NITRO 'D' MUST GET BETTER WILDCATS GAVE UP NEARLY 39 POINTS PER GAME LAST SEASON

Publication: THE SUNDAY GAZETTE-MAIL
Published: 08/18/2002
Page: 13J
Headline: NITRO 'D' MUST GET BETTER WILDCATS GAVE UP NEARLY 39 POINTS PER GAME LAST SEASON
Byline: JASON MARTIN

As far as mysteries go, figuring out how Nitro High finished just 3-7 last year falls somewhere between how the Great Pyramids were built and why Pamela Anderson is popular with men.

"I don't think it's any secret, we've got to get better on defense," said acting Coach Scott Tinsley.

Last year, the Wildcats allowed almost 39 points per game and gave up numerous long touchdown runs, seemingly on a weekly basis.

"We've really been trying to emphasize defense in practice and take a little different attitude toward it," said Tinsley, the former offensive coordinator, who replaces Robert "Little" Burdette after six seasons. "If we can get better on defense, then we have a chance to win some games."

Eight starters return on defense, which could be considered good or bad for Nitro.

The most intact unit is the secondary, where corners Lance Ervin, a 5-foot-9, 150-pound junior, and Ryan Meadows, a 6-0, 165-pound senior, are again supported by free safety Holden Eads, a 5-10, 160-pound sophomore.

Both outside linebackers also return in senior Chris McGhee, 5-10, 165, and senior Marshall Casto, 6-1, 180.

Mark Burch, a 5-10, 206-pound senior, returns at inside linebacker, where four others will also compete for playing time.

They are 5-11, 185-pound junior Ryan Peter; sophomore Aaron Fiddler, 5-10, 190; senior Mitch Casto, 5-10, 175; and freshman Ross Martin, 5-10, 190. Fiddler is the son of Moorefield Coach Alan Fiddler.

Greg Eads, a 6-5, 305-pound senior, returns at one starting defensive end spot. Josh Boggess, a 5-11, 190-pound senior, should fill the other one, Tinsley said.

Toby Buel, a 5-10, 190-pound senior, is back at defensive tackle, with help from 6-0, 205-pound sophomore Russell Barr.

"Hopefully the experience is going to help them from being out there," Tinsley said. "One of the things we've stressed in preseason is getting 11 guys to the football. When we went back and watched film, we had too many times when guys were isolated, and that guy either made the play or nobody did. That's why we allowed so many big runs."

Yet Nitro can also create its own big plays out of the one-back offense.

Senior Derek Midkiff, 5-11, 160, returns for his fourth year of regular action after passing for 2,826 yards and 21 touchdowns last year.

McGhee, who rushed for 1,178 yards and scored 14 TDs, will be the featured back, with junior Walter Battles, 6-0, 175, and freshman Gideon Casto, 5-8, 140, backing him up.

Tinsley thinks his receiving corps is deep with Marshall Casto (19 catches in 2001), Meadows (19 catches) and Ervin (15), all back as regulars.

Help will also come from senior Jamie Kessler, 6-2, 170; junior Isaiah White, 6-0, 170; junior Joe Farry, 6-0, 150; and freshman Chris Fulmer, 6-2, 160.

Marshall Casto will play tight end if the Wildcats run that set, along with Fiddler and sophomore Demarcos Brown, 5-10, 210.

Peter will be the starting center, with Buel and Burch at guards and Greg Eads, a converted fullback, at one tackle.

Chaz Boggess, a 6-0, 250-pound senior, and Ronnie Taylor, a 6-1, 315-pound sophomore, have battled for the other tackle position.

Sophomore Cameron Lemasters, 6-3, 265, will supply depth on the line.