Heroes of the Gridiron: Tyler Smith, A Northwestern Legend.
Tyler Smith, a 5-foot-9, 175-pound running back from Northwestern High School, cemented his legacy as one of the school's all-time greats. Over his career, Smith accumulated 3,870 rushing yards and scored 71 total touchdowns, setting school records in both categories.
In his senior season, Smith was unstoppable, rushing for 1,635 yards and scoring 33 touchdowns, helping the Huskies to a 9-2 record. In 2012 he earned the prestigious 2012 Times-Gazette Offensive Player of the Year award.
One of the highlights of Smith's career came when Northwestern avenged two blowout losses to Norwayne from the previous season. After losing 64-0 in Week 10 and 48-7 in the playoffs, the Huskies turned the tables in front of 2,000 fans, shutting out the Bobcats 30-0. Smith led the charge with 155 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 35 carries, becoming Northwestern's all-time leading rusher.
Smith’s dominance helped Northwestern secure the outright Wayne County Athletic League (WCAL) title with a 9-2record, and his impact on the field remains a key chapter in the school's football history.
Northwestern’s 2020 Redeem Team: A Historic Comeback
The 2020 Northwestern Huskies football team made history by breaking a 15-year playoff win drought, restoring pride to the program and igniting the support of the community. With a final record of 6-3, the Huskies demonstrated resilience and grit throughout the season, culminating in a landmark playoff victory.
Season Overview
Northwestern started the season strong with a 27-7 victory over Rittman in their home opener. However, a tough 50-7 loss to Norwayne in the second game tested the team's resolve. The Huskies bounced back, recording key wins over Chippewa (27-16), Dalton (7-6), Smithville (40-7), and Hillsdale (22-15) to build momentum as the regular season drew to a close.
The pinnacle of their season came on October 17 in the Division V, Region 18 quarterfinals, when Northwestern faced Lima Bath. In a game that marked the Huskies' first playoff win since 2005, they triumphed with a 21-3 victory.
Sophomore quarterback Ethan Siders played a pivotal role in the win, completing 19 of 25 passes for 132 yards and rushing for 40 yards. Siders led the offense with poise, orchestrating two critical touchdown drives that helped seal the win.
The Defense’s Role in the Playoff Victory
While Northwestern’s offense was solid, it was the defense that shined in their playoff win. After a shaky start against Lima Bath’s Carter Parlapiano, the Huskies adjusted and held the Wildcats to just a field goal, allowing only 173 total yards. The defensive line proved its ability to step up in crucial moments, solidifying the victory.
Key Players and Where They Are Now
Hal Huber (RB/LB): A senior standout, Huber was named to the All-Ohio Division V first team after racking up 113 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, a sack, and a forced fumble. He also contributed 413 rushing yards, four touchdowns, and 576 receiving yards. Huber is currently studying at Akron University and retired from sports in May 2021.
Hunter Amlotte (OL/DL): A key contributor on the offensive and defensive lines, Amlotte scored two touchdowns during his career. He is currently serving in the United States Marine Corps in California and retired from sports in November 2020.
Jerry Fricke (RB/LB): Fricke was a force on both sides of the ball and retired from sports in May 2021.
Robert Souied (RB/OL/DL): A versatile player, Souied contributed as a running back, offensive lineman, and defensive lineman. He is now attending Ashland University and retired from sports in November 2020.
Mason Barnhouse (OL): Known as a "brick house" on the line, Barnhouse currently works and retired from sports in November 2021.
Ben Nichols (WR/DB): he was never heard from again .
Future Stars
Ethan Siders (QB): Siders went on to lead Northwestern to a WCAL championship two seasons later. He attended Siena Heights University before transferring to Ashland University, where he decided to retire from football.
Nolan Hartsel (S): A feared presence on defense, Hartsel earned numerous accolades, including All-WCAL first-team honors and All-Ohio honorable mention. He currently plays football at Baldwin Wallace University.
Weston Arthur (DB): Arthur was a defensive leader, earning honorable mention All-Ohio in Division V. He recorded 106 tackles and four interceptions in his senior season and now plays for the University of Mount Union.
CJ Reed (OL): Reed signed with Ohio Northern University but retired from football in 2023.
Legacy of the 2020 Redeem Team
Northwestern’s 2020 football team not only ended a long playoff drought but also laid the foundation for continued success. The class of 2023 added to the legacy with another playoff win on October 28, 2023, defeating Western Reserve. The 2020 Redeem Team will be remembered as a turning point in the Huskies' football history, reviving the program and setting the stage for future accomplishments.
Dalton continues their undefeated dominance with a 3-0 win over Northwestern and improve to 6-0 on the season. Sophia Surmay recorded her 1000th assist as well.
Set 1
Dalton 25
Northwesten 18
Set 2
Dalton 25
Northwestern 14
Set 3
Dalton 25
Northwestern 15
Congratulations to Northwestern senior Morgan Ervin on achieving her 1,000th career dig during the first set against Waynedale!