Utica football sets sights on long-awaited winning season
UTICA — The Utica football team began to take steps forward last season but finished the season wanting more.
A 3-7 mark was the rebuilding program’s best since 2015. It also included three losses by eight points or fewer.
“We know we are getting close to what we wanted for four years now,” senior lineman Tyson McElroy said. “We started out freshman year 0-10, and it had been like that for three or four years before us. To know that we are bringing a change is a good feeling. You definitely get that feeling after winning a few that it’s worth it putting in that extra time.”
The goals are clear for a roster dominated by seniors that have been on field on Friday nights since their freshman season. They want to earn Utica’s first winning season since 2010 and reach the Division V playoffs.
Last season is in the past, but coach Charlie Rowley has not minded using that as motivation. Just simply being competitive or winning a game is not good enough.
“I hope so for our guys. Last year did not end the way we wanted to, and I hope that leaves a bad taste in our guys’ mouth,” said Rowley, whose team was in the playoff hunt until a 20-14 loss to Lakewood in the season finale.
“We don’t want to worry too much about one game, but it’s certainly the idea you always have to be prepared and you always have to be working to get better," Rowley added. "We did have some success, but guys feel like we can take some bigger steps forward.”
With standout senior Dylan Cooperider, at 6-foot-1, 300 pounds, working his way back from a knee injury, Utica’s offensive line remains in tact. McElroy and classmate Connor Staugh are back as are juniors Grayson Tyo, Caden Baker and A.J. Roenker, who is moving to tight end, with senior Zavier Stone and junior Wyatt Cullop also in the mix.
“We are definitely getting more faster up front, and it’s going to be a lot of fun this year,” McElroy said. “It’s something this program has needed for a long time, and it hasn’t had. We haven’t had that chemistry up front where people are committed and sticking with it.”
Utica’s offense can be versatile with seniors Tyler Collura and Justin Giffin providing a combination of power and speed in the backfield. The offense also can spread it out with junior Hayden Piper throwing downfield to seniors Logen Fisher and Gavin Chinn, the latter catching nine touchdown passes last season.
“These offensive line guys, you don’t hear their name often, but I am a full believer in your offense goes as your O-Line goes,” Rowley said. “We have learned that from past experience.”
The depth up front will allow the defensive line to stay fresh. Junior Brandon Thornsberry is an impact player on the edge, and the offensive skill players were top playmakers on that side of the ball, too.
“We are way ahead of where we have been in the past just with that experience,” Rowley said. “We can be quicker and more efficient in practice. Guys know what we expect. All of that helps getting more reps and has been beneficial.”
Seven of Utica’s 10 games last season were competitive into the fourth quarter, a welcome change from recent seasons. It now is a seasoned group.
“You learn those situations by being in them,” Rowley said. “Obviously you practice them, but it’s quite different when it’s a live situation. You learn good and bad things. We used scenarios and teaching opportunities, so we can reflect on those.”
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At a Glance
Coach: Charlie Rowley
State Classification: Division V, Region 19
In 2022: 3-7, 1-4
Key players: Justin Giffin, Sr., RB/DB. Dylan Cooperider, Sr., OL/DL. Hayden Piper, Jr., QB/LB. Tyler Collura, Sr., RB/LB. Gavin Chinn, Sr., WR/DB. Logen Fisher, Sr., WR/DB. Tyson McElroy, Sr., OL/DL. Brandon Thornsberry, Jr., TE/DL.
What to expect: Utica had a taste of success last season and returns plenty of firepower to aim for the program's first winning season since 2010. Piper has a big arm at quarterback, but Collura and Giffin provide a thunder and lightning combination behind an experienced line. All of the top players also contribute to an emerging defense.
Game to watch: Week 8 at Johnstown — The Johnnies certainly have been a nemesis for Utica during the last decade, and a late drive fell short in last season's narrow 28-20 loss. A victory on the road this season could vault Utica into the Division V playoffs.
Postseason outlook: A Week 1 victory against Centerburg propelled Utica into the Division V, Region 19 playoff hunt all the way to Week 10. With a rematch against the Trojans on the road to start and home games with Loudonville and Fredericktown to follow, Utica could set itself up to reach Week 11 this season.
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Utica Redskins football sets sights on long-awaited winning season
