By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
Kyle Cutler, London High School’s head football coach, describes this past season as “legendary” and “a wild, crazy journey.”
The Red Raiders went undefeated in the league, won the regional title, were the first London team to advance to the state semi-finals since 1994, and notched the most wins in a season in school history with 14. The team’s only loss came in the state semi-finals against Bishop Watterson on Nov. 29.
Constant and consistent effort was the key to the team’s success, Cutler said.
“After losing so many veterans last year, we took this season one day at a time, one week at a time. Things started to snowball. The guys would take our coaching and get better. It was like building a house, brick by brick,” he said.
It all started with summer conditioning, said senior June Turner. The work the team put it in then and through the season was “definitely worth it,” he said.
Turner and fellow senior Noah Sollars agree that just as important was the time the team spent together outside of football.
“We were hanging out all the time off the field and that helped us come together on the field,” Sollars said. “You build a trust and a bond so that you know when your back is against the wall, somebody is going to pick you up.”
Cutler, who has served as London’s head coach for 11 years, said this year’s squad played together the best of any he has coached.
“They were willing, at all times and at all positions, to sacrifice potential self accolades or glory for the betterment of the team,” he said. “I’m proud of their effort, proud of everything they gave to this town, this community, and this school.”
Making special mention of the team’s seniors, he added, “You have success when you have individuals with high character who trust in the process and lead.”
Cutler is thankful for the way the school, players’ parents, and London community as a whole came together for the team. The support took many forms, from weekly team meals to pep rallies to the band marching through the halls on Fridays to the student cheering section and fan turnout at games.
“It all added value to the experience and assisted in our successful journey,” Cutler said.
“Our community does a good job of supporting us,” Turner said.
Sollars added, “It means a lot to us.”
As for what next season has in store, Cutler said the program will take the same approach it did this year: one day at a time, one week at a time, and see what happens.
All-State Honorees
The Ohio Prep Sports Media Association recently announced its Div. III All-Ohio honorees in football for the 2024 season. Five London athletes made the list: senior Detrick Portman, first-team offense; senior June Turner, first-team defense; senior Noah Sollars, second-team offense; sophomore Daquanne Parks, second-team offense; and junior Stevie Gravely, second-team defense.