By Dean Eversole
Max Preps.com
Last season people swarmed to watch the Piqua Indians play football and why not. The Indians were blessed with the presence of Brandon Saine, one of the most explosive high school players in the nation.
For those watching Piqua for the first time, two things happened. One, they were not disappointed in what they got from Saine. The now Ohio State Buckeye was everything he was advertised. Second, most came away shaking their heads, uttering the expected praises of Saine but they were also saying "what about that quarterback."
Well, that quarterback was Justin Hemm and he is back leading the Indians in 2007 and looking for another state title.
Even though Saine got most of the print, Hemm never saw it as a negative. Now he is looking for a repeat of the championship run.
"Brandon just opened things up for everyone last year and he always made a play," noted Hemm about his former teammate.
Repeating that run won't be easy as the Indians are looking to replace a lot of talent, including Saine and Jafe Pitcock (Ball State). Both players were more than just talented players, but were also looked to for leadership.
After spending last season in the co-starring role, the Indians are now all about Hemm and the speedster isn't disappointing.
Going into last Friday night's game, he had 317 yards rushing and 344 passing on 22 for 44. In the opening game of the year Hemm rolled up 202 yards rushing and three scores, but since that game the team around him is starting to gel.
"We had to replace a lot on the offensive line, but I think the guys are really starting to come together," noted Hemm.
After posting a week one win over St. Marys, the Indians traveled to Pickerington Central for a rematch of last year's title game. Hobbled by injury, Hemm and the Indians dropped a tough 14-7 decision; but as they showed last year, one loss does not ruin a season.
"It was an amazing atmosphere over there (at Pickerington)," said Hemm "both sides were really pumped up for the game."
Since that loss, the Indians have rebounded with wins over Springfield North, when Hemm raced for 113 yards on the ground, and a victory over Greenville. Now at 3-1, Piqua heads into conference play needing at least four more wins to earn a spot in the OHSAA playoffs.
Hemm and his teammates are confident they will meet the criteria.
"Last year was great," said Hemm "And I am looking for a repeat of that this season. I think things are going pretty well for us right now."
Piqua's next big test will come on September 28th when the Indians travel to Trotwood Madison. The Rams are considered a contender to wrestle away Piqua's title. Although only separated by about 40 miles and playing in the same conference, these two would not meet in the playoffs until the state semi-final or championship game. However, the loser of this contest might have an uphill battle to just get into the playoffs.
Only time will tell if Hemm gets his shot at another title, but one thing is clear; he is an exciting and explosive talent with the stage all to himself.
