South>>Rebels

Just the facts

Conference: WRC

OHSAA: Division II, Region 5

Coach: Matt Duffy, 18th year (114-68) 2020: 3-5

Twitter: @southathletics

Home field: Harry E. Winters Stadium

Outlook

South has a ton of guys back, including 10 on offense (and kicker Sam Patrizi) and eight on defense. The Rebels started 0-3 last year but won three of their last five. The experience is vast, and so is the offensive skill. QB Colin Quinlan has a slew of options when it comes to ball distribution. South has a lightning (Tyrone Singleton) and a thunder (Ira Sampson) combo in the backfield. If the offensive line gives Quinlan & Co. a smidgen of time, this offense could be scary. The defense is strong and experienced, especially in the back seven or eight. The key for the defense in the blackand-blue Western Reserve Conference is stopping/slowing down the opposing running game.

There are some depth concerns, according to Coach

Matt Duffy, but this team has a huge upside with its skill and experience.

Player to watch

Ira Sampson has a number of Division I college offers, and could play on offense OR defense at the next level. He’s a hammer at linebacker for the Rebels. And even though he will split time at RB with Tyrone Singleton, he is capable of putting up video game-like numbers on offense as well.

Underclassman to watch:

There are some great options here, including game-breaking Singleton at running back. But keep an eye on junior QB Colin

Quinlan. With a year under his belt already, and with the wealth of skilled players around him, he could be primed for a record-setting type of season.

Bottom line

South can play good defense and slow down opposing running games; THEN: the Rebels can contend for the WRC title and make a deep playoff run.

— John Kampf

Sampson

Quinlan