Austintown Fitch | Football Tyler Hewlett

Tyler Hewlett only thought about one thing when playing linebacker.

“Attack, attack, attack,” Hewlett said. “Everybody’s mindset on defense is to attack. So just get after the ball carrier, that’s pretty much our only goal.”

That goal and many other reasons is why Hewlett has been recognized with a series of postseason awards.

Hewlett was named the Associated Press Division I Co-Defensive Player of the Year and first team all-state.

Fitch finished the season 8-3 despite losing key players Darrin Hall and Joey Harrington early in the season.

“It’s always just next man up,” Hewlett said. “When Darrin got hurt I knew I had to step up and play both sides.”

At linebacker, Hewlett recorded 112 tackles and six sacks under the guidance of coach Phil Annarella.

“He’s a good coach,” Hewlett said. “He’s always on all of us like his own kids. The way he coaches, he tries to make us better people.”

Hewlett learned many lessons while playing football.

“Character, that was his main thing,” Hewlett said.

Hewlett helped the Falcons earn a home playoff game.

“It felt good, it was just like junior year,” Hewlett said. “That last game at home, you can’t lose.”

The Falcons did not disappoint, beating Wadsworth 18-3.

Hewlett was a three-year letterman for Fitch playing running back and linebacker for the Falcons. He lined up in the backfield with QB Antwan Harris.

“We had good chemistry, that’s my cousin on my dad’s side,” Hewlett said. “We have been playing together since like the seventh grade.”

Looking back on his football years, Hewlett is going to miss the feeling of being around the football team.

“Everybody was on our side,” Hewlett said. “The whole town loves Fitch football and my senior class got the most wins in Fitch history. That’s pretty cool.”