Despite over four decades of never recording a winning season, the Hiram Terriers’ football team’s belief has never wavered. As the Terriers begin another season, the goal remains the same for the program to finally experience a breakthrough season.
“We have been working really hard to get the right people in the program to move this thing forward and it has been a lot of long nights for myself and my staff and our players, but I think we are moving in the right direction,” Coach Jack Mrozinski, Jr. told The Weekly Villager on Aug. 27. “Rome was not built in the day so it is going to take some time but I am encouraged by what I am seeing.”
In Hiram’s final season competing in the North Coast Athletic Conference before moving to the Presidents’ Athletic Conference next fall, it will welcome in its largest freshman class since Mrozinski took over the program in 2019.
For the fifth-year coach, it also marks the first senior class he has coached from start to finish during his tenure and he said that the upperclassmen hope to ensure that their teammates understand the standards that were implemented during their first year on the team.
“They have seen things before and have faced these teams before and the moment will not be too big for them,” Mrozinski added. “They have developed not only on the field but also in the weight room and changed their bodies and know how to prepare the right way.”
Hiram returns only three starters on offense but welcomes back a more experienced defense with seven returnees. Mrozinski acknowledged that Hiram will rely on its defense to spark things at the beginning of the season.
“We have to be able to play complimentary football in all three phases,” he added. “That is how we get better but I do think the defense is a little bit more mature at this point so they will have to make a couple of stops and make sure the momentum stays on our sideline.”
Mrozinski said that the backbone of the Terriers’ defense lies at the defensive end position, with seniors Damian Concklin and Riley Haugh lining up on opposite sides of the line.
The 6-foot-1 Haugh recorded nine tackles, four tackles for losses and 2.5 sacks while the 6-foot-2 Concklin posted four tackles, including one for a loss last season.
“Both guys have built their bodies up over their four years and it is fun to think about when they came in as freshmen,” he said. “They both have had significant reps for us throughout all four years and I think they are doing a great job at leading the defensive line but also the defense.”
The Terriers’ secondary will also be a strength, with seniors Tonvanta Revis and Ricardo Jimenez returning as the starting cornerbacks.
The 5-foot-9 Jimenez made 11 tackles and intercepted one pass while the 6-foot-1 Revis snagged two interceptions last season.
On offense, Mrozinski said that the Terriers will try and be multi-dimensional despite having a young core of playmakers.
Hiram’s most experienced position on offense will be at tight end as seniors Anthony Brumbaugh and Jaden Jennings will split time at the position.
The 6-foot-4 Jennings caught seven passes for 49 yards and two touchdowns and the 6-foot Brumbaugh hauled in 11 passes for 80 yards last year.
Hiram’s offensive line will have a new look of senior right tackle Josh Michael, freshman right guard Jeron Hall, senior center Talon Frick, sophomore left guard John Brighton and freshman left tackle Alex Ramirez Torres.
According to Mrozinski, Michael, Frick and Brighton earned some experience on the offensive line last year while Hall and Ramirez Torres are newcomers.
Mrozinski said that the Terriers’ offense will be dictated by their offensive line.
“No pressure on them but in order to win football games especially in Northeast Ohio, you have to be able to move the ball and it all starts with those five guys up front,” he said. “There is a lot of gut checks on the offensive line and we have to make sure there are a lot of people in place and are doing the right stuff.”
Hiram will be deep at quarterback this year, with freshman Miles Miller, sophomore Gabe Lawson, and junior Karvon Wright who will each take snaps under center.
“Obviously we will have a starter that takes the bulk of the reps but the other two who are not the main guy right away will have a package so you will still see them on the field going forward,” Mrozinski said.
The Terriers’ season begins when they take on Heidelberg University at Hoernemann Stadium in Tiffin on Thursday beginning at 7 p.m.
