For the first time in recent memory, Grove City enters the 2024 football season as the hunter and not the hunted. After winning back-to-back District 10 titles in 2021 and 2022, the Eagles saw their bid for a three-peat fall short in the 2023 semifinals to rival Hickory. “To be honest with you, we’ve been fortunate that our program has been really good for a long time,” said Grove City coach Sam Mowrey, who has guided the Eagles to a 74-39 record in 10 seasons at the helm.
“But that’s not anything we talk about. Every team is out to beat everyone else, because that’s what this game is about, but it’s not anything we talk about. I think those types of things are things you can’t control.
“Our philosophy is why put any unnecessary stress on the kids? We’re trying to be the best we can be.” To that end, the Eagles will have to find ways to replace their all-time leading passer Hunter Hohman — who also ended his career behind only Sharon’s Lane Voytik in Mercer County in passing yards — and all-time leading pass catcher Gavin Lutz, while also losing both running backs and three starting offensive linemen. “In any sport and at any school, you’re going to go through cycles,” Mowrey said.
“You may remember back to Brady Callahan, Logan Lutz and Nick Murawski and their big senior class and the voids they left behind. Last year, we had a strong senior class and they’ve left behind holes that need to be filled. That’s providing a bunch of young k.