Football: Mentality change helps bring Olentangy back to prominence
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
By Michael Rich
mrich@cbussports.com
Olentangy senior PJ Harrison (9) moved from running back to defensive back this season. He’s been a key part of a defense that’s allowed eight points per game over its last three contests. Photo: courtesy of Phillip Young/Olentangy football team
PJ Harrison had no problem becoming a defensive back after being a running back for the Olentangy football team.
Sure, there were adjustments, but the senior has found his footing as a part of a defense that’s allowing eight points per game over its last three.
The Braves, who are the top-ranked team in Division I, Region 2, are 5-0 overall after a 35-0 win over Central Crossing on Sept. 15 and heading into an OCC-Cardinal Division opener at rival Olentangy Berlin on Sept. 22.
Olentangy, which hadn’t shut out an opponent since beating Licking Heights 47-0 in the first round of the 2020 playoffs, is off to its best start since 2014 when it won its first 13 games before falling to Cincinnati LaSalle in a Division 2 state semifinal.
“It was definitely something to get used to,” said Harrison, who played a little bit on defense in middle school. “Being asked to do it wasn’t even a problem because it’s all about winning this year. It’s all about making a statement and proving a point. We were 4-7 last year and I think a lot of people will sleep on our team.”
Olentangy went 43-7 from 2012 through ’15, making the playoffs three times, but has slowly fallen off since.
Last was a disappointment even after going 3-8 in 2021. The Braves haven’t had back-to-back seasons under .500 since 1990 and ’91 – the last two years of a string of six consecutive. They’ve only had four seasons under .500 since with three of them coming since 2018.
But this year is different. Second-year coach Wade Bartholomew credits a change in mindset by his senior class as the main reason for the team’s success this season.
“I think the big turnaround was when (our players) realized that it was their path and their choice … I think that’s when their mindset changed,” Bartholomew said. “They were going to do it the right way, they’re going to do it their way and it’s going to be in a winning manner (with) a fight mentality and a team chemistry mentality.”
Olentangy senior Ethan Grunkemeyer is quarterbacking an offense that’s averaging 36.4 points per game this season. He’s been an integral part of a Braves team that’s off to its best start since 2013 when it won its first 13 games. Photo: Kevin Lam
Bartholomew knew when he took the job that there was talent. It was just getting them to buy into his approach.
The Braves certainly have talent on offense with the likes of Penn State-commit Ethan Grunkemeyer (QB), Cincinnati-commit Gavin Grover (WR) and Andrew Leech (WR), all seniors, and junior Jackson Wiley (WR). That’s why the last couple of years have been a surprise.
Senior Riley Clarkson, juniors Preston Danner and Cole Kershner and sophomore Andrew Wilber have taken over the bulk of load in the backfield.
Olentangy averages 36.4 points per game, scoring 30 or more points in four out of five games and 45 points or more twice.
“We are unbalanced, but balanced,” Bartholomew said. “It’s been game by game. In Week 1, we threw it 37 times and Ethan was super-efficient with (over) 400 yards and four touchdowns. In Week 2, we ran the ball for about 250 yards. In Week 3, it was a little bit of both. We had a couple of big touchdown passes, but we were able to hit a couple of big runs.
“Against Orange, it was 50-50. But (against Central Crossing), we chucked it. We’re game-by-game with it. It’s just a matter of what’s working.”
Harrison still plays running back in short yardage situations in the red zone, but he’s happy to be on a defense that’s improving every week.
“I would like to continue playing both ways as much as possible,” he said. “It’s really fun being out there with the guys and being on a mission together. Making a big play on offense and then going back out on defense, it’s been fun. It’s a great experience.”
Olentangy senior Will Bartley is a big part of Olentangy’s success as a defensive back. The Braves, who are the top-ranked team in Division I, Region 2, are coming off a 35-0 win over Central Crossing on Sept. 15. It was their first shutout since defeating Licking Heights 47-0 in the first round of the 2020 playoffs. Photo: courtesy of Phillip Young/Olentangy football team
Harrison is a source of inspiration for fellow senior defensive back Will Bartley.
“I have so much respect for PJ just because of how much work he’s put in – not just him being a great football player, but just being a great teammate,” Bartley said.
But Bartley is another example of the new mindset, Bartholomew said.
“(Bartley) was always a kid that kind of got down on himself,” Bartholomew said. “He’d let one bad play lead into four or five. It was a real problem for him last year. But he’s totally changed that to that ‘Grow from your failures’ mindset. It’s O.K. to make mistakes as long as you’re willing to grow and get better.”
Bartley agreed he needed to change his mindset.
“To be completely honest, I would just go through the motions in practice (in previous years),” he said. “I didn’t see the benefit of practice. This year, I’ve taken every practice like it’s my last because it is going to be my last sooner or later.”
So, what changed?
“Really just thinking about this being my last year, I just wanted to do everything possible for this team to have the best season possible,” Bartley said. “I just saw the potential in everybody and the potential in myself.”
The defense is coming together, proving to be a strength for the Braves, who gave up 63 points in its first two weeks, but 24 in the last three games.
Along with Bartley and Harrison, seniors Preston Flinn (DB) and Tyler Moreland (DB), juniors Will Beinecke (LB), Lucas Jackson (LB) and Andy Urda (DL) and sophomores Kaden Gebhardt (DB) and Daniel Stephens (DL) have been big contributors on defense.
“I think it started from the seniors,” Bartley said. “We all had to step up and lead the younger guys. We took it upon ourselves to be leaders because we’re not a 4-7 type of team.”