2025 Preseason Preview –  Cotter High School

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After improving to a 3–5 record last season, Cotter is trending in the right direction. The Ramblers return eight starters on both sides of the ball. With multiple three-year starters and a core of tough, versatile athletes, the foundation is set for a strong 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cotter's offensive identity starts in the run game. With an experienced quarterback and a returning starting tailback, the Ramblers are equipped to run. Defensively, the Ramblers are built on aggression. Cotter prefers to attack rather than sit back and have the athletes do just that.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some players to watch: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior running back <strong>Cade Cummings</strong> returns as the lead ball carrier after starting last season as a sophomore. He brings a physical, inside-running style and embodies the team's tough-nosed identity. Cummings is also a starting inside linebacker and plays with the same mentality on both sides of the ball. His durability and experience will be key to sustaining drives and setting the tone on early downs. On defense, he is physical and disciplined. Cummings thrives as a downhill tackler and tone-setter.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At quarterback, senior <strong>Dane Guzzo</strong> is a true dual-threat option who gives the offense multiple dimensions. He is capable of attacking defenses through the air and on the ground, and his experience as a three-year contributor allows Cotter to play fast. Guzzo is a natural competitor with a command of the offense and leadership presence both in the huddle and the locker room. Defensively, he played safety last year until he took on the quarterback role. Now, as an outside linebacker, he is expected to play both positions depending on matchups and will be a versatile piece in coverage and run support.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Up front, Cotter returns nearly its entire offensive line. Senior <strong>Kaiden</strong> <strong>Diaczun</strong> enters his fourth year of varsity football and is the most seasoned player on the roster. He is a perfect fit for their system, which requires a tight end who can both block at the point of attack and pose a threat in play-action. His combination of size, mobility, and experience makes him a valuable chess piece.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Returners <strong>Jamari Brooks</strong>, <strong>Carson Ehlenfeldt</strong>, and <strong>Daniel Gaedy</strong> round out the offensive line and are expected to start again after gaining meaningful experience last year. With most of the group upfront back, Cotter has the kind of offensive line consistency that can anchor a run-first scheme.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior receiver <strong>John Gibson</strong> will lead the passing attack. A returning starter at wideout and corner, Gibson has a knack for making big plays. Last year, he scored the only touchdown in a 6–0 win and came down with two interceptions in Cotter's homecoming game. Reliable and experienced, he provides a trusted target for Guzzo and helps stretch the field vertically while also defending against the pass. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->