Bishop Rosecrans works to earn their first home playoff win in school history
By: Charlie Ihlenfeld
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ZANESVILLE, Ohio (WOUB) – In 2024, the Bishop Rosecrans Bishops earned their first winning season since 2017. Their reward was missing the postseason for the first time since 2019.
“(It) was very weird for us,” said head coach Chris Zemba. “I don’t want to say we got stuck in Division Six. Some mathematical error put us in Division Six.”
Back in Division Seven, Region 27, the Bishops are in prime position to make history. Bishop Rosecrans has never won a home playoff game, and they did not have their own field to host one until recently. It has been more than a decade since the Bishops have won a playoff game, as their last win was a 26-3 over Symmes Valley in 2012.
Last year’s finish has pushed the Bishops to reach another level this season.
“I feel like it gives a little more to help us, encourage us to make the playoffs this year,” said Nicolas Bernath, senior wide receiver and free safety.
Bishop Rosecrans returns a large senior class, highlighted by their skill positions. Their rusher, passer and top three receiving targets all return this year. Hayden Purdue remains under center. The senior was a key component last year, passing for 987 yards in nine games and 15 touchdowns. At receiver, Coen Grandstaff returns after hauling in 19 catches for 312 yards and six touchdowns. Beside him, Nicolas Bernath returns as well.
Most importantly, Brody Zemba was and projects to continue to be a true dual-threat for the Bishops offense. The senior ran for 1,047 yards and 10 touchdowns. In the air, he hauled in 26 passes for 503 yards and seven touchdowns.
On the other side of the ball, the Bishops will have more turnover, but coach Zemba said the players behind them are ready to take the next step.
“It’s always next man up,” said Zemba. “Defensively, we have a lot of young leaders. We got our Pierce Tilton, Jacoby Bello’s in the middle. They’re gonna have a big job this year.”
This season will be more than the final year of a dominant stretch for Brody at Bishop Rosecrans. It will be his final season playing under his father, Chris.
“I have already taken a couple of seconds, maybe during drills, where I stop and blink and go, ‘This is it, this is the last time it is going to happen,” said Chris Zemba. Brody said this season would have a special feeling for him too.
“(It’s) definitely different this year,” said Brody. “(I) think I’m realizing it’s went by fast and take it all in this year.”