The Country Day Nighthawk football team had another stellar year. The team ended the season with an 11-2 record (including the postseason), which resulted in the team winning a fourth straight Miami Valley Conference (MVC) title! The team then made another solid postseason run by winning two playoff games but coming up short against Anna High School in the Regional Semifinals. And with that much team success, individual awards were sure to follow.
Quarterback Elijah Guttman `25 was named MVC Offensive Player of the Year, and linebacker Ryan Coyle `25 was named MVC Defensive Player of the Year. Both players had unbelievable seasons while leading the team on and off the field. Their hard work and dedication to themselves – and their team – paid off.
“For me, winning this award was a weight off my shoulders in terms of fulfilling a legacy,” says Elijah. “My dad graduated from Country Day and left a pretty significant mark on the program. Before this year, I wasn’t satisfied with my own legacy, and winning MVC Offensive Player of the Year eased the pressure I’ve felt.”
Elijah threw for over 2,500 yards and had 31 passing touchdowns this season, leading the conference in both categories.
“I am proud of Elijah and his development as a quarterback,” says Dennis Coyle, athletic director and head football coach. “He earned the Offensive Player of the Year as a result of his outstanding performance on and off the field.”
Ryan, who was also named the Co-Defensive of the Year for the Southwest District for Division 6, felt very honored to finally have his hard work and effort recognized this season.
“It really means a lot to me because winning the award was a goal I set for myself when I entered the program as a freshman,” says Ryan. “I feel like no one in the league can say they have put in more time and effort than I have over the past four years.”
No one in the conference came close to Ryan’s league-leading 160 tackles. The nearest person finished the season with 23 fewer tackles.
“Ryan has been a four-year starter and receiving the MVC Defensive Player of the Year is a great honor for him,” says Dennis. “He will end his career as the leading tackler in school history. I am proud of him not only as his coach but as his father. I will miss coaching him next year.”
Elijah and Ryan, along with their classmates, ended their Nighthawk football careers as part of the winningest senior class in program history, with 40 wins! Both Elijah and Ryan are looking forward to playing football at the next level but have yet to make a final decision on their futures.