Fort Gay, W.Va. — The Tolsia football team ended last season with a win that snapped a long losing streak now the Rebels head into 2023 looking to build off of that victory.
Tolsia will open the season Friday on the road against county rival Wayne at 7:00 under the direction of second year head coach David Thompson.
2023 Tolsia Rebels
Front Row L to R Austin Clark, Ethan Perry, Wesley Slone, Matt Kelley, Levi Parsley, Drew Prince, Cole Jordan, Bryant Horn, Blake Stull,
2nd Row L to R Hunter Ramey, Dakota Blackburn, Zack Ratliff, Bray Mollette, Mason Brewer, Parker Watts, Braxton McCoy, Luke Williamson
Third Row L to R Danny Ray Ferguson, Chase Napier, John Jarrell, Devin Honeycutt, Jessie Jarrell, Brody Christianson
Back Row L to R Ryan Montcastle, Peyton Rice, Greyson Golden, Zack Waller, Chase Thompson, Robert Evans, Justin Sammons, Donathan Hurley, Caleb Thompson
Not pictured Dylan Stroud, Elijah Ekers, Bradyn Weaver
Tolsia has battled the injury bug already this preseason including losing rising 10th grader Dylan Stroud who would have started on both sides of the ball and highly touted freshman Bradyn Weaver who were both involved in a motorcycle accident over the summer. And then lost starting Junior QB Luke Williamson to a broken collarbone in the teams scrimmage last Friday at Riverview.
The Rebels want to play fast on offense this season and will run a no huddle type scheme. And will lean on Juniors Bray Mollette and Parker Watts who haven’t played football in few years and big time Freshman Robert Evans to carry the load early in the season. Seniors Cole Jordan and Wesley Slone along with Junior Zack Ratliff will also contribute.
Anchoring the offensive line will be Seniors Levi Parsley and Drew Prince
Junior Mason Brewer, Sophomore Dakota Blackburn, Freshman Danny Ray Ferguson, Caleb Thompson and Chase Thompson should also see time on the field.
2023 Tolsia Seniors
L to R Austin Clark, Ethan Perry, Wesley Slone, Matt Kelley, Levi Parsley, Drew Prince, Cole Jordan, Blake Stull, Bryant Horn
Tolsia Coaching Staff
David Thompson
Matt Stanley
Jeremy Lemaster
Steve Stroud
Robert Evans
Brien Runyon
Mike Bowens
After the trip out Wayne the Rebels will hit the road once again with a game against Midland Trail then will open up at home versus Van on September 15th and will unveil a brand new scoreboard.
Tolsia Schedule
8-25 at Wayne
9-1 at Midland Trail
9-8 Open
9-15 Van at Home
9-22 Phelps ( KY ) at Home
9-29 at Tug Valley
10-6 Tyler Consolidated at Home
10-13 Buffalo at Home
10-20 at Hurley ( VA )
10-27 at Grundy ( VA )
11-3 Riverview at Home
Tolsia Head Coach David Thompson
COACH’S COMMENTS
“… We are excited to get things going at Wayne on Friday night. We ended last season on a high note and we hope to build on that. The kids are ready to go and hopefully the community come out and supports these kids against our county rival. We have high hopes going into the regular season opener but will be a little short handed after losing a couple kids over the summer, lost a lineman to a broken hand and our QB last week against Riverview. But we don’t have to set around, it’s next man up and we have some talent on our team and we are going to lineup and go play.”
“… Even after all the injuries I think it’s brought us closer together and the team is going to rally around each other and play hard. Nobody has complained or shied away from anything. I think we have good camaraderie amongst each other. I think our depth will show this season with our young talent. I have been pleased with everything so far. We aren’t perfect but I think we are getting a little better everyday. And that’s all I can ask for.”
“… I’m excited to see how our kids respond to the atmosphere at Wayne. It should be a big crowd and the environment will be a challenge no doubt. Our younger kids played in a couple Wayne Co. championship games but I’m not sure they have seen anything like they will when they step on the field Friday. Wayne has a good football team with a bunch of seniors and they will be ready to play at home.”
“… Last year was tough because we lost a coach right before the season and we only had a few trying to do so much and it was a little overwhelming even though I have coached for over thirty years. The coaching staff this year who I think is one of the best on any level in our area and all are homegrown and bleed blue and orange have prepared the kids to go play. I really worked hard over the last year to upgrade our staff and I think I did with the additions of Matt Stanley, Steve Stroud, Bob Evans and Brien Runyon along with Mike Bowens and Jeremy Lemaster who were with us last year. All those guys want to be here and want to help build this back up to where it needs to be. And will take pride in that.”
