For Brandon Hartz, the football journey didn’t come to an end Dec. 5 when Bridgeport High School toppled Frankfort for the Class AA state title at Wheeling Island Stadium. In fact, it was just the end of one phase of his career that proved to be rather successful.

 

This afternoon, Hartz became the latest member of the two-time defending state championship squad to announce that he will continue his playing career. Inside the BHS library, Hartz signed a letter of intent to play next year for Marietta. The Pioneers are a Division III school competing out of the Ohio Athletic Conference.

 

“I narrowed it down to a couple of schools and I visited Marietta and just felt comfortable,” said Hartz. “It’s a great program and I got to get close to the coach (Andy Waddle) up there. It felt like a no-brainer as far as the place I needed to go.”

 

Last year, Hartz established himself as one of the top tacklers on what was arguably the top defensive team not only in Class AA, but in all three classifications. Hartz finished the year as Bridgeport’s second leading tackler – primarily at the tackle spot with a few moments at linebacker – as he had 58 stops. Hartz’s total included six tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and a pair of fumble recoveries and a couple of forced fumbles.

 

Those numbers played a big part in the Tribe’s 13-1 season.  And the numbers and effort by Hartz wasn’t lost on BHS Coach Josh Nicewarner.

 

“He was solid and I saw a big difference in him right from the start of the year,” said Nicewarner. “Actually, you could see it each year as he got older and a lot of the success his senior year came from him cutting weight. He was definitely more mobile, but he was a guy – especially defensively – that played a big part in us being able to control the line of scrimmage.”

 

While Hartz primarily played tackle on defense and along the line on offense, he provided BHS with the luxury of a bigger player that could handle multiple positions. Hartz said he thinks he’ll be playing on defense for Marietta. He said the discussion with the Pioneer coaching staff leads him to believe  that he’ll play defensive end, which would be a new spot for the Class AA All State honorable mention selection.

 

“The coach wants me to play anchor defensive end for their defense. I’m really excited about it,” said Hartz, who said the transition will be made a bit easier with the Pioneers running a similar four-man defensive front to BHS. “I’ve never really got to play d-end before. It’s something I can try out and do to try and help the team.”

 

Hartz leaves the tradition rich Indians as part of class that can claim something no other class can claim. This year’s team is the first to defend a state championship.

 

“It’s definitely something I’ll remember. It’s nice as a class to leave your mark at the school,” said Hartz, who will study in Marietta’s new Land and Energy program.”

 

Whether he makes his mark for the Pioneers remains to be seen. Nicewarner said that will be up to Hartz.

 

“I truly believe Brandon can go as far as he wants to go. He understands the game and that’s a big part of being successful,” said Nicewarner. “ … He can be as successful as he wants to be. It’s up to him, but quite frankly I think he’s up to the task.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Hartz, front row, signing his letter today with his father Jack by his side, Back row, from left, is BHS Principal Mark DeFazio, Coach Josh Nicewarner, Wes Brown of Gorilla Strength & Fitness and BHS Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Matt DeMotto. Bottom photos of Hartz putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks by www.benqueenphotography.com.