The Lexington Minutemen are gearing up for the promising 2023 football season with a blend of veteran leadership and talented underclassmen. Head coach Andrew Saris, entering his second season, is excited about the potential of his team, which features a group of experienced seniors and a talented group of underclassmen.
Despite a 3-7 overall record and a 3-4 conference record in the previous season, the Minutemen graduated 14 seniors from the 2022 class. However, they bring back ten lettermen, including five offensive starters and five defensive starters. This abundance of experience gives Lexington a solid foundation for the upcoming season.
Saris recognizes the importance of his team’s veteran leadership, as well as the skills and potential of the underclassmen. The seniors, who have been playing together since their younger days, will lead the team, while the underclassmen will have the opportunity to step into key positions and make an impact on the field.
The Minutemen have several key seniors who will contribute on both sides of the football. Drayton Berry, a senior defensive back and wide receiver, recorded six tackles in limited action last season and will be a valuable asset to the team. Cooper Dreibelbis, returning at running back and defensive back, showcased his skills with 52 rushing yards and 58 receiving yards in the previous season. Mason Green, a senior running back and linebacker, led the team in tackles with 84, including five tackles for loss, a sack, and two fumble recoveries. Carter Newman, a senior wide receiver and defensive back, led the Minutemen in rushing last season with 444 yards and three touchdowns. Aedan Nicol and Matt Sheets, both seniors, will provide leadership on the offensive and defensive lines alongside junior David Biggers. Senior Carter Wilson will contribute as a wide receiver and defensive back.
Junior Cam Boozer, who excelled in his sophomore year with 45 tackles, four sacks, and six tackles for loss, will play tight end and linebacker for the Minutemen. The sophomore trio of Joe Caudill, Brayden Fogle, and Markale Martin, who all earned letters last season, will also play significant roles in the upcoming season. Caudill will step into the quarterback position while also contributing as a linebacker. Fogle, the top receiver for Lexington last season with 529 yards and eight touchdowns, will continue to be a key target on offense and will also play on the defensive line. Martin, who showed promise before his season was cut short due to injury, will be a breakout star in 2023.
Alongside the returning lettermen, the Minutemen will also welcome several talented newcomers who have the potential to make an immediate impact. Junior Gage Powell and sophomores Seven Allen, Mason Frost, Dantrell Hughes, and Keagan West will contribute as wide receivers and defensive backs. Allen, a transfer from Madison, already impressed the team with his skills during his short time at Lexington. Junior Ethan Robles and sophomore Cole Eichorn will add depth at the running back position, with Eichorn also expected to contribute as a defensive back. Logan Beer and sophomore Hayden Rice will provide additional depth on the offensive and defensive lines.
The Minutemen have their sights set on a run for the Ohio Cardinal Conference championship, with their last title coming in 2016. For Saris, the key to achieving team success lies in continuously strengthening the individual football skills of his players. He recognizes that the OCC is a competitive conference and stresses the importance of consistency in order to succeed.
Lexington’s 2023 season will kick off with a home game against Ontario in Week 1. With a combination of veteran leadership, talented underclassmen, and a focus on skill development, the Minutemen are poised for a successful season and beyond.
