Flashy Rockets’ sophomore running back Dalton Witter leads Oak Harbor to second win in a row.

BY YANEEK SMITH, BEACON CONTRIBUTOR

In Oak Harbor’s three wins, Dalton Witter is averaging a whopping 12.9 yards-per carry.

In those games, the sophomore has rushed 25 times for 322 yards and five touchdowns. Witter has the Rockets (3-2) firing on all cylinders and winning two games in a row following a heartbreaking loss to Rossford in week three.

“It feels amazing. Football is such a big part of my life,” Witter said. “I think I’m doing good right now, but I know I can do a lot better. This team, we have things coming for us.”

He credited his offensive line of Parker and Garrett Lindsay, the two guards, tackle Ryan Snow and Dylan Schiets at center. Gavin Bolyard and Zach Clune rotate as the other tackle and Kyle Paul also sees action as well.

“I love our offensive line. We have a lot of big guys up front, strong guys, and they put in the work,” Witter said. “I’d do anything for them, and I know they’d do the same for me.

“The weight room is a big part of my game. If you put in the work in the weight room and the agility drills, you can be a good player. We work hard, I just love to run the ball.”

Witter forms a formidable duo in the backfield with Carson Ridener.

“Dalton and Carson give us a nice 1-2 punch at tailback,” said Oak Harbor coach Mike May. “They share the carries, which helps them to stay fresh going into the fourth quarter. It’s exciting for us that they are playing well and are both young.”

And quarterback Jaqui Hayward, who is a threat to run the ball, too, helps to create matchup problems with opposing defenses.

“We have a great quarterback that can open it up for me as well. If my line gets through the defensive line, I’m off to the races,” said Witter. “I don’t think anybody can stop me once I get through the line.

“I think we’re playing good, but we have a lot of young skill-position players. I think we can be the best team in the SBC Bay Division. We just need to figure it out.”