OXFORD — As the Talawanda High School football team heads into its third season under head coach Andy Stuckert, there’s a noticeable difference in the air.
It starts with size, strength and belief.
“We’ve been focused on closing the gap,” Stuckert said. “Physically, schematically, culturally — we wanted to get closer to those benchmark programs. This year, we’re a lot closer.”
Thanks to a revamped strength program led by Andy Zimmerman, the Brave have seen serious gains in the weight room. The offensive line could pose as a potential strength.
“Our guards are both over six feet and 280 pounds,” Stuckert said. “Jordan Ellis, our right tackle, is 6-3, 270 and moves incredibly well. Zeke Klenk at left tackle made big strides too. And our smallest lineman is the center — who just happens to be our strongest player pound-for-pound.”
“I love it in the trenches,” Ellis chimed in. “We’ve just got to keep grinding, keep coming together, and make this season what we know it can be.
“They need to know that we’re coming. Just straightforward — we’re coming for it,” Ellis continued. “Everybody was doubting us last year. We’re coming for it.”
The Brave, who finished 3-8 overall and 1-2 in the Southwest Ohio Conference last season, will turn to junior Oliver Bennett to lead the offense after three-year starting quarterback Cale Leitch graduated. Bennett, a program-grown leader and newly elected captain, has shown flashes of high-level play throughout the summer.
“Oliver’s done everything we’ve asked,” Stuckert said. “He’s poised. He’s resilient. And he’s had days in camp where he’s clearly been the best player on the field.”
Behind him, sophomore Colton Wagers and promising freshman Jake Van Gorden provide depth — and competition.
The offensive skill positions are loaded with experience and upside. All-Ohio standout receiver and senior Demetrius Morris-Williams returns as a big-play threat, and senior receiver Aiden Vorhees — one of the most improved players in the program — is poised for a breakout year as the team’s top route-runner.
Junior tight end Joey Beckett is starting to attract college attention, while junior Camar Ellis adds versatility to the receiving corps.
In the backfield, junior Lance Cantrell returns as the workhorse. After rushing for 1,005 yards and 12 touchdowns in just eight and a half games last year, Cantrell will again be a steady force in 2025.
“He’s probably going to be our quarterback’s best friend,” Stuckert said of Cantrell. “He’s experienced, tough and productive. Ethan Hainline, a sophomore with blazing speed, will rotate in and provide a different look.”
The offensive line is expected to anchor the team’s physical identity. With Ellis, junior Hollis Hofman, junior Jackson Clayton and senior captain Jericho Fletcher, the unit has size, smarts and leadership, Stuckert said. Versatile senior Austin Puckett, who started 11 games at center last year, gives the Brave flexibility across all five spots.
“We’ve got six or seven guys fighting for five jobs,” Stuckert said. “But we know who they are. It’s a good problem to have.”
Defensively, the Brave are relying on new names in the trenches but familiar faces in the program. Seniors Ty Davie, Colton Back and Puckett will rotate on the line, while junior Tyler Richards has emerged as one of camp’s fastest risers.
At linebacker, the Brave are strong and steady. Senior captain Sam Yoches moves to interior linebacker, where he’ll pair with sophomore sensation Windon Lowe, who was second on the team with 51 tackles as a freshman.
“Windon just has it,” Stuckert said. “He’s instinctive, fearless and only going to get better.”
Veteran Tad Polly returns for his fourth varsity season and third as a starter, bringing experience to the outside linebacker group. On the other side, junior Kemper McAfee — a day-one starter since his freshman year — and junior Cooper Oldfield are key contributors.
The secondary will feature a mix of veterans and rising talent. Senior Dylan Pawlaczyk is expected to lock down one corner, while junior Kendrick Fox pushes for time on the other side.
In a notable shift, Stuckert said he’s aiming to limit two-way players this season — which kicks off at home against Taylor on Aug. 22.
“For the first time in a long time, we’re trying to go two-platoon,” Stuckert said. “We have the numbers, and it’s helping us get more focused reps on both sides of the ball. It’s been a big step in the right direction.
“We’re not where we want to be yet. But we’ve made real progress. We’ve closed the gap. And we’re going to keep closing it every week.”
