Columbus North’s Cooper Horn catches a pass during a football game against Southport at Columbus North High School in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Sept. 3, 2021.
The Republic file photo
For the first time since the first year of the century, Columbus North is entering a football season with a new head coach.
Logan Haston, a former Avon High School and Manchester University quarterback who had been offensive coordinator at Fishers, takes over the Bull Dogs after they had a successful 22-year run under Tim Bless. Haston took over just prior to the beginning of summer workouts.
“I think so much early on was just trying to get everybody on the same page and how practice should be operated, how things are structured, and as we moved through the summer, guys knew what to expect, and so now, we don’t have to waste time doing those things,” Haston said. “We’re in the right spots and ready to roll. So our efficiency in practice is getting so much better.”
North went 6-4 last year, with three of the four losses coming against state champions and the other to a No. 1-ranked team. But the Bull Dogs did go undefeated in Conference Indiana for the second year in a row.
“I know Conference Indiana is a competitive conference, and I’m excited to be a part of it,” Haston said. “Every game is going to be a challenge. We have to have a great week of preparation every time.”
Several key players from last year have moved on, leaving a wealth of inexperience. That is the case at the quarterback spot, where senior Zac Horn, who sat out last season after having surgery on both labrums, has beaten out last year’s backup, junior Hudson Elwood, for the starting job.
“Zac has been named our starting quarterback for Week 1,” Haston said. “But I told those guys that’s not a finalized thing. They have to continue to compete and battle each day. Zac has really separated himself. He’s gotten in the playbook, and his leadership has definitely shown.”
Columbus North’s Tyler Blythe runs the ball in a football game against Southport at Columbus North High School in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Sept. 3, 2021.
The Republic file photo
Senior Tyler Blythe, a two-year starter at slot receiver, has moved into the running back role. But his status for Friday’s opener at Decatur Central is uncertain after he fractured his left hand playing baseball this summer and missed last week’s scrimmage.
“It’s kind of just a day-by-day basis,” Haston said. “We’re hopeful that we’re going to have him for Week 1, but we don’t want to rush it. We just want to make sure he’s healthy.”
If Blythe can’t go, sophomore Sam Mormino will get the start. Either way, Mormino figures to see a lot of carries.
“Those two are defintely a 1-2 punch,” Haston said. “Tyler is more your slasher and shifty guy, and Sam just gets downhill, and he’s a bruiser, so they complement each other well. If Sam does end up being our No. 1, I’m confident that he can handle the workload. He’s a tough kid.”
North returns a pair of starting receivers in seniors Cooper Horn (20 catches, 242 yards, five touchdowns) and Damon Edwards (10 catches, 139 yards, four TDs), who are joined in three-receiver sets by junior Nathan Palmer. Senior Leon Brown steps in a tight end.
“It’s definitely one of the strengths of our team,” Haston said. “It helps for a guy who’s a first-year starter to have some confidence in guys to throw to. Those dudes, not only are they talented, but they’ve really stepped up in that leadership role, and they’ve taken ownership on offense.”
The offensive line features five seniors led by returning starters Willy Davis at tackle and Kok Kao Yee at center. They will be joined by tackle Bryce Harriman at tackle and guards Savion Miles and Cody Thurnall.
“When those are clicking, and all five are working in unison, they’re going to push the pile, and we’re going to get positive yards,” Haston said. “They’re really coming together, and coach Aaron Karrer just does a phenomenal job of coaching the effort and intensity every day. So I’m really pleased with how that group is progressing.”
Only two starters return on defense. Miles enters his third year as a starter at defensive tackle, and senior Alex Narvaez is back in the defensive backfield.
Brown and sophomore Garrett Long started Friday’s scrimmage at defensive end, with junior Will Kushner and sophomore Keller DeSpain also seeing action with the varsity. Junior Luke Revell joined Miles at tackle, with sophomores Gabriel Bayne and Dumo Kak, along with Yee, factoring in.
Seniors Osian Guest and Ian Calvert and sophomore Luke Spurgeon started at linebacker, with senior Jake McMullen and sophomore Luke Russell backing them up. Seniors Max Mormino and Jabari Collins are the corners, with Narvaez moving from corner to safety and Palmer joining him there.
“Savion and Alex are definitely going to lead the charge for us,” Haston said. “Their leadership is definitely vital to us, but we have some other guys that maybe haven’t seen varsity time, but are stepping into leadership roles. Osian Guest is really taking charge of that linebacker corps and barking out the plays and the calls. I’ve been impressed with his leadership. Ian Calvert is another senior who flies around and just plays so fast. It’s a collective effort, and we’re going to get better each week.”
Calvert also could get some carries at running back, while senior Blake Wilson could see time at tight end or linebacker.
Cooper Horn and Guest each spent half the season as the Bull Dogs’ kicker last season and are competing for those duties. Cooper Horn or Blythe likely will do the punting.
With more experience returning on the offensive side than on defense, Haston realizes the offense will need to be efficient and not turn the ball over.
“I think coach (Luke) Teague, our defensive coordinator, is really doing a good job with those guys,” Haston said. “They’re learning from their mistakes. He’s learning from his mistakes, and I know he’s going to get those guys coached up. They’re going to get caught up to speed quickly. Our offense does have a lot of experience, but we still have to improve every day there, as well.”
The 2022 Columbus North football schedule:
Friday;at Decatur Central;7 p.m.
Aug. 26;Columbus East;7 p.m.
Sept. 2;at Southport;7 p.m.
Sept. 9;Roncalli;7 p.m.
Sept. 16;at Bishop Chatard;7 p.m.
Sept. 23;Terre Haute North;7:30 p.m.
Sept. 30;at Bloomington South;7 p.m.
Oct. 7;Bloomington North;7 p.m.
Oct. 14;at Terre Haute South;7:30 p.m.
