Red Devils practiced this week through grueling temperatures
The 36-player team "looking to better itself"
The Calhoun Red Devils will hit the playing field at Mt. Zion this morning at 11 a.m. for a scrimmage with Richwood.
A second scrimmage is next Friday night at 7 p.m. (Aug. 17) with Paden City and the first official game with Gilmer County is on August 24, both at home.
 The 36-player team has been through some grueling, hot practices with temperatures striking near 100 degrees. Fourth year coach Bryan Sterns (pictured left) has returned to lead the team.
After a 6-4 campaign last year, a confident Calhoun squad is looking to better itself with a goal of playing past the 1st week in November.
Led by 3rd year starting quarterback Matt Houchin, the backfield is comprised of Caleb Hart and Jeff Goodrich, backed by Randy Fluharty and Jeremy (Spanky) Conley and at Z is Roman Rader.
Tight end duties will be led by senior Chance Hardway, backed by Aaron Yoak. Wide outs will be Josh Deweese and
Nick Whystell.
The line is anchored by senior Zack Yeager, Cody Cunningham and Tim Sutro at center. Christian Cottrell, Danny Slider, Ray Phillips, Jacob Haught and Drew Williams will be making contributions out front.
But nothing is for sure. Sterns said he learned as an assistant coach under former Head Coach Buck Stewart when you have only 14 to 16 seasoned players, a coaching staff has to prepare for anything.
"Moving players to various positions becomes necessary to keep the strength in the right places," Sterns said.
He feels that this year's senior class leadership will be the key when it comes to a Little Kanawha Conference that is becoming much more competitive.
"This team could be as good as the playoff team of two years ago, but could have more of a struggle making the playoffs," said Sterns.
Nick Whystell who was 22 for 26 on extra points last year will assume the place kicking duties with Jeff Goodrich handling the punting.
Defense is going to be very important for the Red Devils due to the fact that teams like Wirt, Ritchie, Williamstown, Roane and
St. Marys will be strong on offense.
The defensive backfield is made up of Matt Houchin and Jeff Goodrich, backed by Fluharty and Rader with Josh Deweese at safety.
Goodrich, Rader and Fluharty will be at corners depending on the formation.
The linebacker corps consists of veterans Zack Yeager, Calab Hart and Jeremy Conley, backed by Cody Cunningham.
At defensive ends will be Chance Hardway, Jacob Haught, Cody Cunningham and Aaron Yoak.
The defensive line will consist of Danny Slider, Christian Cottrell,
Drew Williams and Ray Phillips.
Helping Coach Sterns this year as assistants will be Doyle Hupp, Mike Stump, Jeff Houchin and Adam O'Harrow, with assistance from Jason Cunningham.
Sterns feels confident in the team's strength, a passing game and his group of seniors. If there are any weaknesses it may be lack of depth at key positions.
"It's too late to start soccer so we are going to going to go ahead and play football" Sterns said, tongue in cheek.
The Red Devils will be donning a new look this season with new uniforms, thanks to a successful fund drive led by alumni and the current high school athletic boosters.
COACHING STAFF (L to R) Adam O'Harrow, Bryan Sterns,
Doyle Hupp, Jason Cunningham, Jeff Houchin and Mike Stump
SCHEDULE
Aug. 11 Richwood (Scrimmage) Home - 11:00 a.m.
Aug. 17 Paden City (Scrimmage) Home- 7:00 pm
Aug. 24 Gilmer Co. Home
Aug. 31 Ritchie Co. Home
Sept. 7 Doddridge Co. Away
Sept. 14 Parkersburg Catholic Home
Sept. 21 Williamstown Away
Sept. 28 South Harrison Away
Oct. 5 Open
Oct. 11 Roane Co. Away
Oct. 19 Wirt Co. (homecoming) Home
Oct. 26 Braxton Co. Away
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