Fort Gay, W. Va. — After two consecutive playoff appearances with one ending in Wheeling for a state title game, the Tolsia Rebels have turned the program over to longtime defensive coordinator Eric Crum who has been on the Rebel sidelines going into his 10th Season.
2017 Tolsia Rebels
Tolsia has a tough schedule with County Rival Wayne on the road to start the year August 25th, at Buffalo, at South Harrison, at Williamstown and home with Kentucky power Pikeville and only return 4 starters from last year’s 8-3 season but that hasn’t dampened the spirits of Coach Crum or the inexperienced Rebels.
Tolsia scrimmaged Phelps on Saturday afternoon at Mingo Central and by all accounts played pretty well. Offense didn’t turn the ball over and the defense really swarmed to the football.
The Rebels will have eight seniors this season and will look to Quarterback Wayne Williamson to be a leader and a calming influence for the youngsters. Senior Jonathan Johnson will be in the backfield getting touches along with Senior Jared Switzer who hasn’t played since his freshman year and may be the fastest Rebel, Senior James Watts and Junior Pat Finley along with Sophomore Austin Gauze have also showed good signs early in camp.
Upfront Tolsia will count on Junior Brent Setzer who is 6-5 and 310 pounds to anchor the offensive line and should be a strength for the Rebels. Senior Blake Conn and Sophomore Robert Sartin will also help along the front
On Defense Senior Steven Vanhoose along with Johnson and Mason Mann will lead the defense. Just like the scrimmage the Rebels will have to swarm to the football and tackle as a group.
2017 Tolsia Rebel Football Coaches
2017 Schedule
Aug 25 @ Wayne
Sept 1 Buffalo
Sept 8 @ Lincoln Co.
Sept 15 Westside
Sept 22 Tug Valley
Sept 29 @ South Harrison
Oct 6 Mount View
Oct 13 @ Tyler Consolidated
Oct 27 Pikeville, Ky
Nov 3 @ Williamstown
Rebel Head Coach Eric Crum
COACH’S COMMENTS
“… I’m really excited to be the Head Coach of the Tolsia football program. This job is not a stepping stone for me it’s my end job.” I have learned a lot from Coach Waller and Coach Smith the last nine years and will take what I have learned and apply to being a Head Coach.”
“…Biggest change so far for me going from only defensive to being Head Coach is that I am in charge of everything and I’m adjusting to that on the fly.” I was hoping we would have someone comfortable enough to step in to the defensive role this year but that hasn’t happened so I will stay with the defense for this season and hopefully next year that will change.”
“…We only return 4 starters so we are young and even are older guys are inexperienced, we have a good group that is working really hard in camp so far, we have some size up front and this group has a little bit of a mean streak in them.” We lost our four leading rushers from last season so some kids will have to step up in that role.” On defense we are in rebuild mode but we have kids capable of making an impact right away.”
“…Our schedule is brutal, it’s one of the toughest I have seen for a long time but aren’t going to make any excuses and we will have to come out ready to play every week and give our best effort.”
