The Oak Harbor Rockets are gearing up for a season that will be defined by youthful energy. After losing several key senior players, the team enters the campaign with a roster that is noticeably younger than in recent years.
A 9‑3 record and a 5‑2 finish in NBC play last year set a high bar, but eight all‑conference selections have since graduated, including standout linemen and skill position players.
The departure of eight conference honorees has left a smaller senior class of just ten athletes, forcing the coaching staff to lean on a handful of returning starters for leadership.
Leadership in the Trenches
Returning starters such as first‑team linebacker Micah Miller and honorable‑mention defensive back Braxtin Witt will anchor the defense, with Miller slated to start at tailback and Witt seeing time at wide receiver.
The coaching staff also counts on juniors Bryar Myerholtz, Hudson Lindsay and Brennan Butzin, as well as sophomore Preston Bickelhaupt, to provide depth at critical positions.
Young talents like juniors Everett Bolander and Austin Torres, along with sophomore Max Barr, are expected to step up and add fresh firepower to the offense.
Coach Mike May emphasizes the need for depth at wide receiver and defensive back, noting that the team’s competitive atmosphere and experience in tough situations should help them navigate adversity.
Despite the youthful nature of the squad, May believes the Rockets are deeper than in previous seasons and are poised to turn their potential into tangible results on the field.