Musick de Granville gets his kicks in various ways for an undefeated team

GRANVILLE ― The undefeated Granville has received a real kick from junior Noah Musick this season.

In fact, a variety of accurate kicks from his strong right leg.

But the stout, 5-foot-10, 170-pound Musick also gives the Blue Aces (4-0) a jolt of his inspired game as a starting outside linebacker, where he has five solo tackles, nine assists and three tackles. for defeat, two to come in last week’s dominating 35-12 win at Heath.

“He’s a football player, not a kicker,” coach Wes Schroeder said. “He’s very physical and fun to be around.”

It’s not like he spends entire practices working on kicks, even though he manages kickoffs for a second straight season and first time spot kick for Granville .

“Not much,” Musick said. “I mostly do it from the side in practice. It’s a fun thing to do.”

He’s really having fun and the Blue Aces are reaping the benefits. In four games, he’s a perfect 7 of 7 on PAT kicks and 4 of 4 on field goals, including 31 and 34 yards at Heath. Musick even had a blast on two-point conversions, splitting, catching a quick pass from senior Cal Schnaidt and waltzing for two against the Bulldogs. He scored 11 points in the win.

“He puts those points up there, and he comes out and plays a big part in the wins,” quarterback Tyler Ernsberger said. “He plays so physically,” said compatriot Mikey Chaykowski. “We like it.”

Musick’s drumming skills were discovered almost by accident.

“It was his freshman year, my freshman year, and he wasn’t even a kicker,” Schroeder said. “One of our assistants (special teams coach Cory Becher) was watching how well he was kicking the ball in practice and he said, ‘I think we may have found a kicker. “”

Musick handled the kickoffs last season for Granville’s run to Division III Final 4, with Davidson Jump doing the kicking. Jump graduated and Musick now has both jobs and does them well.

“He can coast it or kick it deep, and can control his kicks,” Schroeder said. “He has a strong leg and is very precise.”

Make no mistake though. Defense is his first love. He also gets the occasional carry as a backup running back.

“I fly, I do my job and I have fun,” Musick said. “I will do whatever it takes to help the team.”

After a bit of a slow start, Granville’s offense seems to be taking off, amassing 73 points in the last two wins.

Ernsberger completed passes to six different receivers at Heath, including three to second Jack Yeager and one to rookie Kyle Kirby. On the season, he’s 50 of 97 for 713 yards and seven touchdowns with two interceptions. Dante Varrasso has 19 catches for 300 yards and three scores, while Miles Eckenrode has 12 receptions for 188 yards and two touchdowns.

Matt Chaykowski provided Granville with the balance he needed, rushing for 460 yards on 90 carries and scoring three touchdowns. He also has four tackles for losing his spot at inside linebacker.

The Blue Aces, currently first in Division III, Region 11 as they defend their regional title, cannot afford to ease off. After hosting Northridge (0-4) and former assistant coach Tod King on Friday, their tough closing roster includes Licking Heights (2-2), Watterson (3-1), Zanesville (2-2), Licking Valley ( 2-2) and Watkins Memorial (3-1).

dweidig@gannett.com

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