Rising Sun football team optimistic

    There's a sense of optimism surrounding the Rising Sun football team.
    New coach Rich Opp has reenergized a program capably run by Clem Vaughan for the last nine seasons.

    Opp has been impressed by what he has witnessed from his squad so far. There was a good turnout for offseason workouts and the players have demonstrated a willingness to learn.
    "They're quick learners and if you want to learn, you can," the coach said.
    Tom Stover, Benn Lukk, and Christian Pauley are competing for the starting quarterback job.
    "They're each good leaders with solid arms and they make good decisions," Opp said.
    Stover and Lukk both have varsity experience under center.
    Josh Anderson, Logan Luoto, Alex Billings, Dan Willert, and Bobby Sandlin are each part of the equation at running back. A lot will depend on which style of offense the Tigers are running.
    "At this point I think we're going to rotate our backs and linemen because we have depth," Opp said last Wednesday.
    Caleb Quinn, Cody Rich, Charlie Russell, Kyle Miller, Justin Killough, Matt Brand, Justin Gilbert, Christian Arrante, Alex Kerns, and Austin Roberts are vying for time on the line. "We're searching for the right chemistry," Opp said.
    Will Barton, Luke Opp, Billings, Stover, and Ryan Barrick will help at receiver. Kyle Lammey will see action at tight end along with Barrick.
    Rising Sun will use a 4-4 defense with the depth of linemen once again a strength.
    Stover has been impressive at defensive end.
    Barton and Roger Moyer are slated to start at outside linebacker with Anderson and Miller in the middle.
    Willert, Jared Hoag, and Luoto will contribute in the secondary.
    A combination of Tommy Dye, Barton, and Stover will handle the kicking duties.
    "We just want to see daily improvement and the wins and losses will take care of itself," said Opp.