2013 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Otsego Knights

Northern Buckeye Conference

2013 Otsego Knights

Team photo from left:

Row 1: Austin Hefflinger, Cody Downs, Logan Hosley, Chance Himmelein, Schyler Scherff, Cole Gorski, Jordan Hendrix, Austin Rohleder, Jon Weihl

Row 2: Tyler Robertson, Logan Beardsley, Trent Soto, Trevor Toney, Zach Zuhlsdorf, Dameon Nigh, Riley Tercha, Donald Hardison, Lance Roehl, Zach Downs

Row 3: Alex Krabill, Michael Hoiles, Justin Giovanoli, Tyler West, Brennan Schall, Collin Kitchen, Robby Lutz, Dalton Walls, Caleb Premo

Row 4: Cody Vance, Cameron Fowler, Chad Robertson, Corbin Camp, Ryan Lashaway, Mason Gonzales, Colton Battin, Dillon Farley, Lane Gerschutz

Row 5: Coaches Tom Ferdig, Scott Bylow, Bryce Graven, head coach Matt Dzierwa, Charles Artino, Dan Davis, Tim Bialecki

ABOUT THE TEAM:

Coach: Matt Dzierwa, first year

Last season: 6-4, 5-2 NBC

Returning letter winners: 12

Returning starters: Offense 3, defense 4

Schemes: Spread/​4-3

Top players: Seniors Cody Downs, 6-1, 180, QB-​DB; Cole Gorski, 5-11, 164, WR-​DB; John Weihl, 5-9, 174, WR-​LB; Austin Rohleder, 5-11, 179, RB-​LB; Austin Hefflinger, 5-11, 176, TE-​LB. Junior Dameon Nigh, 6-0, 293, OL-​DL.

Outlook: Dzierwa, an assistant at Otsego for seven seasons under Erik Johnson, takes over with 40 players.

The former St. John's Jesuit head coach had a 25-18 record while guiding the Titans for four seasons (1998-2001).

The Knights must replace All-Ohio quarterback Ryan Smoyer and his top target, Nate Hackworth.

Downs, a running back who rushed for 402 yards (5.6 per carry) and nine scores, takes over behind center. Rohleder also is back after rushing for 355 on 52 carries (6.8 per tote).

Dzierwa said those two along with wideouts Gorski and Weihl should make the skill positions a team strength.

But depth at all positions, particularly the offensive line, is a possible trouble area.

“If we remain healthy, we have the potential to be a very good football team,” Dzierwa said.

OTSEGO SCHEDULE

Aug. 30-at Evergreen

Sep. 6-at Wayne Trace

Sep. 13-Bowling Green

Sep. 20-at Lake

Sep. 27-Elmwood

Oct. 4-Rossford

Oct. 11-at Fostoria

Oct. 18-Genoa

Oct. 25-at Woodmore

Nov. 1-Eastwood