The Olentangy Berlin football team only lost two games last season … the first one and the last one.

Between, the Bears reeled off 11 straight, learning a ton along the way.

“One thing we learned as a program in 2023 was to take one game at a time,” Berlin coach Mark Nori said. “Our competition is so good we had to take each week individually and have great focus on our opponent.

“Not much will change in that regard this year, however, we will continue to refine our preparation each week through studying our opponent and implementing a solid game plan.”

The plans have worked, especially the last two seasons while the Bears have racked up back-to-back OCC-Cardinal Division titles and three playoff wins.

This year, guys expected to lead the way include defending OCC-Cardinal Division Defensive Player of the Year Aiden Eviston, a senior linebacker who also took over the offense at quarterback during last year’s postseason push; and senior left tackle Jake Marzich, who started all 13 games last season.

“We expect Aiden to be a leader on this team,” Nori said, “and Jake, who has MAC interest and an offer from Penn, is expected to take another step toward perfecting his O-line skills.”

Other returners include left guard Brody Ackermann, another 13-game starter from a year ago, running back Alejandro Aguilar, right tackle Will Mellinger, wide receiver Zach Siegrist and fullback Bryce Rode.

Others expected to contribute include running back AJ Clark, receiver Colton Less and linemen Will Caldwell and Bennett Donohoe.

Offensively, all eyes will be on the line.

“The O-line will be the one I’m watching this year,” Nori said. “We have three returning starters who had great offseasons in the weight room. We will need to find a few more guys to round out the unit, but we have some bigger guys this year that I’m hoping gel and can control the trenches.”

Defensively, lineman Hudson Aultman, free safety Angelo Johnson and linebacker Dawson DeMoss are expected to run the show along with Eviston. Others who’ll look to make plays include lineman Khalil Benton and linebackers Zander Tompkins, Liam Doneyhue and Jack Bush.

“Defensively, we play a style that asks our linebackers to fly around and make plays,” Nori said. “We have some returners in some key spots (Eviston, Johnson, DeMoss etc.) that will provide leadership and continuity within the unit and help bring along some of the new faces.”

The Bears have established themselves as one of the OCC-Cardinal’s best. They’ve more than put themselves on the map, but staying there won’t be easy.

“I think most coaches in the area would agree that the competition around here is a bear week in and week out,” Nori said. “Our schedule is no different. With tough opponents in our division, we also face DeSales, Upper Arlington, Orange, Liberty and New Albany out of our division.

“We have a tough road ahead of us, but at the same time we look forward to the competitiveness each respective opponent presents.”

2024 Schedule

Aug. 23 — vs. St. Francis DeSales, 7 p.m.

Aug. 30 — @ Upper Arlington, 7 p.m.

Sept. 6 — vs. New Albany, 7 p.m.

Sept. 13 — vs. Olentangy Liberty, 7 p.m.

Sept. 20 — @ Olentangy Orange, 7 p.m.

Sept. 27 — @ Hilliard Darby, 7 p.m.

Oct. 4 — vs. Thomas Worthington, 7 p.m.

Oct. 11 — @ Dublin Jerome, 7 p.m.

Oct. 18 — @ Marysville, 7 p.m.

Oct. 25 — vs. Olentangy, 7 p.m.

2023 Results

(11-2, 5-0 OCC-Cardinal Division)

Aug. 18 — @ Hilliard Bradley, L, 20-13

Aug. 25 — @ Olentangy Orange, W, 31-24

Sept. 1 — vs. Dublin Scioto, W, 38-0

Sept. 8 — @ Olentangy Liberty, W, 24-17 (OT)

Sept. 15 — vs. Hilliard Davidson, W, 20-14

Sept. 22 — vs. Olentangy, W, 27-20

Sept. 29 — @ Hilliard Darby, W, 27-7

Oct. 6 — vs. Dublin Jerome, W, 31-17

Oct. 13 — @ Marysville, W, 34-14

Oct. 20 — vs. Thomas Worthington, W, 38-7

Oct. 27 — vs. Marysville, W, 20-0 (OHSAA state playoffs)

Nov. 3 — vs. Perrysburg, W, 23-7 (OHSAA state playoffs)

Nov. 10 — vs. Dublin Coffman, L, 24-7 (OHSAA state playoffs)