MONROE — Monroe coach Bob Mullins said he saw a positive glimpse of the Hornets’ future down the stretch last season.
Winners of two of its last three contests in 2019, Monroe was on the right track. And now the Hornets get to continue that momentum heading into 2020.
“When we ended last season, we had a good feeling,” said Mullins, who enters his second stint at the Hornet helm. “We feel really strong about this season, and I think we’re heading in the right direction. Our guys are working hard and have really bought into the program and our philosophy.”
The Hornets finished 2-8 overall and 1-5 in the Southwestern Buckeye League last fall.
THE DIFFERENCE
“We have to eliminate big plays on defense, and part of that last year was that we were young,” Mullins said. “Young guys mess up more than the older guys. … We added two more coaches to our staff this year in veterans Brian Butts and Dick Ballard. Between those two guys, they’ve racked up a ton of coaching experience, and they’ll help us move our defense to where it needs to be.”
QUOTABLES
“Football comes down to something simple — whoever runs the fastest and hits the hardest wins,” Mullins said. “And we’re going to work to be the team that runs the fastest and hits the hardest.”
“We’re excited to see how far we have grown and see where we are at as a program,” Mullins said. “We definitely have the right guys. There’s no secret to our style of play either, and that’s to grind it out on the ground.”
KEY RETURNEES
Collin Deaton, senior quarterback — Mullins said he is one of the better players in the SWBL. Deaton has put on added muscle and will look to make some plays. Deaton led Monroe with 745 yards and 11 scores last season.
Chandler Holler, senior lineman — A first-team, all-conference standout, Holler will continue to be a force for the Hornets in the trenches.
Blake Keaton, senior running back and linebacker — Mullins said he is excited to see what Keaton will do on the field this season. “He’s a hard worker, blue-collar type of kid.”
Elijah Jackson, sophomore fullback — He rushed for 120 yards as a freshman against Franklin last season. “He’s had another year in the weight room. He’s looking great this year,” Mullins said of Jackson.
Alex Pitsch, junior running back and defensive back — “I can’t say enough about that kid. He’s a guy who can do it all,” Mullins said.
OTHER IMPACT PLAYERS
Landry Flor (senior), Jack Taylor (senior), Zach Hagedorn (junior), CJ Miles (senior) and Nick Voutsas (senior).
KEY ADDITIONS
Ishmail Moss, junior running back and defensive back — Mullins said the transfer from Middletown will immediately make his presence felt on the field for the Hornets.
BIG WINS
Monroe dominated Oakwood (35-14) and Madison (55-35) in 2019.
2020 TENTATIVE SCHEDULE (6-Game)
Aug. 28, at Franklin
Sept. 4, Valley View
Sept. 11, Eaton
Sept. 18, Brookville
Sept. 25, at Oakwood
Oct. 2, at Madison