High School Football Preview: A Closer Look at the Berne Union Rockets

SUGAR GROVE — The high school football season gets underway in less than two weeks in what should be another exciting year.

With the Ohio High School Athletic Association expanding the playoffs to 16 teams in each region qualifying for the postseason a few years ago, there is an excellent opportunity for even more teams to make the playoffs, which begin Nov. 1.

Here is a closer look at the Gales preparing for their season opener on Aug. 23:

More: Here is a list of the nine area high school football teams' schedules for the 2024 season

More: Here are 10 area high school football players to keep an eye on as football season nears

BERNE UNION

Coach: Tony Hurps (sixth season)

Conference: Mid-State League-Cardinal Division

2021 record: 2-9

Key returners: Jarett Thompson, Sr., QB/DB; Ray Davenport, Sr., TE/DB; Cody Homan, Sr., RB/LB; Luke Cutright, Sr., OL/LB; Colton Woodgeard, Sr., WR/DB; Clayton Moore, Sr., WR/DB; Clayton Lawrence, Sr., OL/DL; Dylan Finefrock, Jr., RB/LB; Jack Carle, Sr., OL/DL; Gavin Barnhart, Jr., WR/DB.

Key newcomers: Bryce Blair, Jr. OL/DE; Mayson Walton, Jr., RB/DB; Kenny Boetcher, Jr., OL/DL; Bradley Lawrence, Soph., OL/DL; Aiden Long, Soph., OL/DL.

Coach Hurps’ take : “We have had great senior leadership, and they have a chip on their shoulder after last season. They have worked extremely hard all off-season and have had a good summer. Our team’s attitude is definitely back to where we expect it to be.”

What to expect: Led by an outstanding senior class that took its lumps a year ago, the Rockets have the potential to rebound in a big way. They have the pieces in place to have a big-time bounce-back year after winning only two games a year ago. If the Rockets get off to a fast start, expect a big year from them.

Schedule

Aug. 23 Newcomerstown

Aug. 30 Trimble

Sept. 6 Crooksville

Sept. 13 at Zanesville Rosecrans

Sept. 20 at Miller

Sept. 27 Millersport

Oct. 4 at Martins Ferry

Oct. 11 at Grove City Christian

Oct. 18 Fisher Catholic

Oct. 25 Fairfield Christian Academy

Tom Wilson is a sports reporter for the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette. Contact him at 740-689-5150 or via email at twilson@gannett.com for comments or story tips. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @twil2323.

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: High School Football Preview: A Closer Look at the Berne Union Rockets