ProfessorBriggs.com

(Statistical Information Courtesy of Professor Briggs' archives)

REYNOLDS RAIDERS 2020 FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

Head Coach: Josh Mull, 8th year (41-42)
Last Year: 9-1 overall, Won District 10 1A title, advanced to state semifinals

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TRANSFER -- The Reynolds Raiders welcome back five starters on each side of the ball from last season's historic run to the Class 1A state semifinals. The Raiders compiled an undefeated regular season and then won the program's first District 10 title since 2005.

Now, eighth-year head coach Josh Mull and his 25-man squad will look to maintain their Class 1A supremacy in the area and District 10.

The Raiders suffered an unexpected and tragic loss in June when rising senior lineman Marlin "Mojo" Jones passed away due to complications from a brain tumor. Jones started extensively in each of the last two seasons on the offensive and defensive lines for Reynolds.

"Losing Marlin was tough, not only for our football team but for our community," Mull said. "It's very hard to lose someone before their time. It's definitely a tragedy for our Raider community. But I know that we're going to have 'Mojo' on our side for a long, long time.

"One of Marlin's big things was that he wanted to repeat as a District 10 champion and our seniors would like to do that for him."

Offensively, Reynolds returns junior starting quarterback Brayden McCloskey. A Second Team All-Region selection last year, McCloskey threw for 346 yards and four touchdowns. He also added 150 rushing yards and three rushing scores.

"Brayden is really a student of the game," Mull said. "He asks the right questions. He definitely has a lot to build on and he's a leader. The kids follow him. Having that experience is going to be huge for us as a team."

Reynolds graduated its top two rushers from last season in Cole Toy (1,320 yards) and Dreyvin Livingston (659). Junior Jalen Wagner ran for 442 yards and three touchdowns in 2020 and will be a key part of the ground attack. He is currently sidelined, however, and his status for opening night remains uncertain.

"We're hoping to get (Wagner) back as soon as possible," Mull said. "He's going to be a large part of our offense."

Juniors Clayton Rhoads and Haydin McLaughlin are expected to see time in Reynolds's three-back attack. Rhoads started at cornerback last year and also saw action at wide receiver in 2020. He played as a reserve quarterback in 2019.

"(Rhoads) understands what we're doing, so we can put him in several different places," Mull said. "I feel that we have some solid talent in the backfield."

Three veterans return on the offensive line in senior tackle Mitchell Mason, junior tackle Nate Leksell and sophomore center Kolton Wilkinson. Leksell and Wilkinson rotated at center last year but Leksell will move out to tackle. Leskell and Mason both earned All-Region honors last fall.

"Up front is where we need to make sure that we shore things up," Mull said. "We have three solid guys who have been there with us. It's going to be big if they can bring those other guys along with them and solidify the offensive line."

Senior Zack Perseghetti, senior Jon Crumbacher, junior Hunter Umstead and junior letterman Alex Winklevoss are battling for the two guard vacancies. Junior tight end Nate Miller could also move to an offensive line spot if needed. Sophomore Travis Blackburn would take over at tight end if Miller moves inside.

All-Region selection Mason and Wilkinson return at defensive end. Leksell will start at one tackle spot. Mull noted that several men are battling for the other tackle spot to start the season. Senior Gavin Aley, a starter in 2020, is currently sidelined and looks to rejoin the lineup upon his return.

All-Region honoree Miller moves from middle linebacker to strongside linebacker. Blackburn takes over in the middle and McCloskey will play weakside linebacker.

Rhoads shared the team lead with four interceptions last season and earned All-Region status. He returns at cornerback. All-Region pick McLaughlin returns as a starter at safety. Wagner earned All-Region at linebacker but will play in the defensive backfield when he returns. Senior Ashton Small has the inside track to start at the other cornerback post. Senior Camren Klenke is also battling for time in the secondary.

Mull described the kicking game as a "work in progress." Small is the front-runner to kick off and handle extra points. Mason, Miller and junior Noah Geiwitz are battling to be the punter.

Reynolds will compete in Region 1 this season. The Raiders visit Wilmington in the season opener August 27. "It will be a great challenge. Wilmington has a great coaching staff," Mull said. "They are very meticulous with details and the kids are very disciplined.

"Everybody and their brother knows that Farrell is loaded for bear. They're big and they're fast," Mull continued. "In order to be the best, you have to play the best. Hopefully we can compete in every game that we have an opportunity to play in this year."