Last season, the Westside Renegades made a jump forward and finished with a 5-5 record. There were some bright spots throughout the year, but with some key starters returning, the Renegades look to make a leap into the Class AA playoffs this season for the first time since 2015.
“We made a lot of improvements, but we felt like there were a lot of areas where we can improve,” said Westside head coach Justin Cogar. “There were some games where we were up at half time or let a one score game slip away in the second half. This year, we know what we need to do better, and we just have to put together four quarters every week. We want to turn those close games into wins.”
KEY LOSSES: Ashton Reed, Chandler Cline, Dakota Martin, Kenneth “Chubby” Runyon, Garrett Bailey.
KEY RETURNERS: Kadien Vance, Austin Bishop, Kyler Kenneda, Coltin Lester, Braxton Waldron, Kameron York, Jace Repass, Zach Short
OFFENSE
The Renegades come into the season with quarterback Kadien Vance leading the way. The signal caller had 23 passing and 7 rushing touchdowns last season and gives Westside a strong leader to rely on.
“Any time you can have a third-year starter at quarterback who has broken records as a junior,” said Cogar. “We can keep expanding on what we know that we can do well. It will help out our offense tremendously.”
In the backfield, Coltin Lester brings back some experience and is expected to help carry the load. Jacob Toler returns after being injured last season. Kevin Mitchell should also see some time for Westside.
The Renegades return a lot of firepower at the receivers and ends. Austin Bishop and Kyler Kenneda are expected to start on the outside. Lester, Braxton Waldron, Brayden Bishop, Jake Cline and Jody Zou are all expected to be involved in the passing game this season.
On the offensive line, Kameron York returns to play at center. Jace Repass returns at guard. Zach Short comes back at tackle. Justin Tolliver saw some time last season at guard and tackle. Brayden Kenneda should also see some time. Hunter Walls, Logan Mcneely, Coy Kenneda and Kage Osborne are also expected to compete for playing time.
DEFENSE
On the defensive front, Brayden Kenneda, Repass and Tolliver all return after starting some games in the trenches. Dalton Browning, Blake Morgan and Osborne will all be fighting out for time on the defensive line.
At the linebacker spots, York and Cole Cline return as starters. Shawn Hash, Mitchell and Evan Elswick also will be in the mix at linebacker.
The defensive backs will be anchored by Kyler Kenneda and Brayden Bishop at the cornerbacks. Vance will play at safety. Ethan Walls also saw some time at safety last season. Lester and Zou will see time at strong safety. Connor Cline, Austin Bishop, Jake Cline and Waldron could all see time in the defensive backfield as well.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Austin Bishop has proven to be a reliable place kicker who excels on PAT kicks. He is expected to continue in that role for the Renegades this season.
SCHEDULE
08/30/24 – Wyoming East
09/06/24 – Mingo Central
09/13/24 – @Man
09/20/24 – Pikeview
10/04/24 – @Liberty-Raleigh
10/11/24 – Independence
10/18/24 – Summers County
10/25/24 – @Tug Valley
11/01/24 – @Shady Spring
11/08/24 – Mount View
OUTLOOK
Westside has shown progression under Cogar and seemed primed to leap into the playoff picture in the new Class AA landscape. While the schedule features several tough opponents, Westside should be up to the challenge. Expect the Renegades to contend a postseason spot in November.
