The Milan Big Reds enter the 2023 season with hopes of starting another playoff streak after missing out on the playoffs for the first time in 7 seasons after finishing 3-6 in what was an injury-plagued 2022 for Head Coach Jesse Hoskin’s team.
Head Coach: Jesse Hoskins
Assistant Coaches: Craig Zupi, Steven Price, Vaughn Price, Ron Reed, Max Protske
Offense: On offense, the Big Reds return 4 starters and that includes Sr William Gaskell who was injured for most of last season. “Downhill Bill” will play QB for Milan and has bulked up to 200 lbs on his 6-3 frame. His main receiving threat will be Jaxen Wourman, who averaged nearly 10 yards per reception last season. Returning on the offensive line will be a pair of rugged players in 6-0, 240 lb Brody Lopez and 6-1, 200 lb Elijah Cartwright. Look for Jackson Poling to get carries at the RB position.
Defense: Defensively, Milan returns 4 starters as well, with Gaskell, Wourman, and Cartwright returning along with sophomore Lukas Linzell. Expect a big contribution on the defensive line from Lopez along with senior Chris Bergeron in the secondary.
Coach’s Comments: Tough league schedule as always. I can say something good and challenging about every team. Riverview and New Boston probably have the most depth which serves them well. Attrition is our biggest challenge.
Coach’s Outlook: We have a young group. We have made great strides over the summer. Staying healthy will play an important role in our overall success. We are in a position in 2023 that I have never been in. It has been fun to review our scheme and our personnel and rethink some of the ways we operate. We expect to have the opportunity to win every game we play.
FNV Outlook: Last year was an anomaly for the Big Reds under Coach Hoskin’s. His record speaks for itself (9 playoff trips in 12 seasons and an 86-40 record). FNV fully expects Milan to play typical Big Red football led by one of the best players Bill Gaskell), best head coaches (Hoskins), and best staffs in the area.
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