Dover QB T.C. Molk talks swift rise, touchdown record, playoff run

DOVER, Ohio - In Dover’s latest run through the state football playoffs, quarterback T.C. Molk has had to step in for usual Tornadoes starter Ayden Hall.

The results have been stellar: in two games against Tallmadge and Steubenville, respectively, Molk has thrown for over 500 yards and 11 touchdowns and is going into a Friday matchup against the Streetsboro Rockets in the Division III, Region 9 playoffs.

In speaking with No. 7 this week, I asked him about his sudden on-field success, as well as tying the school single-game touchdown record and adjusting to the new environment of post-coronavirus high school football:

Quite a couple of weeks for you [T.C.], coming off the bench in the quarterback position to fill in for fellow junior Ayden Hall. I wanted to ask what the feeling has been like for you, stepping in for the last two games and putting up these…video-game numbers on opponents?

It's been great coming in there, getting those wins in the playoffs and just, coming in there... and getting the team coming together and just getting those wins.

When it was first known that some of your teammates like Hall and [wide receiver/defensive back] Matthew Dummermuth were going down for the game against Tallmadge due to exposure from a COVID-19 case at Dover High School, what was the overall reaction from the team when it happened, particularly from you coming in and becoming QB1 for the opening playoff game?

Well, the team knew that I'd have to step in there and they’re confident in my abilities, and we just came together around that.

Obviously when the COVID [exposure cases] hit Hall and Dummermuth, and also an injury to Nathan Ravine, one of your top wideouts, did [head Coach Dan Ifft] come to you and your guys and give you any advice or words of wisdom to enter the playoffs with your focus in check?

He just told us to step in there and be confident in our abilities, and just come together as a good team and give it our all.

The Steubenville game [which the Tornadoes won 41-20] just this past week...you already faced them this year, went down to Steubenville, lost back in September [28-7 score]...was there a change in the overall team scheme or the game plan that you guys were able to adjust and win the game over Steubenville this past week?

Yeah, we adjusted a few things on offense and defense and knew what we could beat them...and just learned from our past mistakes.

And now you’re going up against Streetsboro, a team that is currently 7-0, one of the top teams in [the Division III, Region 9] bracket, just beat Niles McKinley in a [41-6] blowout this past week. Do you happen to know if Coach ifft has made a decision for Friday’s game if it will be you or Hall going in as QB1?

No, we’re not sure yet, but we’ll both come prepared and ready to go.

Absolutely, and if it’s going to be you coming in for your third straight start, what are some of the things you think you’ll be expecting from the Rockets defense?

Well, on their defense, they could have, like, some Cover 3 going or Cover 5 in different zones, but I know they have some speed and good athletes on the perimeter.

Going through some of the numbers I’m looking through here...the first game, obviously, a 7-touchdown opener in which you tied the school record along with [former Dover quarterbacks] Perci Garner and Mason Mamarella. What was the reaction when you were able to figure that out?

I was surprised, but it was really cool. I was just happy to get the win and the team came together...and it was great.

And then you go into the next game, 4 touchdowns along with 21 of 28 passing...has there been any kind of nerves? I only ask because these are playoff games. It’s not like coming in right in the middle of the season, these are teams you have to compete among the best of the best, even with everything that’s going on.

Yeah, we just...there's a little pressure in the beginning, but then you get in the groove and start rolling, and it goes well.

Last question for you, T.C….I wanted to get a student-athlete’s perspective on this....what has this season been like for you in terms of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic shifting not only the schedule of the football season [from 10 regular-season games to 6], but also the environment, where you’re having limited attendance, and not having the same feeling in Crater Stadium, or any other stadiums in the state of Ohio?

Obviously, it’s been a lot different not having the whole fan and student section there, but we're trying to get as many games as we can and get ready for next season and the future.