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A new era of Williamsburg football begins
Development at skill positions will be key for the Raiders this season
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
WILLIAMSBURG — A new era has officially begun for the Williamsburg football program.
But first-year head coach Austin Blythe doesn’t have to stress about building a completely new culture; the foundation is already there.
“The standard has been set a long time by Curt (Ritchie), and he did a great job with this program,” Blythe said. For me, it’s really just really coming in not trying to screw things up. The kids are great, and they have always been great in this program.“
Coach Ritchie led the Raiders for 24 seasons highlighted by a state championship in 2023. He’s now the head coach at Cornell College in Mount Vernon.
Blythe, previously a player under Ritchie, has been on the coaching staff the past few seasons. That’s helped with the transition.
“It has been pretty seamless,” Blythe said. “Curt did it at such a high level for so long, it’s about upholding that culture and making sure the kids do right by his legacy while also trying to put my own stamp on it.”
Blythe enjoyed an impressive career following his Williamsburg days. As an offensive lineman he played in 54 games at the University of Iowa followed by a seven-year stint in the National Football League with four teams — the Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Rams, Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks.
Blythe has been around a lot of coaches during his playing career and can now apply many of the things he’s learned firsthand as a player.
“It’s really me just trying to bring different facets of all the coaches I experienced in my playing career,” Blythe said.
“The biggest thing for me is that every single great coach that I’ve had really preaches the little things. No detail is too small to master, and you’re always working on your craft.
“If you can perfect those, regardless of what you’re talent level is, and pair them with high effort, good things are going to happen.“
As Blythe steps into year one at the helm, he’ll do so with some new faces stepping into bigger roles, especially at the skill positions.
The Raiders have had their share of phenomenal athletes of late, and it’s time for the next wave to step in.
“The beauty is all the kids work hard,” Blythe said. “Our strength and conditioning program under coach Stahl has done a great job.”
Of the returning production at the skill positions, senior Grady Wetjen is the highlight.
Wetjen ran for 314 yards and six touchdowns on the ground last season and added another 105 yards and three touchdowns through the air.
A battle for starting quarterback is also still underway.
“I think our coaching staff is really confident in all of our skill position players,” Blythe said. “We got 6, 7, 8 guys that can go and run the plays we’re asking.”
The Raiders have a scrimmage with Benton Community Friday and officially begin their season next Friday at Keokuk, the first of four non-district games to start the season.
