The Utica football team is looking for a major rebound after a difficult 2021 campaign.
The Charlie Rowley-coached squad hopes to build off their season finale win, in which they had their only victory of the season in a 31-0 blowout over Lakewood. They did just that with an opening-game, come-from-behind 26-19 victory over Centerburg on Aug. 19.
Utica is coming off a season in which they went 1-9 overall and 1-4 in the Licking County League. Rowley, who is in his fifth year coaching at Utica High School, said his expectations this year are for “continuous movement” with a slogan of “rise as one.” He had big things to say about this year’s squad’s level of talent and the work they have put in.
“We've had our best off-season in our tenure and the guys are putting in a lot of work and putting together good practices,” Rowley said. “We expect people to see a noticeable difference of our team on the field on Friday nights.”
The team has been practicing hard, including an annual midnight practice where the team takes the field for practice for the first time. They held their lift-a-thon at the end of July, where the players find their maxes in bench press, squat, power clean, and deadlift. The team took a trip to Ashland University for pre-season camp, and scrimmages have begun.
“We've got a big list of names who we expect to lead us this year and make a difference on the field. Some seniors we are counting on in this regard are Zach Heckman, Hayden Smith, Jordan Hartman, and Zach Cyphers.”
Heckman is the team’s starting quarterback and will lead the offense. Rowley said the Redskins will play multiple offense based out of shotgun. He said they will use a variety of personnel and formations.
“Our system allows us to give many different looks while tweaking and adapting from week to week,” Rowley said. “We can maneuver from a spread look, two backs and tight end, and a heavy package.”
Defensively, the Redskins are a 3-3 stack team; Rowley said they like the balance and versatility it gives them.
“It gives us multiple positions where players are easily able to slide from one spot into another if needed,” he said. “We occasionally go to a nickel package, and it is based on the opponent we play and situation of the game.”
Rowley said he had the great fortune of working for and with excellent coaches. He said his past experiences on different staffs helped him shape his current coaching staff philosophy at Utica.
“We certainly have many influences on our philosophies, but we strive to tailor them each year to what is best for our program in regard to scheme and foundational principles,” he said.
The 1-0 Redskins next take on Loudonville (0-1) on Aug. 26, following their opening-game victory.
