The Season Is Over

     Last Saturday officially closed out my Junior football season here at Ohio Northern. We traveled to Otterbein and came out with a 47-15 win. We started off the first half strong on defense, but we were not able to get our offense going. We would have some costly mistakes on offense and special teams and they would get a touchdown and a safety. We were able to respond, get a touchdown and field goal before the half, and go into halftime up 10-9. At halftime, we knew this was not good enough as this was a weaker team in the conference and we knew it was our job to come out firing in the second half. We were able to come out of the second half strong and we were firing on all cylinders. We were able to ramp it up on offense and our defense continued to hold them. Late in the game while we were up by a good margin we were able to get in a lot of seniors that have not played much throughout the season. It was a good moment and we were able to celebrate all of our seniors and give them a good sendoff.

    Looking at our season overall it definitely had its ups and downs but as a program, I think it was a success. I say this because coaching changes can be hard for a program and many start off slow and slowly build. Sometimes the players do not buy in right away with the new coach's vision. I believe that our team right away bought in with Coach Fries's vision and we got right to work. His vision for the program everyone liked and the new staff brought an energy we had not had. We were able to beat our rival Heidelberg which has not been done in a few years and was a big deal not only for the team but for the school. We were also able to finish 5-5 which was not what we wanted but was also the best record in a few years. 

    I would say that the future of the program is in good hands. I believe that after this season with our new staff, we are trending upwards as a team. I believe that this year was just the start and that each year the team will continue to grow. Looking forward to next year it will be my senior year and last year as a part of the football team here. I know that going into my last year I want to build on this past season and continue to grow this program next year. I believe that the guys in my class have really bought into the program and are looking to finish our four years off strong. I look forward to my senior year here and what it has in store for me!

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