L-B hopes tough schedule helps fuel a playoff run

Numbers have always been a focal point for Liberty-Benton, the biggest school in the Blanchard Valley Conference. But there's one number L-B football coach Scott Garlock might like to see change. "There's always been that disappointment, win the first game (of the playoffs), then lose the second," Garlock said of the Eagles, who had posted three straight eight-win seasons but have not advanced past the second round of the playoffs since reaching the Division VI state semifinals in 2017. Garlock, who owns a 75-20 career record in two stints as L-B head coach, is revamping the offense a bit this season, a foreseeable move considering the Eagles graduated the top passing attack in the league. But he's also upgraded the schedule, especially the first half of the season that has L-B opening against perennial power Elyria Catholic and facing two 12-win playoffs teams – Columbus Grove and Elmwood – in the first five weeks. "We have to be ready to go from the get-go because we are going to be tested early," Garlock said. "We designed it like that, though. We want to be battle tested, find out if we're any good. We want to see if we can make it through those games and see if we deserve to be in the playoffs. "Maybe being battle tested and having a tougher schedule will help us get past that (eight wins) and maybe make a little run (in the playoffs)." Garlock will not only have to reload but rebuild as well after some hefty graduation losses, including the league-leading quarterback/receiver combination of twins Kam and Lincoln Garlock. An honorable mention all-Ohio pick, Kam Garlock completed 170 of 236 passes in leading the BVC in passing yards (2,411), TDs (26), passing efficiency (72 percent) and QB rating (122.0). His brother Lincoln led the league with 57 catches for 839 yards and 8 TDs. Another of Kam Garlock's favorite targets – and an outstanding kicker – also graduated in Cason Doolittle (28 recps., 366 yards, 3 TDs). Considering graduation losses and current personnel, Garlock sees a likely change in the Eagles' offense. "Last year we were loaded with receivers. This year we're loaded with running backs so we might have to adjust," he said. "We're not going to be as experienced throwing the ball. It's going to take some time for that to happen. "Hopefully we can run the ball a little better. We'll be bouncing back and forth, see what we do in scrimmages and adjust to what we're good at. "Every year you go through that, trying to find your identity, and we want to change our identity a little. We talked about that all summer and in the weight room. That's how you play football, you have to be able to run the football and you have to be able to stop it (the run). "I think the big difference between last year and this year is we were not real consistent in doing that." Mason Modd, a 5-foot-11, 175-pound senior who rushed for 281 yards and five touchdowns last season, and junior Trevin Lieb (6-2, 165) are in competition for the quarterback spot. L-B's deep stable of running backs includes Kaden Fultz (6-0, 175, sr.), Noah Davis (5-67, 140, sr.) and Miles Bailey (6-0, 200, soph), with sophomores Zach Elchert (6-3, 195) and Seth Elchert (6-3, 185) possibly getting some carries as well. Seth Elchert's primary position will be receiver, though, where his size and 4.5 speed are generating considerable college interest. As a freshman, Elchert caught 49 passes for 871 yards and 12 touchdowns. Junior Bryaden Lemire (13 recps., 158 yards, TD) is another returning target for L-B, along with CJ Barbara (6-4, 185, soph.), Reid Irwin (5-10, 150, soph.), Dalton Woodruff (5-7, 125, sr.) and senior Ashton Crawford (6-0, 155, sr.). Graduation also hit L-B hard in the trenches where the Eagles lost two all-state talents, two-time all-Ohio pick Devin Montalbine and defensive lineman Trevor Otley, who had 23 tackles for loss among his 70 total tackles. The defense also graduated second-team all-BVC lineman Ethan Bauer (55 tackles 10 tfl) and Lincoln Garlock in the secondary. Three starters are back on the offensive line, though, in seniors Brady Jolliff (6-1, 230) and Javen Carpenter (5-10, 240) and sophomore Will Granger (6-3, 265). Connor Arnold (5-11, 180, sr.) has seen time at center and gives the Eagles a fourth letterman up front. With new faces manning many of the positions on offense, Liberty-Benton will rely on its defense early on, and it's on defense – specifically the linebacker position – where the Eagles are strongest. Brady Birkemeier, a 6-3, 185-pound senior who had a 107 tackles last season, spearheads that group. Two freshman also made big impacts a year ago and both return in Zach Elchert and Bailey. Elchert had 52 tackles a year ago with eight being for a loss; Bailey had 55 tackles, five for loss. Sophomore Austin Collert (5-11, 155) and senior Tyler Rickenbacher (6-2, 155) added depth at the linebacker positions. Jake Elchert (6-1, 190, sr.), Shane Lasiter (6-1, 1205, sr.) and CL Barbara will be the ends and Carpenter, Jolliff, Granger, Austin Berger (6-2, 280, soph.) and Maddyx Vermillion 5-9, 205, soph.) the tackles in L-B's 4-3 defensive set. Modd, who had 53 tackles and two interceptions, Seth Elchert and Crawford return at safety, with Jared Wurth (6-0, 160, sr.), Anderson Roberts (6-0, 170, sr.) and Irwin the corners.