Hess finally breaks out as Green Wave pushes through for strong finish
NEWARK ― The 2023 season has not exactly gone how Mikey Hess and his Newark Catholic teammates had hoped.
This was the year the hard-running, speedy, stiff-arming junior was ready to take over as the Green Wave's lead back.
However, a spate of injuries, especially to the offensive line, lack of numbers and depth, and graduating loads of talent from last year's state semifinal team have combined to derail those plans as NC has fallen to 1-6 overall and 0-2 in defense of its Licking County League-Cardinal Division title.
Hess, however, finally got to see the fruits of his labor pay off Saturday despite the 36-24 loss to Johnstown at White Field.
He broke loose on touchdown runs of 68, 34 and 36 yards, turning in a 13-carry, 136-yard performance while also snagging three passes for 20 yards. Like most of the NC players, he goes both ways, and had two tackles and three assists on defense.
"I was happy for him. He's a great guy and a great teammate," junior offensive lineman Keaton Helms said. "With his speed, technique and awareness, he's shown a high level of improvement."
Coach Josh Hendershot attributed the breakout game to Hess staying lower to the ground.
"This past game, he was lower with his pads, precise with his cuts and showed some vision," Hendershot said.
Hess said he's learning to quit "dancing."
"Going more north and south, and using my speed," he said. "And our wide receivers did a great job of blocking."
Injuries have also forced the Green Wave to move Hess around on defense. He has played cornerback, safety and linebacker.
"He and Theo (Talbott) have been all over the place, which has kind of been a theme for our team," Hendershot said. Kelly Wendt led NC against Johnstown with eight tackles, including two for loss, while Nate Willis also had a stop behind the line of scrimmage.
NC players aren't looking for excuses as they hope to close the season strong, starting Friday at improved Lakewood (2-5, 0-2), in the final home game against Cardinal-leading Heath (5-2, 2-0) and at Northridge (2-5, 1-1).
"We have to win out, for the senior class," Hess said. "We need guys to step up in these times. Play hard, every down, like it's your last game, and just go out and have fun. Our junior class has a tight bond, and we're just so focused on winning right now."
With all of the injuries (10 of the 42 on the roster were out on Saturday), Helms said it's paramount that every player on the field does their job.
"It's next guy up, and the young guys need to step to help these seniors, and make a push for the playoffs," he said. "We need everyone, everyone doing their 1-11th, and keep on building."
There is one positive to take out of an uncharacteristic season for the Green Wave, Hendershot said.
"They've learned tons of life lessons," he said. "We've had loads of adversity, and they're learning to persevere and push through, just like you have to in life."
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This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Hess finally breaks out as Green Wave pushes through for strong finish
