GROVE RIDGERUNNERS
Coach: RON CULWELL
QUICK HITS:
Head coach Ron Culwell won his 50th game at Grove on October 13th against Nathan Hale. Culwell needs 8 wins to pass Dennis Millican on the school’s alltime wins list. The Ridgerunners host Miami on October 17th. Grove will be going for its 19th win in the last 20 meetings against the WarDogs.
DEFENSE
Defensive coordinator John Henry Ward expects his defense to play fast, aggressive, and physical. Coach Culwell said the defensive unit should be a disciplined and sound group. “Coach Ward, our DC, does an outstanding job with adjustments. He can stay sound but send people in the right places. He does his homework. I feel like we will have a solid year on defense,” said Culwell. Laird Thompson (6-2, 215) is athletic enough to play linebacker or one of the end positions. Hargis could see time on the defensive line with Hollenbeck playing linebacker. Aiden Davis (5-10, 160) and David Cox (6-0, 160) are likely starters in the secondary. Also look for Briggs Fink (So.) at DB and possibly WR. Duke Duckworth (6-3, 220) could play a significant role at defensive end and tight end this season. Coach Culwell said Duckworth has amazing speed and quickness for his age and size. The coaching staff includes Dustin Crowder (DB), Travis Rhatigan (OLB/WR), Cameron Smith (DB/WR), Ken Kimmel (DL), Justin Teel (TE), Matt Barnhart (OL), and Benny Steffenson (RB).
