New Haven has been anything but inconsistent over the past half decade.
In 2022, the Bulldogs finished with five victories for the fifth consecutive campaign. Once again, New Haven was considered a dangerous opponent with excellent talent at the skill positions. But lack of depth and the inability to execute against the upper-echelon teams in the NE8 cost them, culminating in a disappointing loss to DeKalb to open sectional play.
This fall, there is a ton of optimism around the ‘Dogs. The obvious centerpiece is Ohio State commit Mylan Graham, who enters his senior campaign fresh off a 1,200-yard, 14-touchdown effort at wideout a season ago.
Add the likes of Concordia Lutheran transfer Ajani Washington to the equation, as well as James Hardy IV at tight end, Donovan Williams at QB and Tre Bates at running back and you have the makings of a truly dangerous offense.
But can New Haven get over the hump this season and overcome years of depth issues and fading against top opponents?
Coach Kyle Booher believes so.
“We will need to care more about the success of the guy next to us than ourselves,” Booher said.
Yes, New Haven has a lot in the way of offensive weaponry, but it’s still a team that averaged just 10 points in four of its five losses last year.
Graham is the centerpiece. A game-breaking talent that can take it to the house at any time. He has a quarterback who can deliver it to him in Williams, who threw for close to 1,800 yards and 19 touchdowns. But Williams will need to cut back on the 12 INTs he threw in 2022.
Washington brings big-play ability of his own, hauling in 39 receptions for 759 yards and nine scores last year with the Cadets.
The running back corps is in solid hands with the senior Bates, junior Audreon Anderson and sophomore break-out candidate DJ Simpson.
The Bulldogs return multi-year starter Mason Knoch at guard, with junior Charles Mcgrant atop the depth chart at tackle. But more bigs will need to step up for the New Haven offense to be able to function.
Five starters return on the defensive side of the ball, with linebacker aiming to be a strength with a trio of returning starters – seniors Korin Harris (team-high 105 tackles in 2022) and Chris Stewart (47 tackles) and junior Jesus Diaz (65 tackles).
Bates and junior Jamarcus Turner will headline the secondary/
Colin Wickliffe is a three-year starter up front at D-tackle. Fellow senior Konner Clark will also be in the mix up front and/or at linebacker. But like in recent years, how much does an injury here or there up front damage the Bulldogs’ depth?
WHY #9?
On paper, New Haven has one of the most electrifying offensive lineups in the entire area. Defenses will need to pick their poison. Do they double Graham and allow Washington to roam? Do they try to cover them both with one player? And what happens when you focus too much on stopping the pass and Williams and Bates run all over you?
The potential is there to be a very dynamic football team.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
There are questions along the offensive and defensive lines. Depth is once again a concern, although New Haven is looking to build more through its JV squad that will have a healthier roster than in recent memory.
For New Haven to be a threat at the top of the league and beyond, it must stay healthy.
CRITICAL GAME
Week 5 vs. Norwell
New Haven’s NE8 chances were dashed a year ago when it dropped three-straight league games in the middle of the season, including a 59-7 drubbing at the hands of Norwell.
This game follows a visit to Leo in Week 4. Whatever happens in that one, New Haven needs to prove that it can move past either great success or tremendous failure. Too often in the recent past a bad play, series, half or game has compounded and become a bigger deal for the Bulldogs.
Weeks 5 and 6 hold tremendous value for the Bulldogs, who will welcome Columbia City a week after the Knights.
CRUCIAL PLAYER
Donovan Williams, senior, quarterback
New Haven has weapons. It is Williams’ job to make sure the weapons are getting the ball in positions to succeed.
Williams nursed some injuries over the summer, but he needs to be at and stay at full strength all season for New Haven. He does a tremendous job at getting the ball downfield and his field vision is exceptional.
The Bulldogs need to have Williams in the lineup at all times offensively.
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