File Photo Sophomore running back Klypson Wallace will lead the Monarchs’ running game in their season-opener against University Friday.

MOUNDSVILLE — Mark Cisar may be beginning his first season as head coach at John Marshall, however, he is a veteran mentor, a former five-star athlete and comes from a powerful sports bloodline, so there is no question that he is well aware of how important it is to get off to a good start to a season.

Friday night Cisar will send his team on to the turf at Monarch Stadium for a season-opening contest against a University team that is not only coming off an 11-1 season, but has won nine consecutive games against John Marshall since 2007.

“Winning that first game of the season is so big in high school football,” Cisar admitted. “For us it is all about staying in the game and being there in the end. A victory would be a huge momentum boost going into the campaign.

“The kids have been preparing very well and the biggest thing is that they not only believe in each other, but they have confidence in me and trust in our staff. I was around as an assistant last year, so they know that I am aware of what they can do and I think that is playing a big role in things as well.”

While there may be plenty of holes to fill for the Monarchs there are also plenty of playmakers in the mix.

Senior quarterback Jacob Coffield returns and will have a receiving corps led by senior twins Brennan and Braden Sobutka along with classmate Ashton Collett, junior Demario White and sophomore Wesley Hughes. Sophomore running back Klypson Wallace returns after rushing for over 1,000 yards as a freshmen and will have help from senior JD Wells, Luke Burton and Mickey Goddard.

John Marshall lost 13 seniors from last year’s 6-4 record club.

“I really don’t know enough about them at this point,” 36-year University Coach John Kelley admitted. “But from their scrimmage I can tell you they are a little different from the past and they really look improved. They have some quality athletes and speed on both the offensive and defensive lines.”

The Hawks advanced to the second-round of the playoffs last season before suffering their only loss of the campaign, a 46-21 setback to Cabell Midland. University did manage to capture an Ohio Valley Athletic Conference Class 5A title.

While Kelley’s crew returns just five players on each side of the football the Hawks still have at least three Division I recruits including senior wide receiver Noah Braham, who has already signed to play at his dad Rich’s alma-mater at West Virginia University. Rich Braham also played for the Cincinnati Bengals in the National Football League. Slot receiver Jaeden Hammack had 33 grabs last season and has also received DI offers.

“We have had two very good scrimmages with a lot of improvement from the first one to the second,” Kelley said. “I am very pleased about that. But we still have a few positions to finalize heading into Friday night and a few that will be by committee.

“But I cannot say enough about how pleased I am with our offensive and defensive lines and our receivers and quarterback.”

Luke Hudson, who tossed nine touchdown passes a season ago, will be at quarterback after University lost highly-touted Chase Edwards to injury for the season. Edwards threw from 2,151 yards and 28 scores a season ago.

There are four running backs who could each see significant carries in Avery Dalton, Sebastian Dalton, Melique Lewis and freshman Donovan Demidovich.

“They are very athletic at the skill positions,” Cisar commented. “They have excellent receivers and a quarterback who can throw the ball well. Their line is big and their backs get through the holes with great speed. We know we are going to have our hands full both in coverage and getting open on offense.”

University defeated John Marshall 55-0 a season ago and have won by at least 28 points in five of their last nine victories against the Monarchs. John Marshall’s last win in th series was a 27-21 triumph in 2006.

“Our seniors have shown great leadership, but as a coach you worry about having a target on your back after a season like last year,” Kelley added. “You can’t live off of what happened in the past and we know we are heading into a tough environment Friday night. It’s a new year and you can’t base anything on what happened in 2021.”