Mendon, ranked No. 2 in Division 8, keeps chugging along at 4-0 this season with its sights set on Ford Field. Navigating the regular season unscathed takes a lot of talent (which the Hornets have), consistency (check) and a little bit of luck (they haven’t needed any yet). Going deep into November also means some players have to step outside their comfort zone.
The Hornets lost junior running back Mitchell Coler to a knee injury in Week 3, and head coach John Schwartz tinkered with his backfield lineup against Gary (Ind.) Lew Wallace Friday night (50-0 win). Tight end Kaleb McCarrol was one of several players to get a look carrying the ball. He finished with six carries for 45 yards and a touchdown, drawing praise from Schwartz.
Kaleb McCarroll
Kaleb McCarroll (6 feet, 185 pounds)
Grade: Senior
Positions: Tight end/defensive end/running back
On getting to try tailback:
“Getting to carry the ball was a blast. I was a little nervous when it started to rain. All that was going through my head was, ‘Hold on to the ball.’ I just started practicing at tailback this week, so I haven’t carried the ball in the rain. The O-line did a good job up front with their blocks.”
On another blowout victory:
“The defense had a great night only allowing one first down. We just wanted to make sure we kept them from running the ball outside, which we did, making them cut back inside where we can get help. Overall I think we had a pretty good game.”
Logan Slaughter
Logan Slaughter (6-4, 265 pounds)
Grade: Junior
Positions: OT/DT
On beating a team from another state you didn’t know much about:
“Our whole team came out hitting, and it showed. Wallace was gassed early, and we kept playing until the last whistle. I feel like Lew Wallace won’t be coming back anytime soon.
“They actually had a grand total of zero spectators … no parents or anything. That’s terrible. It’s ridiculous. Guess that’s part of the difference between Mendon and other places.”