Marysville running back Ryan Kern works for yardage during a preseason practice. The Monarchs will put on the pads Wednesday for their first day of contact.
(Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
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Preseason practice is less than a week old, but Marysville High School football coach Brent Johnson likes what he sees.
“Things have gone well during our first three days of practice,” said Johnson on Sunday. “The guys are playing hard and they are very competitive.”
The Monarchs have switched their practice schedule at bit this season.
Instead of conducting morning and afternoon sessions, Marysville is practicing from 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
“We’ve done the two separate practices for the past couple of years, but we decided to do something different this year,” said Johnson. “Last year, we discovered that the guys had some heavy legs after the preseason.
“This year, with just one longer session, I think we’re going to have more energy once the season begins.
“Practices so far have been more physical and competitive,” he said.
The Monarch boss feels this year’s team is going to have more depth at a number of positions, thus providing more competition for playing time.
Marysville had a solid running game last year, but now Johnson is looking to add another element to the offensive package.
“We’re going to focus more on passing the ball this year,” he said. “We’re really going to stress guys running strong pass routes.”
The Monarchs are looking for a new starting quarterback to take the place of the graduated Walker Heard.
Prospective signal-callers include seniors Nathan Morey and Carson Smith (formerly of North Union), juniors Logan McSwords and Adam Schwart and sophomores Ethan Muscher, Tanner Powers and Tyler Weber.”
The Monarchs have been practicing with helmets and will add pads for the first day of contact on Wednesday.
Marysville’s first preseason scrimmage will be held on Saturday, Aug. 17, 10 a.m. at Hilliard Bradley.
The Monarchs will travel to Hilliard Darby for a preview scrimmage on Friday, Aug. 23, at 7 p.m.
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