Action in the Southwest Buckeye Athletic and Academic Conference (SBAAC) kicks off on Friday, Aug. 23, this year with some personnel changes.
Some stars from last year’s SBAAC, like Williamsburg quarterback J.J. Miller and Western Brown receiver Isaiah Smith, have graduated. Atheltes like former Bethel-Tate and new Williamsburg receiver Troy Harris, have transferred. Some, like New Richmond rising sophomore Brady Young return with more experience, hoping for further breakouts.
There are a lot of question marks in the SBAAC this season. What will the Williamsburg offense look like without Miller? Can Western Brown or New Richmond have a breakout season with quarterbacks who look like stars in the making? Returning most of its offensive core, will the Clinton-Massie defense be good enough to take the team on a deep playoff run for the first time since 2021?
The only certain thing is there will be no shortage of great games in the conference this year.
Below, with teams listed alphabetically, is a preview of each SBAAC squad in 2024.
Batavia
2023: 3-7, missed postseason
Head coach: Wayne Stacy
Returning players: QB Carson Harris, WR/DB Max Mehlman, WR/DB Marcus Hughbanks, OL/LB Elliott Thompson, OL/DL Caleb Iker, LB Vontay Calloway, DB Andrew Manz
Outlook: Gone is last year’s star Jess Roller, who threw for 2,651 yards and 24 touchdowns to just nine interceptions in an offense that saw more success passing than rushing. Batavia will look to rising junior Carson Harris to step up.
Shepherd’s two favorite targets Max Mehlman (71 receptions for 963 yards) and Marcus Hughbanks (54 receptions for 995 yards) will return, but Batavia must find a new lead back as its three top rushers from 2023 graduated.
The defense was Batavia’s main concern last season, but nearly all of the unit’s top contributors return. A more experienced side…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/sbaac-preview-clinton-massie-stay-021025105.html
Author : Cincinnati.com | The Enquirer
Publish date : 2024-08-06 02:10:25
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