Syracuse, N.Y. — Austin Roon wants to win a state football championship before he graduates from Byron Center.
It’s been a goal of his since he was 10. Now that he’s a senior, he refuses to leave high school without it.
After a back-and-forth decision from the Michigan High School Athletic Association on whether to allow football this fall due to coronavirus concerns, the sport is officially underway, and Roon — who verbally committed to Syracuse in May — is delighted to be back on the field.
Roon, a three-star outside linebacker, played his first game of the season last Friday as Byron Center blasted Forest Hills Northern 37-8.
Roon displayed his versatility on offense and defense, finishing with five tackles and two touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving), including a 15-yard TD reception.
“That was nice, just getting back in the swing of things," Roon said. “We didn’t have a scrimmage or anything, so we were pretty dry, but we made do with what we could and came out with a nice win.”
The biggest takeaway for Roon during the game was the limited amount of spectators in the stands. All players are allowed two tickets for family members to attend games. Since Roon’s father, Steve, is an assistant coach, they used their extra tickets for his mom and grandparents.
Going forward, the family will rotate games so everyone gets a chance to watch Roon play this season, an experience that has become the new normal for families across the country.
“It’s a whole different animal,” Roon said. “It’s just not the same energy, but you still have to play hard.”
Being back on the field is a relief for Roon, but the month prior to the MHSAA’s decision was a rollercoaster of emotions, he said. He spent the pandemic working out on his own so he could be in shape once the state gave the approval.
It didn’t exactly pan out that way. The MHSAA originally postponed football until 2021, causing Roon’s dream of competing for a state championship this fall to vanish.
Later that month, the organization decided the season was back on, but with limitations. A shortened season, face masks and spectator limits would be enforced.
“I definitely would’ve been super bummed if I didn’t have a season. I would’ve felt like I had no purpose in life, just to sit at home for six months straight. I like to actually go out there and have a schedule and do something every day."
In 2019, his Bulldogs finished 10-1 and achieved their first 9-0 regular season before they were eliminated in the second round of the Division III MHSAA football playoffs.
This year’s format is a little different. Michigan schools will play a six-game regular-season schedule, followed by one playoff game — all football teams in 11- and 8-player football will qualify for the postseason.
Roon had 82 tackles last season, including six tackles for loss. He has led Byron Center in tackles each of the last two seasons, according to MLive.com.
This season, he wants to improve his pass coverage since Port Byron’s schedule is primarily against teams with offenses that like to throw the ball.
Port Byron runs a 4-2-5 defensive scheme, best used against a slate of league opponents who tend to run the ball a lot.
“I gotta expand my skills,” said Roon, who stands at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds. “Against runs, it fits very well, but I have to expand my pass coverage since we’re in a different conference, but I think I’ll be just fine.”
Roon said he’s already noticing significant changes. During last week’s game, Forest Hills Northern elected to go for a fake punt on its 40-yard line, but Roon broke through the middle of the offensive line and broke the play up.
Roon is being recruited by Syracuse to play the middle linebacker position in the 3-3-5 scheme that first-year defensive coordinator Tony White began installing earlier this year.
“I’m not too worried about it, I think I’ll adjust to it well,” Roon said.
Roon said he’s watched both of the Orange’s losses and is impressed with the defense, but believes the offense will eventually find a rhythm.
He plans to sign his national letter of intent in February. Right now, he just wants to stay focused on his pursuit of a state title.
“I’ve always dreamed about it,” Roon said.
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Contact Mike Curtis anytime at mcurtis@syracuse.com or find him on Twitter at @MikeACurtis2.