Zanesville Times Recorder - August 25, 2015
NEW LEXINGTON – “Be the uncommon man” is the philosophy of New Lexington’s coach Dave Rupe this summer.
“Be uncommon with everything you do on and off the field,” Rupe said. “We always say common is someone who shows up to work late with a bad attitude and forgot his lunch pail. That person usually complains about his pay.
“The uncommon person shows up to work 15 minutes early with a great attitude and great expectations,” he added. “He is happy with what he has and what he doesn’t have. We say this, because uncommon attitudes and uncommon work ethic results in uncommon achievements. It’s uncommon to make it to the playoffs, because not everyone gets to go.”
The Panthers sputtered in non-conference play in 2014, but proved they can play with big boys of the league.
The dynamic duo of Tommy and Collin Russell and four other seniors led the Panthers to a (5-5, 5-3) record.
Tommy Russell led the Muskingum Valley All-Stars and captured the game’s MVP over the summer. He ran for nearly 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns last season.
The 2014 seniors give way to eight seniors who are poised to get the Panthers back to greatness.
“Those non-conference games against Fairfield Union and Coshocton were tough on our team,” Rupe said. “It really showed our youth giving up those leads. This season we have a more mature and experienced group. We had only six seniors so many juniors and sophomores had to play.”
This season’s roster includes eight seniors, 13 juniors, 11 sophomores and 19 freshmen.
Senior Mitchell Wycinski and sophomore Bradley Clapper have been splitting snaps this summer at quarterback.
“We’re kind of rooting for each other for the quarterback spot. It makes us have to work hard every day at practice,” Wycinski said.
Wycinski and Clapper have to replace a two-year starter in Colin Russell. Collin’s awareness and play-making abilities will be missed as will his production since he threw for more than 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns.
“Following those guys was amazing,” Wycinski said. “We are still great friends with those guys. They told us to play a bigger impact on the field. Now were in a position where we have to play well every day.”
Wycinski played slot receiver for the Panthers last season and is an absolute speed demon on the field. With his speed and decision-making, Wycinski could be an ace up the sleeve of Rupe.
Clapper gives the presence of a young, strong arm with great mechanics as a passer. His tall and lanky frame could help Clapper develop into a stout quarterback.
Senior Seth Abram will start at wide receiver again and headlines a young group out wide.
“This season has started slow for the offense, but our defense is going to be our strong point bringing back so many guys,” Abram said. “Being a senior, I’ve been telling the younger guys what to do and how to position themselves. It was something I didn’t do a lot of last season. I had a good group of seniors last season telling me what to do. But our senior group is ready.”
The Panthers’ offensive line comes back with four returning lineman, but growth and development are key.
Senior Dylan Wright anchors the unit, while seniors Scott Meade and Cameron Purvis and three juniors, Brett Scott, Chase Sheppard and Jacob Sheppard, bring depth to the group.
Most of those players will also see time on the defensive front.
“Our younger guys have really turned things around,” Wright said. “Our senior group was amazed by their work ethics. The outcome of last year and giving up some of those games was hard. We can’t do that his year.”
Clapper plays cornerback on defense. The Panthers’ depth in the secondary is their strongest asset.
“We return Seth and me in the secondary at corner, while sophomore Tanner Wollenberg will more than likely be at safety,” Clapper said.
The Panthers open the season with Fairfield Union in non-conference play and visit Coshocton in Week 6 to highlight their non-league slate.