DANE FUELLING
WZBD.com
After an outstanding 2022 season which saw Heritage finish with a winning record for the first time since 2015, the Patriots are ready to take the next step, hoping to insert themselves into the ACAC title hunt and to compete for a 3A sectional title.
While the program’s last sectional title came back in 2012 (also the last time Heritage won the ACAC), coach Casey Kolkman has plenty of reason for optimism.
He’s got numbers on this year’s roster with 29 seniors.
He’s got experience at the skill positions.
And he’s got a whole lot of momentum.
The team was the surprise of the ACAC last year, knocking off South Adams and finishing 5-1, losing only to eventual state runner-up Adams Central.
To take the next step forward, coach Kolkman and his staff have developed the slogan for 2023.
“Be faithful to the program and teammates, be better than the day before and be full of joy and enthusiasm.”
Speaking of that staff, coach Kolkman has a talented one.
Dean Jackson, who has been around high school football for decades, has become the team’s media director and catch-all, producing content and working closely with WZBD for the upcoming season.
Jeremy Hullinger is the offensive coordinator and Dan Waslyk will lead the defense. Both of them bleed Heritage red and blue.
Corbin Vance is the special teams coordinator and the team is blessed with two experienced assistant coaches for offense and defense in Dean Lehrman and Jim Kolkman.
Also involved in the program are Jim Bosler, Cale Conrad, Payton Fields, Jason Habisch, Mack Innis, Jamison Inskeep, Dereke Lehrman, Tom Michael, and Danny Phillips.
Collectively, the staff will use the skills of QB Kobe Meyer to run a spread offense and challenge the Jets for the conference’s top-scoring team.
Meyer led the team in rushing with 841 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also threw for 1097 yards and five TDs.
The Patriots averaged 170 yards on the ground in 2022 and will look to improve their average passing game (117.6 yards).
The top target for Meyer will once again be Ibrahim Williams, who had 41 catches a year ago.
On the other side of the ball, Heritage returns 10 of 11 starters from last year’s D, which allowed 130 points in the six conference games last season. Charlie Riddle and Landon Hicks each were named to the all-conference team for the ACAC and will be two of the top players at their position again in 2023.
Coach Kolkman notes four newcomers to the varsity team that have really caught his eye, including two offensive linemen with different skills. Wyatt Bertsch is a sophomore and Oh Zet Pa is listed at 6’ 1” and 340 pounds. Both will provide depth early on in the year as they learn the speed of the game.
Gery Gerber is another sophomore who could be a target as a second or third option for Meyer.
Landri Linder, a junior, will compete for snaps at the safety position.
The schedule in 2023 will also be an added advantage for Heritage, as they will play just four true road games, with two of them coming against the worst two teams in the ACAC last year (Jay County & Southern Wells) and another coming against the Bellmont Braves, who have lost 38 of their last 39 games. While the Patriots have to face Adams Central in Monroe, they will have the added benefit of having played on that field in their Week Four matchup after the game at South Adams was moved to AC.
Last year’s record: 6-4
Potential Depth Charts:
OFFENSE
LG Charlie Riddle
LT Chase Cashdollar
C Kemper Forrer
RT Wyatt Garland
RG Brandon Burnham
QB Kobe Meyer
RB Nolan Hoskins
WR Ibrahim Williams
WR Eli Tigulis
SL Preston Fields
TE D’vontaye Washington
DEFENSE
DT Logan Teichman
NG Brandon Boyle
DT Parker Hennessey/Charlie Riddle
OLB Culvin Gilbert
OLB Greyson Mullins
ILB Caleb Abbott
ILB Maddox Warren
S Braden Walter
S Landon Hicks
CB Lucas Weber
CB Eli Pilon
Schedule (**-broadcast on WZBD)
**Week One: vs. Bellmont (At Adams Central)
Week Two: Fairfield
Week Three: Woodlan
**Week Four: vs. South Adams (At Adams Central)
**Week Five: at Adams Central
Week Six: Lapel
**Week Seven: Bluffton
Week Eight: at Southern Wells
Week Nine: at Jay County
About the Author
