The situation at hand may not be an ideal one this year for Oak Hill football, but third-year head coach David Moneypenny is excited for the 2022 campaign.
“We have a smaller group, but we have a tight group. We don’t have the numbers we have had in the past. We have six seniors, but the players have had a really good winter and spring session in the weight room. So, we are stronger and I think we have good team atmosphere with these guys.”
Graduation was not kind to the Red Devils who lost first-team all-stater Leonard Farrow, Braxton Hall and most of the interior line on both sides of the ball.
“We are very young. We will have two sophomores, two juniors and either a freshman or another junior on the offensive line,” Moneypenny said. “It is never ideal when you lose anyone off your offensive line, but the good part is we had a solid JV team last year. The guys that are moving up have a basic understanding of what we want to do.”
“It’s just going to take time,” Moneypenny went on to say. “They are stronger than last year and a good group that has a thirst and hunger for the game. We have something good to work with for sure. Could be an on-going battle for a while, but competition is good. There are more than five kids that can play for us and they all will be back next year.”
If the line can come together, the good news is, Oak Hill has a bevy of experienced skill players at its disposal.
Ethan Vargo-Thomas is a highly rated kicker, but the versatile senior is much more than just a special team threat.
“Ethan can be as good as he wants to be. He is a hard worker off the field as well as on the field. A lot of people would categorize him as a specialist or a kicker,” Moneypenny said. “He would probably say that too, but he brings a lot more to the table. I’m not sure he realizes that and just how important he is too us on scrimmage plays. He is really good and very valuable to us.”
Oak Hill will also return experience at the quarterback position with Alex Colaiseno back under center this year.
“Alex will be our guy and Ethan can play there too. We have a couple of other guys we are getting ready back there as well,” Moneypenny said. “Alex has been around here for three years and this is his chance. He deserves the opportunity and he is doing well so far.”
Omar Lewis will be one of the main threats this season for the Red Devils stepping into the gap left by Farrow. However, he will be the only player named Lewis that Moneypenny expects to make an impact this year.
“Omar is the next guy up and he can do about anything that we need,” Moneypenny said. “We can run him at halfback, fullback or at the wings. We can also put him outside at receiver. Malachi Lewis, Omar’s younger brother, it is time for him to step up.”
Braylon Thomas is another skilled receiver that Oak Hill will use on the wing.
“Trent Rider is another special player and we have Eli Gray and Armani Hicks who are very elusive. We have a decent stable of skill guys that are all about the same size,” Moneypenny said. “It will be a challenge to get the ball to all of these guys and get them out in space away from the noise inside.”
The secondary returns in tact, but the interior on the defensive side of the ball will be a concern. Colton Naylor will be a player that helps ease the concerns on the interior.
“Colton will be a big factor on the defensive line and the offesnive line. He is a guy that we can really showcase here at Oak Hill,” Moneypenny said. “He is a wrestler that has a big body, but can really move. He is a guy that we start with and can build around.”
Jeremiah Jackson is another athletic player that can play outside linebacker, defensive end and tight end on offense. Sophomore J.D. Moritz is back at inside linebacker and he can run the ball as well.
“We have great boys that are really coachable. We will be sophomore and junior dominant,” Moneypenny said. “All of our seniors are going to have to play somewhere, but this year they will be sharing time with sophomores and juniors.”
The young Red Devils will be tested mightily and early on with road games at Nicholas County and Independence before hosting Princeton for their home opener.
2022 Schedule
08/26/22 7:00PM A – NICHOLAS COUNTY
09/02/22 7:00PM A – INDEPENDENCE SENIOR
09/09/22 7:30PM H – PRINCETON SENIOR
09/16/22 7:30PM A – LINCOLN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
09/23/22 7:30PM H – RIPLEY
09/30/22 7:00PM A – CABELL MIDLAND
10/07/22 7:30PM H – GREENBRIER EAST
10/14/22 7:30PM A – BUCKHANNON-UPSHUR
10/21/22 7:30PM A – BLUEFIELD
10/28/22 7:30PM H – WOODROW WILSON