Knights playing home games on turf, adjusting to new system
JEFFERSON TWP — The 2022 football season did not have a good feel for Knoch from the start.
With artificial turf being installed, the Knights were forced to play all but one of their games on the road. They got a new head coach and had to adapt to a radically different system — and they didn’t win a game until the final week of the season.
“That was a lot for these kids to take in,” second-year Knoch coach Tim Burchett admitted.
But in 2023, the Knights might be all the better after going through such adversity.
Knoch Stadium now has a fresh artificial turf surface and the Knights return seven starters on both sides of the ball.
“We’ve shifted some people around and we all have a better feel for things,” Burchett said. “This is an upbeat, positive group. We’re expecting good things.”
The seven returning starters offensively are quarterback Codi Mullen, who threw for a school-record 1,689 yards last season, wide receiver Jackson Bauman, slot receiver Sam Skurka, tight end Kaden Spencer and linemen Wyatt Foster, Bennett Shaw and Parker Anderson.
Skurka is moving from running back to the slot. Shaw was a receiver last year and is moving to center.
“Yeah, you don’t see that move every day,” Shaw said, laughing. “I’ve put on weight and have worked on getting physically stronger. A lot of guys are shifting around.
“Attitude is our biggest strength going into this season. We’re all playing for each other, doing what we have to do to win.”
Burkett sees Bauman — who had more than 500 yards receiving and five touchdowns as a freshman a year ago — as a blossoming star.
“He plays basketball, too, and is an outstanding athlete,” the coach said. “With Codi throwing him the ball, I think he could be in for a huge year.
“One thing we want to do offensively is run the ball much better. We didn’t get much out of our ground game last year and that needs to change. We have to become more balanced. We’ve got an experienced offensive line that should help us in that area.”
Foster admitted Knoch’s running game needs to be more productive. Tony Nicolazzo and Ethan Alwine are the two main running backs this season.
“It’s on our line to open holes for those guys,” Foster said. “Everything starts with us. We have good running backs who will take advantage of those holes.”
The seven starters returning on defense are Anderson and Foster along the line, Shaw at middle linebacker, Spencer and Nicolazzo at safety, Mullen and Bauman on the corners.
“A lot of the same names,” Burchett said. “We’ll build depth as we go. Brady Pflugh is a senior outside linebacker who we’re expecting big things from.
The coach said Knoch is changing the defensive formations this year to suit its personnel.
“We’re going to be more physical,” Shaw said.
“I feel like we’re strong at defensive tackle and end,” Foster said. “That can set the tone. Free up linebackers and safeties to come up and make tackles.”
The kicking game hurt the Knights last season as missed PATs proved costly in a couple of games.
“I don’t like to think about memories like that,” Burchett said. “Kannon Trofimuk is a new kicker for us and Ethan Alwine can handle kickoffs. Our special teams should be much improved.
“Codi Mullen is our punter, which gives us an advantage for potential fakes that way. I’m excited about this season. Our conference is solid, as it always is, and everyone believes they can win.
“Count us among that group,” Burchett added.
