Dawgs ready to hit gridiron
ARCHIVE PHOTO BY LISA McGINTY | LMc Photography
Senior Ethan Stutz and junior Colin Pearson will split time as starting quarterback.
By ARIEL STAHLER
Gazette & News sports writer
As the final days of summer turn into early fall, Dalton High School’s varsity football team is working hard to make their gridiron goals a reality this season.
The Dawgs have a long-standing goal to win the Wayne County Athletic League championship, Region 25 in the playoffs and, ultimately, a state championship. They also have some short-term goals at the start of the season, both on the field and off.
“We want to work on playing with great fundamentals full speed,” Dalton’s head coach Broc Dial said, adding that his players are also working to become the best they can be off the field.
Dalton captured the WCAL crown last season to win their league-leading 21st WCAL title. They fell just short of winning Region 25 when they lost to Warren JFK in the regional final.
According to Dial, the team has been putting in the effort to improve before the start of the season.
Senior Ethan Stutz and junior Colin Pearson are set to split time as starting quarterback for the Dawgs. Stutz is one of five seniors on the team. The other four senior players are: Bryce Johnson, Grant Johnson, Quentin Lehman and Jaden Sok.
Losing seniors from the past season always leave a gap in a team, but the next group of seniors are eager to leave an impression on the Dawgs.
“Last year’s seniors were part of the great legacy of Dalton football,” Dial said. “This year’s seniors are looking forward to having a great year and continuing the strong tradition of Dalton football.”
The Dawgs open the season Aug. 19 in East Canton to take on the Hornets. They host Tuslaw Aug. 26 for their first home game. Other notable matchups include Sept. 9 at home against Waynedale, Sept. 16 vs. Smithville at home and Oct. 7 on the road at Rittman.
