Cougars are ready to dial up the speed

ASHEBORO — Basketball on grass.

There aren’t many high school football coaches who would describe their offense in that manner, but that’s how Southwestern Randolph High School coach Seth Baxter described his offensive philosophy the past few seasons.

And he has the talent, the experience and the depth to make it successful once again.

The Cougars, who are 20-12 the past three seasons, return with plenty of experience this new season, including returners at a number of skill positions, on defense and especially along the lines. And when you have players who are willing to work hard in order to improve every day, it’s a recipe for a successful season.

“We had a really good offseason, the kids have worked extremely hard,” said Baxter, who is beginning his eighth season at SWR. “The numbers we had in the offseason have been higher than any place I have been. We had more than 60 participate and we have about 80 in our program right now. The Booster Club redid our weight room and the kids have been very dedicated. They are extremely coachable kids who work hard.”

The Cougars run a no-huddle, fast-paced offense and they look comfortable doing it. With as much experience they have returning, that style of play should be even easier to execute this coming season.

While the Cougars used three different quarterbacks in games last year, depending on the situation and offensive call, it appears senior Noah Stills will be the main signal-caller this season.  

Stills and Owen Whelan, who will be the starting running back, have plenty of experience.

“It’s an advantage having them back,” Baxter said. “Our offense is complex and when you look at Stills and Whelan, they are students of the game. Whelan has been an offensive guard, a running back, a quarterback, he knows every single position. Having kids who have been through battles, been through some wars is key.”

There are plenty of bodies in the receivers’ room, including first-year performer Julian Mosley, a 6-foot-6½ athlete who transferred to SWR after football started last year. He was an integral part of the basketball team.

Kempton Reed, one of the top returners from a year ago, Asher Perkins, Asher Haggerty, Aiden Watson, Devonte Dukes and freshman Levi Dalke will all see time at that position.

“High school football starts with the OL and DL and we have the most experience since I’ve been here,” Baxter said.

Those linemen include multiple-year performers Victor Rodriguez, Kam Carter, Ben Harris and Easton Gravely.

“All four are seniors and we expect a lot,” Baxter said.

Laken Elbertson is another candidate for playing time as is Damon Mobley and there are a number of others as well. As many as eight or nine players are vying for playing time on the OL.

“We have some depth at key positions and we’re trying to figure out who will step in,” Baxter said after the team’s first scrimmage last week. “That’s a good problem to have.That’s a little unique. Right now, we’re moving pieces around.”

Logan Marsh, at 6-5 and 300 pounds, leads the defensive line with Isaiah Hogue, Mobley and Jose Flores, who returns after not playing last year. 

Whelan and Reed are all-league linebackers returning from a year ago and Devonte Jenkins will see action.

The secondary will feature Mosely, Brody Sheppard, Perkins, Dukes and Haggerty. 

“We’re excited about the numbers and excited that we return a lot of kids who played football,” Baxter said. “We have strength in numbers and depth, but we still have to find the right pieces to put everything together. We’ve had some guys experience success at the high school level and they want to get over that hump, get back to the playoffs and get the first playoff win in school history. We talk about dedication, discipline and unity. They’ve taken that to heart.”