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2022 Snapshot: New Richmond

New Richmond OL/DL Billy Foster (photo courtesy of New Richmond football)

Get ready for an entertaining brand of football New Richmond fans. The Lions new head coach Brian Pitzer is going to open it up, air it out and spread the wealth on offense. Defensively, his teams are going to pin back their ears and cause havoc in opposing backfields.

“This team will have an identity that plays extremely fast on offense while striving for high efficiency. As always, we look to lead the state in passing. Our defense will use speed along with ability to get to the football and look to force turnovers to stop opposing offenses,” Pitzer states.

Opportunities knock for so many of these Lions. Seeing who is going to answer the call under the Friday night lights for New Richmond, will be one of the intriguing things to watch unfold as 2021 progresses. “We will be challenged early on this season at our skill positions. We are looking for a lot of players to step up into new roles and embrace our schemes offensively and defensively,” Pitzer says.

Is New Richmond capable of winning the SBAAC American? It will not be easy with reigning Division IV state champion, Clinton-Massie and a loaded Division III, Region 11 regional runner-up Western Brown also vying for that crown.

Pitzer feels the makeup of his squad might give them a shot. “Our team is very senior heavy and has a ton of potential! They are an elite group of young men academically, athletically and socially. They have embraced everything that we have thrown at them since I came to New Richmond in March.”

A fast start to 2022 and heading into conference play is very conceivable. The first five foes on the schedule were a combined 17-32 (.347 winning %) a year ago. Going 5-0 or 4-1 would be a huge confidence booster for New Richmond. If that happens don’t be surprised if the Lions ride a wave of belief to some pretty big wins down the stretch and into the playoffs.

Division III, Region 12
2021 RECORD: 4-5, 3-2 SBAAC American
COACH: Brian Pitzer (0-0 at New Richmond, first year; 6-14 overall, two years)

HONOR ROLL
Jack Moore, Sr, S/ATH – One of the top defensive backs in Region 12. Moore was an OPSWA Division III Second Team All-Ohio (DB) selection as a junior. He has 173 total tackles and five interceptions in his career. Moore has offers from Otterbein and Mount St. Joseph.

New Richmond DB Jack Moore (photo courtesy of New Richmond football)

Luke Abbott, Sr, OL/DL – One of the anchors on the o-line. Abbot was named Second Team All-SBAAC American as a junior.

Billy Foster, Sr, OL/DL – A leader in the trenches look for Foster to have a standout senior season. Foster earned Second Team All-SBAAC American honors in 2021. He has offers from Thomas More, Wilmington and Mount St. Joseph.

Laurence Smith, Sr, RB/LB – Will all be huge contributor at the skill positions on both sides of the ball. Smith was a Second Team All-SBAAC American honoree after tallying 43 total tackles and five-and-a-half sacks as a junior.

AJ Metzger, Sr, QB – Blessed with a big arm Metzger should thrive in Pitzer’s up tempo offense. Look for him to set some school passing records this fall. Metzger was named Honorable Mention All-SBAAC American after throwing for 678 yards and 15 touchdowns a year ago.

New Richmond QB AJ Metzger (photo courtesy of New Richmond football)

OTHER RETURNEES
Matthew Duty, Sr, RB/LB – Will be a factor on offense and defense at the skill positions. Duty has run for five touchdowns, recorded 54 total tackles with three-and-a-half sacks at the varsity level.

Trent Dunaway, Sr, DB – The coaching staff is looking for Dunaway to shine on both sides of the ball as a senior.

NEWCOMERS
Cooper Tidball, Sr, WR – All signs point to Tidball having a breakout year at wide receiver.

Tyler Senters, Jr, ATH – An excellent athlete who will be very impactful on offense and defense.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(eight appearances, 6-8) – 2020, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2009, 2001, 2000, 1999

2022 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/19/22 – at Northwest (3-7 in 2021) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/26/22 – BETHEL-TATE (9-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/02/22 – at Western Hills (1-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/09/22 – TALAWANDA (2-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/16/22 – NORWOOD (2-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/23/22 – at Western Brown (11-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/30/22 – BATAVIA (1-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/07/22 – at Wilmington (3-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/14/22 – CLINTON-MASSIE (14-1) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/22/22 – at Goshen (1-9) – 7:00 PM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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