Team Breakdown: Coal City Coalers 4A Football Team
This week we will be taking a deeper look at the Coal City Coalers. They are coming off an exceptional season with a record of 12-1 losing in the State Semi-Finals for 4A football. After talking with Coach Hutchings, they…
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Continue ReadingThis week we will be taking a deeper look at the Coal City Coalers. They are coming off an exceptional season with a record of 12-1 losing in the State Semi-Finals for 4A football. After talking with Coach Hutchings, they look to capitalize upon that season and make another run at the 4A state title. Coal City has solid players and some of them have the potential to play at the next level.
Asa Cooper Asa Cooper 5'10" | 185 lbs | ATH Coal City | 2021 IL (WR/RB) – Class of 2021
Cooper is a do it all player for Coal City, he can make tough catches through contact and is a major deep threat. He reads his blocks well and hits the hole hard with his breakaway speed. He is a key factor in their offense running well and is utilized in multiple positions to show his playmaking abilities. Cooper is going to be one of the top scorers for the Coalers offense this season and is someone to keep an eye out for.
Kyle Gockman (RB, DB) – Class of 2021
Gockman is an elusive running back who reads his blocks, has sold jump cuts, and lowers his shoulder. He can catch coming out of the backfield and turn upfield like a WR and can block in pass protection. Gockman is a transfer from Plainfield Central high school where he was their starting RB and looks to build upon that strong season with the Coalers. He’s going to be one of the new names in the I-8 Conference that will turn heads in amazement.
Chase Wasielewski (G) – Class of 2021
Wasielewski is physical upfront and can hold his own in the passing game. He drives his feet and pushes defenders back in the running game which seems to be his strong suit. In film, Wasielewski plays through the whistle and doesn’t give up on plays. He is going to be a key player on that offensive front and looks to cement his recruiting highlights with a strong senior season.
Austin Ellis (C) – Class of 2021
Ellis holds this offensive line together at the center position for the Coalers. He is a dominant force to be reckoned with along with his partner in crime Dan Cueller at Guard. Ellis is a good lead blocker and pulls on running plays where he pancakes defenders by keeping his feet turning. He blocks out well which creates running lanes for his running back to get through and holds his own in pass blocking.
Dan Cueller (G, DT) – Class of 2021
Cueller is the partner in crime with Ellis on this offensive front. Cueller is used as a lead blocker and pull on running plays where he pancakes defenders easily. He creates running lanes for his teammates to run behind which results in modest gains. Coach Hutchings praised Cueller for being a workout warrior and it is seen on film with him overpowering defenders in the run game.
Griffin Johnson (QB, CB) – Class of 2021
Johnson is a heavy hitter at CB who reads and reacts quickly allowing him to diagnose the play. Johnson looks to have a solid season at QB and CB for the Coalers. He stands at 6’0″ and 160 lbs, he is a catalyst for this team to help sway momentum by making plays.
Kyle Burch (DE/LB) – Class of 2021
Burch is going to be one of the top defenders on the defensive line for the Coalers according to Coach Hutchings. There isn’t any film on Burch but he is standing at 6’4″ and 210 lbs which could pose a problem for opposing teams.
Nick Seplak (RB/LB) – Class of 2022
Seplak is a good option for the Coalers at LB, he sometimes lines up on the line and rushes the passer. He has good timing of his blitzes and what helps him here is his block shedding abilities allowing him to get into the backfield quickly blowing up plays. He gets good QB pressure, plays hard, and has a high motor. He will be a name to look out for these next two seasons.
Aydan Murphey (RB, K) – Class of 2022
Murphey is more of an x-factor heading into this season, he has been battling injuries as of late but looks to make a solid return this season. He is going to be taking on the kicking responsibilities for the team where he typically has the kickoffs go to the 15-yard line during his time on the sophomore level. Murphey has good follow through on his kicks and is able to pin the other team deep in their own territory.
Ashton Harvey (RB/LB) – Class of 2022
Harvey sets the edge on defense forcing the running back to cut inside where his fellow defenders are at. He times blitzes well, is a solid tackler, and is good in coverage because he reads his keys. He has a quick reaction time that allows him to intercept tipped passes. Harvey is a fast, elusive, speedy running back that hits the hole hard and reads his blocks well. Harvey will also be one of the top scorers on the Coaler’s offense this upcoming season sharing the workload with Cooper.
Nolan Berger (WR) – Class of 2022
Berger is an up and coming player for the Coalers according to Coach Hutchings. There isn’t any film on Berger but Coach Hutchings believes that Berger has the potential to become a solid player for the Coalers in the next two years on Varsity.
These returning players have the experience of being in the big game and look to use that to their advantage this upcoming season. The Coal City Coaler’s football program is in good hands under Daniel Hutchings and is going to continue being a program everyone knows about in the I-8 conference as well as in the 4A playoff bracket.