Chillicothe football looking to build on explosive offense
By: Joshua Jacob
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CHILLICOTHE, Ohio (WOUB) – After one of the most explosive rushing attacks in the area last season, Chillicothe football is looking to take another step forward in 2026. The Cavaliers return several key contributors from a team that leaned on its ground game, giving the program high expectations heading into the new season.
Running back Carte Ligon led the Cavaliers’ offense in 2025, averaging 205 rushing yards per game, 8.3 yards per carry and finishing the season with 29 touchdowns. With Ligon and several other starters returning, head coach TJ Carper believes the team’s experience will be a major advantage.
“Carte, Carter, Kayvon, Big Rut, Andrew, there’s a lot. We have a lot of kids coming back. There’s a lot of guys that have played a lot of football here, and it makes it worthwhile because they can take their past experiences and lead the others through their experience.”
With so many returning players, the Cavaliers have set high goals for the season.
“You know, we want to go 10-0, obviously,” Carper said. “We want to win our conference championship, and we want to make a run in the playoffs.”
Carper said those goals can only be achieved by focusing on the little things.
“I think the way that we get there is just doing things the right way, doing the small things the right way first, making sure we’re communicating, making sure we’re doing things on the field and then off the field.”
That chemistry has also fueled one of the area’s best rushing attacks. Ligon credits his offensive line for making last season’s success possible.
“They mean a lot, They’re the reason why I got so many rushing yards. It starts with them first, just building conversations with them, getting closer with them. They’re just some dogs.”
While the Cavaliers have their sights set on another successful season, Carper’s biggest priority remains for the team’s continued development.
“I just want to see growth. Every year I come into it, it’s not really the wins and the losses. I want to see where you are now compared to where you were. If we can grow from last season to this season, that’s a win.”
Along with returning talent, Chillicothe has strengthened its offensive line by adding Garrett Rosenberg at tackle.
The Cavaliers will open their season at home against Circleville in a highly anticipated matchup.