West Holmes football optimistic despite tough start
A solid rushing attack has been a strength for West Holmes this season.
Although the West Holmes football team didn’t start the season as hoped, all its goals remain within reach.
The Knights, led by new coach Keaton Leppla, lost their season opener at Triway but bounced back with a win over Orrville before a lopsided loss to Dover in their home opener.
Despite the challenging start, everything is still in front of WH heading into its first Ohio Cardinal Conference game against Mansfield Senior on Sept. 13. If the Knights start stacking wins, they could still contend for another conference title and prime playoff positioning.
“Our No. 1 goal at the beginning of the year was to win a conference championship,” Leppla said. “That starts this week (against Mansfield). We’re 0-0 in the OCC. We’re moving forward. We have some kids that are really working hard. They’re starting to buy into what we’re preaching. They’re also a team that’s pretty resilient. We’ve had two tough losses, but these kids keep coming back and wanting more. It’s just a matter of time before we click in all three phases of the game.”
Seeking a complete game
So far consistency has been elusive for the Knights. The defense played well in the opener, but the offense struggled. Against Orrville, the offense started to click while the defense had some issues. Both sides were off against Dover.
Leppla said the key to a complete game is for his players to have a consistent attitude and effort while doing their jobs on every play.
“Those three things are the reasons why we haven’t had that click game, so to speak, where everything comes together and we’re rolling,” he said. “I feel good (about my team). I love these kids. I think we’re getting that buy-in, and I think really soon we’re going to find that click in all three phases and get this thing going in the right direction.”
Aggressive defense
Leppla appreciates his defensive unit’s aggressiveness and bend-but-don’t-break attitude. He admitted those things were lacking in the loss to Dover but noted their presence in the team’s first two games.
“I think when our kids are aggressive, not thinking, playing fast and downhill running to the ball, that’s where good things happen for us,” he said.
Leppla said the defense needs to improve on getting to the quarterback more often when blitzing and avoid overthinking assignments.
Running the ball has (mostly) worked
West Holmes’ rushing attack has been effective for the most part. Quarterback Morgan Smith’s willingness to run the ball and gain tough yards has been crucial. Running back Brody Bowman, who had three rushing touchdowns against Orrville, has complemented Smith well.
The passing game is slowly progressing after struggling in the season opener against Triway. More effective use of screens and better protection from the offensive line have helped. The downfield passing game is still evolving and will enhance the offense once it develops.
Turning drives into points remains a key area for growth.
“We drive the ball, but we’re just having a tough time finishing drives,” Leppla said. “Finishing drives, converting third downs, converting fourth downs to keep drives alive and then getting points from those drives (are things we need to improve at). I think we need to get better at not leaving drives empty-handed.”
Reasons for optimism
An adjustment period is typical when a new coach takes over a program, bringing new expectations, schemes and philosophies.
West Holmes experienced this transition in the offseason and is still sorting through it. The team has significant talent. Once things click, the potential is evident.
“There’s reason for optimism because we haven’t put that full game together,” Leppla said. “There’s tons of room for improvement, so what creates the optimism is we haven’t seen our kids put together a full game. I think there’s just tons of optimism to have from us because it’s not like we’ve played our best game and still lost. We haven’t played our best game yet. We haven’t played a complete game yet.
“That’s what we’re going to push for.”