2024 Portsmouth Trojans

[BuckeyeBlood]

[quote=BuckeyeBlood post_id=2112556 time=<a href="tel:1720574119">1720574119</a> user_id=14346]
Anyone know how the numbers look for the Trojans this year?

Was told 35.
[/quote]

If that’s true that’s a very bad sign for depth. Last years team had around 45 kids, I think they lost around 7 to graduation, only about 5 contributed. But being down 10 less bodies would mean less kids came out or moved, no freshmen or transfers playing? 35 seems hard to believe.

[art_vandelay]

[quote=BuckeyeBlood post_id=2112556 time=<a href="tel:1720574119">1720574119</a> user_id=14346]
Anyone know how the numbers look for the Trojans this year?

Was told 35.

If that’s true that’s a very bad sign for depth. Last years team had around 45 kids, I think they lost around 7 to graduation, only about 5 contributed. But being down 10 less bodies would mean less kids came out or moved, no freshmen or transfers playing? 35 seems hard to believe.
[/quote]

Junior high numbers have been very low for Portsmouth, so not too surprising. And from talking to people around the county, this problem not just limited to Portsmouth. Other than the big 3 (Ironton, Jackson, Burg), roster sizes of 40+ kids won't be too common around here going forward.*

[wobycat]

[quote=BuckeyeBlood post_id=2112556 time=<a href="tel:1720574119">1720574119</a> user_id=14346]
Anyone know how the numbers look for the Trojans this year?

Was told 35.

If that’s true that’s a very bad sign for depth. Last years team had around 45 kids, I think they lost around 7 to graduation, only about 5 contributed. But being down 10 less bodies would mean less kids came out or moved, no freshmen or transfers playing? 35 seems hard to believe.

Junior high numbers have been very low for Portsmouth, so not too surprising. And from talking to people around the county, this problem not just limited to Portsmouth. Other than the big 3 (Ironton, Jackson, Burg), roster sizes of 40+ kids won't be too common around here going forward.*
[/quote]

Length of season and commitment too long. Even Ironton only has 60 kids out. 20 being seniors. Burg has some low numbers coming up in junior high.

[PTrojan59]

[quote=BuckeyeBlood post_id=2112556 time=<a href="tel:1720574119">1720574119</a> user_id=14346]
Anyone know how the numbers look for the Trojans this year?

Was told 35.

If that’s true that’s a very bad sign for depth. Last years team had around 45 kids, I think they lost around 7 to graduation, only about 5 contributed. But being down 10 less bodies would mean less kids came out or moved, no freshmen or transfers playing? 35 seems hard to believe.

Junior high numbers have been very low for Portsmouth, so not too surprising. And from talking to people around the county, this problem not just limited to Portsmouth. Other than the big 3 (Ironton, Jackson, Burg), roster sizes of 40+ kids won't be too common around here going forward.*
[/quote]

No clue how many kid were on the Jr high team last year, but you’re correct it was and has been way down. I believe Portsmouth only had 5 or 6 freshmen on the team last year.

[art_vandelay]

Was told 35.

If that’s true that’s a very bad sign for depth. Last years team had around 45 kids, I think they lost around 7 to graduation, only about 5 contributed. But being down 10 less bodies would mean less kids came out or moved, no freshmen or transfers playing? 35 seems hard to believe.

Junior high numbers have been very low for Portsmouth, so not too surprising. And from talking to people around the county, this problem not just limited to Portsmouth. Other than the big 3 (Ironton, Jackson, Burg), roster sizes of 40+ kids won't be too common around here going forward.*

Length of season and commitment too long. Even Ironton only has 60 kids out. 20 being seniors. Burg has some low numbers coming up in junior high.
[/quote]

Commitment is for sure a big issue in this. Football basically year-round at high school level with weights starting in January, and season not ending until November. It's basically a 10-month commitment. Kids coming up have gotten too comfy playing on phones and video games all day to stay dialed in that long.

Heard that about Burg's 7th grade numbers being low. Surprised me, but their 9th and 8th grade classes both look really solid in numbers and talent, so probably not an issue for awhile.*

[BuckeyeBlood]

Ran down to the 7 on 7 against Piketon last night for a bit. Didn’t see much to like honestly. I could be wrong but I’m thinking JT Williams may have gotten snaps at QB the first series? Whoever the first QB up was looked the best. Locklear & Cam Williams followed whoever was first, it could’ve been Cam going twice, but looked like JT to me. Defense looked better than the offense. Granted it’s a 7 on 7, won’t put a whole lot of stock into it. That said, long ways to go before the August 9th scrimmage with Burg.

[art_vandelay]

Ran down to the 7 on 7 against Piketon last night for a bit. Didn’t see much to like honestly. I could be wrong but I’m thinking JT Williams may have gotten snaps at QB the first series? Whoever the first QB up was looked the best. Locklear & Cam Williams followed whoever was first, it could’ve been Cam going twice, but looked like JT to me. Defense looked better than the offense. Granted it’s a 7 on 7, won’t put a whole lot of stock into it. That said, long ways to go before the August 9th scrimmage with Burg.

7 on 7s for running teams usually don’t look too good. Portsmouth going to live and die with their running game, and should with a back like Heiland. QB just has to at least be a threat to throw at key points in game. Defense should be real solid as well.*

[BuckeyeBlood]

[quote=BuckeyeBlood post_id=2112909 time=<a href="tel:1720872736">1720872736</a> user_id=14346]
Ran down to the 7 on 7 against Piketon last night for a bit. Didn’t see much to like honestly. I could be wrong but I’m thinking JT Williams may have gotten snaps at QB the first series? Whoever the first QB up was looked the best. Locklear & Cam Williams followed whoever was first, it could’ve been Cam going twice, but looked like JT to me. Defense looked better than the offense. Granted it’s a 7 on 7, won’t put a whole lot of stock into it. That said, long ways to go before the August 9th scrimmage with Burg.

7 on 7s for running teams usually don’t look too good. Portsmouth going to live and die with their running game, and should with a back like Heiland. QB just has to at least be a threat to throw at key points in game. Defense should be real solid as well.*
[/quote]

Oh I know the offense will be run oriented, but you have to be able to throw it sometimes to keep the defense from stacking the box every play. Needed some throws last year but they just couldn’t do it. I think the Trojans offense will be fine, just didn’t see any WR’s open or many good throws from the QB’s. I don’t put much stock into them though, glorified 2 hand touch. Really waiting to see how they look scrimmage time. Counted 34 kids last night

[greygoose]

Portsmouth and P. West will be 2 very similar teams in the fact they're going to run it 90% of the team if not more. West coach has already said they'll be running it 95% of the time. Trojans I expect the same thing especially in the OVC with no Ironton very rarely will the ball go in the air, This whole have to throw it to keep the box stacked in HS is bull, you do what you do Kirtland runs it 98% of the time and everyone knows its coming and still they don't stop it. If you are extremely good at what you do that's what you hang your hat on.

[BuckeyeBlood]

Portsmouth and P. West will be 2 very similar teams in the fact they're going to run it 90% of the team if not more. West coach has already said they'll be running it 95% of the time. Trojans I expect the same thing especially in the OVC with no Ironton very rarely will the ball go in the air, This whole have to throw it to keep the box stacked in HS is bull, you do what you do Kirtland runs it 98% of the time and everyone knows its coming and still they don't stop it. If you are extremely good at what you do that's what you hang your hat on.

Clearly you didn’t watch many Portsmouth games last year, or you just don’t know ball. They had many situations they needed to throw the ball because Heiland had a stacked box in front of him. He’s 1 kid, you can’t run him 35 times a game for 10 weeks and expect production each time. Develop any sort of passing attack and that defense has to show it a smidge of respect and that run game is even better. For example Heiland didn’t play against RH last year, Portsmouth tried to run the ball against a stacked box and couldn’t do it. They almost lost they game because they couldn’t run it, and had very little passing game. Portsmouth isn’t Kirtland, stupid comparison. Tell me what teams around here in the last 20 years have been built on 95% run and made it very far?

[greygoose]

Portsmouth and P. West will be 2 very similar teams in the fact they're going to run it 90% of the team if not more. West coach has already said they'll be running it 95% of the time. Trojans I expect the same thing especially in the OVC with no Ironton very rarely will the ball go in the air, This whole have to throw it to keep the box stacked in HS is bull, you do what you do Kirtland runs it 98% of the time and everyone knows its coming and still they don't stop it. If you are extremely good at what you do that's what you hang your hat on.

Clearly you didn’t watch many Portsmouth games last year, or you just don’t know ball. They had many situations they needed to throw the ball because Heiland had a stacked box in front of him. He’s 1 kid, you can’t run him 35 times a game for 10 weeks and expect production each time. Develop any sort of passing attack and that defense has to show it a smidge of respect and that run game is even better. For example Heiland didn’t play against RH last year, Portsmouth tried to run the ball against a stacked box and couldn’t do it. They almost lost they game because they couldn’t run it, and had very little passing game. Portsmouth isn’t Kirtland, stupid comparison. Tell me what teams around here in the last 20 years have been built on 95% run and made it very far?

Portsmouth is another year deep into building, so your idea would be to throw it up when that is a struggle and put yourself into 2nd or 3rd and long?? Sounds dumb, why is comparing one team who runs it all of the time to another team who wants to run it all of the time stupid?? Stacked box is a stacked box right?? I mean Portsmouth wasn't facing 15 guys in the box were they? Dumb comparison is saying the Trojans best back was out and RH stacked box and Portsmouth couldn't run, no kidding you didn't have the best back playing in the game seems pretty simple there. What teams around here over the last 20 years have made it very far period?? There's not many teams that are setup to run it 90-95% of the time for West and Portsmouth they are question is can they make it stick and go deep, time will tell. You can run him 25-30 times a game and get production it will vary but one always has to expect production you don't get away from who you are because the first 10-15 carries got 50 yards, the next 5 might get 100 that's difference with these teams who can run the ball. Kirtland might have 3-4-5 short gains but they don't stop running it because they know those gains will be greater as the game wears on, it's called holding onto the ball and wearing the other team out come 3rd and 4th quarter it's a very simple concept maybe you didn't realize that's what happens though. Stop trying to fit a square peg in a round hole that's the problem with most fans they simply don't know enough to know they don't know enough.

[PTrojan59]

Portsmouth and P. West will be 2 very similar teams in the fact they're going to run it 90% of the team if not more. West coach has already said they'll be running it 95% of the time. Trojans I expect the same thing especially in the OVC with no Ironton very rarely will the ball go in the air, This whole have to throw it to keep the box stacked in HS is bull, you do what you do Kirtland runs it 98% of the time and everyone knows its coming and still they don't stop it. If you are extremely good at what you do that's what you hang your hat on.

Clearly you didn’t watch many Portsmouth games last year, or you just don’t know ball. They had many situations they needed to throw the ball because Heiland had a stacked box in front of him. He’s 1 kid, you can’t run him 35 times a game for 10 weeks and expect production each time. Develop any sort of passing attack and that defense has to show it a smidge of respect and that run game is even better. For example Heiland didn’t play against RH last year, Portsmouth tried to run the ball against a stacked box and couldn’t do it. They almost lost they game because they couldn’t run it, and had very little passing game. Portsmouth isn’t Kirtland, stupid comparison. Tell me what teams around here in the last 20 years have been built on 95% run and made it very far?

Portsmouth is another year deep into building, so your idea would be to throw it up when that is a struggle and put yourself into 2nd or 3rd and long?? Sounds dumb, why is comparing one team who runs it all of the time to another team who wants to run it all of the time stupid?? Stacked box is a stacked box right?? I mean Portsmouth wasn't facing 15 guys in the box were they? Dumb comparison is saying the Trojans best back was out and RH stacked box and Portsmouth couldn't run, no kidding you didn't have the best back playing in the game seems pretty simple there. What teams around here over the last 20 years have made it very far period?? There's not many teams that are setup to run it 90-95% of the time for West and Portsmouth they are question is can they make it stick and go deep, time will tell. You can run him 25-30 times a game and get production it will vary but one always has to expect production you don't get away from who you are because the first 10-15 carries got 50 yards, the next 5 might get 100 that's difference with these teams who can run the ball. Kirtland might have 3-4-5 short gains but they don't stop running it because they know those gains will be greater as the game wears on, it's called holding onto the ball and wearing the other team out come 3rd and 4th quarter it's a very simple concept maybe you didn't realize that's what happens though. Stop trying to fit a square peg in a round hole that's the problem with most fans they simply don't know enough to know they don't know enough.

Really good point you made about continuing to run the ball wearing the opposing team out. That is literally how Portsmouth beat Fairland in the playoffs last year. Heiland went for over 300 yards on 30+ carries. He’s a well put together kid, he can definitely tote the rock a lot. I’d love to see more of a passing game this year, but that’s just not the identity of this Trojan team. Old school ball of running it down the other teams throat & playing hard defense. Fwiw I have 0 idea who will be QB this year but I think all 3 in the running can throw the ball well enough if needed to, they just weren’t asked to do it often last year, doubt that changes this season.

[greygoose]

Clearly you didn’t watch many Portsmouth games last year, or you just don’t know ball. They had many situations they needed to throw the ball because Heiland had a stacked box in front of him. He’s 1 kid, you can’t run him 35 times a game for 10 weeks and expect production each time. Develop any sort of passing attack and that defense has to show it a smidge of respect and that run game is even better. For example Heiland didn’t play against RH last year, Portsmouth tried to run the ball against a stacked box and couldn’t do it. They almost lost they game because they couldn’t run it, and had very little passing game. Portsmouth isn’t Kirtland, stupid comparison. Tell me what teams around here in the last 20 years have been built on 95% run and made it very far?

Portsmouth is another year deep into building, so your idea would be to throw it up when that is a struggle and put yourself into 2nd or 3rd and long?? Sounds dumb, why is comparing one team who runs it all of the time to another team who wants to run it all of the time stupid?? Stacked box is a stacked box right?? I mean Portsmouth wasn't facing 15 guys in the box were they? Dumb comparison is saying the Trojans best back was out and RH stacked box and Portsmouth couldn't run, no kidding you didn't have the best back playing in the game seems pretty simple there. What teams around here over the last 20 years have made it very far period?? There's not many teams that are setup to run it 90-95% of the time for West and Portsmouth they are question is can they make it stick and go deep, time will tell. You can run him 25-30 times a game and get production it will vary but one always has to expect production you don't get away from who you are because the first 10-15 carries got 50 yards, the next 5 might get 100 that's difference with these teams who can run the ball. Kirtland might have 3-4-5 short gains but they don't stop running it because they know those gains will be greater as the game wears on, it's called holding onto the ball and wearing the other team out come 3rd and 4th quarter it's a very simple concept maybe you didn't realize that's what happens though. Stop trying to fit a square peg in a round hole that's the problem with most fans they simply don't know enough to know they don't know enough.

Really good point you made about continuing to run the ball wearing the opposing team out. That is literally how Portsmouth beat Fairland in the playoffs last year. Heiland went for over 300 yards on 30+ carries. He’s a well put together kid, he can definitely tote the rock a lot. I’d love to see more of a passing game this year, but that’s just not the identity of this Trojan team. Old school ball of running it down the other teams throat & playing hard defense. Fwiw I have 0 idea who will be QB this year but I think all 3 in the running can throw the ball well enough if needed to, they just weren’t asked to do it often last year, doubt that changes this season.

Honestly if a team is built like that finding a QB who is more athletic for the running game is more of the direction to go this way teams do have to scheme for him as well. Most of those teams that run it and you've seen it I'm sure, it's run, run, run, pop a play action pass which normally hits big because the guy is wide open types of things. Adding a mobile QB will help 100%

[BuckeyeBlood]

Clearly you didn’t watch many Portsmouth games last year, or you just don’t know ball. They had many situations they needed to throw the ball because Heiland had a stacked box in front of him. He’s 1 kid, you can’t run him 35 times a game for 10 weeks and expect production each time. Develop any sort of passing attack and that defense has to show it a smidge of respect and that run game is even better. For example Heiland didn’t play against RH last year, Portsmouth tried to run the ball against a stacked box and couldn’t do it. They almost lost they game because they couldn’t run it, and had very little passing game. Portsmouth isn’t Kirtland, stupid comparison. Tell me what teams around here in the last 20 years have been built on 95% run and made it very far?

Portsmouth is another year deep into building, so your idea would be to throw it up when that is a struggle and put yourself into 2nd or 3rd and long?? Sounds dumb, why is comparing one team who runs it all of the time to another team who wants to run it all of the time stupid?? Stacked box is a stacked box right?? I mean Portsmouth wasn't facing 15 guys in the box were they? Dumb comparison is saying the Trojans best back was out and RH stacked box and Portsmouth couldn't run, no kidding you didn't have the best back playing in the game seems pretty simple there. What teams around here over the last 20 years have made it very far period?? There's not many teams that are setup to run it 90-95% of the time for West and Portsmouth they are question is can they make it stick and go deep, time will tell. You can run him 25-30 times a game and get production it will vary but one always has to expect production you don't get away from who you are because the first 10-15 carries got 50 yards, the next 5 might get 100 that's difference with these teams who can run the ball. Kirtland might have 3-4-5 short gains but they don't stop running it because they know those gains will be greater as the game wears on, it's called holding onto the ball and wearing the other team out come 3rd and 4th quarter it's a very simple concept maybe you didn't realize that's what happens though. Stop trying to fit a square peg in a round hole that's the problem with most fans they simply don't know enough to know they don't know enough.

Really good point you made about continuing to run the ball wearing the opposing team out. That is literally how Portsmouth beat Fairland in the playoffs last year. Heiland went for over 300 yards on 30+ carries. He’s a well put together kid, he can definitely tote the rock a lot. I’d love to see more of a passing game this year, but that’s just not the identity of this Trojan team. Old school ball of running it down the other teams throat & playing hard defense. Fwiw I have 0 idea who will be QB this year but I think all 3 in the running can throw the ball well enough if needed to, they just weren’t asked to do it often last year, doubt that changes this season.

They are going to run Heiland too much and he will get hurt. Just watch and see, he can’t run it 35 times a game. It’s not sustainable for a kid his age. Did you not see how gassed he was after that Fairland game? He had nothing left for Burg the next week.

[greygoose]

Portsmouth is another year deep into building, so your idea would be to throw it up when that is a struggle and put yourself into 2nd or 3rd and long?? Sounds dumb, why is comparing one team who runs it all of the time to another team who wants to run it all of the time stupid?? Stacked box is a stacked box right?? I mean Portsmouth wasn't facing 15 guys in the box were they? Dumb comparison is saying the Trojans best back was out and RH stacked box and Portsmouth couldn't run, no kidding you didn't have the best back playing in the game seems pretty simple there. What teams around here over the last 20 years have made it very far period?? There's not many teams that are setup to run it 90-95% of the time for West and Portsmouth they are question is can they make it stick and go deep, time will tell. You can run him 25-30 times a game and get production it will vary but one always has to expect production you don't get away from who you are because the first 10-15 carries got 50 yards, the next 5 might get 100 that's difference with these teams who can run the ball. Kirtland might have 3-4-5 short gains but they don't stop running it because they know those gains will be greater as the game wears on, it's called holding onto the ball and wearing the other team out come 3rd and 4th quarter it's a very simple concept maybe you didn't realize that's what happens though. Stop trying to fit a square peg in a round hole that's the problem with most fans they simply don't know enough to know they don't know enough.

Really good point you made about continuing to run the ball wearing the opposing team out. That is literally how Portsmouth beat Fairland in the playoffs last year. Heiland went for over 300 yards on 30+ carries. He’s a well put together kid, he can definitely tote the rock a lot. I’d love to see more of a passing game this year, but that’s just not the identity of this Trojan team. Old school ball of running it down the other teams throat & playing hard defense. Fwiw I have 0 idea who will be QB this year but I think all 3 in the running can throw the ball well enough if needed to, they just weren’t asked to do it often last year, doubt that changes this season.

They are going to run Heiland too much and he will get hurt. Just watch and see, he can’t run it 35 times a game. It’s not sustainable for a kid his age. Did you not see how gassed he was after that Fairland game? He had nothing left for Burg the next week.

They don't have to run it 35 times a game with him but at the same time why are you cutting the kid short?? Hurd for Waverly last year had multiple 30 plus carry games last season. Comparing him playing Fairland vs Burg is sort of apples and oranges given Burg was tough against the run last year and ya lost 34-0. I mean think about this as a coach, you're playing Fairland high scoring game and he's running wild do you start giving other guys the ball and HOPE they do well enough to get you to week 12 or do you play your game and get to week 12 for sure?? You don't look ahead and you've got to play the game that is right there. Sorry man plenty of kids run for those types of numbers and I'm sure if you ask Heiland he'd want 40 carries a game he's not exactly a small guy

[PTrojan59]

Portsmouth is another year deep into building, so your idea would be to throw it up when that is a struggle and put yourself into 2nd or 3rd and long?? Sounds dumb, why is comparing one team who runs it all of the time to another team who wants to run it all of the time stupid?? Stacked box is a stacked box right?? I mean Portsmouth wasn't facing 15 guys in the box were they? Dumb comparison is saying the Trojans best back was out and RH stacked box and Portsmouth couldn't run, no kidding you didn't have the best back playing in the game seems pretty simple there. What teams around here over the last 20 years have made it very far period?? There's not many teams that are setup to run it 90-95% of the time for West and Portsmouth they are question is can they make it stick and go deep, time will tell. You can run him 25-30 times a game and get production it will vary but one always has to expect production you don't get away from who you are because the first 10-15 carries got 50 yards, the next 5 might get 100 that's difference with these teams who can run the ball. Kirtland might have 3-4-5 short gains but they don't stop running it because they know those gains will be greater as the game wears on, it's called holding onto the ball and wearing the other team out come 3rd and 4th quarter it's a very simple concept maybe you didn't realize that's what happens though. Stop trying to fit a square peg in a round hole that's the problem with most fans they simply don't know enough to know they don't know enough.

Really good point you made about continuing to run the ball wearing the opposing team out. That is literally how Portsmouth beat Fairland in the playoffs last year. Heiland went for over 300 yards on 30+ carries. He’s a well put together kid, he can definitely tote the rock a lot. I’d love to see more of a passing game this year, but that’s just not the identity of this Trojan team. Old school ball of running it down the other teams throat & playing hard defense. Fwiw I have 0 idea who will be QB this year but I think all 3 in the running can throw the ball well enough if needed to, they just weren’t asked to do it often last year, doubt that changes this season.

They are going to run Heiland too much and he will get hurt. Just watch and see, he can’t run it 35 times a game. It’s not sustainable for a kid his age. Did you not see how gassed he was after that Fairland game? He had nothing left for Burg the next week.

Not sustainable for a kid his age? He’s probably 17, almost 18, practically a grown man. He’s not a scrawny little boy like you’re making him seem lol. I’m sure he can handle 35 totes per game if they give him that. I assume most games he won’t because they’ll also have JT & Cam Williams, along with Fernando Poxes to run the ball. Heiland being “gassed” had nothing to do with the Burg loss. I’d say a week later he was fine, they were just a good run defense. I understand you want to get your point across about wanting to throw the ball more, but you’re just talking crazy now.

[art_vandelay]

Really good point you made about continuing to run the ball wearing the opposing team out. That is literally how Portsmouth beat Fairland in the playoffs last year. Heiland went for over 300 yards on 30+ carries. He’s a well put together kid, he can definitely tote the rock a lot. I’d love to see more of a passing game this year, but that’s just not the identity of this Trojan team. Old school ball of running it down the other teams throat & playing hard defense. Fwiw I have 0 idea who will be QB this year but I think all 3 in the running can throw the ball well enough if needed to, they just weren’t asked to do it often last year, doubt that changes this season.

They are going to run Heiland too much and he will get hurt. Just watch and see, he can’t run it 35 times a game. It’s not sustainable for a kid his age. Did you not see how gassed he was after that Fairland game? He had nothing left for Burg the next week.

They don't have to run it 35 times a game with him but at the same time why are you cutting the kid short?? Hurd for Waverly last year had multiple 30 plus carry games last season. Comparing him playing Fairland vs Burg is sort of apples and oranges given Burg was tough against the run last year and ya lost 34-0. I mean think about this as a coach, you're playing Fairland high scoring game and he's running wild do you start giving other guys the ball and HOPE they do well enough to get you to week 12 or do you play your game and get to week 12 for sure?? You don't look ahead and you've got to play the game that is right there. Sorry man plenty of kids run for those types of numbers and I'm sure if you ask Heiland he'd want 40 carries a game he's not exactly a small guy

Agreed on Burg game. Burg defense last year was not going to get gashed by a one-dimensional offense. Heiland, gassed or not, was not going to beat Burg by himself. That's why until Portsmouth gets half of a semblance of a passing game, they are in the tier below HP, Ironton, and Burg in Region 19. Their ceiling is Regional Semis. And with only 35 kids, it may be tough to even get that far if injuries become an issue.*

[greygoose]

They are going to run Heiland too much and he will get hurt. Just watch and see, he can’t run it 35 times a game. It’s not sustainable for a kid his age. Did you not see how gassed he was after that Fairland game? He had nothing left for Burg the next week.

They don't have to run it 35 times a game with him but at the same time why are you cutting the kid short?? Hurd for Waverly last year had multiple 30 plus carry games last season. Comparing him playing Fairland vs Burg is sort of apples and oranges given Burg was tough against the run last year and ya lost 34-0. I mean think about this as a coach, you're playing Fairland high scoring game and he's running wild do you start giving other guys the ball and HOPE they do well enough to get you to week 12 or do you play your game and get to week 12 for sure?? You don't look ahead and you've got to play the game that is right there. Sorry man plenty of kids run for those types of numbers and I'm sure if you ask Heiland he'd want 40 carries a game he's not exactly a small guy

Agreed on Burg game. Burg defense last year was not going to get gashed by a one-dimensional offense. Heiland, gassed or not, was not going to beat Burg by himself. That's why until Portsmouth gets half of a semblance of a passing game, they are in the tier below HP, Ironton, and Burg in Region 19. Their ceiling is Regional Semis. And with only 35 kids, it may be tough to even get that far if injuries become an issue.*

I'll be honest even gaining some semblance of a passing game there's still a large gap between them and the big teams in the region. HP's defense last year was extremely tough across the board, even Ironton who could pass wasn't really able to make head way against them. Like you said at 35 kids going to be tough, reality is it's going to fall on the coach when to try and pull off the pass and when to stick to that rushing attack. Don't sit there and pass on 3rd and longs you've got to catch the defense off-guard enough. It'll be interesting to see as the Trojans seem to be headed in the right direction

[BuckeyeBlood]

Found out this morning JT Williams will be the starting QB, not younger brother Cam. JT was set to be the starter last year until a hand injury sidelined him until week 5, at that point there was no reason to pull Cam. JT will definitely help in the passing game, he’s more confident and throws a better ball than Cam. Really excited to hear this. No shot at Cam, he was awesome as a freshman last year, and should be vying for the starting job again next season…

[trojandave]

I agree with BuckeyeBlood about the need for a passing game. There's a difference between being a passing team compared to being able to pass when needed. As has been said already, we just can't rely on Chase Heiland to carry the offense.

What is alarming to me is the lack of numbers in the program. If indeed the roster stays at 35, that is a problem given that injuries are inevitable, hopefully not too many. Certainly looks as if we'll have quite a few 2 way players.

If we can avoid any long term injuries, I still think a good season for the Trojans is in the offing. The starters on Portsmouth are probably as good as anybody's in the OVC. What some other teams may have an advantage in is depth. Don't know the numbers of the other OVC schools, but 35 is probably near the bottom of the conference.