Dayton Football Following The Leader

What the Dayton football team lacks in actual numbers, it makes up for with hard work, dedication, and senior leadership. Not coincidentally, Mike Hess embodies those characteristics.      

The senior linebacker/running back has seen it all during his first three seasons at JDHS.  It started off poorly with a 1-9 record in his freshman season, but improved each year, including an 8-2 and a playoff berth last season. Through it all, Hess has been an inspiration on the field, in the locker room and in the weight room. And no one appreciates Hess's dedication more than head coach Joe Goerge.    

"He's a three-year starter and the thing about Mike Hess is he has a great work ethic – on the field, off the field, and in the weight room," said Goerge, who added that he knew Hess would have a bright future upon first meeting him three years ago. "He's a leader by example. That's his biggest trait. He's earned the respect of his teammates because of how hard he works and because he has a passion for the game. He just loves football."    

Hess, a 5-foot-9-inch, 200-pound battering ram, is a soft-spoken star. He said he's not  raucous cheerleader, choosing instead to lead through his actions. He's a regular in the weight room and can be seen routinely jumping to the head of the line during practice drills. George says Hess's work ethic is contagious and a reason why everyone "buys in" to a team-first philosophy.               

"Nothing is guaranteed – everything here is one play, one day, one game at a time," said George. "Our emphasis is on getting better and it starts with the individual. Winning is a byproduct of hard work and our 12 seniors take that lead, starting with Mike. You like to see seniors like him still playing because that's an indication the program is building and guys are sticking it out...they [seniors] were here when it seemed it couldn't get any worse at 1-9 and now they're a big part of it when it's all gotten better, so there is pride."                    

 Goerge said that while last season's record was historic, Hess had a "down year" by his own standards. Injuries quietly played a part in his slide, something Hess never used as a crutch. The coach said even though numbers are down and Hess will take a larger offensive role as a 'B' back [fullback], he thinks his senior star is primed for a comeback season.    

"He had a down year, last season, and he'd even agree with me," said Goerge. "But he should have a better senior year because he's the strongest he's ever been. He'll have to be because though he's a linebacker first, he'll be getting his time at 'B' back as well. It's hard when you only have 30-31 guys on the team, so we'll try to get him his rest but that's the way it is on smaller teams."         

Hess certainly doesn't mind the extra work and said it actually benefits him.       

"I personally don't mind it because I get better as the game goes on," he said of playing two-way football. "Obviously guys want backup but it's alright to go both ways. It's good because you're putting in good work."          

Hess's work ethic is what helps him combat the perceived lack of physical gifts. His physical stature may not be on par with fellow Honorable Mention and First-Team award winners, but according to Goerge, Hess's size – or lack thereof – can actually be used as an advantage.   

"He has an ability to avoid blocks at 5'9," Goerge conceded. "We tell our linebackers all the time that you don't always have to absorb blocks [because] you can go around them, too. And when he runs, he stays low to the ground, which makes it hard for guys to tackle him."    

By Hess's admission, there are a "couple of Division II schools, some D-IAA schools" scouting him to play in college next year. But he's not holding his breath that he'll get a scholarship offer from Rutgers coach Greg Schiano. Still, Hess is excited  that "those are still some pretty good schools looking at me, which is good."           

He's just enjoying the ride, curious to see how far it takes him and the Bulldogs. And said he's found a new appreciation for what the journey to winning is like.      

"Even when we weren't doing so good, I still had the passion for the game and I still loved football because football is my sport," said Hess, who also plays lacrosse for JDHS. "But, yeah, it does feel better now to be a part of this, winning and getting this attention."