Football team Williamsburg initiates a fresh phase under ex-Raider and Iowa Hawkeye, Austin Blythe
The Williamsburg Raiders, under the leadership of their new head coach Austin Blythe, begin the 2023 season unranked by publications. They face Keokuk on Friday, kicking off the Blythe era.
Blythe, a former NFL player and a product of the Raiders himself, has inherited a team with a rich history of success. The Raiders have reached the state finals under Ritchie in 2002, 2017, 2022, and won the Class 3A title in 2023.
Despite starting the season unranked, the Raiders have shown promise during the preseason and their regular season opener against Keokuk. Blythe's emphasis on special teams, a priority for the Raiders, has been evident.
The Raiders boast a promising passing attack, with playmaking receivers like Grady Wetjen and Dylan Weisskopf leading the charge. Wetjen, a senior standing at 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, will also start at nose tackle on defense.
The offensive line will be led by Carson Grier and Griffin Becker, with many of the same names having defensive roles as well. The Raiders have a strong group of top returners, including Wetjen, Grier, Weisskopf, Becker, Owen Scott, Sawyer Kirby, Bowen Stratton, Kale Bailey, Malachai Williams, and Albert Bamrick.
Rogan Ackerman and Cash Brown are the frontrunners to replace all-state QB Grant Hocker. The preseason scrimmage against Benton Community helped answer some questions about the Raiders' potential, boosting confidence for a group aspiring to return to the UNI-Dome.
Blythe's vision for the Raiders football team is to be described as tough, hard-nosed, and fun-loving, with a focus on playing every game and responding to all situations. He also takes on the responsibility of mentoring student-athletes in their academic and personal development outside of football at his alma mater.
The Raiders have a marquee matchup on October 3 against No. 9 Nevada, which could determine the 3A District 5 title. The team has embraced Blythe's leadership and has shown up with a purpose during the summer strength and conditioning. Their strong camaraderie, a game-changing asset, is evident.
Blythe played football at various levels, including for coaches Andy Reid, Sean McVay, Pete Carroll, Chuck Pagano, Kirk Ferentz, and hall of fame high school coach Curt Ritchie. His football journey, from an all-state lineman and honorable mention Parade All-American as a prep, to an all-Big Ten Conference center for the Hawkeyes, named third-team All-American by the Associated Press, has prepared him well for his role as head coach.
The Williamsburg Raiders, with 150 wins and 17 straight playoff appearances, are poised for another successful season under the guidance of Austin Blythe.
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