Allen East’s Jack Hoel rushed for 1,294 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns on 226 carries last season.
Richard Parrish | The Lima News
The Allen East Mustangs are eager to continue their winning ways in the 2023 season. Last season the Mustangs finished with a 12-2 record, 7-0 in the Northwest Conference before losing in the playoffs to Marion Local.
Head coach Joel Billings will be leading the Mustangs for his fourth campaign. “We’re looking to continue to build on our recent success and expect to compete in every game throughout the season.”
Gone from last year’s team are Jacob Hershberger, who averaged more than 121 yards passing and over 93 yards rushing per game. “There are many new faces on the field this year, and they and our coaches are working to get them experienced and up to speed and ready to compete in a rigorous schedule,” Billings said.
But the Mustangs do return a nucleus from the team last year.
First-team All-Northwest Conference, second team all-district and honorable mention all-state running back Jack Hoel returns on the offensive side. Hoel finished with 1,294 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns on 226 carries. He also had 29 receptions for 322 yards and three TDs.
First team All-NWC defensive lineman Brogan Paxson will also return for the Mustangs. He had 31 solo and 14 assisted tackles. Paxson also recorded a sack and six tackles for a loss.
The receiving corps will be strong for the Mustangs this year. Braelyn Schultz, Trey Hensley and Carson Clum will line up to receive passes from sophomore Jackson Thompson. Last season, Clum finished with seven catches for 185 yards and three touchdowns, and Hensley had seven receptions for 46 yards and a TD.
Thompson according to Coach Billings is “competitive, very disciplined. A pretty good athlete and throws the ball well too.”
R.J. Davies, Lane Wildermuth and Paxson will be anchoring the offensive line.
The Mustangs will run a spread offense and line up in a 3-5-3 formation on the defensive side of the ball.
The expectations for the upcoming season are high. The Mustangs aim to repeat as Northwest Conference champions and potentially make a deep playoff run.
The Mustangs open the season at home against the McComb Panthers. Then play the Arlington Red Devils and Indian Lake before their Northwest Conference opener on the road at Leipsic.
The Mustangs are a team with a strong tradition of excellence. With a group of key players leading the way, the Mustangs are expecting another successful season.
More high school football previews
TEAM PROFILE
Coach: Joel Billings (fourth season)
Division: VI
Last year’s record: 12-2 (7-0 NWC)
Ticket information: alleneastschools.org/purchase-tickets
Returning 2022 varsity letter winners include: Trey Hensley (Sr., WR/DB), Caden Hedrick (Sr., WR/LB), Carson Clum (Sr., WR/DB), Jackson Thompson (Soph., QB/LB), Jack Hoel (Sr., RB/LB), Jacob Pinks (Jr., RB/LB), Jordan Scott (Sr., WR/DB), Lane Wildermuth (Jr., OL/LB), Brogan Paxson (Sr., OL/DL), RJ Davies (Jr., OL/DL), Landen Poling (Sr., OL/DL)
Promising newcomers include: Jackson Friesner (Jr., WR/DB), Ethan Young (Jr., WR/DB), Braelyn Schultz (Jr., WR/DB), Levi Nickles (Jr., WR/LB), Hunter Nickles (Jr., WR/LB), Deacon Jones (Soph., WR/DB), Isen Shafer (Sr., K), Nick Zellman (Sr., OL/DL), Garrett Bolender (Sr., OL/DL), Dalton Smith (Sr., OL/DL), Dakota Henry (Jr., OL/DL)
2023 schedule
(Kickoffs scheduled for 7 p.m.; subject to change)
Aug. 18 — McComb
Aug. 25 — Arlington
Sept. 1 — at Indian Lake
Sept. 8 — at Leipsic
Sept. 15 — Crestview
Sept. 22 — at Columbus Grove
Sept. 29 — Spencerville
Oct. 7 — at Delphos Jefferson
Oct. 13 — Bluffton
Oct. 20 — at Ada
Dean Brown wrote this preview for LimaScores.com.
