Season Preview: Berne Union looks to bounce back after a tough season
By: Charlie Ihlenfeld
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SUGAR GROVE, Ohio (WOUB) — Prior to last season, the Berne Union Rockets were consistently at the top of the Mid-State League (MSL) under head coach Tony Hurps. After a 2-8 finish last year, the Rockets seek to reclaim their position and the first step in the process is getting to work this summer.
Berne Union has been known for outstanding offense under Hurps, but last season their production plummeted. The Rockets averaged only 11 points per game last season, a 13– point decline from their average in 2022.
If any coach can turn around the fortunes of Berne Union, it is Hurps. He has the first and second highest scoring seasons in Rockets history.
In 2021, the Rockets shattered the school record for points per game, averaging over 44. They also beat opponents by an average of 29 points per game, another school record.
A factor working in favor of Berne Union is senior quarterback Jarrett Thompson.
Thompson commented on what his plan is for the offense this season, “It’s going to depend on the game; the way we’re playing. But, I will be looking down the field more this year.”
The Rockets have another area of focus this season, the line of scrimmage. For coach Hurps and Berne Union, the battle in the trenches is somewhere they can punch above their weight.
“You got to be physical, win the line of scrimmage,” Hurps said. “Our linemen are a bit undersized, but in terms of toughness, we feel like we can do that.”
The Rockets intensity on the line of scrimmage has bled into all of practice.
As they work to get back to the top, summer practices have been crucial to building the culture.
, “It’s been tough. I’ve been drenched in sweat for the whole practice,” Senior safety and wide receiver Ray Davenport said. “It’s been tough, but we are getting there.”
Berne Union has something special in mind for this season according to Hurps.
“They’re ready for some revenge,” he said. “They don’t like that feeling, and I think it’s good we got that feeling last year.”
It is shaping up to be a special season in Sugar Grove.