Sophomores rock solid for Utica offensive, defensive lines
UTICA — The Utica football team has sophomores in the trenches that have made quite the name for themselves on both sides of the ball down the home stretch.
Brandon Thornsberry who also starts at tight end, had 14 tackles on the defensive line against Johnstown. Tyo, also a starter at guard, had one of several fourth-down stops for the defense in the heartbreaking 28-20 loss to the Johnnies.
“Those are two guys that the plan was not to play them two ways,” said Utica coach Charlie Rowley, who also has sophomore Kaden Baker serving as a two-way starter up front. “They have really earned that opportunity. Grayson is just a hard worker. He is all about the team and what he can do to make us better. He is a great teammate and has just been getting better and better. Brandon didn’t come off the field tonight. He is a big, physical kid and has also had great improvement throughout the season.”
Utica (2-6, 0-3) hosts Northridge (1-7, 1-2) on Friday as Licking County League-Cardinal Division play continues. The underclassmen on the lines will continue to be key figures as Utica attempts to end a three-game slide.
The two sophomores are great friends on and off the field, and they seem to feed off each other’s energy and that has enabled them to turn in a strong sophomore campaign.
“Grayson is one of my best friends,” Thornsberry said. “He has stepped up and played a big role this year. I believe in him.”
“Our friendship helps create a good atmosphere,” Tyo added. “He is a great person to be around. It makes football twice as fun when you have that kind of friendship.”
Tyo was a junior varsity player in 2021 and has made the leap to a varsity starter this year.
“It was a big jump for me,” Tyo said. “I was ready for it. It took a lot of hard work and dedication in the offseason and during the season. It is all about hard work and what you can put your mind to.”
Thornsberry is a returning letterman despite missing part of the 2021 season with an injury, but his value has increased with his year one to year two improvement.
“I believe in my coaches and brothers,” Thornsberry said. “(Defensive line) Coach Wygle says ‘see ball, get ball’ and we do a lot of tackling drills that help me. I just try to do my job on every play.”
Utica fell into a 14-0 hole, falling behind for the third consecutive week, but a rally followed as junior Gavin Chinn caught a pair of touchdown passes from senior Zach Heckman and racked up 141 receiving yards. Utica tied the game at 14 and had an opportunity to take a lead in the third quarter when trailing 21-20.
Despite losing three in a row, Thornsberry and Tyo remain optimistic about their season. Thanks to help from Centerburg, which has not lost since the season opener, Utica still has a slim chance to get a Division V, Region 19 playoff spot with victories against Northridge and Lakewood (0-8, 0-3) to end the regular season.
“We believe in ourselves and know that the coaches will put a great game plan together,” Thornsberry said. “We can compete with the next two teams we play.”
“We have to just keep playing hard, and play like every play is our last.” Tyo added.
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Sophomores rock solid for Utica football offensive, defensive lines
