Senior Zach Dotter recalls the start of his junior football season at Dutchtown, a memory he hopes is in the past as he prepares for this season of Griffin football.
“I was very excited about last year and right before our jamboree, I break my hand. That kept me out until midseason. My main goal is to be healthy this season and contribute to the team any way the coaching staff needs me,” said Dotter.
Dutchtown, under Guy Mistretta, won a share of the district title last year.
Mistretta enters his ninth season leading the program and his 33rd season overall.
Losing a large number of seniors will not deter the Griffins from continuing their success.
“We lost a large senior class; this year’s senior group is smaller. The sophomore and junior classes will be important to our success as well. Having a senior class with leaders like Zach Dotter will help along with our players that understand the Dutchtown way,” said Mistretta.
Preparing for a grueling season of 5A football is not easy but Mistretta likes where his team is heading into this season. “We had good attendance for our off-season program and competed well in our seven-on-seven competitions all summer, like where we are right now,” said Mistretta.
The Griffins graduated some really good players last season, including some dynamic tight ends.
Offensive coordinator Mike Janis talked about Dotter’s role and his new quarterback. “Zach Dotter fits the mold for our tight end position; he was a big part of our running game last year after returning from injury. He can be a vertical threat in our passing game, lining up tight or in the slot as well. The QB battle has two guys competing with senior Clay Walker-Vice and junior Owen Fletcher.
“They possess unique skill sets with their arm and ability to run. When Dylan Champagne went down last season the week of the playoffs, we went with Fletcher due to his running ability. Walker-Vice has arm strength and accuracy, these guys will continue to compete and support each other,” Janis said.
Every team and player has goals and that is no different when it comes to Dotter. “Our team goal is to travel to New Orleans and compete on the big stage. Winning a ring as a senior, what beats that feeling? Our saying is each week is 1-0, focusing on that game. Winning another district title would be great as well. My main goal is to stay healthy and make everyone else look good, go 1-0 each week and show my coaches that I am a leader. To be a leader, my mindset is to play like one every week,” Dotter said.
Dotter said he is thankful for many things as his senior season starts and shared that with me. “This staff and my teammates have helped me love football, it didn’t start out that way for me. It wasn’t until seventh grade; my basketball coach asked me to give football a try.
“I was a tall kid, so they would lob the ball up for me to make a play. This team has a love for one another and a competitive spirit. My position coach has taught me the nuances of the game, how to block and contribute to the offensive line and the running game.
“We lost several starters, and it will be important for us to be a cohesive unit. Our coaching staff cares about the players, and they push us in the weight room, they bring that fire and passion which makes us want to win every rep,” Dotter said.
The Griffins will play a difficult schedule, and Mistretta echoes Dotter’s one game at a time approach.
“We open with Madison Prep, and that will be the focus: they have the skill level of a 5A program. This matchup excites the coaches and the kids and what challenges it will bring. Our district will be tough and even, we have shared the title with two other teams each year. We look forward to competing each week and going 1-0,” Mistretta said.
Dotter was asked his final thoughts as the season opener is close. “Who doesn’t love Week 1 at Griffin Field. Hearing the band and being under the lights, I certainly don’t take it for granted. Playing in our district is tough, you have to bring that energy, and our crowd will make the stadium electric,” Dotter said.
Life after Dutchtown for Dotter will come fast, and he is thankful for many things, including his future.
“Thankful for my family and their support, my coaches, support staff and teammates. It is every kid’s dream to make it to the league and take the next step with college football. I will simply follow God’s plan and do it to the best of my ability. Just being healthy after dealing with my injury makes me happy,” he said.