2024 Interview with Hopewell-Loudon DT & OG Aiden Ewald

 

Aiden Ewald

Hopewell-Loudon High School in Bascom, Ohio

Right guard on offense, and nose guard on defense. 

2026

6’0” 235

What are your goals for the 2024 season? 

I want to be better every day than I was the day before. I want to do whatever I can to help the team win. It’s a team sport, so personal goals aren’t the priority and are more of a nice side effect. If I need to eat up blocks and don’t get sacks or tackles, so be it. It’s all about the team, and the only stat that really matters are the W’s. 

What goals will you set for your team? 

Our team goals are to prepare well for each game, win our conference, and qualify for the playoffs. I want us to make it further in the playoffs than we did last year. We made it to the regional quarterfinals. I want us to win our school's first football state championship.

What is the best part of being a student-athlete at Hopewell-Loudon High School? 

The people. My classmates, teammates, teachers, coaches, and the community are all fun to be around. We work hard, support each other, and have fun while doing it. 

Offensive line or defensive line—which do you feel you are better at? 

Defense line

Offensive line or defensive line—which is harder to prepare for? 

Offensive line. You have to know all of the plays and schemes and work together as one unit to create order. The defensive line has to work together, too, but it is more about disrupting the offensive order and causing chaos, which is more fun.

What type of line is the toughest for you to face in a game? 

This is a tough one. They all have strengths and weaknesses, and our job is to figure out the weaknesses and attack them. Our coaches do a great job scouting and preparing us every week, so we are rarely surprised. 

What was the high point of the 2023 season? 

We beat our rivals, Calvert, in our league championship in the last game of the regular season in front of a great home crowd. We were both undefeated and state-ranked going into that game. They jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead on their first run from scrimmage. We didn’t let them score again and ended up winning 19-7, winning our league, and securing the top seed in our region. It played out like something in a movie. Those are the games we play this sport for. 

Who is the toughest teammate to square up against in practice? 

Will Nutter. He’ll be a senior this year, and he's a big guy. He’s a great lineman on both sides of the ball. He’s tough to go against, and that’s why it’s great for me to go up against him. Squaring up against him makes me better. 

What is the toughest part of practice? 

There’s a certain drill we do during practice during the season where if someone messes up something that we should know by then, we all have to do up-downs. No one wants to be the guy who makes everyone else run. It’s supposed to be tough, and they nailed it. 

How do you pick up a teammate who is having a bad game? 

I just keep talking to them and letting them know we still believe in them. Each person is different in what I say to them. The point is to let them know they are not alone on that field. As a team, we are all in this together and have each other's backs. I know they’ll get my back when I need them, too. 

Where should the state finals be held? 

I like them being held at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. It’s pretty special for us here in Ohio to be able to play our state championship games in such an iconic place. 

Why should a college coach recruit you? 

I work hard year-round and always strive to do my best. I know it’s a grind, so embrace the process. I love this sport and am willing to do what it takes to help the team. I’m very coachable and respect the game and all of the work everyone puts into it so we can play. It truly is a blessing.

Where do you go to get your sports news? 

Social media and TV. A lot of stuff hits social media before TV, so if you want to know the latest, hit up Twitter. 

What is your favorite type of music? 

I like a lot of different music, but if I had to choose one, it would be country. My favorite is the Zac Brown Band. 

Where is the best local spot to grab a meal? 

MST Pub & Grub is on Madison Street in Tiffin, Ohio! They have the best chicken chunks and burgers. I’d put them up against anyone else’s anytime, anywhere.