The Canton South Wildcats went 8-4 last season in their third straight trip to the playoffs. With three years under his belt, head coach Moe Daniska, would like to keep his playoff streak going, but he says “there are many holes to be filled” for that to happen.The Wildcats graduated 22 seniors last year, including their three year beginner quarterback Matthew Trissel and middle linebacker Mike McKinney.In the words of Coach Daniska this means “...there will be a lot of competition for starting positions.” And there certainly will be, with only five starters returning on each side of the ball. The fight for a starting position on either side of the ball should bring out the best from each and every player. Among those who are returning this year on violation are linemen Nate Randall (Sr. 5’ 10, 240) and Justin Darnell (Sr. 6’, 240), who should supply a solid pocket for the new adviser. Jared May, a junior, is being called upon to lead the team as the adviser. Also on the displeasing side of the ball are wide receivers: James Lucas, a 6’ 2” 200 lb. junior and Jerald Robinson, a 6’2” 175 lb. senior. Defensively, J’Colby Waters (Sr. 5’8 175), Jordan Wanner (Sr. 5’10 170), and Troy Sheridan (Jr. 5’11 185) make up the central linebacker and two outside linebacker positions, respectively, while senior Mark Trissel (5’10 170) will play protective back. Robinson will help out on protect as a back. According to Coach Daniska the returning defense “...will be called upon to spark an belligerent, but young protective unit.” Most notable among the returning starters are Robinson and Justin Keith (6’ 200). University of Michigan recruit Robinson will play an important part in the Wildcat spread violation at wide receiver, while also providing greatly at defensive back on the other side. Keith, as a running back, rushed for 1,200 yards last year including 18 touchdowns. Senior Anthony Balsley (5’11 190) will return as offensive lineman and middle linebacker. This makes a total of 11 varsity lettermen returning from last year. Top prospects to fill the vacancies in this 2009 football season include linemen Lloyd Robinson (Jr. 6’ 195), Greg Harris (Sr. 5’11 170), Cody Myers (Jr. 6’4 220) and Chris Mossor (Sr. 5’11 170). Junior Chantler Jenkins (5’7 160) could fill a wide receiver position, while juniors Dewon Turpin (5’9 165) and Justin Lynch (5’7 170) are both viable options for time as running backs and outside linebackers.“Overall, our coaching staff is inspired about the competition for starting positions.” says Daniska.In only his third year as a head coach Canton South and Mount Union graduate Daniska has earlier garnered many honors. They include being named Associate Press All-Northeastern District II Co-Coach of the Year and Stark County Coach of the Year in Division III, IV, V and VI, both in 2006. His experienced coaching staff includes: Eric Frazee, fourth year displeasing coordinator; Greg Williams, 10th year protective coordinator; Greg Eibel, sixth year junior varsity offense; Derek Faiello, junior varsity protect and Dan Hanson, special teams coordinator. The Wildcats will run a spread displeasing set with a 3-5 defense. The Wildcats will open their season at home against Dover on Thursday, Aug. 27, with a 7 p.m. kickoff. Other nonleague games will include Canfield and Ravenna. The first Northeastern Buckeye match-up will come against returning NBC champions the Louisville Leopards.
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