New Union County Head Coach Joel Hofmann talks to his team after the Patriots pre-season scrimmage.
LIBERTY, Ind. – Union County has new leadership in its football program as Joel Hofmann enters his first season at the helm.
Hofmann is beginning to see his team improve.
“We would like to be clean, concise and efficient in all phases,” Hofmann said. “We’re still working to get there, but as we clean things up we can see progress.”
Cameron Donovan returns as the leading offensive weapon.
“He’ll be used in various ways,” Hofmann said. “We’re also relying heavily on Derek Dearth to carry the ball after being out all last year with a knee injury. Drew Cole has had a great off-season and should be the anchor of our lines.”
Donovan led the Patriots with 38 catches for 387 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 86 yards.
The Patriots will also have a new quarterback.
“Blake Fields isn’t a newcomer, but he’s coming in as our QB after only attempting one pass in his first two years,” Hofmann said. “He’s played a lot on the defensive side of the ball, but he’ll be somewhat of a new face at QB at the varsity level.”
On the defensive side, Nate Webb is back after leading the Patriots in tackles a year ago with 49.
Union County entertains Oldenburg to open the season on Friday. The Patriots begin play in the Tri-Eastern Conference at Union City on Friday, Sept. 1.
“I think several teams have positioned themselves to make the conference more balanced at the top and in the end, we’d like to be considered in that mix,” Hofmann said. “It will take a lot of execution and efficiency for that to happen, but I really like my players.”