Jeff Yoder | Echo
The Taylor football team is used to playing their annual Wagon Wheel game with Anderson at the end of the first week of classes, but this year's schedule puts the season opener a week later than usual.
With an extra week of preseason preparation, the Taylor football team was able to spread out their practices more. They held only one week of two-a-days compared to the usual two weeks.
"Guys have worked hard during the summer and it has carried over into these two-a-day practices," said head coach Ron Korfmacher.
The starting lineup in 2013 might not differ much from last year's first string, with the exception of the offensive backfield and a few other positions. On offense, the Trojans graduated quarterback Nick Freeman, running back Taylor Johnson and lead receiver Darvon Blackmon.
One important loss at defense was the departure of linebacker Bryan Onuselogu, who was second in tackles with 72. Other key losses in the defensive backfield included Brett Currens and Adam Middlesworth. Middlesworth was the team's third leading tackler with 54, while Currens recorded 37.
Key returnees for the Trojans include junior leading rusher Jake Fidler, senior wideout Chris Stutzman and senior linebacker Isaac McGaughey. Fidler led Taylor with 504 rushing yards in 2012 and an average of 4.1 yards per carry. Stutzman hauled in 31 passes for 362 yards last season. McGaughey was a defensive specialist leading the team in tackles (91), sacks (4.5) and interceptions (4).
The Trojans also return dominant senior pass rusher Cody Schwerin who only had 18 tackles in 2012 but led the Trojans with 5.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss.
The Trojans will have to wait an extra week until this season opener with Anderson on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. at home.
