Redskins hope to keep season ending success rolling

KNOX — With a solid core returning for the 2022 high school football season, Knox is looking forward to continuing its late season success from a year ago.

In 2021, the Redskins won four of its final five games to finish at 5-7 overall.

During that late-season run, KHS advanced to the Class 3A sectional championship game before dropping a 26-14 decision to Hanover Central.

Coach Russ Radtke, who returns for his 46th season overall and third year at Knox, welcomes eight returning offensive players.

Among those back are senior Cohen Watson, who returns for his third year under center. Also expected to help a Redskin offense that averaged a bit over 200 yards rushing and nearly 60 yards passing will be sophomore running backs Jake Conroy and Danny McGovern. Senior Alex Wakal (tight end), Branton Manuel (offensive tackle) and

Keaton Pfost (center), along with juniors Landon Howard (offensive guard), Isaiah Jones (offensive tackle) and Logan Taylor (backfield).

Another key receiving target for Watson this season could be senior Declan Austin.

The offensive line has plenty of experience with five starters back and three of the five being three-year starters - Pfost, Manuel, Howard, Jones, and James McNeal.

The Knox offense scored 228 points in 2021, averaging 19 points per game. The Redskins were 4-0 when they scored at least 20 points or more.

Radtke and his staff are still searching for a place-kicker, but sophomore Jake Conroy is expected to be called upon for punting duties.

On the defensive side of the ball, a young group will have to replace five graduated starters off last season’s ‘4-3’ defense.

PHOTO/CATHY SHORT Cohen Watson (12) looks for room to run behind the block of Logan Taylor (24) during scrimmage at Plymouth.