Sports
Crooksville Ceramics Preview
By: Pat Chiesa
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Coach Dave Rupe and the Crooksville Ceramics have been through plenty of heartbreak in years past. The Ceramics started the 2010 campaign on a tear, winning their first five games before losing on a last-second Hail Mary pass conversion by John Glenn that sent Crooksville on a downward spiral. But instead of dwelling on their close losses, coach Rupe said this year’s group of Ceramics is more motivated than ever. “This is probably one of the best groups when it comes to no nonsense and paying attention,” said Rupe, who also serves as Crooksville’s athletic director. “We expect to bring it every Friday night. We got a lot of believers.” Despite losing four seniors who garnered all-region honors, the Ceramics still bring back a group that coach Rupe calls “very mature.”
Seniors Carder Peyton and Davante Burke and juniors Lake Channel and Dakota Jones figure to be solid contributors on both sides of the ball. The Ceramics are also welcoming in transfer Colten Gill, who started for Miller for three seasons. Gill recently participated in the Blue-Gray Combine in Canton and is reportedly garnering college interest. He played quarterback and strong safety for the Falcons last season. Still, coach Rupe understands that Crooksville will take the underdog role yet again this season against traditional big dogs Sheridan and Tri-Valley. As luck would have it, the Ceramics will take on both of those teams back-to-back on the road in weeks four and five, but Rupe said his team will cross that bridge when they arrive at it. “We always take one game at a time,” said Rupe. “Somehow this community and team always pull together… Here in Crooksville winning is a culmination of six to seven months of hard work.” Rupe said the football team’s performance under the lights on Friday nights is a direct reflection of the community.
“We’ve got a lot of people (on the team) who want to fight for everything they have,” said Rupe. It sounds like the Village of Crooksville will have plenty to cheer about this season.
Key losses
Nathan Brooks (RB/LB), Adam Dickerson (QB/DB), Derek Fulk (OL/LB), Thomas Slayton (OL/DL)
Key returnees
Lake Channel (QB/DB), Dakota Jones (WR/DB), Carder Peyton (TE/DE), Davante Burke (RB/LB)
New addition
Colten Gill (transfer from Miller)