Derrick Webb, Staff Writer
Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.
KINNIKINNICK — To say that Carter Langley had a special junior season would almost be criminal.
CREDIT: Derrick Webb/SOSA
“Special” doesn’t begin to describe what Zane Trace’s quarterback, alongside the rest of his teammates, accomplished.
The Pioneers finished the season at 11-1 overall with a 7-0 mark in the Scioto Valley Conference — the sixth undefeated league season in program history.
Langley led the charge, completing 78-of-120 pass attempts for 1,234 yards alongside a 17-1 touchdown-interception ratio. He also rushed for 498 yards and nine scores while racking up 45 tackles and two interceptions on the defensive side of the football.
In other words, there isn’t much he didn’t do.
Now, he’ll try and be even better. Before his senior year begins, we had the chance to talk with Langley about his expectations, a target on his team’s back and a new coaching regime.
Question: New coach. New system. Same cultural mindset. What’s the change been like so far and how do you feel like your team has already adapted?
Langley: Bringing in a new coach was something the team and I wasn’t ready for. We weren’t ready to make that big of a change. But sometimes, change is a good thing and I think that is the case with our team. We have adapted very well and quickly to this new system and we’re eager to strap up and take the field.
Q: Whenever you win a championship, you’re going to have a target on your back. Everybody is giving you their best shot. How do you think your team will handle that pressure and what makes you and your teammates prepared to do so?
CL: We have a huge target on our backs headed into this year. But that makes this year even more fun. Last year, we played very well under pressure and we will do the same this year if we stay calm, play each snap like it’s our last and play our version of football.
Q: Individually, you had a great year last fall. What do you feel like you did well and how do you take your game to the next level?
CL: I feel like the best attribute I bring to the field is my leadership. Playing quarterback and safety, I have to be a very vocal and smart player. I think I did a very good job at it last fall. Taking my game to the next level involves getting faster, stronger and lots of reps on the field with my wide receivers and running backs.
Q: Who’s the most underrated teammate you have and why?
CL: Riley Hartsaugh, hands down. Riley and I both started at cornerback our sophomore year and since then, we’ve always been hungry for more. Last year, we both moved to playing both sides of the ball. Riley played safety and running back and was a big contributor to our successful season. He’s always grinding; if that’s hitting the weights or working on the field with me. Riley is bound to have another amazing year.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about football and how did you fall in love with the game?
CL: My favorite thing about football is making memories with the boys. Winning a gold ball last year is something my friends and I will never forget. I don’t even remember how I fell in love with the game because I was so young. I started tackle football in kindergarten and my love for the game just progressed from there.
Q: What’s it like to play on Friday nights? Can you put it into words?
CL: Playing on Friday nights is something I could talk about for hours. I look at each Friday night as a business trip. Both teams come into it with one goal and that is getting a W. Leading up to, and playing that game, comes with a lot of blood, sweat, tears, and emotions. Walking off the field with a W is the best feeling in the world, and it’s time to celebrate the win and get back to it the next morning.
Q: What can we expect from Zane Trace in 2023?
CL: If we play Zane Trace football the way we know how, you can go ahead and give me the gold….. again.
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