Federal Hocking football makes their return to the TVC-Hocking with a new head coach
By: Joshua Hoerner
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STEWART, Ohio (WOUB) – The Federal Hocking Lancers played their first full season in three years in 2024.
The Lancers finished last season with a 2-7 record, earning wins against Belpre and Trinity Christian. They struggled with point differential, getting outscored by 27 points per game.
As the Lancers look ahead to next season, they are back to playing a full TVC-Hocking schedule. Junior lineman and defensive end Keegan Bolin said it’s a great feeling to be back in the TVC.
“We’ve been working hard to get into this position, so it feels great to be back in the TVC and compete,” Bolin said.
Along with the schedule change, the Lancers will also have a new first-year head coach.
Dominic Branch is in his first season as the Lancers head coach after spending last year as an assistant coach. Branch said he is learning every day.
“Taking it one day at a time, day by day,” Branch said. “Doing the right things to get them to doing the right things every day. Get the guys to work harder, more structure. Not looking too far ahead.”
Branch is trying to establish a hard-working culture in Stewart.
“Tough hard-noised working kids, that’s what we want,” Branch said. “Doing the right thing all the time, no matter who’s watching.”
Under center for the Lancers this year is senior quarterback Brody Rutter. Rutter said his leadership role has been rewarding so far.
“Just trying to encourage my teammates to keep their head up when they’re down,” Rutter said. “Got to put in work harder each day to see improvement.”
Senior Gabrial Bray is another returner from last year’s team and said when the team hits the field, it’s all business.
“When we are on the football field it’s time to work,” Bray said. “It’s not time to mess around and goof off. We got to take it seriously and work as a team.
Improvement from last year has been evident to this group of upperclassmen.
“We’re getting stronger and working together more,” Bray said.
“We’re hustling a lot more,” Rutter said.
“I say you name any category,” Bolin said. “Progression in every single feat.”
The day-by-day mentality was clear when players were asked which game is circled on the calendar. All the Lancers mentioned above stated they were most excited for their week one home game against the Green Bobcats.