West Football 09

[THE G.O.A.T.]

First I would like to congradulate this Years team on a great season. They have got West football back on track. Now, I think West will be really tough the next couple of years and I can see a trip back to Canton in the near future. What's your thoughts.

[moty]

Alot of young talent coming up and some key players returning, I think they will be pretty good for a few years to come. Hopefully we will see the dedication to the weightroom that we had last year. To the young men returning, use the lose the other night as fuel, get in there and work hard. The weightroom made all the difference this year and it will next year if you want it bad enough. Looking forward to 09.

[Westfan]

If West can get consistant QB play next year, we will be as good or better than this year. Ratliff has all the tools to be a great one, but he will only be a soph. If he puts on weight, I think he and Journey will battle for the job.

In the backfield, Dale will be missed, but Pendelton (best player in the SOC) and Murphy are back. The other back will be either Compton, J. Bricker, or Auger. Any combo of those 5 is the best in the league.

Up front we will be younger, but bigger and more athletic. The group of freshmen lineman from this year is maybe the best group I've seen at West.

Defense with Compton and Pendelton back at the LB's will be tough again.

As a whole, I think West will play Burg week 10 again for the league title and Playoff seeding. The year after though will be the year. 2010 West will contend for a State Title.

[bushmaster24]

thought they were supposed to contend this year?

[Westfan]

thought they were supposed to contend this year?

If injuries and such hadn't set in and/or we would have gotten a fair shake from the zebras West would still be playing. But that's over. Your a Minford fan right? Surely your not going to spend this offseason doubting this team again are you?

[moty]

I think Auger will fill in nicely in the backfield, Kinda gives a look we didnt have this year. He's very fast and a shifty runner, that combined with The power of Pendleton and the slashing style of Murphy the backfield will be good. The young line will just need to get some playing time under their belts but i do agree that they will be very good. At QB i heard that Locher was going to play next year so we might have a three way race for the position, Missing this year will hurt him though. All in all i think it will come down to us and the Burg again, They return almost everyone and Lang will be back.

[sider]

If West gets in weightroom they should be strong again. My guess is that Tanner Journey will be Quarterback next year. Even though hes short, he would be perfect to run Wing-T series, something he did quite a bit in Jv and Mop-up varsity time. He would also fit in good with the zone read option. The T formation next year will be very good with Murphy and Pendleton (Probably will be Fullback), and Thompson or Bricker at the Left Halfback. The question lies in the line. Its kind of a bridge year, theres a small senior class that has some guys with a little varsity experience, and a very large talented Freshman line (sophomore next year) waiting in the wings. I think this will give motivation to the seniors and I think McGraw, Wilfong along with Juniors Moore, Coleman, Sparks, and Caudill will all step up, and work hard, but don't be suprised if Conway Cooper or Newman is starting. The question marks on Defense will be on Defense. They return what will be the best linebacking tandem in Southern Ohio and a great Defense end in Murphy. Journey and Thompson will probably be the corners, and Bricker will be one safety with Auger challenging for time. The D-Line will be who ever wants the jobs more. Next year will be interesting, Burg and Minford should be stronger this year, but with the same commitment this year as last West could win the Soc

[Westfan]

I forgot Locher moved back. He is a very talented guy who needs to show he's committed to the program in the offseason. If so, he'll challenge for alot of time.

At RB I forgot Thompson. He's a good player, just kind've got lost in the shuffle of all those seniors this year. There is also the younger Bricker. Alfie's younger brother. He'll play alot of D I think.

A couple guys who know the game and their opinions I trust believe we wil be as good or better next year. I think they're right. Young in experience, but the talent is very good.

[osu 77]

After the Bishop game I heard Coach Wheeler say to the players returning next year you must dedicate yourself to the weight room this year. The senior class has raised the bar and to meet these expectations you must live in the weight room.


GO WEST

[sider]

Adam Bricker, who is Alfie's younger brother will either start or play a considerable amount. He is very tough and often challenged to hit against seniors in practice, and in games he showed no fear running the ball at fullback. Clearly he needs to bulk up some, but I believe he will. He could play anywhere possibly defensive end or safety, maybe even Defensive tackle or nose guard. There are plenty of underclassman like him with decidation could start.

[It's A SIDER Thang]

Yes, Kyle Locher is back and ready for action! I think everyone underestimates this kid...its ridiculous really. He has a very good head on his shoulders and wants to win at everything he does. He is a team player and a leader. He transferred out of west for personal reasons, he needed to get his head together and realize where it is he actually belonged..and obviously is was not wheelersburg. He is still the same person, but has grown up alot and atleast he had the courage to come back to west. He is ready to be a team player with all his "brothers" as he would say. Whom he as grown up with and has great respect for. Yes, he is playing basketball and will playing football and baseball next year. I think we are going to see alot of great thing out of this kid. It's a shame the community has let what they dont understand get to them and they have nothing better to do but talk about him. And i commend him on not letting it get to him. It just makes him stronger..so keep talkin! Like his teammates he is also a GREAT ATHLETE. I have never heard his family talk about anyone elses kids...although you may have heard different. They praise and support all the kids. Thats called respect. Some may say he is out of shape...NOT TRUE, Some may say he is a year behind..ABSOLUTLY NOT...he has been a quarterback since 2nd grade, and he is good at what he does! He is more then ready and determined to get his position back... Kyle Locher is back and STRONGER THAN EVER! Good Luck West in the future..even the ones who have underestimated Kyle Locher and Good Luck to the ones who have supported him.

[madpolecat]

I am sure that the 2009 edition of the Portsmouth West football team will be strong.

[Westfan]

Yes, Kyle Locher is back and ready for action! I think everyone underestimates this kid...its ridiculous really. He has a very good head on his shoulders and wants to win at everything he does. He is a team player and a leader. He transferred out of west for personal reasons, he needed to get his head together and realize where it is he actually belonged..and obviously is was not wheelersburg. He is still the same person, but has grown up alot and atleast he had the courage to come back to west. He is ready to be a team player with all his "brothers" as he would say. Whom he as grown up with and has great respect for. Yes, he is playing basketball and will playing football and baseball next year. I think we are going to see alot of great thing out of this kid. It's a shame the community has let what they dont understand get to them and they have nothing better to do but talk about him. And i commend him on not letting it get to him. It just makes him stronger..so keep talkin! Like his teammates he is also a GREAT ATHLETE. I have never heard his family talk about anyone elses kids...although you may have heard different. They praise and support all the kids. Thats called respect. Some may say he is out of shape...NOT TRUE, Some may say he is a year behind..ABSOLUTLY NOT...he has been a quarterback since 2nd grade, and he is good at what he does! He is more then ready and determined to get his position back... Kyle Locher is back and STRONGER THAN EVER! Good Luck West in the future..even the ones who have underestimated Kyle Locher and Good Luck to the ones who have supported him.

I'm not sure what you mean, but I've not seen people talk about him on here. I certainly didn't mean anything by saying he needs to show he's committed. That's the same with all the kids. He is a very very athletic kid. I don't know why he left and I don't care, that's up to him and his parents. What I do know is coach is demanding and you get what you earn. Had he stayed, he would have probably been starting on the JV team this year. Now to get his place back he needs to work his tail off and I hope he does.

[sider]

Yeah, I don't think anyone is doubting the kid its just that its a proven fact that sophomore is usually the year that makes or breaks you, and its not even so much that as that he has Tanner Journey who is a smart player and fiery leader and Levi Ratliff who is very similar to Alfie. If not at quarterback (which he is capable of) he could play almost any skill position and safety as well corner on defense. I'll be honest I forgot about him when I was projecting the line-up, but I'm sure he will be good next year...

[It's A SIDER Thang]

Like Kyle most of the player's can be utilized wherever and whenever needed there is a lot of talent there and I know coach T will bring it out in them. Kyle is dedicated and gives it 100% in everything he does, he loves to win and he respects and appreciates his teamates, this group has alway's worked well together and I know they will continue to do so. I can't sit here and say who is the better player because it takes a whole team to win. Kyle will be ready for next year, I know we will see great thing's out of all of them next year. As for position's I think we will have to wait until next year and see.

[moty]

i dont think anyone on here was talking bad about him. As far as being ready, the point that i was making is that missing a year hurts because he doesnt know the offense and to get the timing down. I dont think anyone who knows him would argue with you on him being a great athelete because he is. West will be good next year how far they go will depend on their commitment to the weightroom.

[It's A SIDER Thang]

Kyle and some of the other's I am sure will be in the weightroom whenever they can, alot of them also play basketball and baseball, so that should help with some of the conditioning part of it, I know that he and a few other's are going to work with a trainer at the life center (PEC) whenever possible also. I think they will be ready to work hard and be in very good shape for the upcoming season, to try and go as far if not farther than this year's team. Lot's of luck in all they do, GO WEST.

[osu 77]

Football at West looks to be on the up swing.

I just heard that Coach-T and some West players were named all league and all district. Coach-T was named all league and all district Coach of the year. I hope West administration recognizes all Coach-T's hard work.

Great Job!!!!!

[sider]

Weightlifting starts Dec 6...This is when the season starts
Go West!

[osu 77]

Weightlifting starts Dec 6...This is when the season starts
Go West!

I am sure Coach-T will be heading up the weight program he knows his stuff about conditioning.

If I was West player and if I could not lift weights I would start running the steps. It all starts in the Winter and if you work hard you could be playing late into November.

West Players and Fans you have something special going on down at West. Get behind the program and take it to a new level these kids need you support daily.