HILLTOP VARSITY FOOTBALL … (Front) Jaren Dennison, Dylan Eisel, Tyzon Pelfrey, Quinton Runkel, Branson Heisey. (2nd Row) Dylan Cammack, Wade Wagner, Anthony Eckenrode, Dalton Bauer, Brad Soltau. (3rd Row) David Rodriguez, Olivia Rossman, Kason Rediger, Aiden Terrill, Cameron Schlosser, Brock Kesler. (4th Row) Zak Cammack, Jon Stephens, Jacob Haskell, Scott Bowers. (Back) Assistant coaches- Bruce VanArsdalen, Andy Schlosser, Corey Eisel; head coach Nate Massie; assistant coaches-Justin Wiyrick, Phil Fogel. (PHOTO PROVIDED)
By: Nate Calvin
LAST SEASON: 0-9, 0-5 TAAC
HEAD COACH: Nate Massie (6th season)
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Ty Creamer-OL/DL, Alex Richmond-LB/RB, Andyn Haynes-DB/RB (31.5 tackles; 8 TFL), Wyatt Beltz-LB/RB (59 carries, 297 yds, 10 rec. 197 yds, 33 tackles), Hunter Leupp-OL/DL
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors- Tyzon Pelfrey-OL/DE (24 tackles, 10 TFL); Dylan Eisel-RB/DT; Juniors: Aiden Terril-OL, Brandon Heisey-QB/FS (16/69, 98 yds, 12 INTs), Wade Wagner-WR/DB, David Rodriguez-TE/DE, Dalton Bauer-TE/LB (13 rec., 77 yds, 36.5 tackles); Colton Wood-DT; Sophomores: Kasen Rediger-OL, Brock Kesler-WR/DB
STRENGTHS: experience
WEAKNESSES: skill position depth, linebacker play
SEASON OUTLOOK: “We were a young team last year that improved as the season progressed. We need to limit turnovers to be successful this year.”
LEAGUE OUTLOOK: “Look to be competitive with all of our returning players getting a bit of experience last year.”
ABOUT THEIR SCHEDULE: Season Opener: vs. Springfield Catholic Central @ Van Wert (Aug. 20th); TAAC Opener: @ Ottawa Hills (Sept. 16th)
Nate can be reached at sports@thevillagereporter.com
