2019 Video Snapshot: Roger Bacon
- Updated: August 25, 2019
The experience, the talent, the depth and the intangibles are on Roger Bacon’s side to make the playoffs for the first time in nine years. The Spartans will be one of the favorites to win a Region 16 regional title, that is if they can navigate enough wins in a difficult schedule.
Getting to Week 11 will be a grind, but something tells us that Roger Bacon is more than prepared to accomplish that feat.
Last season the Spartans had a 4-6 record and played five playoff teams, including Division III state-runner up Alter. Now they find themselves in a new conference, so there are several unknowns as they face new league opponents CHCA, Norwood, Summit and Purcell (old opponent).
Outside of that the rest of the schedule will feature some challenging opponents.
“Our non-conference is stacked, with GCL schools Badin, McNicholas along Newport Catholic plus very tough schools from Woodward, Meadowdale and Dunbar,” Spartans’ head coach Mike Blaut said. “We will find out if our experience carries over into the season.”
Like most teams, Roger Bacon has a few areas of concern if they want to become a complete squad.
“There are a few unknowns on defense. We must replace key linebackers from last season and sure up our kicking game as well,” Blaut added.
Rest assured, nobody wants to face Roger Bacon in November. With Corey Kiner spearheading the Spartans’ rushing attack that has great size up front this is a team that is built to succeed in November.
Division IV, Region 16
2018 RECORD: 4-6, 2-5 GCL Coeds
HEAD COACH: Mike Blaut (14-26 at Roger Bacon, four years, 14-26 overall)
HONOR ROLL
Corey Kiner, Jr, RB/LB: An OPSWA Division IV Second Team All-Ohio and GCL Central Co-Offensive Player of the Year honoree as a sophomore. Kiner is rewriting the Spartans’ record books with 2,966 yards rushing, 44 total touchdowns and 3,861 all-purpose yards heading into his junior campaign. The two-time First Team All-Southwest District selection has offers that include Arkansas, Cincinnati, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio State, Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Wisconsin.
Ronnell Lackey, Sr, DB: Named OPSWA Division IV Honorable Mention All-Ohio after getting in on 50 total tackles with a fumble recovery and an interception a year ago. Lackey also had 13 receptions with one rushing and one rushing touchdown for the Roger Bacon offense.
Ryan Blaut, Sr, WR/DB: The leader of the Spartans’ secondary. A two-time Second Team All-GCL Central selection, Blaut has 67 total tackles and three takeaways (two INTs, one FR) in his career.
Tyler Bullock, Sr, QB – 6-3/ 240: A two-time Second Team All-GCL Central performer. Bullock has thrown for 2,414 yards and accounted for 22 touchdowns (16 pass, six rush). The 6-foot-3, 240-pound senior may switch positions depending on transfer Danny Hudepohl’s preseason showing at quarterback.
Jake Mumper, Sr, LB: Coming off a breakout junior year where he was in on 35 total tackles with two sacks and three fumble recoveries. Mumper earned Second Team All-GCL Central for the work.
James Thompson Jr., Sr, OL/DE: Despite being slowed by injuries in 2018 the 6-foot-5, 230-pound lineman has made quite the impression this offseason. Thompson Jr. has received offers from Akron, Ball State, Navy and Wisconsin heading into his senior year. He has 80 total tackles, five-and-a-half sacks and three forced fumbles in a Roger Bacon uniform.
OTHER RETURNEES
Fred Greer, Sr, DB: A returnee in the secondary, Greer recorded 25 total tackles as a junior.
Dimitrius Ward, Sr, OL/DL: The senior will be called upon to provide leadership in the trenches. Ward tallied 27 total tackles a year ago.
Ryan Lally, Sr, OL/DL: Like classmate Ward, Lally will be an integral part of the Spartans’ line play. He had 21 total tackles and a sack in 2018.
Ryan Hallau, Jr, TE/DE: Showed signs being a very productive varsity player with four interceptions in seven contests as a sophomore.
Evan Webb, Jr, RB/LB: Has already won two letters heading into his junior year. Webb has 51 total tackles and three fumble recoveries in his career.
NEWCOMERS
Danny Hudepohl, Jr, QB/DB: Transferred from Gallatin County (KY) where he has started at quarterback and in the secondary the past two years. Heads into his junior campaign with 980 yards passing, 737 yards rushing, 10 passing touchdowns, one rushing score, 88 total tackles and five interceptions for 1,466 return yards at the varsity level.
Juniors LB Tyler Sunderman, TE/DE Ethan Hausfeld, sophomores RB Jahmal Hutsell and WR Kyle Guyer all have a shot at breaking into the rotation and getting meaningful snaps. Hutsell had a 49-yard interception return in his varsity debut in last season opener against Reading.
PLAYOFF HISTORY
(five appearances, 2-5) – 2010, 2005, 2001, 1998, 1997
2019 SCHEDULE
Sat – 08/31/19 – at Dunbar (Welcome Stadium, Univ. of Dayton) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/06/19 – NEWPORT CENTRAL CATHOLIC (KY) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/13/19 – at Woodward – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/20/19 – at Badin (Schwarm Stadium, Hamilton HS) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/27/19 – MCNICHOLAS – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/04/19 – at Purcell Marian – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/11/19 – MEADOWDALE – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/18/19 – CHCA – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/25/19 – at Norwood – 7:00 PM
Fri – 11/01/19 – SUMMIT COUNTRY DAY – 7:00 PM
*Image from Twitter (@RogerBaconFB)
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