The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Wildcats looking to build on last season
The Keystone Wildcats are looking to improve upon the 2018 season, when they finished 5-5 overall and 4-1 record in conference. Head coach Don Griswold is in his second season.
The team also has two important players coming back in quarterback Jacob Shackelford, and running back Dylan Naylor.
In 2018, Shackelford completed 86 of 162 pass attempts for 1,034 yards.
Naylor had 147 attempts and rushed for 1,012 yards for 6.9 yards per carry. He had 17 touchdowns on the season.
Last season, the Wildcats had 36 rushing touchdowns and five TDs through the air. Led by Naylor, the team is expected to have a strong running game behind a seasoned offensive line.
“We have strong, physical running backs,” Griswold said after Keystone’s first scrimmage Aug. 10. “We have a strong veteran line, and that came together this morning. I’m proud of that.”
Naylor is passionate about his role on the team when discussing his goals.
“To be the best leader I can for these guys,” Naylor said. “I love every single one of them. I love grinding with them every day. And I just want to lead them.”
Shackelford added: “Our expectations and goals? Just get better every day, come and practice hard as we can and go out and win a game every week,” Shackelford said.
“I just love going out there every day and getting better with all my guys and helping them out and getting better and just going out and play football.” — Keystone’s Jacob Shackelford
On the other side of the ball, Keystone’s run defense is expected to be a bright spot.
“Our run defense is good,” Keystone head coach Don Griswold said. “Our run offense was good. So that’s where you want to start in football. It’s Ohio. It’s going to rain. We’re going to have slick tracks
coming the middle of the season. So you got to run the football, and you got to stop the run, absolutely.”
With the season approaching, both Naylor and Shackelford discussed what keeps them motivated.
“Oh, it’s definitely the other guys,” Naylor said. “They motivate me when I’m feeling down. Some days they get me up. Front five just does a great job and just the other guys just
really motivate me.
Shackelford added: “What motivates me throughout the football season? I just love going out there every day and getting better with all my guys and helping them out and getting better and just going out and play football. It’s doing something I love.”
The first game for the Wildcats is Aug. 30, when they travel to Bay. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.