Malvern Hornets
- HEAD COACH: Matt Chiurco, seventh year, 42-22
- LAST YEAR: 10-2, 5-0 in IVC North
- POST-SEASON: Division VII, Region 25
Malvern’s returning football players (15)
- Clayton Abel, QB-LB, 5-7, 150, Jr.
- Owen Ball, WR-LB, 6-2, 180, Jr.
- Gabe Campbell, OL-DL, 5-10, 160, Sr.
- Connor Chalmers, OL-DL, 6-0, 270, Sr.
- Tyler Cobb, WR-DB, 5-9, 145, Sr.
- Jordin Detchon, WR-DL, 6-3, 190, Sr.
- Julius Gore, RB-LB, 6-1, 200, Jr.
- Drake Hutchison, RB-LB, 5-10, 160, Sr.
- Darnell Jackson, OL-DL, 5-9, 230, Jr.
- Rocco Marinucci, WR-DB, 6-1, 160, Jr.
- Aden Renz, OL-DL, 6-6, 250, Sr.
- Rodney Smith, WR-DB, 6-3, 170, Sr.
- Aiden Sprague, WR-DB, 5-8, 155, Jr.
- Josh Untch, WR-DB, 6-0, 185, Jr.
- Jared Witherow, QB-DB, 6-5, 190, Sr.
The most influential players of Malvern Football
Jared Witherow enters his third season as the No. 1 quarterback after throwing for 2,315 yards and 30 touchdowns as a junior when he was named first-team All-Ohio in Division VII. “We believe Jared is one of the best quarterbacks in Division VII and he wants to show that to people,” head coach Chiurco said. “He’s a great kid. It’s been fun to watch him grow from junior high to now. I wish I had him three more seasons.” … Those who didn’t know Rodney Smith’s ability to change a game as an impact athlete saw it in March during Malvern’s march to the regional basketball finals. In the 2023 football season, Smith caught 47 passes for 971 yards and 14 TDs. “He’s one of the best wide receivers in the area,” Chiurco said. “He’s so good at going up and catching balls, and he’s good after the catch.” … Drake Hutchison ran for 473 yards on offense last year and made 56 tackles on defense. He’ll likely share the running with junior Julius Gore, who is big and fast.
What’s new in Malvern football in 2024?
Jeremy Taylor, who was defensive coordinator for the past few years, left to become head coach at Tuscarawas Valley. Former Strasburg head coach Curtis Metzger is the new coordinator, assisted by veteran staff member Todd Phillips. … The Hornets must deal with the loss of graduates at several positions where 2023 graduates played both ways, including All-IVC first-teamers Dylan Phillips, Kyle Bossert, Zach Babiczuk and Chance Miller. … The team added a striking presence on the offensive and defensive line in 6-foot-6, 230-pound Braiden Miller, who was a starting guard last year at Lake. … With IVC North Player of the Year Dylan Phillips lost from the receiving corps, Roy Simmons, a transfer from Perry, is emerging as a threat for Malvern along with returners Josh Untch, Jordin Detchon and Owen Ball and, of course, Smith. … One of the most important tasks is finding a replacement for kicker Ryan Runyan. … Kickoff opponent Valley Christian, which won four of its first six games last year, is new to the schedule.
Malvern football prospects
The Hornets appear to have the horses needed to keep momentum going after going 34-9 over the past four seasons. Malvern is seeking its fourth Inter-Valley Conference title in the past five years. … The offensive line lost three starters but has a third-year player in Conner Chalmers, a center who will help lead a group that coalesced in the offseason. Newcomer Braiden Miller will play left tackle on offense and end up in a 3-4 defensive front. … Witherow, Hutchison, Untch, Detchon, Miller and others will get plenty of time on both offense and defense, a typical scenario for IVC North teams. … The team’s speed should be a strength, fueling a run-pass threat that can keep defenses off balance. … “We lost a good senior year, but we have a very good group back,” Chiurco said. “We have some very good players and a lot of depth. We are very excited about this team and believe we can have another very good year.” … Newcomerstown could be the biggest obstacle to victory in the North.
Malvern Football Schedule 2024
- 23 August, VALLEY CHRISTIAN
- August 30, in Conotton Valley
- Sept. 6 at Harrison Central
- September 13, Tuscarawas Valley
- 20 September, in Garaway
- 27 September, Strasbourg
- October 4, on the Buckeye Trail
- 11 October, NEWCOMERSTOWN
- Oct. 19, Tuscarawas Central Catholic
- October 25, East Canton
