Since beginning play in 2011, Stevenson football has been a contender at both the national and regional levels.
That is due in large part to head coach Ed Hottle, who has posted an overall 64-47 record in 11-plus seasons with the Mustangs. To Hottle, there’s one vital element the team must possess to go from winning games to the postseason to contending for a championship.
“The most important piece is you want player-led teams. You don’t want coach-led teams,” Hottle said on Glenn Clark Radio Sept. 6. “Coach-led teams win games. Player-led teams win championships.”
Hottle is especially ecstatic about this year for the Mustangs, and he emphasized one thing in particular — the team’s maturity.
Third-year quarterback Nyaire Wilson is at the helm for the Mustangs this year after making three appearances in 2022. He has thrown for 605 yards and run for 140 yards during Stevenson’s 2-1 start, totaling four touchdown passes and four interceptions.
According to Hottle, Wilson has a few factors that separate him from others.
“Experience really became the deciding factor … knowing where to put the ball and when to put the ball there,” Hottle said. “This is his third year with [offensive coordinator Josh Hoeg]. He’s been a sponge since he walked in the door.”
Stevenson suffered its first setback in a 45-38, weather-shortened loss to Lebanon Valley on Sept. 9, but there were some positives for the Mustangs, particularly on the offensive side.
Sophomore running back Elijah Marquez ran for three touchdowns in the loss. In preseason camp, Marquez solidified himself as the main back for the team.
“He had a great camp, he’s put on a little bit of weight, [so] he should hold up much better than last year,” Hottle said of the 5-foot-10, 207-pound back. “[And] he’s more mature, which is certainly a plus for us.”
But that’s not to say Marquez will be the only running back heavily used this season.
“We still have Mo Hammond,” Hottle said, referring to running back Maurice Hammond. “He was a workhorse for us last year. He’s going to continue to touch the ball.”
Senior receiver Pat Gorman has proven to be a vertical threat for the Mustangs. He posted 328 receiving yards and three touchdowns in his first three games.
However, Hottle mentioned another wide receiver who will play an essential role for the team.
“Jaiheem Henderson’s had a great camp, he’s a guy that we’re going to lean on heavily as we get into the meat of the schedule,” the coach said.
Defensively, Stevenson is led by defensive end Demetrius Salley, who has recorded 18 tackles, two sacks and a blocked kick.
Hottle offered high praise for his defensive leader.
“I think the sky’s the limit — he’s incredibly athletic, he’s smart, plays with an edge that we like,” Hottle said. “… Looking into the next nine weeks, I think his level of play is just going to escalate.”
Coming out of high school, Salley was forced to make the transition from linebacker to defensive end, a switch not easy for most. Instead of navigating the tricky transfer portal to search for a defensive end, Hottle decided to look within.
“Our philosophy is always going to be develop schemes around your talent,” Hottle said.
With that philosophy, Hottle has high expectations for the Mustangs this year. Their next game is against Widener University at 12:30 on Sept. 24 at Mustang Stadium (rescheduled from Sept. 23 due to weather forecast).
According to Hottle, the trajectory of their season depends largely on not one or two great players, but every player.
“Depth is going to be key,” the coach said.
For more from Hottle, listen to the full interview here:
Photo Credit: SKM Photography/Stevenson Athletic Communications
Updated Sept. 22 with schedule change