2023 Player Spotlight/Interview with Seth Elchert from Liberty Benton High School

[LICKING COUNTY FAN]

Seth Elchert

Liberty Benton High School

Positions played
WR/SS

Class
2026

What makes playing high school football so special?

Getting to play and fight with your teammates on Friday nights is the best. And the relationships you create with your teammates.

Of the two sports that I have read that you play, baseball and football, which one do you feel you are best at?

I feel I am a better football player because I can impact the game much more and quicker. Being able to be involved in every play in football allows me to do whatever my team needs.

Sticking with the two sports, does one help with the other? If so, can you explain how?

It does I think. I play OF in baseball and having the ability to track baseballs is like tracking the football when it is thrown. I also pitch and that takes being mentally tough when things don’t go well.

The Eagles had a pretty good season, going 8-4, including a playoff win over Archbold. What will the 2023 squad have to do better to improve the win-loss record and make a deeper playoff run?

We have to be a lot more physical on defense. And when things don’t go our way, we have to keep our heads up. We had good leadership from last year's seniors and we need some guys to step up and make plays this year. We have a tougher schedule this year and we need to be more confident going into big games.

What sticks out the most to you from the 2022 season?

After a hard loss in week 10, we came back in week 11 and played one of our best games of the season and I had my best game of the season against a very good Archbold team.

The coach tells you to pick the play. What play are you calling along with the reason?
I’m calling a fade to myself because I feel I can run and go up and make a play on the ball when my team needs it.

I know you have interest from Central Michigan and Akron (Nice job). Can you tell the readers how the recruiting process has been?

It’s gone really well, I’ve really enjoyed meeting all the coaches from both schools and appreciate them both offering me a scholarship to play football. It is a lot of time and traveling but all the coaches I have met have been great. I am excited for next year and how things will keep going.

What has been your most embarrassing moment as an athlete?
Muffing a punt against Archbold in a playoff game.

Where should the state finals be held?
Ohio State

Sticking with the state's final location. Fans always say this or that stadium is too big to hold the finals. As a player, what are your thoughts on how big or small the stadium is as far as where the state finals are held?

I don’t really think the size of the stadium is that important to me playing in a game but playing in the Shoe where the Buckeyes play would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most kids in Ohio.

What are your thoughts on 16 teams per region qualifying for the playoffs?
That’s all I have ever known since my freshman year was last year. I think it is good because some really good teams wouldn’t get in if it was just 8 teams.

Which game are you looking forward to the most this season, along with the reason?

Our first game against Elyria Catholic because they’re the best team on our schedule, and we want to set the tone early and see where we are at.

Which sport is your favorite to watch live or on TV?
Football, the Carolina Panthers!

XFL, CFL, or USFL?
XFL

Where is the best local spot to grab a bite?
Ralphies