Season Preview: The Unioto Shermans have something to prove
By: Zachary Knight
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) – The Unioto Shermans were dominant last season, going undefeated in the conference. However, their playoff run was abruptly cut short after a first-round loss to 15 seed Urbana.
Now, they’re looking to bounce back. Head coach Matt Hoops knows what his team needs to do to improve.
“We’ve got a lot to fix and to grow if we want be able to compete with those type of teams, and that’s what we’ve been focused on this offseason. We want to start winning playoff games.” Hoops said
Coach Hoops is also stepping down from his other position as coach of the boys basketball team after coaching them for 25 years, which will give him more time to focus on the football program.
“I feel like I’ve got a lot more energy that I didn’t realize I was lacking. This offseason has been different for me, but I think it’s been beneficial for our football program,” said Hoops.
The team will have to do it without quarterback Newton Hoops, who led them to their first conference title in 25 years and graduated after last season.
However, Unioto has another member of the Hoops family stepping up this season, Newton’s younger brother Blake.
“I think I’ve learned a lot from him, being his brother. The way he would just keep us all calm and in the moment, I think that’s a lot that I’ve learned from Newton,” Blake said.
The Shermans aren’t only looking to Blake to fill that gap. The team plans to do it together.
“Our brotherhood is strong, stronger than ever. We have some fresh legs so if someone gets sore, someone gets hurt, another guy can fill in. We’ll definitely be a big threat this year,” senior Blake Griffin said.
With changes on the horizon, and adjustments on and off the field, the Shermans will be a team to watch in the SVC this season. They’re set to face off with out-of-conference opponent Vinton County in week one.