MADISON TOWNSHIP – The Madison Rams are simply striving for improvement.
After a 1-9 record last season, the Rams are expected to have a total of 21 returning players in uniform, including 11 on offense and 10 on defense. The Rams have eight starters back on both sides of the ball after losing eight to graduation, so the experience is there and there’s plenty of potential.
OCC STRUCTURE: Bold predictions, top players and games for the 2024 Ohio Cardinal Conference football season
“Our main goals for the upcoming season are to promote teamwork, improve individual skills and compete at a high level in our league,” said second-year coach Brent Besancon. “We are looking for continuous improvement throughout the season.”
And the Rams should see that. They bring back a veteran quarterback in Cameron Kuhn, who was honorable mention All-Northwest District and second-team All-Ohio Cardinal Conference last season when he threw for 970 yards and seven touchdowns. He will be asked to do a lot on offense and will have a lot of responsibility as a senior leader.
Owen Wigton also returns after catching 23 passes for 381 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 16.5 yards per catch, and recording 73 tackles with two interceptions, which was the most on the team. Kaleb Gordon returns after recording the second-most rushing yards on the team last year with 330 and two touchdowns. On defense, he had 28 tackles and one interception.
Khris Adkins-Tolbert was the best runner last year with 661 yards and five touchdowns and will lead the running game when he returns.
“This season, our offense looks strong and dynamic,” said Besancon. “We’re focusing on a balanced attack that uses both our running and passing game. The players have shown great chemistry in training and I believe we can play to our strengths effectively.”
Eli Lewis anchors the defense after recording 55 tackles, two sacks and three tackles for loss last season. Brady O’Brien also returns after 64 tackles and a sack and Max Carroll had 50 tackles with 4.5 for loss.
The Rams are excited to have Gage Masters, Nate Weightman, Kane Nelson, Rodney Caldwell, Nathan Yarman and Cooper Balas make significant contributions to the team in 2024.
“In defence, we have worked hard to improve our strategies and communication,” said Besancon. “Our defence looks solid, several players have stepped up and are taking on more important roles. We want to strengthen our coverage and improve our tackling to minimise the opponent’s chances of scoring.”
The Rams are aiming for their first winning season since 2014, and the turnaround will start with their leaders.
“Some X-factors entering the season are players like Cam Khun, Owen Wigton, Kaleb Gordon, Nate Weightman, Gage Masters and Eli Lewis who will make significant contributions this season,” Besancon said. “Their versatility and effort will be key. Look for Camden Moysi, Cooper Balas, Jaxin Stancombe, Khris Adkins-Tolbert, Brady O’Brien and Justin McCraney. These athletes are ready to surprise and impress as they step into more significant roles.”
The Rams have won four Ohio Cardinal Conference games since 2016, defeating Mount Vernon each of the last two years and Mansfield Senior in 2020.
“The league is as competitive as ever,” said Besancon. “We are aware of the challenges ahead but are confident about our position.”
The Rams will start the 2024 season on Friday night in Shelby.
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