Preseason Preview: Triad

Eric Bergman August 22, 2023 @ 08:57 AM

In 2022 Triad had another solid season going 7-3 and making the playoffs. Unfortunately, the knights dropped out of the first round losing to Centralia 27-14. Triad will open the 2023 season this Friday as they take on Mattoon high school at home. I suspect Triad will come out to a fast start being lead by their new head coach. Coach Calvin Potthast will rely on his returning seniors to lead the way to get his first win as head coach.   [player_tooltip player_id='891217' first='Lane' last='Mahnesmith'] '24 - OL 6'7 310: Mahnesmith is able to dominate defensive lineman with his size. He is a road grader in the run game. A very physical player that looks to finish all his blocks putting defenders in the turf. Even as his size he is still able to move well and climb up to the second level to cover up linebackers or defensive backs. He excels at pass protecting using his length to lock out pass rushers with his long arms. Committed: Northern Illinois   Donny Becker ' 24 - LB 6'3 215: Becker got it done on the field and in the classroom last year. He was first team all conference as well as academic all-state. He plays the outside linebacker role for the knights defense. He is great blitzing off the edge or shooting the gap to create chaos. He is also great in coverage using his 6'3 frame to close passing windows in the secondary. I look for him to lead the defense this year for Triad.   Tashon Crockarell '24 - WR 6'2 196: As a junior Crockarell was 2nd team all conference wide receiver. The track stand out has the ability to take the top off a defense. He has the ability to cover a lot of ground and run past defensive backs. He should get the majority of the passing targets on offense this season. In his senior season I look for him to put up some big stats in yards and touchdowns.   Owen Droy ' 24 - DL/TE 6'2 210: Droy looks to be a two way standout this year. He is also a guy that is turning into a vocal leader for the knights. Droy plays with high motor and is someone offenses will have to account for in the run game and the pass game. He will cause issues along opposing offensive lines. He is a good athlete that will make plays at the tight end spot on offense as well.

In 2022 Triad had another solid season going 7-3 and making the playoffs. Unfortunately, the knights dropped out of the first round losing to Centralia 27-14. Triad will open the 2023 season this Friday as they take on Mattoon high school at home. I suspect Triad will come out to a fast start being lead by their new head coach. Coach Calvin Potthast will rely on his returning seniors to lead the way to get his first win as head coach.