Waverly football is working through growing pains ahead of 2022 season
WAVERLY – The Waverly Tigers are going through growing pains.
It’s part and parcel of high school football. The season must go on despite how many starters from the previous year depart. The Tigers are no exception. They’ve lost one of their most seasoned senior classes in years. 18 seniors graduated after last season, and many of the dependable starters have graduated.
That may be enough for some to count the Tigers out. The Southern Ohio Conference is top-heavy, and competition from opponents like Wheelersburg are bound to throw more bumps on the road. A repeat of 2021, a year in which they placed second in the SOC, may be hard to follow up on.
But head coach Chris Crabtree doesn’t see it that way. He’s entering his 10th season leading the Tigers, and he’s been able to balance tough seasons before. He’s dealt with losses of big senior classes and has dealt with the fallout of multiple starting spots opening. He and his staff have done what they can to prepare for this season.
“I think we look at kids as they're in their freshman year, and we really try to develop them in the role that we think they're going to be in and get them the reps and things they need,” Crabtree said. “I think just the factor of focusing on and developing our guys. We have a certain standard and set expectations that we want to achieve.”
While there will be plenty of previous starters gone from the lineup, there are still plenty of returning stars. Running backs Creed Smith and Jase Hurd are both in their junior years, and they will lead the rushing attack this season.
Hurd averaged 87.9 yards per game in 2021. Smith, on the other hand, has more time to prove himself. Smith appeared in just one game last season, but he amassed 93 yards on 16 carries in a win over Portsmouth. Plus, the return of Peyton Harris from injury will only increase the depth in the running backs unit.
Crabtree is also excited to see what his young group of wide receivers can do. Although many of them haven’t gotten as much time on the field as others, there are bound to be some standout performers. Sophomore Kody Swords appeared in a handful of games as a freshman, and signs point to him potentially getting more time on the field.
“I'm excited about this group of receivers,” Crabtree said. “Even though we lost some guys, we’ve got some young guys that are really working and they're figuring things out.”
Some new starters are younger than others. Sophomore Mason Kelly will be expected to fill the starting quarterback role following the graduation of Wade Futhey. Kelly isn’t jumping blindly into the role, however. He’s received some game experience as a freshman, so his adjustment to a starting role lies in acclimating to the increased reps.
Plus, a refreshed linebacker corps is working its way up. Wyatt Crabtree’s role as a tight end has been shifted to give him more time playing defense. He’ll join Harris and Quinton Hurd in revitalizing a linebackers unit that is now working without JT Barnett.
The new starters are bound to experience some growing pains. Most players do when thrust into a larger role. Crabtree, however, is excited to see how the players fit on the field. Their opponents won't give them any leeway, but Waverly is prepared to take them head on.
A high wall stands between Waverly and a potential Southern Ohio Conference championship. They don’t have the depth from a large and experienced senior class to lean on anymore. However, they’ve got a plethora of young players that will be getting game experience. It might need some time to take shape, but Crabtree believes his team will look different by season’s end – in a good way.
“I think the biggest thing what I'm excited to see is how this team progresses throughout the season,” Crabtree said. “I think people might be sleeping on us a little bit, but I think our guys will step up and be ready to go again.”