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By BUBBA KAPRAL
CAMBRIDGE -- It was a season to remember for Cambridge.
The Bobcats punched their ticket into the 2016 OHSAA playoffs for the initial time during the Kevin Gunn Era. The Bobcats did so by posting a 7-3 record against a punishing schedule.
Many players from that special season have graduated. The schedule, meanwhile, appears even tougher with the addition of Wheeling Park and Carrollton.
"We had great team unity last year. The players rallied around each other. They didn't want to let anyone down," Gunn said. "The team bonding we had last year was unprecedented. Beating Creek in the opener was a great confidence booster for us.
"Making the playoffs last year has made a big difference for us this year. You can see it in the weight room and in practice every day. This group got a taste of the postseason and all the excitement that goes with it. They want to go back."
A return trip to the OHSAA playoffs will be no easy task.
The Bobcats must navigate through a back-breaking schedule. In addition to Wheeling Park and Carrollton, Gunn's gang also faces Dover, New Philadelphia and Coshocton (all ECOL heavyweights) along with Zanesville, Marietta, rival Meadowbrook while again opening against Indian Creek.
"We have no breathers on our schedule. But we had none last year," Gunn said. "Our kids relish the challenge. They know they must be ready week-in and week-out."
Junior letterman Cooper Kerns (5-foot-9, 160 pounds) moves into the starting quarterback role. Gunn likes what Kerns brings to the table.
"Cooper really wants to win. He is tenacious. He is capable as a passer and runner," Gunn said.
Senior letterman Connor Leppla (6-3, 190) and sophomore Cody Moore (6-0, 165) supply depth.
A pair of lettermen are ticketed for starting duty at running back. Senior Jordan Yerian (6-0, 205) supplies the power while junior Logan Tuttle (5-7, 145) provides big-play capability.
Senior Connor Alshire (6-3, 180) will also get a steady diet of backfield action.
Cambridge has a solid tandem at tight end. Jad Mahayri (6-0, 200) is a junior letterman while senior Preston Daniels (6-0, 225) brings great size to the position.
Wide receiver is a bright spot. Leppla will start at one outside spot and will be joined by senior letterman Alex Valentine (6-0, 170). The glue-fingered tandem will be supported by senior lettermen Ben Stillions (6-0, 160) and Bryce Antill (5-9, 160), junior letterwinner Trent Valentine (5-10, 160) and senior Aaron Johnston (5-7, 135).
The offensive line has a seasoned look to it, featuring a couple of elite blockers. Koby Berger (6-0, 210) and Thomas Arnold (6-1, 190) are returning senior starters, and quality ones.
Senior letterman Garrett Dostall (6-2, 260) will start at guard. A trio of performers will be vying for the other two slots. They are sophomore Mason Ogle (5-9, 225), junior letterman Tyler Kline (6-0, 260) and junior Hunter Sovka (5-10, 200).
Junior Evan Hannon (6-0, 200) will handle the place-kicking duties.
Gunn will utilize a 4-2-5 look on defense.
Leppla and Arnold will be the starters at end, possessing the ability to get good outside pressure with the toughness to stop the run. Yerian and Dostall will be the anchors at tackle.
Berger is a playmaker at one linebacker while rising sophomore Anthony Porter (5-9, 170) is ticketed to be the other starter.
Antill and Tuttle will start at cornerback. They will be joined in the secondary by Alex Valentine, Trent Valentine and Stillions.
Gunn, who was named the Eastern District coach of the year last fall, is assisted by former Shadyside standout Tim Wilson, Riley Hayhurst, J.R. Fox, Kyle Cox, Phil Doan, Tank Moore, Mark Abel, Jake Tharp, Josh Lowery and Kyle Winland. Wilson has previous head coaching experience to his credit, piloting the Shenandoah Zeps for several seasons.