Luke Rode returns under center for the Wildcats after an injury-riddled season in 2023.
Don Speck | The Lima News
Delphos Jefferson closed out the 2023 season by snapping a 10-game losing streak and finishing with a 1-9 record.
It was a transition year for the Wildcats with a focus on getting younger players some of their first varsity time.
This fall the hope is that ending last season on a high note translates into more wins on the field this season.
“It was great to see our seniors from last year go out the way they did with a win,” said first-year head coach Allan Pohlman. “That gave us a lot of momentum going into the offseason and we’ve been building on that momentum going into this season. Last year we made huge strides in gaining experience and we figured out how to win towards the end of the year.”
One of those players who hope to build on the team’s season finale win is an incoming sophomore, Dean Trentman.
The 5-foot-10, 185-pound running back rushed for 286 yards and four touchdowns in that win over Spencerville. His longest rush in the game went for 72 yards.
The Wildcats also return senior running back Karder Agner and junior quarterback Luke Rode, who was a significant contributor last year despite an injury-riddled season.
Delphos Jefferson’s mix of youth and experience should be on full display in 2024 with 12 returners and 10 freshmen entering the fold.
“We may be a young team but there’s a lot of experience returning,” Pohlman said. “We’ve been working hard throughout the offseason in the weight room and these guys are learning what it takes to win.”
Pohlman is confident his team is ready to compete despite a lackluster performance last season.
“We feel good about our progression this offseason and we’re continuing to build from what we started last year. Our goal is to make the playoffs. We’re taking it one week at a time by focusing on doing the small things right. If we continue to build on what we started last year, we believe we can be competitive in every game we play.”
Delphos Jefferson kicks off its season on Thursday, Aug. 22 at home against College Hill.
Two more non-league games follow against Parkway and Paulding before the Wildcats turn their attention to Northwest Conference play on Sept. 14 against Bluffton.
TEAM PROFILE
Coach: Allan Pohlman (first season)
Division: VII
Last year’s record: 1-9, 1-6 NWC
Ticket information: delphoscityschools.org/athletics/ticket-information
Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Karder Agner (Sr., RB/LB), Tanner Hetrick (Sr., OL/DL), Sam Hastings (Sr., OL/DL), Luke Rode (Jr., QB/DB), Jace Lindeman (Jr., WR/DB), Lucas Millmine (Jr., WR/DB), Blaine Maloney (Jr., OL/LB), Parker Shade (So., WR/DB), Jaxon Rarhig (So., OL/DL), Dean Trentman (So., RB/LB), Brady Miller (So., OL/DL), Kellen Brotherwood (So., WR/DB)
Top newcomers: Kasen McPheron (Fr., OL/DL), Tyler Hetrick (Fr., OL/DL), Sean Hauter (Fr., OL/DL), Zach East (Fr., OL/DL), Nelson Miller (Fr., RB/LB), Andrew Cooley (Fr., WR/DB), Marquivious Wannamacher (Fr., WR/DB), Ayden Jennings (Fr., WR/DB)
2024 schedule
(Kickoffs scheduled for 7 p.m.; subject to change)
8/22 — North College Hill
8/30 — at Parkway
9/6 — at Paulding
9/14 — Bluffton, 1:30 p.m.
9/20 — at Columbus Grove
9/27 — Crestview
10/5 — at LCC, 4 p.m.
10/11 — at Allen East
10/18 — Fort Loramie
10/24 — Spencerville
ONLY ON LIMASCORES.COM
See more about 2024 high school football season at LimaOhio.com/tag/hsfootball24.
