Leek era begins as Wooster seeks fresh start

Ray Leek is faced with a bit of a challenge in his first year as Wooster’s head football coach. He’s taking over an inexperienced team that will have a lot of new faces on both sides of the ball, and the experienced ones he does have did not enjoy a lot of success a year ago.

The Generals last year finished 2-8 overall and 1-5 in the Ohio Cardinal Conference. They were competitive most nights, facing few if any second-half running clocks, but could not get over the hump against most of a schedule that featured five playoff teams, four of which advanced to the third round.

“We’ve introduced a culture built on accountability, toughness and playing for each other,” Leek said of what would be new this season. “The energy has been strong, and we’re focusing on doing the little things right on and off the field. You’ll see a team that’s disciplined, plays with passion and takes pride in representing the city of Wooster.”

Leek’s crew should benefit from a veteran offensive line. With nobody back at the skill positions to speak of, the guys up front will shoulder a lot of the load early on. They include Hutson Copenhaver, Ronan White, Ben Rini, Brody Boreman, Whyle Fuqua and Cohen Menshing, all seniors.

Look for sophomore running back Mon’teirre Coleman, who Leek called a smart, physical player, and freshman Sam Schantz to be among Wooster’s playmakers.

“We’ve got a smart group that’s quickly picking up the new system,” Leek said. “I expect us to be versatile. We want to be able to attack teams in multiple ways. Our offensive line is coming together, and we have dynamic athletes who can make plays in space.”

Just four experienced players are back on defense. Linemen King Blair and Andrew Yakskulka are back as seniors. Junior Logan Gattuso returns at safety, with Javon Mosely returning at cornerback.

“Defensively, we want to play fast and physical,” Leek said. “Our front seven has been aggressive in camp, and we’re teaching sound fundamentals. I think we’ll be solid against the run and relentless in our pursuit of the football.”

It’s been five years since Wooster logged an OCC championship, sharing the 2020 title with Ashland and West Holmes. The Generals’ last solo trip to the winner’s circle came one year earlier, when they completed a back-to-back set of championships in the middle of what was a four-year run of won or shared titles.

The Generals and the rest of the league will look to unseat defending champ Ashland, which rolled through the regular season unbeaten but only beat the Generals 24-14 before advancing to the third round of the state playoffs.

“The OCC is always competitive, and there are no off weeks,” said Leek, who last year led Dalton to the fourth round of the Division VI playoffs. “Our focus is on getting better every day and competing for four quarters every Friday night. We want to build a program that earns respect across the league. As for a prediction, we’re going to show up, fight hard and let the results take care of themselves.”

2025 schedule

Aug. 22 at Orrville

Aug. 29 No. Royalton

Sept. 5 at New Philadelphia

Sept. 12 Madison

Sept. 19 Lexington

Sept. 26 at West Holmes

Oct. 3 Dover

Oct. 10 Mansfield Sr.

Oct. 17 at Ashland

Oct. 24 at Louisville