By Ryan Buck

sports@vindy.com

SALINEVILLE

No matter his setting, new Southern football coach Rich Wright has been successful.

For 14 seasons, he led Beaver Local’s rise and for the last two seasons has taken Wellsville to consecutive Division VII playoff appearances.

After a 1-9 2014 season and coach Mike Skrinjar’s departure, the Indians and their faithful are hoping Wright, also the school’s new assistant principal, can carry that same success into Salineville. The Indians last made the state playoffs in 2011.

“Football is football and all that is great, but any time you start over it’s different,” Wright said of the transition. “Everybody’s learning a whole new system. Everybody’s getting familiar with each other. Trying to implement that takes small steps.

“We’re getting better every week and that’s what I’m looking forward to.”

Wright is also an accomplished wrestling coach, having earned that distinction with Beaver Local. The chance to serve as the assistant principal, as well as football coach, was too much to pass up.

“It’s just hard being new when you get comfortable,” Wright said of his tenure at Wellsville. “Nobody likes change.”

After the 2011 playoff appearance, 2012 saw the Indians dip to 6-4 and they were 2-8 the following season. Their lone victory last season came against Leetonia as they only managed to score 24 points total in the season’s final six games.

Offense

The Indians return running backs Jesse McClurg and Gabe Richards, who will look to follow Alex Aderhold and Joe Gibson, two standout offensive linemen. They are four of six returning lettermen.

Wright’s preferred system is the Wing-T.

Defense

In 2014, the Indians surrendered 49, 47 and 56 points to Inter-Tri County League foes McDonald, Wellsville and Western Reserve, respectively.

Defensive linemen Jake Pelley and Aderhold will look to reverse their fortunes of a season ago.

Special Teams

Wright expects to keep his skill players involved in the kicking and return game as well. Many of the Indians’ 15 returning lettermen will play both offense and defense, as well as special teams.

Outlook

Wright’s resume speaks for itself, but even the veteran coach — who mentored current Denver Bronco Derek Wolfe at Beaver Local — knows only one thing will ensure the program’s long-term resurgence.

“Obviously, we’ve got to win to prove that the system is OK and we have to get off to a good start,” Wright said.

The Indians begin the season with two home games before their slate in a very competitive ITCL begins.

A host of returning and experienced players, who have felt the sting of a declining program, will be invigorated. A September matchup with Springfield will be a great barometer and the rivalry game with Lisbon comes Oct. 9.