CALDWELL Coming off an 8-4 campaign and a Region 23 playoff victory, Caldwell enters the fall transitioning from a veteran-heavy group to an eager next wave of starters ready to step up. Guided by head coach Chance Rucker, Caldwell spent the offseason transforming reserve roles into varsity readiness, aiming to maintain their physical defense and high-impact ground game in a quest to return to the OHSSA postseason."We were senior heavy last year, so we had a lot of guys in the development process who learned form those veteran guys in the starting roles a year ago," Rucker explained. "They now take the next step and were able to develop and had a really, really good offseason. And I'm anxious to see what these guys can do when the lights are on Friday nights this season."CALDWELL REDSKINSHead Coach: Chance Rucker (6th year)Last seasons results: 8-4, MOVL Champion, OHSAA Playoff Win, OHSSA Division VI, Region 23Returning letterwinners : Brody Pitts, Sr. (OL/DL) (4 year starter,Has great size and has anchored the OL/DL position group); Dalton Egont, Sr. (OL/DL) (4 year starter, Dynamic player on the OL/DL. Has plenty of game experience.); Charles Gessel, Sr. (OL/DL) (3 year starter, Very strong and powerful kid who really put time in the weight room and expressed great leadership); Blake Williams, Sr. (OL/DL); (3 year starter, Another kid that is very strong, has battled injuries over the last couple seasons); GarnarGaydos, Jr. (OL/DL) (2 year starter, One of few skill guys who have real game experience.)Key newcomers: Blayz Abbott, Fr. (QB/LB); KK Moore, Soph.(WR/DB); Cam Bocek, Soph. (WR/DB); Lucas Baker, Soph. (RB/WR/LB); Ryan Christmas, Soph. (OL/DL); Bentley Barnett, Soph. (RB/LB); Mason Arnold, Jr. (OL/DL); Team Strengths: "Though we are young we are very fast. Young guys have definitelystepped up this offseason and camp by showing that they can compete at a high level.We have the potential to be explosive, and we are very experienced and seasoned on both our offensive and defensive lines.." Chance RuckerTeam areas you are looking for improvement: "We are trying to work on player depth. With a big senior class last season and a handful of athletes leaving the program, we are trying to establish a solid depth chart for each unit. That will come with developmentand training.." Chance RuckerFriday Night Blueprint 2026 Week-by-Week Schedules for area high school footballPlayers to watch | Daily Jeffersonian's 2026 high school football watchlistLeague Outlook: "We look to replicate the MOVL Championship in 2026 as we did in 2025. Also, trying to win a 2A OVAC championshipfor the first time since 2015. We also plan to make the playoffs and try to make it back to a regional championship like 2023." Chance RuckerKSutton1@gannett.com; X: @KSuttonDJSports; Instagram: kevinsutton_daThis article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Caldwell transitions from veteran core to eager new starters in 2026-27