Sports
Three-Point Stance: Meigs Looks To Move Up
< < Back to three-point-stance-meigs-looks-moveEditor’s Note: Three-Point Stance is Gridiron Glory’s written preview series leading up to its 15th season on WOUB. Gridiron is visiting training camps for all 32 teams in the coverage area as they prepare for the 2013 football season. The series continues in the TVC-Ohio, where five teams look to knock Athens from the top of the standings.
Looking to the start of the 2013 high school football season one thing is certain; the transitional period has ended for the Meigs Marauders. Last year, the squad received a new coach and stadium. Although the Marauders tied for third in the conference rankings, Meigs’ regular season record fell short at 3-7. Coach Mike Bartrum hopes to use his team’s athleticism to its full potential and stay disciplined to contend in the competitive TVC-Ohio conference.
Here are three things to know about the 2013 Meigs Marauders:
1. Back to the Basics
“Personnel-wise, we’re going to try to be a multi-facet offense like we tried to be last year, but I think we tried to do a little too much last year,” Bartrum said regarding his fresh offensive mindset. After losing graduated quarterback Dillon Boyer, the Maurders strive to find a new rhythm. Coach Bartrum, a former NFL long-snapper, shows an appreciation for his players up front on the line. He praises his coaching staff for preparing the linemen for the field in the weight room. With a key blocker like sophomore Caleb Sheets and a strong tight end like Ty Phelps, the Mauraders hope to bring a dynamic amount of versatility to Farm Bank Field.
2. Speed on Defense
On the defensive end, the Meigs squad stresses one thing: energy. Bartrum hopes to use the new strength and speed developed in the weight room not only on offense, but also in his 5-2 hybrid defense. “We’ve got kids that can run and really pursue. Our defense is going to fly to the ball,” he said.
3. High Expectations
After last season’s transition, the Marauders are aiming higher than falling into the middle of the TVC-Ohio ranks when they kick off the season at Coal Grove. Bartrum credits team chemistry and leadership to no one player in particular. He is confident that the team’s hard work this off-season will translate to success on the field. “The biggest thing is to take care of the little things,” Bartrum said optimistically. “If they remember to take care of the little things, big things are gonna happen, and greatness is a bunch of little things done well.”
Meigs’ first game of the 2013 campaign is at Coal Grove Friday, Aug. 30.
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