Persistent Piper paying off for Utica on both sides of the ball
UTICA ― Hayden Piper has always had the ability to do it, but in Friday's historic homecoming takedown of Newark Catholic, he added a new dimension to Utica's offense.
The junior quarterback helped keep the chains moving, and the clock running, rushing 23 times for 101 yards, including 76 in the first half of the 14-7 victory.
"We have a good line, and I just put my head down and try to get as many yards as I can," Piper said.
The production was needed, as the Green Wave held Justin Giffin to just 50 yards on 15 attempts, and limited playmaker Gavin Chinn to only five catches for 35 yards including none in the second half.
Coach Charlie Rowley was not surprised, and has been pleased by Piper's development in the Redskins' 5-1 start.
"He runs hard, like a fullback," he said. "He's running our offense exceptionally well, and makes good decisions."
Piper has completed an outstanding 73 percent of his passes (59-of-81) for 695 yards and eight touchdowns with only three interceptions, including 40 to Chinn for 505 yards and six scores. Friday's big night increased his rushing total to 331 yards and five TDs, two of which he scored against NC.
"The guys around me always have my back, and they do everything they can to make our offense succeed," Piper said. "I try to do as much as I can, and they put their trust in me. I've learned more patience and taking what the defense gives us."
Rowley said the 6-foot, 190-pound Piper is the definition of a complete football player.
"The number one thing is, not many guys play both ways, especially quarterbacks, and he also plays inside linebacker," he said. "He's a great leader, and he carries himself the way any coach would want a player to carry himself. He's intense, but he does not get over-excited."
Giffin checks in with 620 yards on 101 carries, a 6.1-yard average, and six touchdowns as Utica has maintained a balanced attack.
Senior linebacker Tyler Collura led the defense with three tackles and four assists, as the Redskins limited NC to 195 total yards including just 70 in the first half. Logen Fisher, Nick Drumm, Aidyn Burgess and Chase Bennett each had a tackle for loss.
Utica has held its last two victims to just one score and Licking Heights to only two, but the Redskins will be put to the test Friday when explosive Heath (4-2, 1-0) comes calling for a Licking County League-Cardinal Division showdown. The well-balanced Bulldogs average a shade under 40 points per game and put up 25 against Norwayne, by far the most points the undefeated Bobcats have allowed.
The game also has implications in Division V, Region 19, where the Redskins are currently 10th and the Bulldogs 12th.
The good thing is, Utica thrives in Redskin Stadium, where it is 3-0. "We love this place," Piper said.
Pandemonium reigned there after Utica beat NC for the first time in 49 years. But not long after it ended, Piper put things in perspective.
"We'll celebrate tonight," he said. "But tomorrow, it's all about Heath."
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This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Persistent Piper paying off for Utica on both sides of the ball
