Aug. 20—-
Head coach
Drew Phillips is entering his fifth season at West Morgan. The Rebels are 40-9 under Phillips with three playoff appearances.
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Last season
West Morgan (13-1, 7-0) finished first in Class 4A, Region 7 and advanced to the state semifinals for the first time in school history.
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Words to grow on
After going 5-5 in his first year, Phillips led the Rebels to a 10-2 season and the second round of the playoffs in 2022. In 2023, he led them to a 12-1 record with their first undefeated regular season since 2002 and first quarterfinals appearance since 1994. In 2024, after setting a school record for wins in 2023, they broke that record, going 13-1 and reaching the semifinals for the first time since 1972 (when the playoffs had eight teams).
“Each year we’ve looked at what stopped us short the previous season, what couldn’t we overcome?” Phillips said. “I think we’ve done a good job in the offseason of creating an environment of adversity that helps us learn how to overcome those hurdles. If you don’t end the season with a blue map, then there’s always something to learn.”
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Quarterback
Titan Partlow returns as quarterback after throwing for nearly 2,000 yards and 26 touchdowns, with just two interceptions, as a sophomore.
“The leadership that Titan has exhibited at that position this offseason is something I’m very proud of and he’s also made a lot of gains in strength and IQ,” Phillips said. “At the start of last season, we had to figure out what we could do to protect him and build his confidence. Now that leash is longer and he can make the adjustments and throws that we tried to control last season.
“He has the keys and you’re going to see a lot more freedom from Titan.”
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Senior Nash Thomas, a transfer from Decatur Heritage, will serve as the backup and will also play Wildcat quarterback at times in addition to other roles on offense.
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Offense
West Morgan returns senior running back MaCarri Johnson, who rushed for 1,402 yards and 27 touchdowns.
“MaCarri is an explosive player that can play anywhere on the field. He’s the kind of athlete where you’d be dumb to just stick him at one position,” Phillips said. “He’s added weight this offseason, he has a very high IQ and he’s one of our leadership team captains.”
Junior Jabarie Wiggins, who took the first snaps at running back last season before an injury sidelined him for a few games, will also play a key role this season.
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At receiver, junior Colby Jones is the sole returning starter. The Rebels add Thomas, a big and fast athlete who will move all around the offense, as well as senior Tay McDaniels, a player that was ineligible last season but who Phillips said is “an explosive weapon who can absolutely fly.” Senior Jacob Johnston returns as the tight end/fullback and can also play at receiver, while sophomore Asher Fletcher, a projected defensive starter, is another explosive athlete Phillips said will see time on offense.
Along the offensive line, West Morgan will have to replace four starters but two return: senior Krishawn Goode, who is entering his third season as a starter, and junior Braydon Blankenship, who played a lot last season as a tight end/sixth offensive lineman. Those two will play at left guard and left tackle, respectively.
Junior Camryn Harris is expected to take over at center, while juniors Colton Lowery and Ben Alexander are battling at guard. Junior Ben Brown is expected to play at right tackle, though senior Maddox Pendegraph, a defensive starter, could also play there as well.
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Defense
Pendegraph returns as a multi-year starter and only returning starter along the defensive line.
Guys that are expected to fill the holes are senior Jonathan Maisonet, senior Zavian Martin, junior Oscar Hernandez and junior Braydon Blankenship.
At linebacker, the Rebels return several starters, including senior Cole Thorn, who had 90 tackles, 18 for loss and five interceptions last season.
“He was awesome for us last year, and we expect big things from him this year,” Phillips said.
Wiggins returns at middle linebacker and senior Keithan Deloney is a returning starter as well. Senior Ben Johnston, junior Kylen Stover and sophomore Pablo Mendoza will also play at linebacker
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In the secondary, Brody Banks returns at deep safety, while senior Koby Suggs, Jones and Stover will play the other safety/linebacker spot.
At cornerback, Fletcher and junior Ellis Johnson are expected to start.
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Final word
With success though comes expectations, and after 40 wins in four seasons, expectations are as high as they’ve ever been. Five years ago, a state championship seemed like a pipe dream, but now it’s the ultimate goal.
“The expectations have been raised every year. When I took the job, I didn’t know it would be that way, but I’m sure glad it is,” Phillips said.
