“All my friends were playing football, so I quit soccer,” said Schwarber, this year’s Middletown Journal Defensive player of the year. “It’s been a great four years, and I’ve been blessed to be a starting linebacker for the last three seasons. I couldn’t ask for anything better.”
Schwarber and the Middies defensive unit held teams to an average of 16 points and 248 yards this season en route to a perfect 10-0 regular season for the first time in 76 years. The Middies also qualified for the Division I playoffs for the second straight season after missing the postseason for the previous 19 years.
“I just felt this was going to be a great season for us after beating a good Kentucky team in the first week,” Schwarber said. “And that feeling got better and better each week.
“To go 10-0 was very special,” he continued. “Unfortunately, we lost (in the playoffs) to Wayne, but we kept them to just 21 points and they are one of the top two teams in the state, so I think that’s a pretty good job.”
But when that Wayne game ended, so did Schwarber’s high school football career. He signed his national letter of intent to play Division I college baseball at Indiana University on the first day of the early-signing period several weeks ago.
“It is too bad it is over, but it’s time to focus on baseball now,” Schwarber said. “I’m thankful I was able to play football for Middletown.
“My teammates are like brothers to me,” he continued. “We will always have that special bond, and I wish nothing but the best for the team next year. I believe they can do something even more special.”
Schwarber’s career defensive totals are nine sacks, five fumble recoveries, four forced fumbles and two interceptions, one of which he returned 87 yards for a touchdown. He also rushed three times this season for 13 yards and two scores. In his four years, the Middies compiled a record of 30-13.
“I’m most proud of being able to wear Middletown across my chest every day,” Schwarber said.
His other postseason honors include being named to the Division I All-Ohio second team, the Division I Southwest District first team and to the Greater Miami Conference first team.
About the Author