By Bryan Bloodworth
Joe Walters spent the last seven successful seasons as head football coach at Peoria Notre Dame, but he likes what he’s seen from his first team at Bloomington thus far.
“They’re pretty much what I expected,” said Walters, who posted a 42-23 record at Notre Dame. “They’re hard working. The school loves football. That’s a really nice thing to come to work and have all that excitement.”
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That excitement could reach new heights after a few down years by BHS standards if things go as Walters hopes. The Purple Raiders will be looking to return to the playoffs for the first time in two years after 27 straight appearances.
“I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen,” said Walters, who was greeted by 24 seniors when practice started a few weeks ago. “We want to get Bloomington football back on track.”
Leading the charge will be a number of returning starters on both sides of the ball, starting with 6-foot-5, 320-pound offensive and defensive lineman John Ridgeway. He’ll be joined on the offensive line the tackle on the other side Kalon Cross, guards Jaxon Danner and Kolton Burgess and Dan Sorensen at center.
Returning starter Ian Sweeney will be at tight end with returnees Cary Lockhart and Avery Lyons at wide receiver.
The Raiders are blessed with depth at tailback with Domeneik Criddell, Mahlik Helm, Steven Lee and Lockhart ready to go. Criddell led BHS last year with 603 yards on 76 carries for 7.9 yards per carry average and seven touchdowns.
“They’re all very special,” added Walters.
Juniors Sam Warren and Colton Sandage will round out the backfield at fullback and quarterback, respectively. “Colton’s done a great job this year,” Walters continued. “We really aren’t changing a lot on offense. It will be similar to last year with some new wrinkles.”
The change will come on defense, according to Walters.
“We’ve c hanged defense completely,” Walters said. “In the past they’ve been more of an attacking defense. We went to more of a Green Bay Packer-Alabama-style defense where we’re more read and react. We’ll be a little more aggressive up front, but we won’t be moving up field like it used to be.”
Walters said one of the team’s strengths will be the defensive line where Ka’Mareon Chestnut, Ridgeway, Sorensen, Burgess and Hines will hold court. The linebackers will likely be split between Eric Verplaetse, D.J. Lewis, Donovan Hunter and Danner
The defensive secondary looks to be filled by Darius Gunn, Marques Harvey, Lockhart, Lyons, Sweeney Criddell and Helm.
Bryan Bloodworth can be reached at [email protected]
