Talawanda football finds early success with 6-0 record

The varsity team sits at 6-0 after their homecoming game against Ross High School on Sept. 26, winning every game by at least 25 points.

 As momentum from the Brave continues to grow, so does their belief. 

Their success has been a part of head coach Andy Stuckert’s three-year plan. When he first arrived to the district in February of 2023, only 40 athletes were on the roster, something Stuckert found unusual for a public school in Ohio – which typically sees around 75 to 90 players participate on a team. 

The coaching staff started recruiting by going into the hallways of the high school, encouraging students to come out and play.  

“There were a lot of kids that had some experience playing, whether it was youth football or middle school,” Stuckert said.

At the start of the season, the coaching staff implemented defensive drills focused on forcing turnovers, something that’s playing a key role in the team’s success. Talawanda’s defense forced four turnovers in their 51-21 win against the Taylor Yellowjackets. 

“What’s clicking right now is that there’s belief,” Stuckert said, “and then you’re actually seeing it on Friday night when you go out and put the game plan in and you win the football game the way you thought you were going to do it.” 

Standout players took charge of the field this season. 

Running back Lance Cantrell set the single-game program record for 423 rushing yards. He scored five touchdowns against Taylor on Aug. 22. He currently leads the Southwest Ohio Conference for most yards by over 835 yards and sits third nationally.

Cantrell noticed a shift in energy this year.

“I see people in school watching film, and last year I didn’t really see that,” he said. “We all go into the coach’s office and we sit down and we watch film, and we take it more seriously now.”

Kemper McAfee leads the conference with four interceptions, and linebacker Windon Lowe is second with 51 tackles.

Quarterback Oliver Bennett is third in the Southwest Ohio conference with 556 passing yards. 

Wide receiver Camar Ellis has 267 receiving yards. 

But on game days, said Stuckert, “all I really want to see is our kids play to their ability … and play good team football. I don’t need them to be superstars.”

“We don't need to have somebody break a school record every week,” Stuckert said, “we just need for them to show up and … play good team football.”

He posts his rules in the locker room – reminders displayed for the entire team. 

“If you’re not ten minutes early to what you’re doing, you’re late.”

“Be a good student and citizen.” 

“Go to class and participate.”

But lessons of reliability, responsibility and teamwork are not just for football. Stuckert strives to prepare players for life beyond the field. 

“We always try to draw parallels between what we're doing right now and what's going to happen when they get out on their own. Showing up every day and practicing, working your way up and setting goals, we feel like it is going to translate to some form of life in the future for them,” Stuckert said. 

Talawanda will host the Northwest Knights on Friday, Oct. 3 with kickoff at 7:00 p.m.