MOUNT ST. MARY ROCKETS
Coach: J.D. RUNNELS
2-8
OFFENSE
The Rockets are a few years removed from their last winning season, but new head coach J.D. Runnels is looking to turn things around. He likes what he sees on the roster, and he is looking forward to getting the season going. “We will be replacing a few key starters on both sides of the ball,” Runnels said. “But I am excited about the guys we have coming back. Our young guys gained a lot of experience last year and we are looking to continue their improvement this season.” Leading the offense will be quarterback Harrison Tesio (6-2, 185, Sr.), who threw for 1,964 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. John Allison (6-3, 205, Sr.) will be one of Tesio’s main targets at tight end. He is a big and physical player that can create a mismatch with the defense. He pulled in 44 receptions for 513 yards and 5 scores and is looking for a bigger season this year. Running backs Cord Brown (5-11, 185, So.) and Jefferson Hodge (5-11, 170, So.) combined for 610 total yards and six scores. They should be called on more this season and see those numbers go up. On the outside, wide receiver Gabe Ward (5-9, 160, Jr.) brought in 29 catches for 295 yards.
DEFENSE
On defense, the Rockets will work to play tough, get to the ball, and tackle well in space. A key player back for the defense is linebacker Zach Ellison (6-2, 200, Sr.), who ended last season with 88 tackles, 66 solo tackles, nine tackles for loss, and three sacks. He will be a tough player for opponents to deal with. Joining him at linebacker will be Greyson Buell (5-9, 170, Jr.) and Allison. Last year, Buell had 43 tackles and three tackles for loss, while Allison ended up with 44 tackles and six tackles for loss. Taking care of things in the secondary will be cornerback Wade Webb (6-0, 165, So.). In his freshman year, he had 30 tackles, 22 solo tackles, two tackles for loss, and an interception. Assistant coaches for the Rockets are Drew England, Mike Riggs, Ryan Day, and Jake Webb.
8-30 – vs. Bridge Creek
9-6 – vs. Crossings Christian
9-20 – at Casady
9-27 – at Crooked Oak
10-4 – vs. Marietta
10-11 – at Little Axe
10-18 – vs. OCS
10-25 – at Kingtson
11-1 – vs. Wasthington
11-8 – at Lindsay
