Marshall owls

The 2022 football season was a tough one for Marshall and Ian Verts, who was in his first season as a head coach. The Owls finished the slate with a 2-8 record, but their two victories did both come in conference, against Moberly and Fulton. Verts admires the way his team played through adversity last fall and has his sights set on improvement in 2023. “We have a strong returning class and look forward to more growth and success on the gridiron in ’23,” he says. The big issue for Marshall in 2022 was consistently scoring. The team averaged 14 points per game, but moved the football capably, averaging 131 rushing yards and 120 passing yards per game. This year, “We have five returning starters on offense and a lot more experience on the offensive line,” says Verts. The Owls’ Oline comes back nearly intact, with four starters returning to play: senior OL Nick Arnold (6-0, 200), senior OL Chris Davis (5-10, 240), senior OL Tashaun Edmund (5-10, 240), and sophomore OL Brody Kueker (6-7, 230). Expect sophomore OL Khody Banty (5-11, 260), a young, hungry player, to earn the fifth starting spot up front. “The strength of our offense is our offensive line,” Verts says. Marshall’s X-factor on offense this year might well be senior QB/WR Jaxson Case (5-10, 160). In 9 games last fall, Case

Class: 4

Conference: NCMC

Head Coach: Ian Verts

Years at School: 1

Record at School: 2-8

Overall Record: 2-8

Offensive Starters Returning: 5

Defensive Starters Returning: 5

Total Returning Lettermen: 22

2022 Overall Record: 2-8 completed connected on 87 passes for 1,012 yards and 6 TDs. His ability to slot in at multiple spots will allow Verts to keep opposing defenses guessing. The increased presence of sophomore QB Chase Thompson (6-0, 150), though, could see Case line up under center much less in the year ahead. Thompson proved his bona fides as a freshman, securing his first start in Week 10. “He is a great leader and athletically talented runner and thrower of the ball,” Verts says. While Thompson looks ready to lead the squad in 2023, having Case around to share wisdom will be critical to Thompson’s—and the team’s—longterm success.

Talented players are ready to step in make some big plays elsewhere on offense. “We have multiple playmakers to carry and catch the ball,” says Verts. “We look forward to increasing our offensive productivity on the ground and through the air.” Set to get the lion’s share of the team’s carries is junior RB Tashaun Johnson (5-8, 140), a gifted runner with an ability to find the open lanes. “He’ll be a player on both sides of the ball,” Verts says. Freshman RB Angel Aguirre (5-10, 175) might receive a baptism by fire this fall. Verts refers to Aguirre as a “developing freshman with a bag of athletic talents.” He will allow the offense to incorporate multiple different looks. Junior TE Trevion Carter (6-1, 210) has great potential as a blocker off the edge of the line. The team’s most experienced wideout is senior WR William Sickman (5-10, 160), a player with a terrific set of hands. Senior FB Caiden Reyes (5-9, 210), a dedicated, hard-working player, will do some blocking and rushing.

The Marshall defense surrendered 35 points per game in 2022, a number they’ll look to quickly shore up this fall. With a load of quality talent returning, improvement should be fast and definite. “The strength of our defense is our front seven and there are playmakers in the secondary as well,” Verts says. “We’re looking to make huge strides in ’23, with the return of five starters and multiple contributors from ’22 excited to see more game action.”

Key among those starters is senior DE Nick Arnold, who earned himself a coveted spot on the All-Conference First-Team after a junior campaign in which he racked up 59 tackles and 6 sacks. A strong player with a nose for the football, Arnold looks set for a massive send-off in his senior season. On

“Where a handshake is just as important today as it was y years ago.”

Go Owls!

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MEMBER FDIC the D-line’s other edge is senior DE Henry Pointer (6-2, 210), who accrued 28 tackles and 2 sacks last year. Patrolling the middle of the D-line is senior NT Tashaun Edmund, who posted 26 tackles and 1 sack in 2022. Sophomore DL Khody Banty will figure into the mix, while junior DE Trevion Carter will back up both Arnold and Pointer.

The secondary will be led by sophomore SS Carter Howery (5-9, 145), who was a fantastic freshman last fall, compiling 53 tackles, 5 pass breakups, and 2 INTs. His electric speed and football smarts make him one of the NCMC’s most promising players in the defensive backfield. Junior DB Tashaun Johnson is slated to start in the secondary as well. Junior LB Mason Evans (5-9, 175) will be the linchpin in the team’s linebacking corps. He posted 47 tackles in his sophomore season. Senior LBs William Sickman and Caiden Reyes are ready for increased roles, while freshman LB Angel Aguirre will get some time as well.

The Owls should improve upon last year’s 2-8 record. “The team has been working hard and we are excited to compete in 2023,” Verts says.