Week 4 Preview: CHCA at Wilmington

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Through three games, the Wilmington High School football team has been led by the defense.

Including a 177-yard performance last week, the Hurricane defenders have been solid in each contest. Wilmington forced 15 three-and-outs against Mt. Healthy in a 13-10 defeat.

“Coach (Ayron) Thompson is absolutely amazing,” WHS head coach Ryan Evans said of his defensive coordinator. “He leads the charge of our defense just like I knew he would. I am grateful for not only what he has done on the field and off the field to ensure all of our players are prepped and ready for Friday nights.”

Evans also commended secondary coach Marcus Stewart and his job this season with the defensive backs.

The defense will again be tested this week as Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy comes to Alumni Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday.

“CHCA just came off a win,” Evans said. “They will carry that over to us on Friday so we need to step our preparation up a notch. We have to play disciplined football this week because they will.”

The Eagles are 2-1 this season, with wins over Portsmouth Notre Dame 42-24 and Master’s Academy (Fla.) 28-14. The loss was to unbeaten Madeira 40-7.

Wilmington won last season’s meeting with CHCA 21-6. The Hurricane was 0-3 going in to that game as well.

Aiden Price has a touchdown pass and provided several nifty runs as the quarterback of the Hurricane.

Thad Stuckey is the leading rusher while Caydn Denniston provides a solid backup option.

“Caydn works so hard and this game means something to him,” Evans said. “His preparation and his attitude is what makes him stand out. He is so much fun to coach and be around. Coach (Kyle) Davis (running back coach) does a great job with keeping him ready.”

Evans said the WHS offensive line has continued to make holes for the runners.

“The offensive line has played lights out for us,” Evans said. “They are a group coming in to the season that we had concerns about. Coach (Joe) Gigandet has that group moving. They come to work every day and are prepared. As coaches we talk about kids getting better and this group has certainly done that over the course of the summer (and first three games).”

Jonathan Custis has been a good punter for WHS, including a 56-yarder last week against the Owls.

Malachi Cumberland, Chase Pickard, Darrick Perdue, Luke Achtermann, O’Ryan Keith, Zane Smith and Michael Brown have been the defensive leaders.

Josh Snell and Achtermann both have defensive touchdowns for WHS this season.

Michael Brown Jr. has been among the top defensive players for Wilmington through three weeks of the season.
https://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/09/web1_FB2_wilMBrown0826gc.jpgMichael Brown Jr. has been among the top defensive players for Wilmington through three weeks of the season. Gordon Cordell | Shades of Excellence Photography

By Mark Huber

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Reach Mark Huber at 937-556-5765, via email [email protected] or on Twitter @wnjsports

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