MHS gridders will hopefully have fresh start this year
High school fall sports teams have been busy for more than a week in preparation for the upcoming season.
While I’m sure we will have more hot and humid days on the horizon, the fall sports season basically means that summer is just about over.
The recent cool days have even suggested a hint of autumn.
This is the time of year that I like to get out and watch area high school football teams practice or scrimmage.
The only team I’ve been able to see so far is Marysville and I wanted to pay particular attention to the Monarchs since there has been a coaching change.
Former defensive coordinator Brent Johnson has taken over the helm from Morgan Cotter, who resigned last winter.
It’s no secret that the MHS gridiron program has struggled over the past few years. With the exception of one season that resulted in a state playoff berth, the Monarchs have fielded sub-.500 teams over the past five years.
There was dissatisfaction within the community about the program. I know because I heard a lot of it.
Nobody, however, was more displeased with the direction of the team than Cotter. Nobody, in my opinion, worked harder to try and change the Monarchs’ course.
Cotter has been a friend of mine since his days as the defensive coordinator at North Union. Our friendship continued through his five very successful seasons as head coach at Fairbanks and through his days as the Monarch coach and beyond.
I can’t imagine anyone wanting to see him succeed with the team more than me.
It just wasn’t meant to be, however, as some injuries and other factors dealt the team a cruel hand.
As much as I regret the fact that Cotter is no longer the Monarchs’ head coach – and that’s nothing against Johnson – I realize that a change had to happen for both parties.
There are times when fresh starts have to be made, no matter how painful they might be.
This, I feel, is one of them.
Cotter did not stay away from the football sidelines for long as he secured a coaching position on the Ohio Wesleyan University staff last spring.
I think it will be a good change for him and a learning experience to coach on the collegiate level. I wish him well.
I feel it was a good switch for the MHS football program as maybe some fresh ideas are needed to jump-start the Monarchs.
During the practices and scrimmage that I’ve observed, the Monarchs continue to play hard and fast. That’s just the type of football they will need to play once the regular season arrives.
Fans will have an even better idea of what to expect after Marysville scrimmages at Hilliard Bradley Saturday morning.
Speaking of the regular season, it’s not going to be an easy trek. It never is within the Ohio Capital Conference Central Division.
The usual powerhouses of Dublin Coffman, Hilliard Davidson and Upper Arlington are lurking in the shadows.
An always-tough Olentangy Liberty is back on the schedule as well.
Marysville’s neighbor down the road on Route 736, Jonathan Alder, will provide another stiff challenge.
One great thing about sports is that each season brings a fresh start for every team.
Let’s hope the Monarchs can made strides toward reversing their fortunes this fall.