Tigers have another Brungard at QB

By Dan Hiner

dhiner@vindy.com

New Middletown

The 2018 football season is still fresh on Springfield’s mind. The Tigers did what they were supposed to do: win.

But a 9-1 record couldn’t get the team into the postseason. The Tigers’ only blemish was a 20-17 Week 5 loss to McDonald.

“I think they do have a chip on their shoulder because we didn’t make the playoffs,” Springfield head coach Sean Guerriero said. “That’s something that the kids have talked about, that’s something they end up working for and it’s definitely been a positive experience for us because [of] accountability reasons.”

The seniors took the playoffs to heart. Guerriero said the crop of veterans aren’t vocal but they are leading by example.

The near-perfect record marked the third straight winning season for the Tigers. Over the three-year span, Springfield is 26-7.

“The kids are pushing themselves,” Guerriero said. “We challenge the kids every day to come out and fight for a spot, whether you’re running with our ones or our twos or on the scout team.”

Offense

The Tigers have most of their offense returning in 2019. They need to replace quarterback Brannon Brungard. And what better way than with another Brungard?

Sophomore Beau Brungard had the torch passed to him from his brother.

“[Beau Brungard] has seen some plays here and there,” Guerriero said. “I think last year Brannon’s helmet popped off a couple times so he was kinda thrown into the fire. I mean, not a ton but he did take some reps last year.”

Junior John Slike has also taken snaps at quarterback during practice.

The Tigers will lean on the skill positions and the offensive line until the new quarterback is broken in during the first few weeks. Evan Ohlin, Mitchell Seymour and Garrett Walker are returning at receiver.

Three seniors — Corey Hatton, Chris Thompson and Sean Thompson — will anchor the offensive front.

David Duvall got more carries as last season progressed, and Guerriero plans to us him as the primary running back. Sophomore Austin Tindell and senior Raymond Nespeca can also see carries this season. Garrett Stallsmith saw time at tight end last season, but Shane Eynon’s route running and blocking will be missed.

“Overall, we’re just trying to create a lot of depth offensively, and trying to make it challenging and competitive so our kids don’t feel comfortable,” Guerriero said.

Defense

There aren’t too many positions to fill on defense. The entire secondary is returning and most of the defensive line is back.

The one question will be at linebacker. Middle linebacker Duvall is the only returning starter at the second level. Several players are in the mix to play outside linebacker.

Slike, Ohlin, Seymour and Walker will man the secondary. The only hole left is at defensive end — another Eynon vacancy.

The Tigers rotated a number of players along the defensive line last season, so experience won’t be an issue.

“I think it starts with the D-line,” Guerriero said. “I think if we create the line of scrimmage that’ll be the key for us — trying to let the linebackers run and make tackles.”

Special Teams

Eynon’s presences will be missed on special teams as well. He was the Tigers’ punter last season.

But junior Clayton Medvec, who was the place kicker and kicked off, will probably earn snaps as the punter this season.

Ohlin, Walker, Seymour and Slike will see time returning kicks.