Chardon >> Hilltoppers

Just the facts

School: Chardon

Conference: WRC

OHSAA: Division III, Region 9

Coach: Mitch Hewitt, 13th year (109-33) 2022: 11-2

Twitter: @topperfb

Home field: Memorial Stadium

Schedule

(Subject to change)

Aug. 18: Chardon at West Geauga, 7 p.m.

Aug. 25: Chardon at Tiffin Columbian, 7 p.m.

Sept. 1: Avon Lake at Chardon, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8: St. Francis (N.Y.) at Chardon, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15: Chardon at Bishop Watterson (at Ohio Dominican), 7 p.m.

Sept. 22: Kenston at Chardon, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29: Chardon at South, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6: Chardon at Mayfield, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13: North at Chardon, 7 p.m.

Oct. 20: Riverside at Chardon, 7 p.m.

Coach Mitch Hewitt and the Chardon Hilltoppers have high goals for the season.

Outlook

The Hilltoppers are experienced and motivated after losing in a regional final last year. Coach Mitch Hewitt said this is among the biggest (physically) and fastest teams he’s had. Offensively, the line is so deep that Division I recruit Andrew Baggott has moved from tackle to tight end. Will Francis is a new, heady leader at quarterback. Defensively, graduation losses took some super talent off the front seven. The defensive backs are experienced and talented.

Player to watch

Andrew Bruce is a standout two-way starter at running back and at defensive back. He’s a Division I college recruit with top-notch speed. He is a lockdown corner. Underclassman to watch: Caleb Hewitt, the coach’s son, is the fastest player on the team. When he and Bruce are on the field at the same time on offense, hold your breath.

Bottom line

IF: Chardon’s youthful defensive front seven can replace many All-Ohioans; THEN: The Hilltoppers could run the table and contend for a Division III state title.

— John Kampf

BRIAN FISHER — FOR THE NEWS HERALD

Bruce