Ryan Evans Jr. took over the Wilmington High School program in 2022 and things did not get off to a good start.
The Hurricane lost three straight to begin the Evans Era — 27-7 to Ross, 28-22 to Miami Trace and 13-10 to Mt. Healthy.
But the season turned around. WHS marched its way to five straight wins, none of which were extraordinarily close.
The season ended at 5-6 with three straight losses to 2022 powerhouses Western Brown, Clinton-Massie and Wapakoneta (in playoffs).
“This team is resilient,” Evans said. “They are tough as nails and have great leaders. We had a chance to see what a successful season looks like last year and they have worked extremely hard this past off-season to ensure that we have even greater success this year.”
Evans will be assisted by Ayron Thompson, Koury Johnson, Matt Iacobacci, Thomas Harlan, Henry Dawkins Jr., Davie Allen, Marcus Stewart, Joe Gigandet, TJ Thompson, Travis Mellinger, Isaac Rollings, James Kirk, Michael Thompson and Dustin Stonebraker.
There are 14 returning starters among 15 returning letters winners, led by Luke Achterman, Jon Custis, Caydn Denniston, Mikey Brown and Chris Stewart.
Evans offense was a ground-oriented attack led by the two-headed powerhouse of Thad Stuckey and Denniston. While Denniston was a junior last year, Stuckey and fellow WHS first-team all-league players Zeth Cowin, Darrick Perdue and Chase Pickard were seniors.
Achtermann was second-team last year as a sophomore. Josh Snell was a second-teamer and graduated.
Stuckey rushed for 1,566 yards and 14 touchdowns while Denniston went for 1,136 yards and nine scores. In all WHS had 3,088 yards on the ground and average 6.3 yards per carry.
Aiden Price was 29 for 67 passing for 304 yards and four touchdowns.
Custis averaged 34.4 yards per punt and was perfect kicking the ball on offense — 3 for 3 on field goals and 34 for 34 on extra points. Custis finished as a second team All-Southwest District kicker.
Pickard was the top tackler with 134 while Snell had 120 and three fumble recoveries. Achterman had three interceptions (two of which were returned for touchdowns) and forced three fumbles. Perdue had a whopping 24.5 tackles for loss to lead the team. Brown had four interceptions to pace the secondary.
Stuckey was third team All-Ohio at running back and Darrick Perdue was third team on the defensive line.
Zeth Cowin, another Hurricane football player, was given honorable mention All-Ohio.
Newcomers of note for WHS are Bryson Schutte, Michael Streety, Eddie Brooks, Stephen Rickman, Jared Tackett, Joe Puller, Mason Wharton and Donavon Purdue.
Captains for this year’s team are Price, Brown, Custis, Denniston and Zane Smith.
Evans said his team is not deep but it is “small but mighty.” That lack of depth is but a small bit of adversity for Wilmington to contend with in 2023.
”Continue to push through adversity,” said Evans. “Adversity is the true test of a man. Who are you when no one is watching? Who are you when things go bad? If we can fight through the tough times we will be a hard team to beat.”
Evans said the goals for the season begin with winning each game at Alumni Field and competing every whether it’s practice or game night.
”I am excited to see the competitiveness come out of our kids here soon,” the coach said. “They have worked very hard this off season and its now to show it on the field.”
