Written by: Zachary Worstell (zdw001@marietta.edu)
Coach Kaufman has wrapped up his first season as the head coach of the Marietta College Pioneers. In a season with many questions as only six starters returned, the football team finished 5-5 with a 3-5 Ohio Athletic Conference record. This Saturday, they ended the season with a victory defeating Bluffton University at home 37-14.
The Pioneers went through many changes this season on and off the field. With a new head coach and all new coordinators, the locker room culture was changed. Coach Kaufman wished to focus on establishing his own culture with the core values of love, action, and connection.
Kaufman stated that he’s “working really hard to create a team that wants to play hard for each other. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about us, it’s about them (the players).”
On the field the Pioneers found early success with their dual rushing threats. Marietta started out 3-0 defeating Westminster College 12-8, Otterbein University 47-31, and Capital University 24-21. First year starter Antwon Johnson had 126 rushing yards with three rushing and three passing touchdowns in the first three games. On the other side, Vante’ Hodges led the country with 591 yards and five touchdowns on 61 carries. However, Hodges suffered a foot injury in the second quarter versus Capital, prompting a change in the offense. Benny Lewis took over the running game.
“Benny’s a leader for us. Benny is energetic. Benny’s positive, we want more Benny Lewises,” stated Kaufman.
In the next game versus Ohio Northern Benny Lewis and Zion Jackson Willborn split the backfield for 61 yards and a touchdown. However, the passing game was ineffective with Johnson throwing three interceptions. After being injured off a sack, he was replaced by sophomore Joe Tenta. Tenta, effectively known as Kid Quake, finished off the game in a 42-9 losing effort.
Tenta would be the starter for the rest of the season, however the offense struggled to find their footing in October. The Pios suffered losses to Heidelberg University, 30-27, Muskingum University, 35-31, and Baldwin Wallace, 38-0. Hodges returned versus Muskingum; however, he never got back to full strength, slowing his production.
After a rough month, the team finished strong in November. On the road versus Wilmington College, the Pios won 44-14. Tenta went 20/29 with one touchdown and one interception. While Lewis and Hodges combined for four touchdowns and 169 yards.
Marietta kept it close at home versus #2 Mount Union as they were only down 17-13 at halftime. However, they ultimately lost 30-19. Fortunately, the season ended strong with a 37-14 win over Bluffton University to finish .500.
In six starts, Joe Tenta went 116/208 for 1486 yards with 9 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. Antwon Johnson went 50/96 for 553 yards, 3 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. Freshmen Michael Corcoran made three appearances for the team and went 3/7 for 25 yards.
“it’s going to be another open competition for that position and we’re going to find the guy that’s going to help us win football games,” Kaufman commented.
Senior John Sierputowski led the receiving room with 781 yards and 6 touchdowns off of 47 receptions. In the backfield, Hodges had 960 yards and 9 touchdowns on 147 attempts and Lewis had 569 yards and 6 touchdowns on 135 attempts.
Regarding next season, Kaufman stated that, “we want to have a great offseason, I want to get better, we want to get better on all three phases, offense, defense, special teams. I think guys are going to step up… and we got a group of guys that are willing to put in the work.”
Regarding recruitment, Kaufman felt that it “could not be going better,” as the Pioneers have ten commitments thus far. Their looking to add to their defense as they suffer two losses in All-American linebackers Brady McManaway and Harley Hopkins. Offensively, Kaufman noted that the team is losing two of their offensive tackles, Brayden Adams and Brady Shildwachter.
“I don’t think you can ever replace those guys but, people are going to be ready to step into those roles and be the best version of themselves,” said Kaufman.
