Rosecrans football expectations continue to rise
ZANESVILLE — Preparing Rosecrans football players for life on and off the field has been the emphasis since Chris Zemba took over the program four years ago.
The message continues to resonate among the Bishops, who have one of the largest teams in school history with 36 players this season.
The numbers have increased each year under Zemba, who took over after a 2019 campaign in which the Bishops played 8-man football.
"We've been looking for those numbers. Our kids know they have to do their job, and they can feel that competition behind them," Zemba said. "We focus on making sure the players know their job, keeping it enjoyable and showing the players it's more than just about football. The parents and players know this, as we also prepare them to be better people after their time here."
Offense: Rosecrans leaning on experience in key roles
Encompassing those traits are a senior class highlighted by four-year starting quarterback Brendan Bernath and starting linemen Xander Daniels and Gavin Bee.
Bernath, who threw for nearly 1,600 yards and 13 TDs as a junior, brings steadiness to the huddle, noted Zemba. Having a player of his skillset and experience will aid an offense that will utilize a variety of sets, including some spread and I-formation.
An experienced line with Daniels and senior Maddux Burkhart manning the tackle spots and Bee at center will aid the Bishops. Juniors Ben Jackson and Mason Betts also return at the guard spots.
"They're expected to be a physical force," Zemba said. "We will rely on them to allow us to pound the ball and protect the passer when we go to the air."
Strong skill players, especially in the backfield, will take pressure off Bernath. Sophomore Brody Zemba, who ran for 11 TDs and collected nearly 1,400 all-purpose yards, returns as the starting running back.
Senior Mike Dady, who Chris Zemba referred as one of his "hardest workers," will also see action, while juniors Landon Hartman and Caden Sullivan bring size to the backfield and will assist the running game as fullbacks.
Rosecrans will miss the production of leading wide receiver and graduate Weston Hartman. Sophomores Coen Grandstaff and Nick Bernath gained valuable experience out wide last season, while senior Mike Burkhart will join that group.
Senior Eden Lynch and junior Connor Wells headline the tight ends, as both can assist the ground and aerial attacks.
A pair of soccer players will also contribute. Senior Evan Backus brings versatility and freshman J.T. Robinson will take on the placekicking duties.
"We want to be able to pound it on the ground, but our skilled guys also give us a chance to sling it down the field," Zemba said. "We can go 2 and even 3 deep in some spots. Our focus is trying to bring our 2's closer to our 1's so there's not much of a drop off when they have to step in."
Defense: Depth should aid defensive improvement
Depth should aid the 5-3 defense, which allowed less than 20 points just four times last season. Daniels and Jackson will anchor the front line, while juniors Ethan Wolfel and Connor Briggs and sophomores Haiden Omen and Logan Pratt will be part of the rotation.
Defensive coordinator Brenton Childs noted the line play is crucial to the defense's success.
"We've had fierce competition on that side, and we will be able to have a solid rotation to keep guys fresh," Childs said. "They'll be our tone setters and should help our linebackers make plays."
Sullivan, Betts and Hartman are slated as the starting linebackers, while both Bernaths, Brendan and Nick, and Grandstaff, who made 14 pass breakups last season, return to anchor the secondary.
Sophomores Gage Bee, Zane Moody and John Lepi will also see time in the defensive backfield.
"Our linebackers have made huge progress. They are light years ahead of where they were this time a year ago," Childs said. "We have experienced cornerbacks with good athleticism.
"Our defense wants to make contact and be physical. They want to get after it every day."
Outlook: Bishops focused on improving
The Bishops grabbed the final playoff spot in Region 27 before falling to perennial powerhouse Newark Catholic in the first round of the state playoffs.
Expectations are to improve on the 3-8 campaign, while trying to contend in a balanced Mid-State League Cardinal Division, which features solid squads at Grove City Christian and Fairfield Christian Academy and league power Berne Union.
"We're trying to improve and be better every day," Zemba said. "We're aiming to improve on last year, and it will be fun and exciting to see how far this group can go."
bhannahs@gannett.com; @brandonhannahs
In the huddle
Key returnees: Brendan Bernath (QB, sr.); Xander Daniels (OL/DL, sr.); Gavin Bee (OL, sr.); Maddux Burkhart (OL, sr.); Mason Betts (OL/LB, jr.); Ben Jackson (OL/DL, jr.); Brody Zemba (RB, so.); Coen Grandstaff (WR/DB, so.)
Key losses: Weston Hartman (LB/WR)
Coaching staff: Head Coach Chris Zemba, Brenton Childs, Seth Thompson, Mark Johnston, Aaron Daniels, Brandon Wright, Karl Saunders, Paul Hoffman
Classification: Division IV, Region 27
Last Mid-State League Cardinal Division title: None
Last playoff appearance: 2022
Last playoff win: 2012
Regional Titles: 0
Rosecrans 2023 football schedule
Aug. 18: Sciotoville East
Aug. 25: at Reedsville Eastern
Sept. 2: at Steubenville Catholic Central
Sept. 8: at Berne Union
Sept. 15: Grove City Christian
Sept. 23: at Fisher Catholic
Sept. 29: Fairfield Christian Academy
Oct. 6: Grandview Heights
Oct. 13: at Miller
Oct. 20: Millersport
This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Rosecrans football 2023 outlook: From 8-man to playoffs. What's next?
