Trojans and Redskins clash in Season Opener

The Centerburg Trojans and Utica Redskins open the High School Football season in Utica tonight with the Redskins looking to avenge a 34-7 loss to the Trojans last year.

• Coach: Charlie Rowley
• State Classification: Division V, Region 18
• 2023 Record: 7-4 overall, 3-2 in league play
• Key Players:
  • Hayden Piper, Sr., QB/LB
  • Brandon Thornsberry, Sr., RB/DL
  • Nick Drumm, Sr., OL/LB
  • Gavin Tussey, Sr., RB/DB
  • Wyatt Cullop, Sr., OL/DL
  • Kaden Baker, Sr., OL/DL
  • Grayson Tyo, Sr., OL/LB
  • Carson Meek, Sr., WR/DB
  • Hunter McKinney, Jr., WR/DB
• What to Expect:
  • Focus on the line after graduating key skill players
  • Experienced linemen on both sides of the ball
  • Opportunity for back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2010
  • Contender for Licking County League-Cardinal Division championship
• Game to Watch:
  • Week 9 vs. Johnstown
  • Previous close losses to Johnstown, with potential for a crucial win this year
• Postseason Outlook:
  • Early five-game winning streak in 2023 helped secure a Division V playoff spot
  • Early season matchups against Centerburg and Danville at home, where they had a 4-1 record last season

CENTERBURG

Centerburg Trojans Football

Head Coach Andy Colella

4-6 last season

1. ” We got guys experience last year through difference circumstances and that should help this year”

2. ” Most of our skill kids from last year are back but we will have a new quarterback but it comes down to the group up front and we like that group”

3. Chris Marshall and Trevin Harris are names to keep on eye on for and Jackson Ballinger and Jack Lawrence play tight end and on defense too. Blane Ball has been taking most of the reps at quarterback

Cole Levins, Evan Tutor and  Senior Caleb Smith will be up front for the Trojans. Tommy Haas and Heath Merkel are among the linebackers working right now.

Colella says his team needs to run the ball effectively. Being able to grind it out will help win on offense. On defense he said his team needs to stop the run.

Defensively Centerburg gave up 132 points combined the last three games of last year