Jeremy Strong is a 5’11”, 190 lb 2024 Running Back/Linebacker in his class of 2024 and displays exceptional strength, football intelligence, and explosiveness.
Morgan will face a formidable opponent on Friday when they host Juab, which boasts the top offense in 3A. But Morgan players remain focused on ending their title drought.
Offense
West Morgan has proven themselves one of the state’s highest-scoring teams through three games, scoring an average of 71.6 points per game – but what makes their success truly astounding is a core group of senior players who have been together through most of their prep careers and who continue to thrive together on offense.
Logan Niceswanger is currently completing over 80% of his passes and has scored seven touchdowns in only three appearances. Additionally, the running attack has amassed over 1,300 yards, averaging over five yards per carry while also producing two touchdowns – all while maintaining longstanding chemistry and trust among teammates.
Sycamore came within six points in the fourth quarter on Keyshawn Lewis-Hunt’s touchdown run; Jovan Clark stripped Fenwick QB Tyler Thaxton on Fenwick’s next drive, and Aidan Grayer returned the fumble for a touchdown return by Jovan Clark.
Before joining Cortland University’s staff in 2016, Morgan held several positions at Alfred University. From 2014-15, he served as defensive backs coach and junior varsity defensive coordinator of the Alfred Saxons. Thanks to Morgan’s efforts, the program finished first in Empire 8 pass defense while second overall during this period.
Morgan Park made an early statement against Juan Diego by scoring three touchdowns to open the game and never looked back. While their offense faltered after that initial surge, Morgan Park still amassed a 26-7 lead by halftime.
Dyett’s best season in school history came to a close at Sandwich when Lamonte Nimox and Lavonte Sims scored two TDs; however, that wasn’t enough to overcome Sandwich’s tough defense; additionally, Morgan Park held the opposing quarterback to only 118 yards through the air for its opponent- the lowest output seen ever in Morgan Park history!
Defense
Morgan Park Mustangs’ high-powered offense has propelled them to victory this season, yet their stellar defense proved the critical factor last Saturday at Gately Stadium for victory in round two of the Illinois High School Association State Playoffs. Morgan Park limited Sycamore to 18 second-half points as part of an unexpected comeback win and advanced to the quarterfinals of the Illinois High School Association State Playoffs.
Senior linebacker Dan Morgan is a critical component of the Saints’ tight defense. Since stepping into a starting role as a sophomore, he has made an immediate impact, leading the team with 48 tackles – including 4.0 tackles for loss – while also collecting three interceptions and two pass breakups this year.
Fenwick came close to breaking through on its opening possession, but Jovan Clark stripped quarterback E.J. Hosty while he scrambled and turned it over on downs. Fenwick would threaten again on its second possession, but Mirko Jaksic sacked Thaxton on fourth down to keep the Friars out of scoring position.
Caden Sheridan got the Generals started early with an option keeper of 22 yards on their second drive, but a holding penalty wiped it away and forced a punt. Later in the game, Sheridan connected with Hayden Bankes for a 15-yard touchdown to put them ahead 7-3 for good.
Sheridan is known to be both a powerful runner and an accurate passer. This season, he has amassed almost 500 rushing yards and seven touchdowns while throwing for nearly 300.
Chase Bowman has been named Morgan Park High School’s new head coach. Bowman previously served on veteran coach Steve Bragg’s staff, leading to an 8-1 overall mark and winless Muskingum Valley League season, but managed to recover to post an even 5-5 spot this year. Bowman stated his goal as strengthening their foundation while making a run at winning a 3A championship championship title.
Special Teams
Morgan’s defense was the key factor in their win against Grantsville and why the Trojans remain undefeated in 3A. The unit completely shut down Grantsville’s offense, limiting it to just 16 yards rushing and six first downs while their defensive line dominated on the interior, sacking quarterback Maison Starkweather three times while picking off two passes as well as providing deep coverage from QB Maison Starkweather while also holding firm in red zone defense not allowing any two-point conversion scores.
Garret Garbinski has been an invaluable member of the defense this season. His performance against West Chester in Week Four stands out as one of his most dominant performances so far. Fearlessly tackling in the run game and providing excellent coverage when needed, Garbinski also serves as an efficient punt returner.
Senior defensive back Jaden Sweeney has been an instrumental special teams contributor this season and will play an essential role in helping defend the home turf for Troy. Linebacker Keshaun Jones also excels on special teams, filling in admirably for injured starting middle linebacker Hez Faison; in fact, he had six stops and one tackle for loss in the season finale alone! Safety Alex Pelegrin and corner Imir Lilliston, as well as Gus Ross, are all critical members of their respective secondary units.
Kicker Zach Banta is another invaluable member of the team and was named second among all PSAC East punters in 2022. Boasting an exceptional leg that allows him to bury opponents even when field position is less than ideal, Zach has had several punts of 50 yards or more and could make game-winning kicks!
Morgan School is an emerging program with a talented coaching staff and plenty of veteran players, promising the Trojans a chance at making history and the seniors who wish to win every game possible – an attitude that has made this team truly special for its success and is greatly anticipated by the Morgan community.
Coaches
Morgan anticipates an improvement despite not returning starters; running back Jett Salmon, who amassed 479 yards and ten touchdowns last season, and junior quarterback Beck Sheffield are critical to the team’s success. Defensively, linebacker Kevin Bragg, who was selected to the CIAA All-Conference second team, will help boost performance as well.
Morgan began his coaching career at Bowie State University as a defensive assistant. Later, he served as defensive coordinator at North Carolina Central University, leading them to become No. 6 in pass efficiency defense among Division II teams and No. 18 overall total defense. Following this position, he served as recruiting and defensive graduate assistant at Virginia State and associate head coach/defensive coordinator at Friendly High School in Fort Washington, Md.
As Indiana State’s Special Teams Quality Control Coordinator, Morgan has made recruiting top Division II talent from across the mid-Atlantic region a top priority. His dedication has allowed Shippensburg to develop one of the most productive offenses in PSAC Conference play this past season while setting an all-time rushing yards mark!
Morgan was not only responsible for overseeing VUU’s offensive coordinator duties but was also part of the coaching staff that oversaw the HBCU Spirit of America Bowl All-Star game – a nationally broadcast event designed to give student-athletes from HBCUs opportunities to be evaluated by NFL scouts.
Prior to joining VUU’s coaching staff, Morgan served as head football coach at Ganado High School in Arizona, where he achieved an overall record of 52-18 and won six state championships and two runners-up finishes. Morgan brings with him an array of experiences from both his professional and academic lives that he uses daily as an educator and coach. His successful background in medical device sales enabled him to hone both business acumen and public relations techniques that helped shape his everyday teaching and coaching approach.
