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OAK HILL, W.Va. — Davon Marion stepped in to lead Oak Hill in 2023 and he quickly led the Red Devils to their first playoff appearance in five years. The bar was raised last year when Oak Hill won their first playoff game since 2001 in a 10-win season.
“It was huge, not only just for our program but for the community,” Marion said. “It has been over twenty years since they have won a playoff game. So that was exciting. After that first year and winning eight games, to win ten last year just let’s me know that our program is heading in the right direction.”
Last season, Oak Hill won five games that were decided by six points or less, accounting for half of their victories.
“Kids understand that we have been there before. Maybe the first time that it happens, you are like, you don’t know about it. But after three times of you pulling it off, the kids understand that we’ve got to focus a little more and play a little better in crunch time. That’s partly what we have built this program off of.”
With new levels of success come elevated expectations for the Fayette County school. And Marion says his roster of over fifty players is meeting the demands.
“Kids are showing up and they are working hard. We had midnight practice right into 7 a.m. practices. We are right at fifty kids. The kids know that we are setting new standards every year. Expectations are growing so they are showing up and working hard at it.”
The Red Devils will be introducing several new starters at many of the skill positions. However, the offensive and defensive lines return several familiar faces with starting experience.
“We’ve got seven senior linemen. Our five offensive linemen started every game last year and they came back. And our D-line will be senior-heavy as well. That will be the anchor of our football team.”
Luke Endicott will step into the backfield as the new starting quarterback for the Red Devils.
“He was a quarterback his freshman year. And my first year was his sophomore year and he didn’t play. Going into last year, he was kind of a wild card on offense for us. He asked me at the end of the season if he could play quarterback. He has worked hard at it. He has put the work in the weight room. He has probably gained 10-to-15 pounds. He stays every day after weight room to work chemistry and footwork and things like that.”
The Red Devils welcome back their leading receiver from a year ago. Carson Treadway caught 28 passes for 428 yards.
“Carson is going to be out wide. We are going to put him in the backfield. We are going to let him return kicks. It is not every day that a kid is 6-2, 6-3, 200 pounds and can run. He is probably our best overall athlete. So we are going to find ways to get him the ball.”
Oak Hill is one of four schools making the move up by one class to Class AAAA this season. Marion is confident his team can continue to raise their profile across the state.
“I feel like we are the team that no one ever talks about or pays attention to. We went into the AAA playoffs at No. 5 last year. We just reminded our kids that we belong, and just staying focused and understanding that each week is different. But you have to prepare hard every week to win the game.”