

OUTLOOK

The Clippers open against Western Reserve, a Division VII state semifinalist in 2013.

“I think it’s great,” Davidson said. “We definitely have a lot of good teams in our league. Crestview was 9-1, South Range was undefeated.

Western Reserve was undefeated last year, Springfield is another good team and Lisbon is getting better.

“A lot of us grew up playing against these kids in baseball and basketball and football,” Davidson said. “It’s like playing your close friends.”