Football preview: Red Raiders face a real numbers crunch

By Gregg Rettig

Managing Editor

London’s football players better be in great shape heading into the 2012 campaign.

With just 38 players on the squad as of last week, most of the Red Raiders will play both ways throughout the season.

“We still have a lot of work to do, but we’re progressing,” London coach Jerry Wasserman said after the Red Raiders shut out visiting Amanda-Clearcreek in a scrimmage game Aug. 11. “We just don’t have the numbers on the varsity level right now.”

Some of the players London was counting this season, such as tailback Antonio Wilson, have transferred.

However, Wasserman said his squad returns enough talent to have a successful season.

The Red Raiders will be paced by senior Kyle Fisher, who most likely will be at quarterback. Fisher was dinged up in the scrimmage against Amanda, but is expected to be ready when the Red Raiders open the season by playing host to Urbana on Aug. 24.

Behind Fisher, look for Levi McClellan and Colton Martin to see time at fullback, while Ben martin is penciled in at tailback.

On the outside, Justin Schlosser, Zach Newman, Dylan Miller and Dustin Coffey will be catching the passes.

Miller also will serve as the second-string quarterback.

Up front, Clayton Geib will start at center, while Damon Coffill, David Rowley, David Michel, David Rowley, Seth Roberts and Harley Threlkeld are battling for the other offensive line starting spots.

The same group will make up the defensive line.

McClellan and Colton Martin will start at the linebackers, with Coffey playing at a corner, Ben Martin will be the strong safety and Fisher will be at free safety.

Justin Schlosser, Dylan Miller and Zach Newman are battling to start at the other corner.

“I haven’t heard any chatter yet from the other coaches as to how the (South Central Ohio League) is going to be this year,” Wasserman said.

“I now there are some new coaches, so we’ll have to see.”