Prep Football Preview: Young Grizzlies hope to roar back to the postseason

Postseason football is nothing new for Nicholas County under veteran coach Gene Morris.

Over the last seven seasons, the Grizzlies have made the state high school playoffs six times.

Once again that will be the goal in Summersville, but fair to say, it will be a daunting task this time around.

After graduating a large senior class, Nicholas County only returns eight varsity lettermen for the 2023 season.

“The pendulum swings back and forth. When you graduate a big group of seniors, usually that is what happens,” Morris said. “This group got some playing time last year, but they don’t have a lot of experience. Fortunately they have some. We just have to build on what we do have. Right now we are still trying to find out what we do best.”

Normally a standard of strength for the Grizzlies, the offensive line took a big jolt from graduation.

“We have one returning starter at left tackle, J.T. Williams. The other ones, Bryson Walton, Brady Smith, Jackson Triplett, they do have some ability,” Morris said. “They have played and their technique and and athleticism are fine. Right now it is more about how much chemistry and communication develops. They really have to make sure they communicate with each other. The other coaching staff gets paid too, so they are going to dream up stuff to make it tough on us.”

The quarterback position will be handled by senior Jaxson Morriston and sophomore Colten Hellems.

“Both of them bring a good skillset as far as throwing and running the football. I look for both of them to get some snaps, especially early. Competition makes things better and they push each other. They know they have to play well,” Morris said. “Both of them have things they can do offensively even if they are not under center, so they will be both on the field.”

One of the biggest losses for the Grizzlies for running back Kaleb Clark who was a workhorse in the backfield.

“Coltin Browning, Devin Nash and Ian Nutter are all going to get an ample opportunity to show what they can do. Coltin was primarily Kaleb’s back-up, but we think they will be fine.”

When the Grizzlies go to the air they will look a solid crop of receivers which has been a trademark over the years in Summersville.

“Trey Hatfield is kind of new to us along with Spencer Keiper. Then we have Braden Johnson. The go to guy will likely be Grayson Kesterson. He has started for us for three years and he will be the anchor,” Morris said. “Gage Hayhurst and Colton Burkhammer are two good receivers and blockers at tight end. Our wing position we have Lucas Milam and Mason Gross. They do real good job catching the ball off the edge. We are just inexperienced, but athletically we should be alright.”

Nicholas County may need to hang its hat on defense while the offense is finding itself early in the season. The good news for the Grizzlies will be, they do have some experience on defense.

Nash will play middle linebacker, while Morriston and Mason Grose will handle the outside linebacker positions. Kesterson, Milam and Browning will handle the secondary, while Hayhurst will man the interior line.

“We have a pretty good nucleus with those guys coming back with experience on the varsity level,” Morris said. “Grayson has been here for three years, so he is kind of the captain back there making sure we get the right coverage calls. Nash is up front making sure we get our alignments right.”

The Grizzlies also have a solid kicker in Johan Villasenor that gives them a little edge with special teams.

“We want to be solid in that respect,” Morris said. “W want to make sure teams have a long field to drive and he gives us a chance to get points if we get stalled inside the 30-yard line. Having a kicker like that is huge. We like what he is doing punting and kicking the football.”

The schedule is by no means easy for the Grizzlies who open on the road the first two weeks and have several playoff teams to battle throughout the season.

“It is one of those years where you will have to bring your A-game every Friday night,” Morris said. “This is not a team that can have a few mistakes, have turnovers and penalties and over come things of that nature.”