OREGON, Ohio — Clay overview:
2023 Record: 4-7 (Made playoffs)
Head Coach: John Galyas (8th year)
Top Returning Players:
Mason Heintschel, Senior QB (Honorable Mention All-Ohio; Committed to Pittsburgh)
Troy Hazuda, Senior WR (Honorable Mention All-Ohio)
Hudson Byers, Senior TE (Honorable Mention All-Ohio)
Jake Titgemeyer, Senior RB (2nd Team All-NLL)
Landon Eversman, Senior LB (2nd Team All-NLL)
2024 Schedule:
WEEK 1 8/23 @ Sandusky
WEEK 2 8/30 vs. Northview
WEEK 3 9/6 @ Whitmer
WEEK 4 9/13 vs. Findlay
WEEK 5 9/20 @ Perrysburg
WEEK 6 9/27 vs. Bowling Green*
WEEK 7 10/4 @ Fremont Ross*
WEEK 8 10/11 vs. Napoleon*
WEEK 9 10/18 @ Southview*
WEEK 10 10/25 vs. Rogers
*Denotes Northern Lakes League Cardinal Division game
The Clay Eagles were hoping for a different 2023.
The team went 1-3 in the new NLL Cardinal Division but a few plays in a few different games, including a triple overtime loss to Napoleon, could've been the difference.
"That's something that sticks with you," Clay head coach John Galyas said. "Our guys certainly haven't forgotten about some of those tough losses. The Napoleon loss was really tough. One score to Southview. We played some really close games. I think we're ready. We're going to be alright."
This year, Clay boasts the biggest roster in school history. A total of 80 players in grades 10-12 will fill the sidelines on Friday nights. The Eagles also have their largest senior class in school history with 30 players, headlined by quarterback Mason Heintschel, a Pitt commit.
"He's the best we've ever seen here at Clay High School in the history of the school," Galyas said.
In 2023, Heintschel passed for more than 2,300 yards, adding nearly 700 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns.
"Last year, we had pretty much the same group, we return a lot of those guys," Heintschel said. "That's going to be really huge for us this year. That's a big focal point for us is our skill guys. Letting them get the ball and get them in space."
However, the Eagles are also having to replace two offensive line pieces in All-NLL honorees Jacob Saurbeck (continuing his football career at Central Michigan) and Aiden Cantu (Ashland).
"It keeps you up at night, that's for sure," Galyas said. "That's something that we're really watching is that o-line group."
Heintschel will lead a passing attack with plenty of weapons, including All-Ohio Honorable Mentions in wide receiver Troy Hazuda and tight end Hudson Byers.
Hazuda said the chemistry with his quarterback is one of their biggest advantages.
"I think it's important that we're friends off the field too," Hazuda said. As much as we're close on the field, we're with each other all the time on the field. He's been my best friend since we were kids. We've been playing together since we were in 2nd or 3rd grade. The chemistry's always been there. We're just excited to have one last go at it."
That's why this Eagles team is working to earn its first winning record since 2008, and perhaps even a league title.
"They're hungry," Galyas said. "They know it's been a long, long time since we've won a league championship here at Clay High School and that's goal number one this year."
The Eagles open their season on the road at Sandusky.