H.S. Football: A closer look at Berne Union, Fairfield Union and Liberty Union
LANCASTER - The high school football season gets underway this week in what should be another exciting year. Six of the nine area teams qualified for the playoffs a year ago.
With the Ohio High School Athletic Association expanding the playoffs to 16 teams in each region qualifying for the postseason, there is an excellent opportunity for even more to qualify this year. The playoffs will begin on Oct. 28.
Here is a closer look at the Rockets, Falcons and Lions as they prepare for the season opener on Aug. 19.
BERNE UNION
Coach: Tony Hurps (fourth season)
Conference: Mid-State League-Cardinal Division
2021 record: 10-1 (MSL-Cardinal champions; lost in the second round of playoffs)
Key returners: Nate Nemeth, Sr., QB/DB; James Ashton, Sr. OL/DL; Caddis Moody, Sr., OL/DL; Luke Shafer, Sr., RB/LB; Ed Selby, Jr., OL/DL; Ian Northrup, Sr. WR/DL; Wyatt Adams, Jr., OL/DL.
Key newcomers: Kade Ballenger, Soph., OL; Austin Snyder, Jr., RB/LB; Cody Homan, So., HB/SS; Glenny Harris, Jr., WR/DB.
Coach Hurps’ take: “We lost a lot of talent from last year's team, but plenty is returning for us to have another strong year. Our work ethic from our sophomore class has us excited for the future, and some will be expected to contribute heavily this year. We should have a strong offensive line and talented backfield once again with Nemeth Leading the way. Defensively, James Ashton, Wyatt Adams, and Austin Snyder return in our front 6 with hopes that Nate Homan will provide playmaking ability along the D-line as well. In the Secondary, we will be starting several new faces and will count on Nemeth to help them along the way.”
What to expect: The Rockets lost some big-time playmakers from last year’s team that won the conference title for the second year in a row, but they still have All-Ohio quarterback/defensive back Nate Nemeth returning. He is as dynamic as they come on both sides of the ball. The Rockets may not average 45 points per game like they did last season, but they will still be competitive and should contend for their third consecutive MSL-Cardinal Division championship.
Schedule
Aug. 19: Dawson-Bryant
Aug. 26: Portsmouth Notre Dame
Sept. 2: At Zanesville Rosecrans
Sept 9: Fairfield Christian
Sept. 16: At Beaver Eastern
Sept 23: At Miller
Sept. 30: At Tiffin Calvert
Oct. 7: Worthington Christian
Oct. 14: At Grove City Christian
Oct. 21: Fisher Catholic
LIBERTY UNION
Coach: Dan Shirey (fifth season)
Conference: Mid-State League-Buckeye Division
2021 record: 6-5
Key returners: Cayden Carroll, Sr.; Slade McClaskey, Jr., OL/DL; Troy Meyers, Sr., RB/LB; Storm Wolfel, Sr., WR/C/K; Cam Mason, Sr., WR/DB; Brendyn Ragan, Sr., OL/DL; Nick Blackstone, Sr., OL/DL; Austin McClure, Jr.; Bobby Savage, Soph.
Key newcomers: Cade Craft, Sr., WR/LB; Landon Piccirrillo, Jr., WR/LB.
Coach Shirey’s take: “This has been a really good senior class thus far. They really work hard for each other and push each other. They are hungry and want to prove they can win. Even though we have had to fill some really big shoes both on offense and defense, we are very excited about this group. They should be able to continue our winning ways; the road is theirs to pave.”
What to expect: Under Shirey, the Lions have been competitive each year, and this season should be more of the same, especially with the return of senior quarterback Cayden Carroll, who missed all last season. He is a difference-maker. Add in a solid offensive line and a solid running game to go along with Carroll, the Lions could be in for an exceptional season.
Schedule
Aug. 19: At Heath
Aug. 26: Lakewood
Sept. 2: At Nelsonville-York
Sept 9: AT Amanda-Clearcreek
Sept. 16: Teays Valley
Sept 23: Bloom-Carroll
Sept. 30: At Logan Elm
Oct. 7: Fairfield Union
Oct. 14: At Hamilton Township
Oct. 21: Circleville
FAIRFIELD UNION
Coach: Sean Krupla (third season)
Conference: Mid-State League-Buckeye Division
2021 record: 4-6
Key returners: Hayden Collins, Sr., QB/DB; Gunnar George, Jr. OL/DL; Kyle Wolfe, Jr., OL/DL; Michael Gordon, Sr., OL/DL; Kevin Hazelwood, Sr., RB/DB; Brennan Rowles, Sr., RB/DB.
Key newcomers: Owen Ruff, Soph., RB/LB; John Starner, Sr., TE/LB.
What to expect: As Krupla begins his third season, the Falcons seem to be headed in the right direction and look poised to take the next step. They just missed out on a playoff berth a year ago, and with the return of Hayden Collins, who rushed for a school-record 1,579 yards, and an experienced offensive line, the Falcons should be able to control the ball and be competitive. For them to take the next step, the defense will need to step up.
Schedule
Aug. 19: New Lexington
Aug. 26: Crooksville
Sept. 2: At Lakewood
Sept 9: At Teays Valley
Sept. 16: Hamilton Township
Sept 23: At Logan Elm
Sept. 30: Bloom-Carroll
Oct. 7: At Liberty Union
Oct. 14: At Circleville
Oct. 21: Amanda-Clearcreek
Tom Wilson is a sports reporter for the Lancaster Eagle Gazette. Contact him at 740-689-5150 or via email at twilson@gannett.com for comments or story tips. Follow him on Twitter @twil2323.
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: H.S. Football: A closer look at Berne Union, Fairfield Union and Liberty Union
