Head coach Jonathan “Fin” Calder feels his 2024 Monroe Central High team needs to turn it up a notch when it comes to physicality as 18 lettermen return to the Woodsfield-based program.

“We’ve welcomed back a strong group, including 13 seniors, most of whom have played at the varsity level since their freshman year,” said Calder, who saw his roster grow from 27 to 35 in his second season after reaching round 2 of the OHSAA Region 27 playoffs last fall.

“Last year we rushed the ball 70% of the time and finished with the fifth-highest total in school history,” noted Calder, as the Seminoles’ Pro-I formation and patented option belly series led to a 7-5 record.

MCHS beat South Gallia 31-21 in a playoff opener, before falling to Reedsville Eastern the next week.

“We took a big step, but we want to reach the physical level of a well-coached Eastern team. We need to prove we can beat some of the better teams on our schedule (River, Caldwell, Barnesville).” Having nine starters back on ‘D’ and eight on offense should help.

The first opportunity comes Friday in a first-ever meeting at Belpre as the ‘Noles, bumped up to D-VI Region 23, return to Monroe Memorial Park in Week 2 versus Bridgeport.

“Our senior class has a lot of good kids,” mentioned Calder, led by returning second-team all-Ohio quarterback Tucker Howell (6-1, 185), who enjoys scrambling to move the chains as well as showing off his deep ball touch to receivers.

Coach Jonathan “Fin” Calder discusses the upcoming season

“(Tucker’s) back and he’s really one of the best QBs in the valley,” Calder pointed out, “with his arm, speed, and size he’s capable of playing at the next level. Look for a big season from him.”

He needs 976 yards to break Jarett Hooper’s passing record.

The ‘Noles returnees on ‘O’ begin up front with tackle Andrew Pickenpaugh (6-0, 275) and guard Bill Kroll (5-8, 230) beginning their fourth seasons starting in the trenches.

Calder likes his receiving corps, led by senior tight end Tyler Whitacre (6-2, 185) and his leaping ability, while newcomer Chance Allen (6-3, 170), who showed he can “jump out of the gym” in basketball, is another weapon.

Other senior lettermen are safety/wideout Logan Powell (5-9, 160), fullback Clint Rader (5-10, 155), and linebacker Ethan Gillespie (5-7, 150).

Rounding out the Seminole seniors are linemen Kaleb Grimm (6-1, 370) and Shawn Heeter (5-11, 325), along with Tristin Crisp (5-10, 175) and Blake Jennewein (5-7, 170).

Evan Knowlton (5-8, 145) is a wideout candidate and the fastest kid in camp.

Parker Sefert (5-9, 265), who started the final seven games last year at center, heads a six-man junior class, while quick-footed Arville (AJ) Rutter (5-8, 170), who broke off many a long run last fall, and Lukes Stiver (5-7, 165) are set behind Howell.

Two-way lineman Talin Stein (5-10, 145) returns as does receiver Braiden Stimpert (5-6, 135). Handling the place-kicking chores is Wyatt Cohen (6-0, 145).

Eight sophomores are led by impressive tackle Ashton Lumbatis (6-3, 285), who started as a frosh and delivered like a vet. “(Ashton) has a chance to be one of the school’s best if he puts in the work,” noted Calder. “He’s big, strong, and fast!”

Four other 10th grade lettermen are receivers Cooper Howell (6-0, 155) and Max Demchak (5-7, 120), fullback/linebacker Owen Howard (5-6, 165), and tackle Malaki McQueary (5-9, 205).

Also available are spring-legged end Corbin Farnsworth (6-2, 175) and the line duo of Dalton Landefeld (5-10, 255) and Garrett Knowlton (5-11, 245).

Monroe’s 8-man freshman group has a trio of heavyweights on the line in Jared Seebach (5-10, 265), Dalton Grubb (5-9, 255) and Alex Hickey (5-10, 220).

Kase Rice (6-0, 154), Jonah Morton (5-11, 140), Bodie Dean (5-7, 140), Kaiden Lucas (5-6, 140), and Eli Dean (508m 190) round out the roster.

Central’s sparkling all-time record is 203-115 for a school community it’s size, including 14 playoff appearances and a D-V Regional championship in 2001.

Assistant coaches for the ‘Noles are Curtis Nixon (off. coord.), Marcus Schumacher (def. coord.), T.J. Stevens (lines), Dave Schuerman (defensive advisor), while OVAC coaching legend Jay Circosta is always close to the program.

Graduation stripped MC of honorable mention all-Ohioans Dalton Phillips and Carter Knowlton, along with Landen Lydick and Trenton Cooper. The ‘Noles are in the OVAC 2-A and Mid-Ohio Valley League.