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2019 Team Previews: Midd-West Mustangs (4)

Written by: David Mika on Saturday, August 3rd, 2019. Follow David Mika on Twitter.

Head Coach: Brad Hatter

Assistant Coaches: Lance Adams, Dexter Herman, Zane Simpson, Dan Bishop, John Roselli, Jamie Portzline, Steve Wagner

Team Name: Midd-West Mustangs

2018 Record: 5-5 (lost in District 4 Semi-Final)

Twitter: @middwestfb

Key Starters lost: Marc Piccioni (QB/DB), Owen Zechman (TE/DE), Bryce Fawver (OL/DL), Tyler Bishop (RB/LB), Kameron Kline (RB/DB),

Offensive Starters Returning: (7) Gabe Regester, Trent Peachy, Trey Lauver, Reid Dunkleberger, Sawyer Hornberger, Gavin Portzline, Carter Sauer

Defensive Starters Returning: (8) Oakley Bennett, Walker Stuck, Brayden Swineford, Trey Lauver, Sawyer Hornberger, Ben Umstead, Gabe Regester, Trent Peachy

Special Team Starters Returning: (2) Carter Sauer, Gabe Regester

Key Newcomers: Josh Rodriguez, Joe Rodriguez, Thane Treaster, Jake Wiest, Hunter Wolfley

2019 Outlook: Please let us know the keys about your team on offense, defense and special teams. What are your keys to having a successful year?

Offense: We will be starting a new Quarterback in senior Oakley Bennett. He did see some time last year when Marc was injured. He has really benefitted from an entire offseason of preparation and learning the offensive scheme. The key to our offense will be how well he can lead the offense as well as how well our offensive line can protect him and open up lanes in the running game.

Defense: Our key on defense will be how well our defensive line can play. We do have a lot of experience there as well as talent. How well they execute will go a long way in determining how well we can play on defense. We do like our secondary and linebackers as well as we do have a lot of experience on the defensive side of the ball.

Special Team:Carter Sauer is returning as our place kicker and he is so valuable to our team. In high school football, if you have a consistent kicker, in many ways that is the difference between winning and losing. We will also have some dangerous returners back in Gabe Regester and Hunter Wolfley.