WOODLAWN - Coach Zach Meyer and the Woodlawn coaching staff are having to go back to basics this year as they work to bring several new starters up to speed after having the luxury of coaching a veteran team last season.
The Bears lost several twoand three-year starters off a team that finished 9-2 last year and advanced to the Class 2A state semifinals in eight-man football.
"We're just having to really slow it down," Meyer said about the approach he and the staff are taking as preseason practice officially began Monday.
That learning curve was evident during Tuesday's practice as defensive coordinator Alan Neill had to go over some defensive signals two or three times before everyone picked it up and properly executed the play.
"There's a really big learning curve there," Meyer said about this year's team. "We were spoiled last year having just about everyone back." Woodlawn was especially hit hard at the skill positions on offense and among the defensive backfield/linebackers on defense. The Martin twins, quarterback Jaxon and fullback/defensive back Caleb, graduated as did linebackers Landen Booth, Payton Leveritt, Jais King and Fisher Hale, who was also a key running back for the Bears.
Defensive end Jaxson Raney and offensive/defensive lineman Manny Wagner also graduated.
About the only experience that Meyer has coming back in the defensive backfield is Aidan Moore and Ethan Adair along with linebacker Ethan Oliver.
But the cupboard is far from bare for Woodlawn.
Meyer and staff welcomed back some players who have not played since junior high but are expected to make major contributions.
Two of those are Brayden Jones and Garrett Weatherford. Meyer said both will be filling some key positions on both sides of the ball.
Moore served as the back-up quarterback last year and was the primary quarterback going into the off season. However, both Jones and Weatherfo...
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