Rams set to reload in 2025

UPPER SANDUSKY–- For the second time in as many seasons, Upper Sandusky will have a new face at quarterback. All-N10 second-team quarterback Justin Heilman, who was inserted into the starting role a season ago and posted 1,653 yards and 16 touchdowns while completing 60-percent of his throws, has graduated. The year before, QB Kaden Holman led the Northern 10 in throwing yards and took home offensive player of the year. Now, the Rams, led by eighth-year head coach Russell Hall, will look to have yet another strong option at quarterback. Junior Keegan Dunn looks to be that option for the Rams. Listed at 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, Dunn was the team's junior varsity quarterback a season ago. With a full offseason of first-team reps behind him, Dunn is primed to be the Rams QB1 in 2025. "He had a tremendous offseason," Hall said. "He's still a student, still learning, (still) improving. He's working on his reads, his timing, and things like that. So far, he's really excelled in this opportunity."Luckily for the Rams, they have a steady option besides Dunn in the backfield. All-N10 first-teamer Ethan Lewis will be back at tailback for his senior season, a spot he excelled in a year ago. Lewis rushed for 1,001 yards on 175 carries, scoring six touchdowns. "Anybody that has that experience, they're able to try and help other people, and push them, motivate them," Hall added. "It's nice to have guys coming back that know what they're doing."Also returning to help Dunn is offensive lineman Derek Barr, an All-N10 second-team selection as a junior. Barr, a 6-foot-3, 245-pound senior, looks to improve even more after being one of the best offensive linemen in the conference last season. "We're very fortunate to have Derek," Hall continued. "Derek never played football until he was a freshman in high school. Then, as a sophomore, he earned a starting opportunity, and he's done nothing but improve as a football player by leaps and bounds every single year. If Derek can stay healthy, I look for a pretty big season for him on both sides of the ball."Along with the aforementioned Justin Heilman at QB, the Rams have several other shoes to fill. Receiver duo Kaleb Francis (674 yds, 61 rec, 10 TD, All-N10 2nd) and Max Martinez (531 yds, 37 rec, 3 TD, All-N10 2nd) both graduated. Defensive players Kail Vince (All-N10 1st) and Nate Lewis (All-N10 2nd) also graduated, while senior linebacker Brodie Cox (All-N10 2nd, 80 tackles, five sacks–T-4th in N10) will not be on the roster. Dunn's options to throw to aren't limited, however, despite the loss of Francis and Martinez. Hall said that the receiving would largely be done by committee, with a variety of players expected to see time. Seniors Josh Heilman and Kaden Vogel, juniors Ezekiel Baldwin (All-N10 HM) and Lucas Alspach, and sophomores Cain Rupe and Ethan Smith are all potential options. On the other side of the ball, the Rams return a handful of tenured players. That experience will be crucial for a team lacking in that department on offense. "We have 10 out of the 11 positions (on defense) filled by people who have had varsity starts," Hall said. "We're very fortunate when it comes to the experience on the defensive side of things."Lewis will be the centerpiece of the Rams on defense as well. A season ago, Lewis was named All-N10 first-team as a linebacker as well, setting a school and conference record for tackles in a season with 177. Heilman, Vogel, Baldwin, Alspach, and Rupe will also be factors on defense, along with Parker Mouser, who started all last season at corner, and junior linebacker Braxton Rimmer (All-N10 HM). Seniors LJ Johnson and Mason Shaffer, and junior Kasen Gottfried were also mentioned as impact players on defense. Upper Sandusky starts 2025 hosting Northmor on Friday, hoping to avenge last season's week-one 48-14 road loss.