Blythe fine-tuning skills to contribute for Williamsburg

Austin Blythe owns the frame of a big person, but it's little things that is allowing him to grow as a football player.

He has worked on fine-tuning his game in his final season as a Raider. He will use those talents and attempt to extend that career as the No. 7 Raiders travel to Solon to take on the fourth-ranked Spartans in a Class 3A state playoff quarterfinal game Monday night.

"I'm going to keep continuing on improving and helping my team as much as I can," said Blythe, a starting lineman on offense and defense. "Just keep the ball rolling."

Blythe, a 6-foot-3, 285-pound all-stater, captured the attention of Division I coaches and committed to play with the University of Iowa Hawkeyes as a 16-year-old before his junior season. He knew he wanted to be a Hawkeye and made his choice immediately. It allowed him to focus on his development.

"I think it helps," Blythe said of the early decision. "I don't have anyone to impress anymore. I know the coaches are happy with me at Iowa. I can improve on the little things."

Blythe is a big presence already and is strong with explosiveness. He's been working on technical items to further his abilities for the Raiders and the future. Blythe focused on developing his footwork, hand placement and drive from "whistle to whistle."

"Just stuff everyone can improve on no matter how advanced they think they are," Blythe said. "That's just something that in practice I've been trying to work on."

Playing at a high level each down has been a point of emphasis for Blythe. Williamsburg coaches has seen progres sin that department.

"I think that's the thing he's most improved on this year," Raiders Coach Curt Ritchie said. "This year he really concentrated on being more consistent in that area."

Blythe has more than 50 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss in the regular season. He recorded eight tackles, in the Raiders win over Benton Community on Oct. 1.

"After the game, you get that feeling that you played as best as you could," Blythe said. "Benton was on of those, so I think that would be one of my highlight games."

Blythe has left an impression on opposing coaches, including Solon head coach Kevin Miller. Miller said Blythe is a special player who is tough and physical, but that's not what he notices first.

"What impresses me most is he has good feet," Miller said. "He's a good athlete. To be that big and move that well, he's very effective on both sides of the football.

"He's an outstanding football player."

Blythe plays offensive guard and defensive tackle. He prefers defense, pinning his ears back and going after the ball. As a defender, he has more freedom to choose his technique and be more aggressive.

"You kind of make your own rules on how you're going to rush or beat the guy," Blythe said, "and you don't have to worry about getting called for holding."

Blythe, who is also a three-time state finalist at heavyweight in Class 2A winning titles the last two seasons, has the pedigree of a football standout. His older brothers, Trenton and Holden, played for Williamsburg and went on to play for Central College. His dad, Curt, and two uncles also were standout high school players who played for the Dutch. Trenton was a member of the Raiders 2002 3A semifinalist squad. Holden is currently a member and two-time letterwinner for Central.

It's a special family.

"Not only a football background, but they're people that high expectations for themselves and people around them," Ritchie said. "They definitely tend to do good things."

Football is a family tradition according to Blythe. He recalled throwing the football around with dad and brothers in the yard and even football games with brothers and cousins during holiday gatherings. Some of his toughness was shaped from older brothers being rough.

"Of course," Blythe said. "Just like any older sibling or cousin they're going to pick on you."

They still have an impact on his game. He learned the game from watching them play and family continue to help him break down film.

"Having them there watching tape with me, telling me the little things I miss on my own," Blythe said. Just having them there and them knowing what they're talking about helps a ton."

Of course, he gets a lot of help from his teammates as well. The Raiders aren't 10-1 due to one person. He's had a lot of help on defense, led by a strong group of seniors who have played football together since middle school.

"Our defense has been good because our defensive linemen around him and linebackers behind him have all done good," Ritchie said. "We haven't seen as many double teams this year. He's been able to play one-on-one."

The Raiders have a chance to avenge their only blemish of the season. They have anticipated a possible rematch since losing to Solon, 22-7, on Oct. 8.

"From the time it happened," Ritchie said. "We knew we'd have to beat them somewhere along the way, so we kind of used that as motivation."

The Spartans (10-1) have been in this situation before, while reaching the Class 2A state championship game the last four years. Miller said its difficult beating a quality team twice, but his team will focus on the things they can control and leave the revenge factor to someone else.

"I think it will be a great ballgame," said Miller, noting that wide receiver Derrick Loveless, who has miss time due to a broken leg, practiced Sunday and expects to play Monday. "They're a talented team. They're very well coached. They play hard and physical. It's going to take a great effort."