Fall Sports Preview 2014

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014

FALL SPORTS

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

Photo courtesy Don Milroy

The 2014 North Platte football team is from left, Max Hansen,Jacob Zimbelman,Garrett Piper, Logan Oliva, Dalton Nesvara, Robert Kekahbah, Chris Dotson, Tyler DuBry, Cameron Cox, Trevor Lee, Chris Smith, Shane Mauch, Johnny Guethlein. Second row, Brian Halsted, Brandon Junker, Bryce Tullis, Shawn Rosenburg, Conner Matthews, Darrin Armstrong, Trevon Bokowski, Ricky Sandoval, Matt Dempsey, Marcos Reyes, Ki-Jana Owens, Alex Richter. Third row, Ty Johnson, Dominic Martinez, Marcos Silos, Justin Henry, Kolby Collins, Ivan Dobesh, Dylan Brown, Drew Yoshida, Cole Joneson, Brendan Folk, Dillon Thompson, Lance Henne. Fourth row, Jordan Andrews, Zack Karre, Jayden Songster, Kaden Langemeier, Braden Langemeier, Kort Steele, Bradan Hengan, Isaiah Estrada, Dalon Koubek, Bobby Lundy. Fifth row, Alex Miller, Cade Cox, Tanner Simms, Austin Orr, Colton Hughes, Adam Nichols, Trevon Weaver, Trev Chase, James Brenamen. Sixth row, Lincoln Booth, Jacob Friend, Daniel Woodward, Ryan Funk, Cade Digiovanni, Matt Wiegand, Noah Broman, David Harms. Back row, coaches Brandon Petersen, Alex Lowther, Phil Willey, Bernie Madison, Mitch Pacheco, Josh Hiatt, Ryan Provence.

North Platte football turning page to 2014

By DEREK NOEHREN dnoehren@nptelegraph.com

North Platte football coach Bernie Madison is ready to turn the page on his team’s winless 2013 season and wants his players to only focus on what’s ahead of them.

“We haven’t talked about [last season] much.

If you bring it up that tells the players you’re thinking about it,” Madison said. “We’ve told them to have short memory this season with everything they do. If they mess up an assignment, forget about it because the team needs you on the next play.”

The Bulldog’s best player and most dangerous offensive weapon is their senior quarterback Shane Mauch. Mauch is entering his third year as a starter and will try to duplicate his fabulous 2013 season.

Mauch defined what a dual-threat quarterback

North Platte Football Aug. 29..... at Columbus Sept. 5.....Lincoln High Sept. 12.......... Kearney Sept. 19....at Lincoln SE Sept. 26... Lincoln East Oct. 3.. at Omaha Bryan Oct. 10..... Millard West Oct. 17........... at Norfolk Oct. 24... Grand Island is by throwing for 1,242 yards and five touchdowns while rushing for 618 yards and six touchdowns.

“Shane has had the reigns since he was a sophomore and has an excellent understanding of our system,” Madison said. “He’s definitely a guy who can do damage running or passing the ball.”

Mauch will have some new faces vying for the ball this season as the Bulldogs only return four starters on offense from

Class: A Conference: GNAC Last season’s record: 0-9 Coach: Bernie Madison Overall outlook on current season: The Bulldogs will be more competitive. We need to build some depth. If we can get our trenchmen to win up front we’ll be very competitive.

Team strengths: Our defense will be much improved because of the returning starters on that side of the ball. We have a great stable of receivers stepping in with our quarterback having three seasons of experience.

last year and don’t have much experience returning at receiver or running back.

“We have some new guys coming in to be [Mauch’s] supporting cast, but I think we’re a little bigger than last year and pretty athletic,” Madison said. “We have several kids who are 6 foot 2 inches and can really catch the ball. I think

Team weaknesses: Numbers are a concern again. That being said, the ones we do have want to be here and will work to be successful.

Returning starters: Jacob Zimbleman, Marcos Reyes, Cole Joneson, Shane Mauch, Garrett Piper, Darrin Armstrong, Tyler DuBry, Chris Dotson, Robert Kekahbah, Bendan Folk, Trevor Lee, Bobby Lundy.

Returning non-starter letterwinners: Johnny Buethlein, Dylan Petersen, Cameron Cox, Ricky Sandoval, Marcos Silos, Alex Richter, Chris Smith, Matt Dempsey, Max Hansen.

we’ll be more physical as receivers this season.”

Strategically, the Bulldogs will again run an attacking spread offense with several options based on what the opposition gives them.

“We like to run the spread offense so we can dictate to the defense and get them spread out so we can attack,” Madison said. “We want to see how

they line up and try to exploit it.”

Defensively, North Platte brings back seven starters from last year including some size with junior Bobby Lundy anchoring the middle of the defensive line at 6 feet 6 inches and 290 pounds.

Senior Robert Kekahbah returns at linebacker where he racked up 53 tackles a season ago and

is joined at linebacker by returning starter junior Brendan Folk.

The secondary returns good speed with junior safeties Cole Joneson and Marcos Reyes.

“We have good size up front and the linebackers do a good job of flying around and getting to the ball,” Madison said. “In the secondary, Cole has good speed and Marcos has a great football savvy about him.”

Despite a forgettable 2013 season, coach Madison’s optimistic outlook has seemingly rubbed off on the students as the Bulldogs have approximately 73 boys out for football this year, compared with about 65 last season, according to Madison.

The Bulldogs will have their first opportunity to get in the win column on Aug. 29 as they take on Columbus on the road.

Front line anchors Bulldog volleyball team

By ANDREW BOTTRELL abottrell@nptelegraph.com

Coming off a 21-11 campaign in 2013, the North Platte volleyball team will look to build on that success with seven returning players who saw significant court time last season.

The Bulldogs’ strength is on the front line with returning middle-hitters Olivia Nicholson and Jessy Hunt and outside hitters Kaitlynn Harvey, Allison Kuenle and Hope Wilke.

Alex Neff returns as a setter, as does Morgan Raska, who has filled in at setter and played along the back line.

All seven players are entering their second seasons with the varsity squad, and Nicholson, Kuenle and Neff are in their third season as starters.

“Our strong core, nucleus is back,” head coach Laura Miller said. “Their volleyball IQ level is really high right now. It’s making us, as coaches, have to really take these first few days of practice and raise the bar, because we don’t have to start off with the basics. We will start with the basics, but we’re able to do a lot more in our practices than what we normally can do with that experience coming back.”

Schematically, the Bulldogs have employed a 6-2 formation for several years, though Miller said that may change going into 2014.

“We are looking at possibly a 5-1, with Alex as our

Class: A Conference: GNAC Last season’s record: 21-11 Coach: Laura Miller Overall outlook on current season: We are returning a lot of starters and we have a lot of depth.

Team strengths: Core nucleaus coming back with a lot of talent. We have a young group of athletes who will be challenging for positions on a daily basis. We have great attitudes and are optimistic about our future.

Team weaknesses: Coming together as a team will be essential. We will need to improve our defense.

Returning starters: Jessy Hunt, Kaitlynn Harvey, Olivia Nicholson, Allison Kuenle, Alex Neff and Morgan Raska.

Returning non-starter letterwinners: Taylor Johnson and Hope Wilke.

setter,” Miller said. “We’ve been running a 6-2 the last couple of years. We’re staying open to a 6-2 if we need to, though.”

The question mark for the Bulldogs comes in the back row, where the team will have to find a replacement for Madalynn Doughty. Hayley Schanou is one

Andrew Bottrell / The North Platte Telegraph

The 2014 North Platte volleyball team is, front from left, Gabi Brumfield, Taylor Johnson, Jessy Hunt and Kaitlynn Harvey. Second row, Mack Nelson, Bekah Brumfield, Hayley Schanou, Alex Neff, Jordynn Simpson, Sami Mauch, Leslie Borges and Sidney Brinker. Back row, Emma Wilkinson, Kiersten Lange, Grace Carl, Hope Wilke, Kayleigh Wagner, Olivia Nicholson, Allison Kuenle, Gabby Menghini and Kaitlyn Hansen. possibility for the libero, or defensive specialist, spot.

“That will be one of our priorities,” Miller said.

Specifically, Miller said the back left position will need to be filled. Raska and Hope Wilke both saw time at the position last year, as did Taylor Johnson.

“It’s still early on, so anything can happen,” Miller said.

After falling short of the Class A state tournament in 2013, the goal is to qualify for the state tournament and make a run once there.

“Everybody still has that pit in their stomach and all

that disappointment from the end of the season last year when we didn’t make it,” Miller said. “I’m hoping we all come back with vengeance. We want to get to the state tournament and do well, but we have to take one game at a time and progress each time we set on the court.”

That opening match will be a test, with Ogallala coming to the Dawg House on Sept. 4 to begin the season.

“That’s always a great match and we know that it will be fun and exciting, and tough,” Miller said.

North Platte Volleyball Sept. 4............................................. North Platte Tri Sept. 6....................................... at Lincoln North Star Sept. 11...................................................at Northwest Sept. 13........................................... North Platte Tri Sept. 16...................................................... at Ogallala Sept. 19.................................................... LPS Classic Sept. 20.................................................... LPS Classic Sept. 23.......................................................... Kearney Sept. 30....................................................... Lexington Oct. 3.................................... Lincoln Northeast Invite Oct. 4.................................... Lincoln Northeast Invite Oct. 11........................................at Lincoln Southeast Oct. 16.........................................................McCook Oct. 21........................................................Ogallala Oct. 23...................................................at Scottsbluff Oct. 25....................................................... at Kearney Oct. 30........................................ at Kearney Catholic Nov. 1.........................GNAC Tournament at Kearney

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FALL SPORTS

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014

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Bulldog softball boasts senior-laden team

By ANDREW BOTTRELL abottrell@nptelegraph.com

The North Platte softball team has nearly its entire squad returning from a team that qualified for the Class B State Tournament in 2013.

Though the Bulldogs move up to Class A this year, that doesn’t change the team’s goals.

“I’m personally pleased with [moving to Class A],” head coach Les O’Donnell said. “I think we have the quality softball talent to compete very well at the Class A level. That just means that we have to be in the game and know the situation of the game from start to finish and believe under highly-stressful situations we can complete that fundamental play to come out winners.”

Seven seniors are on board for the Bulldogs, all of them starters in 2013, along with two underclassmen who also saw significant time.

Katie Franzen, Marissa Ramos and Jenny Keck return to pitch, as well as play in the field. The Bulldogs also return Rachel Kosmacek, Hannah Hays, Mikenzi Wiseman and Christina Yoshida.

O’Donnell said the only starter who will have to be replaced is shortstop Sally Hengen.

“Experience always helps. Pretty much, they all played the same positions they did last year,” O’Donnell said. “These other young ladies have a lot of experience.”

Willow Chitty and Kylie Engleman also figure to receive playing time.

“We’ve got some good young players also, who will come up and play a role, as they did last year in varsity games,” O’Donnell said.

He said Abby Jones,

Andrew Bottrell / The North Platte Telegraph

The 2014 North Platte softball team is, front from left, Christina Yoshida, Jenny Keck, Marissa Ramos, Kaite Franzen, Mikenzi WIseman, Rachel Kosmacek and Hannah Hays. Second row, Hannah Nelson, Sydney McGahan, Jaime Titus, Kayla Bush, Erin Weaver, Taylor Luft, Miranda Cardenas and Kylie Engleman. Back row, Coach Les O’Donnell, coach Molly Morales, Vanessa Vargas, Hallei Morales, Caitlynn Peterson, Abby Jones, Avery Doucet, Jayda Paul, Maddie Custer, Tea Guerra, Amberlynn Reed, WIllow Chitty, Taylar Coleman, coach Jeff Barner and coach Rick Titus.

Class: A Conference: GNAC Head coach: Les O’Donnell Returning starters: Katie Franzen, Marissa Ramos, Jenny Keck, Rachel Kozmacek, Hannah Hays, Mikenzi,

Erin Weaver, Sydney McGahan and Hallei Morales are younger players who could play a role for the varsity team.

“Then we’ve got a good group of freshman that will be playing a lot of [junior varsity] for us and getting game experience. We’ve got a good group of softball players.”

O’Donnell said the Bulldogs have a strong

North Platte Softball

Wiseman, Christina Youshid, Willow Chitty, Kylie Engleman.

Top Newcomers: Abby Jones, Erin Weaver, Sydney McGahan, Hallei Morales.

mix of hitters on both sides of the plate, and that he expects North Platte to hit well.

“We’ve got a decent hitting club. That always helps out the pitching staff, when they have a good defense and an offense behind them. They know it’s just not all on their shoulders,” he said. “We’ve got a great balance of left-handed hitters with speed who

will put a lot of pressure on the defense. We’ve got some super-charged power hitters in our lineup who really know how to hit the ball and make good, sharp, rip-it line drive base hits.”

Wiseman, Engleman and Keck should anchor the middle of the lineup.

Even with the move back to Class A, North Platte plays much of the same schedule as it did

Aug. 21.............................................at Adams Central Aug. 28.................................. Double Dual at Kearney Aug. 30........................................... LPS Softball Invite Sept. 2............................................. at Lexington (DH) Sept. 4....................................... Kearney Double Dual Sept. 6...................................................McCook Invite Sept. 9.........................................Grand Island (DH) Sept. 11..............................Lincoln Southeast (DH) Sept. 13.................................... Hastings Double Dual Sept. 16.............................................. at Kearney (DH) Sept. 20..................... North Platte Softball Classic Sept. 23....................................................... McCook Sept. 25................................................. Gothenburg Sept. 27............................................. Lincoln SE Invite Sept. 30................................................. Gothenburg Oct. 4............................................. GNAC Tournament in 2013.

“Our schedule is basically the same as last year and the last four

years,” O’Donnell said.

“You take one game at a time, and you can’t overlook anybody.”

North Platte girls golf team rebuilding for 2014 season

By DEREK NOEHREN dnoehren@nptelegraph.com

With seven seniors graduating from last years team, the 2014 North Platte girls golf team will be in somewhat of a transition mode, but head coach Jim Orcutt is excited to get started and have some new faces on the course.

“When you lose seven girls, it’s sort of a rebuilding year, but we have some girls with good experience, and the team has shown a willingness to work hard to improve.”

Orcutt enters his 32nd year at North Platte High School and serves as the boys golf coach as well. This will be his ninth year as girls golf coach and with his experience as a golfer and a coach, Orcutt has found that an effective way to start lowering scores is to practice and highlight the chipping and putting aspect of the game.

“We work on and emphasize the short game because it’s the quickest way to lower scores,” Orcutt said. “We want to get those three-putts down to two and the twoputts down to one.”

While there are plenty of new faces for the Bulldogs this season, they do return three girls from last year. Morgan

Derek Noehren / The North Platte Telegraph

The 2014 North Platte girls golf team is, from left, coach Jim Orcutt, Morgan Lashley, Amanda Beall, Taylor Kramer, Camerin Burtle, Rebekah Littrell, Emily Keltz and Courtney Kohl. Not pictured, Marissa Pascoe.

Lashley, Amanda Beall and Courtney Kohl all come back, with Lashley having the most experience of the three. “[Morgan] is definitely going to be our No. 1 golfer. She played lots of events this summer and is our go-to person,” Orcutt said.

In preparation for this season, Orcutt has had to do more teaching because of his teams lack of experience, but he has received some extra help this year and is trying to keep the practices fun and competitive.

“We’re having to work pretty hard in practice and there will be more teaching to come. We’re trying to get better at a lot of things, but consistency and ball striking are two of the biggest things we’re trying to improve upon,” Orcutt said. “We’ve had several volunteers help coach this year and that really helps dividing the girls up and working on different things.”

Orcutt also likes to mix things up a bit in practice to keep everyone entertained while

North Platte Girls Golf Aug. 29..................................................Kearney Invite Sept. 2..........................................................Lexington Sept. 5........................................ North Platte Invite Sept. 9........................................................ at McCook Sept. 12.............................................. Lexington Invite Sept. 18.......................................... Gothenburg Invite Sept. 18................................................Hastings Invite Sept. 22.................................................Ogallala Invite Sept. 25.................................................Gothenburg Sept. 29...................................................... at Kearney Oct. 3............................................GNAC at Columbus Oct. 7.................................................................District Oct. 16..................................................................State

working to improve their skill as well.

“Another thing I

like to do in practice is create little games that focus on different

Class: A Conference: GNAC Coach: Jim Orcutt Overall outlook on current season: After graduating seven seniors, this is sort of a rebuilding year.

We have four girls with some varsity experience.

Team strengths: A willingness to work hard to improve.

Team weaknesses: Meaningful tournament experience, consistency, short game Returning starters: Morgan Lashley, Amanda Beall and Courtney Kohl Returning non-starter letterwinners: None Possible impact players: Morgan Lashley, because of her playing experiences Additional comments: We are hosting a Class A district this year.

elements of golf to make practice more fun for the girls,” he said.

North Platte will host the 2014 Girls Gold A-3 District at Rivers Edge Golf Course in North Platte on Oct. 7.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

Numbers high for Bulldog tennis

By DEREK NOEHREN dnoehren@nptelegraph.com

The good news for the 2014 North Platte boys tennis team is there are more than 30 boys out for tennis this season. The bad news is that head coach Dale Hall will have to replace all but one of the team’s six starters.

As a team, the Bulldogs went 4-2 in 2013. Individually, the player with the most experience is senior Landon Jahnke, who is a three-year letterwinner and went 1-1 at the state tournament in No. 1 doubles in 2013. Senior Elijah Vieyara also returns for the Bulldogs and has some varsity experience.

He served as the team’s alternate at state last season behind Jahnke.

The uptick in participation is the result of the combined effort of Hall and members of last years team. Hall spread the word to kids he knew weren’t playing football this year and told his current players to tell their friends to come play tennis in the fall.

“I believe our strength as a team will be the number of boys out for tennis.

Our depth will help make the athletes work harder to keep their spots,” Hall said. “We have a couple of guys with some tennis playing experience but the majority of our guys have two years or less and are going to have to buy their time and improve their fundamentals.”

Because of the overall lack of experience, Jahnke will serve as a mentor for the rest of the team.

“Landon will kind of be like another coach on the court,” Hall said. “He’s going to be a guy who leads by example, he probably won’t be the type to get on a guy, but this team needs all kinds of leaders

Derek Noehren / The North Platte Telegraph

The North Platte 2014 boys tennis team is, front from left, Andrew Freeze, Ethan Ramsey, Nick Doucet, Eric Travis, Seth Negley, Carson Trego, Branton Flanders, Chase Trego, manager AJ Munson and Jalen Dickinson. Second row, Jamon Davis, Frank Dowhower, Isaac Boettcher, Will Stone, Joe Roessler, Bryce Lee, Quintan Lehn, Alex Guerra, Elijah Vieyra, Austin Snyder. Back row, Derrick Burge, David Mata, Nate Merz, Zak Folchert, Landon Jahnke, Josh Merz, Brian Kennedy, Adam Engel, Dezman Riley, Thomas Hoatson and coach Dale Hall.

North Platte Tennis Aug. 29.................................................. Papillion Invite Sept. 6....................................................Kearney Invite Sept. 9..............................................Capitol City Invite Sept. 12.........................................North Platte Dual Sept. 13....................................... North Platte Invite Sept. 16....................................................... at Kearney Sept. 22...................................................... at Hastings Sept. 23................................................ Hastings Invite Sept. 26...................................................... at Hastings Sept. 27................................................ Hastings Invite Sept. 30.....................................................at Lexington Oct. 4.................................................................. GNAC Oct. 9...........................................................McCook and Landon has excellent experience.”

Stretigically, Hall doesn’t want to change too much, but wants his team members to be the agressors during matches.

“One thing I wanted to

improve upon this season is to be more aggressive at the net and during net volleys.”

Anytime you lose as many starters as the Bulldogs did from last year it can be difficult, especially with a tough early

Class: A Conference: GNAC Coach: Dale Hll Last seasons record: 4-2 Overall outlook on current season: The North Platte boys tennis team returns two players with varsity experience. Landon Jahnke went 1-1 at state tournament in No. 1 doubles and Elijah Vieyra was our alternate at state last year.

Team strengths: I believe our strength as a team will be the number of boys out for tennis. Our depth will help make the athletes work to keep their spots. The team will be lead

by Landon Jahnke, who has been a member of the tennis team all four

slate. Despite facing tough ooponents early, Hall hopes his team maintains its composure.

“The start of our

years.

Team Weakness: We have to fill spots for five of six varsity positions.

Lack of experience is a weakness, but our athletes will work hard to imporve as the season progresses.

Returning starters: Landon Jahnke and Elijah Vieyra Possible impact players: Josh Merz, Chase Trego, Alex Guerra, Zak Folchert, Brandon Flanders are all returning from last years tennis team.

Additional comments: With the numbers of athletes out for tennis this year, we should have good competition for spots on both JV and varsity.

schedule is about as tough as it gets, so I hope we can stay calm and not get frustrated early on,” Hall said. “We want to do

well during the regular season, but the post-season is the most important and when we need to be playing our best.”

Large group, but just six return from 2013 North Platte Cross Country Sept. 4....... Cozad Invite Sept. 12.. Kearney Invite Sept. 19.. McCook Invite Sept. 23............ GI Invite Sept. 29........ UNK Invite Oct. 10..................GNAC Oct. 16..............Districts Oct 24.................... State

By ANDREW BOTTRELL abottrell@nptelegraph.com

The North Platte cross country team will have to replace state champion Wyatt McGuire in 2014.

McGuire, who won the state meet in a time of 15 minutes, 26.6 seconds in Kearney last year, has graduated and moved on to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Phillip Hammer and Gilbert Seck also graduated from a North Platte team that finished 12th overall at state. Christian Bradley, who finished 89th at state in 2013, does return. He is among six returning letterwinners on this year’s team.

Tanner Haws, who finished 99th, also returns.

Haws finished the state meet in 18:46.2.

At Kearney last year, Bradley finished the course at Kearney Country Club in 18:17.1. Devin Jean, who also ran at the state meet, returns as

Liz McCue / The North Platte Telegraph

The 2014 North Platte cross country team is, front from left, Vicky Tockey, Rachel Smith, Katelin Sligar, Selena Fornander, Annie Beckman, Michael Spelts, Christian Bradley and Tyler Ward. Second row, Chris Dannatt, Mitchell Parish, Brooklyn Brinker, Kelaney Stalker, Tanner Haws, Shay Bamesberger, Rebecca Daniel, Talia Martinez, Kirsten Gibson and Lisa von Dunk. Third row, Jocelyn Dotson, Anna Dotson, Pon Dishman, McKinzee Ambrose, George Gipe, Sean Haremza, Tierney McPike, Mikayla Ward, Ronni Dowhower, Syble Hefferman, Allysa Empfield, Issac Aufrecht, coach Bonnie Kruse and coach Dennis Fornander. Back row, Jerome Seck, Tyler Ogden, Dylan Grachek and Paxton Smith. does letter winner Tyler Ward on the boys side.

Head coach Dennis Fornander believes that

sophomore Sean Haremza should also contribute for the boys.

For the North Platte

girls, Talia Martinez is one of three returning letter winners. Martinez finished in 22:24.2 and

in 87th place at the state meet in 2013.

Senior Victoria Tockey and junior Brooklyn

Brinker return, as well.

In total, 39 runners have tried out for this year’s team.

FALL SPORTS

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014

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Andrew Bottrell / The North Platte Telegraph

The 2014 St. Pat’s football team is, front from left, Caleb Points At Him, William Vanderheiden, Jaydn Brown, Barrett Stickleman, Tyler Heiss, Cameron Riggs, Gary White III, James Schroll, Aiden Skillstad, Luke McKeon, Andrew Elsten, Jayden Brosius and Logan Hand. Second row, Adam Mackley, Evan Klinkefus, Jacob Derickson, Alex Mackley, Drew McClellen, Ryan Dilley, Trey Dodson, Andrew O’Neill, Miguel Martinez, David Trierweiler, Michael Elsten, Kolby Fourtner and Aaron Allison. Top row, Chase Ochs, Brayden Divine, Lane Knisely, Jake Jones, Matthew Ferguson, Kameron Jordan, Felipe Martinez, Cory Clinch, Bryce Byrn, Zac Miller, Kobe Lawrence, Gabe Vyzourek, Garrett Foust, Christopher Borden and Andrew Jarvis. Not pictured, Clemente Martinez, Will Stickney and Nick Wright.

Offensive, defensive fronts lead Irish

By ANDREW BOTTRELL abottrell@nptelegraph.com

Though St. Pat’s lost a number of skill-position players to graduation after 2013, the strength of a ball-control team lies in its front seven — and the front seven for the Irish have plenty of experience.

St. Pat’s returns all five lineman from a team that reached the quarterfinals of the C2 playoffs in 2013 with a 9-2 record, and the Irish will rely on that leadership.

“We’re going to lean heavily on our senior leadership,” head coach Kevin Dodson said. “We have a number of guys returning with experience on offense and defense. A lot of those guys will be seniors. With that experience comes some confidence.”

In total, seven players return with experience on the offensive and defensive lines: Ryan Dilley, Evan Klinkefus, Mike

St. Pat’s Football Aug. 29...................at D-T Sept. 5........ Wood River Sept. 12....... at So. Valley Sept. 19........... Ravenna Sept. 26..........at Hershey Oct. 3..........at Bridgeport Oct. 10............... Kimball Oct. 17......... Cambridge Oct. 24..............at Bayard Elsten, David Trierweiler, Miguel Martinez, Kolbey Fourtner and Alex Mackley. All are seniors in 2014.

That makes for one of the deepest front sevens in the area.

“As the [2013] season went along, I thought they grew a lot in maturity and understanding the game and the concepts we were trying to execute,” Dodson said. “It took us a while and we had some bumps along the road. We felt that by the end of the season, they were playing well and making the gains that we hoped

they would.”

Drew McClellen and Bryce Byrn — defensive backs defensively and wing backs offensively in 2013 — figure to play into the skill player set for the Irish.

McClellen, who also kicks, could line up behind center, replacing Alex Harms who graduated and has moved on to the University of Nebraska at Kearney to play linebacker.

Byrn figures into the mix to replace Collin Pieper, the 2013 leading rusher for the Irish, as do Trey Dodson, Matthew Ferguson, Kameron Jordan, Aaron Allison and Lane Knisely.

“It’s hard to say. I’ve got a number of kids who are fighting for positions.

They have decent speed and they are tough,” Dodson said. “We want to run the football. We’re going to do that oftentimes out of power sets. We want to control the line

Class: C2 Coach: Kevin Dodson Conference: SPVA Last seasons record: 9-2 Returning starters: Drew McClellen, Andrew O’Neill, Ryan Dilley, Evan Klinkefus, Mike Elsten, David Trierweiler, Mighel Martinez, Kolbey Fourtner, Alex Mackley, Bryce Byrn and of scrimmage.”

Tight end Andrew O’Neill also should figure into the offensive mix for the Irish during his senior season. Jacob Derickson, who saw time at tight end in 2013, also returns.

Defensively, St. Pat’s aims to control the line of scrimmage, with nearly the entirety of its front seven returning for 2014.

“Our defense has been the backbone of our program for as long as I’ve been here,” Dodson said.

“Coach [Brent] Aufdenkamp does a great job with our defense.”

Adam Mackley.

Returning non-starters letterwinners: Trey Dodson, Jacob Derickson, Matthew Ferguson, Kameron Jordan, Felipe Martinez, Cory Clinch, Kobe Lawrence, Aaron Allison, Gabe Vyzourek, Lane Knisely and Christopher Borden.

The Irish waste no time getting down to business in 2014, traveling to Doniphan-Trumbull on Aug. 29, the first game of the season. The Cardinals knocked out the Irish 42-20 in the quarterfinals in 2013.

“It’s one of the most challenging schedules we’ve had in years, from top to bottom,” Dodson said. “As you look at and evaluate what’s coming back on those teams, this ends up to be one of the most challenging schedules we’ve had.”

Dates at Hershey (Sept.

26) and at home against

Cambridge (Oct. 17) also loom for the Irish.

Dodson said he likes to preach execution and technique and not focus on things outside of the team’s control, especially at the beginning of the season.

“We don’t talk about goals for the end of the season. We’re focused on what’s at hand. This time of year, we’re focused on ourselves,” he said. “We want to be successful in what we do. We don’t talk about wins and losses, we talk about being successful in what we do and improve each week.”

Five state qualifiers return to St. Pat’s cross country

By ANDREW BOTTRELL abottrell@nptelegraph.com

Three state qualifiers return for the St. Pat’s cross country team from 2013.

Senior Anna O’Malley leads the way for the Irish. O’Malley has lettered in her first three seasons as a runner for St. Pat’s.

“She’s a senior this year, so I’m sure she’ll put forth her full efffort all season,” head coach Marie Brosius said. “She’s a very competitive young lady in everything she does. She also has that drive to push herself.”

O’Malley finished sixth in the state in Class D, with a time of 20:23.4 in the first year that girls Andrew Bottrell / The North Platte Telegraph cross country bumped up from a 4K to a 5K for The 2014 St. Pat’s cross country team is, front from left, Megan Trierweiler, Laura Bjornstad, Toni Caudillo, Anna meets.

O’Malley, Elli Wid, Erin Nozicka and Bailee Clark. Second row, Tyler Galvan, Justin Gafke, Sam Bradney, Nelson “Last year for girls, we Jett, Tanner Hand, Ellie Buhrman. Back row, Shane Klasna, Jacob Grange and Austin Hindman. increased the distance to a 5K,” Brosius said. “So Brosius said that runplace last year at the last year was something ners need to push themstate meat and Bradney St. Pat’s Cross Country new for the girls.” selves at the early meets, finished 126th.

Sept. 5...............................................Cambridge Invite State qualifiers Bailee so that when they arrive “My boys team went to Sept. 11....................................... Chase County Invite Clark and Lexi Allison at larger meets, such as state, and I have a few of Sept. 19................................................. McCook Invite also return for the Irish McCook on Sept. 19, SPVA those returning, but they Sept. 25........................Dundiy County-Stratton Invite on Oct. 9 and the district in a deep girls squad. are only sophomores,” Oct. 2............................................... Gothenburg Invite “[Bailey] has improved Brosius said. “It should be on Oct. 16, they are ready.

Oct. 9..........................................Perkins County Invite “At the beginning of the interesting how that plays leaps and bounds. She Oct. 16............................................................... District season, I focus on individout.” realized running was fun ual goals because I have a Tyler Galvan and Tanand ran throughout the very large team,” Broner Hand, also sophosummer last year and mores, should figure into sius said. “I have some this year,” Brosius said. squad is a little younger, Bjornstad, Ellie Buhrinexperienced runners the mix for the Irish.

“Throughout the season man, Toni Caudillo and Brosius said, with sophowho need to set goals The Irish schedule they will have to push for themselves and keep starts off with a number themselves in practice, as Erin Nozicka. In all, there mores Sam Bradney and Justin Gafke leading the are nine seniors on the improving at each race. of smaller meets with well as at meets.” way. girls team.

Cambridge on Sept. 5 and I also have some older Four other Irish letThe boys cross country Gafke finished in 115th Chase County on Sept. 11. runners, whose goals are tered last season — Laura

School: St. Pat’s Nickname: Irish Conference: SPVA Class: C Coach: Marie Brosius Overall outlook on current season: This seasons outlook is filled with anticipation. I have a mixer of talent this year. I have many young, experienced runners and some older experienced runners, as well as the other way around. This should be a nice balance to the season. I look forware to seeing all of the runners runto their best effort and take both teams to state. This year we lost our assistant Coach Krissy Posten but now are joined by Tim O’Neil. Our first race will be in Cambridge, Sept.

5, where we will see many of our opponents that are in the SPVA and district.

time oriented and place oriented. I make a book for them at the end of each season with all of their times in it. A lot of them go back and look at that and think about it.”

Good Luck This Season All Area Teams

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St. Pat’s volleyball turns to youth St. Pat’s Volleyball Sept. 4..........................................at Perkins County Sept. 9................................................Cambridge Tri Sept. 11......................................................Cozad Tri Sept. 13...............................Kearney Catholic Invite Sept. 16................................................. Gothenburg Sept. 20......................................Mid Plains Tourney Sept. 27......................................... Sutherland Invite Sept. 30.......................................................... Mullen Oct. 7..................................................Southwest Tri Oct. 9...........................................................at Brady Oct. 11.....................................................Maxwell Tri Oct. 14......................................................at Ogallala Oct. 18.......................................SPVA at Sutherland Oct. 21.................................................... Sutherland Oct. 25.................................. Southern Valley Invite Oct. 28....................................................... at Paxton

By DEREK NOEHREN dnoehren@nptelegraph.com

The 2014 St. Pat’s volleyball team will have plenty of youth on its roster, but head coach Shelly Byrn sees plenty of positives with having a young team.

“This group of girls is young but they’re also very athletic and hard working,” Byrn said.

“I’m excited to change things up this season to fit the strength of this team.”

The Lady Irish return eight letterwinners, including four starters from last year’s team that finished 17-12. Last season, Byrn started four freshmen, which is something she admittedly doesn’t usually like to do.

“It’s been a long time

since I’ve started freshmen, and last year we started four of them,” Byrn said. “Usually, freshmen aren’t ready for the varsity level physically, emotionally or in terms of maturity level, but we had really good seniors last year that took care of them and showed them the ropes.”

This season, those same girls will have to fill the void of last year’s seniors and take much more of a leadership and mentoring role.

“We’ll find out this year how they handle that leadership role,” Byrn said. “I’m not used to this situation but it’s kind of exciting because now I’ll have this group of girls for three more years and will get to see them develop.”

Derek Noehren / The North Platte Telegraph

The 2014 St. Pat’s volleyball team is, front from left, Shayla Sellers, Marli Zierke, Amy Honerman, Allie Montgomery, Abbie Castillo, Hailey Harwager and Libby Calhoun. Middle row, Kaitlin Adkins, Rebekah Troshynski, Bridget McKeon, Leela Keck, Rebel Sjeklocha, Sydney Anderson, Evan Dilley, Jessica Slattery and Rebecca Pasquinelly. Back row, Amanda McClellen, Jordyn Childears, Peyton Irish, Katie Montgomery, Alli Skala, Riley Nitsch, Bri Boyer and Katie Slattery.

The step up to the varsity level is not only challenging in terms of skill level but is also a learning experience in how to stay mentally strong during rough patches in a match.

Byrn knows the emotional side of the game may take a while, but she is not worried about her team’s work ethic, talent or athletic ability.

“We lost some height and experience when the seniors graduated last season, but this group of girls is extremely athletic and is willing to work hard,” Byrn said.

Byrn enters her 13th season as St. Pat’s volleyball coach and will look to add to her overall record of 216-94.

Class: C2 Coach: Shelly Byrn Last season’s record: 17-12 Overall outlook on current season: Excited to change things up this season to fit the strengths of this team Team strengths: Athletic and

hard-working Team weaknesses: Very young Returning starters: Amanda McClellen, Alli Skala, Peyton Irish, Katie Montgomery Returning non-starter letterwinners: Katie Slattery, Bri Boyer, Jordyn Childears, Riley Nitsch

Hershey Panther volleyball committed to 2014

By DEREK NOEHREN dnoehren@nptelegraph.com

With 25 years under her belt as head coach of the Hershey Lady Panthers volleyball team, Amy Beyer is happy with the standard her teams have set in terms of commitment.

“These girls give great effort and that makes a huge difference. It’s a trained behavior I guess you could say because our upperclassmen usually enforce that,” Beyer said.

“There’s a certain team expectation that you hustle in every drill and are efficient and not wasting minutes.”

The Lady Panthers were 21-6 last season, but that didn’t keep the team members from wanting to improve and fulfilling their aspirations.

“We set our team goals this summer and then each girl individually sets goals for herself,” Beyer said. “We have the girls put their goals in writing so they know day in and day out that this is what I’m focusing on and this is what I’m trying to accomplish.”

Five starters, including three seniors, return from last season’s team. The senior group includes outside hitter Brooke Munsen, middle hitter Tessa Otzel and setter Bobbi Brannan.

“Brooke is our most experienced player and has started since she was

Derek Noehren / The North Platte Telegraph

The 2014 Hershey volleyball team is, front from left, Brooke Munsen, Bobbi Brannan, Makayla Hiller, Tessa Otzel. Second row, Tarissa Biere, Kelsey Folehert, Syd Wolken, Paige Larchick, Taylor Mustion, Britni Bandy, Joslyn Crow, Karissa Parker, MiKayla Brown and Lyrie Allen. Third row, Amanda Francescato, Kaitlyn Kivett, Bailee Sandford, Treyann Miller, Britni Brannan, Laramei Bain, Kourtney Hart, Baylee Brownawell, Alanna Weir and Dana Heineman. Back row, Tacie Lucas, Skylar Herrick, Tessa DeCent, Leslie Aase, Alisa Hassett, Tara Hiller and Alexis Melvin. a freshman but is coming off an ACL injury,” Beyer said. “She has been doing everything she can this summer and has told me she’s learned a lot from watching, so I’m really pleased with her effort while she’s been sidelined.”

The other two seniors are both hard workers, according to their coach, and all three are good examples for the underclassmen

to watch and learn from.

“Tessa Otzel just works her tail off and is in great shape and has the followme-and-learn attitude,” Beyer said. “Bobbi Brannon has been our setter for three years and is kind of the same in that she leads by example.”

The senior leadership is something that Beyer has tried to cultivate in her time at Hershey and is happy with the mentoring and teaching role the older girls have taken on.

“We’ve been really fortunate because our upperclassmen through the years have been great at being the leaders and teaching the younger girls what the expectations are,” she said. “Sometimes they deliver the message gently and other times they kind of roughly pass that down.”

Hershey Volleyball Sept. 6............................................ Lexington Invite Sept. 13..................................... Elm Creek Tourney Sept. 18...................................................Sutherland Sept. 20.......................................Gothenburg Invite Sept. 25............................................... at Southwest Sept. 27............................................. Hershey Invite Oct. 2.....................................................at Valentine Oct. 7..............................................................Cozad Oct. 11.................................................... Maxwell Tri Oct. 14........................................ Perkins County Tri Oct. 18...................................... SPVA at Sutherland Oct. 21.............................................. Chase County Oct. 28.............................................Broken Bow Tri

The work ethic of the younger girls on the team is also another positive Beyer sees with this 2014 team.

“We have a great group of freshman this year,” she said. “They know they still have a lot to learn, but it’s a great group who’s willing to work to get better.”

A couple of areas the Panthers will have to

overcome is size and lack of experience at some positions.

“We return a good number of girls but we lost some really good players from last year’s team,” Beyer said. “One of our weaknesses will be size.

We will once again be a smaller team.”

Size is not something that can be taught, but

Class: C2 Conference: SPVA Last season’s record: 21-6 Coach: Amy Beyer Overall outlook on current season: We have a decent nucleus returning, however we have some key spots to fill as well. If we can get all of our kids healthy and back competing it will help our depth.

Team strengths: Work ethic and overall passion for the game.

The kids put in a good summer and enjoy the game of volleyball. We have the potential to show a great deal of improvement as the season goes on. We may need to rely on younger players more this year and they will need time to develop.

We have good leaders in our returners.

Team weaknesses: Size. We will, again, be small. Lack of varsity experience in some positions and consistency, or lack there of.

Returning starters: Brooke Munsen, Tessa Otzel, Bobbi Brannan, Taylor Mustion, Britni Brannan.

Returning non-starter letterwinners: Treyann Miller, MaKayla Hiller, Tacie Lucas.

Possible impact players: Skylar Herrick, Alisa Hassett.

coach Beyer is confident in her girls and their ability to outwork their opponent.

“We like to say that the talent level sometimes changes, but the expectations and work ethic is always pretty solid around here.”

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D7

Derek Noehren / The North Platte Telegraph

The 2014 Hershey football team is, front from left, Eddie Fleecs, Easton Clark, Trent Reece, Tyler Johnson, Tripp Nicholson, Jacob Mackley, Bryan McGahan, Tristan Biere and Joe Eller. Second row, McKade Smith, Ryan Eshleman, Brett Fischer, Baylor Hellmuth, Jason Davis, Brady Roberts, JD Barr, Alejandro Quiroga, Tanner Howell and Nathan Louder. Third row, Josiah Connell, Jaydn Foster, Mason Amweg, Lane Richardson, Wyatt McConnell, Ryan Cox, Alex Czarnick, Dylan Hill and Colton Clark. Back row, Josh Margritz, Cody Morrow, Chayton Crow, Jacob Kugler, Jacob Louder, Gaige Marshall and Logan Weir. Not pictured, Thomas McNeil, Monte McNeil and Jonathan Thomas.

Hershey football wipes slate clean for 2014

By DEREK NOEHREN dnoehren@nptelegraph.com

After a 9-1 campaign last year, the 2014 Hershey Panther football team has wiped the slate clean and is focused on not resting on their laurels of a year ago.

“We talked to the team a little about not thinking about last year because it’s in the past,” Hershey head coach Ryan Smith said. “We have new players who need to step up. There are guys who were role players last year who we’re going to be counting on for bigger contributions this year.”

Smith returns seven seniors who will be counted on for their production on the field as well as with helping the younger players.

“There’s really not one guy I can pick out as our leader because all seven

Hershey Football Aug. 29.. at Arc.-Loup C. Sept. 5........... St. Cecilia Sept. 12....at Don.-Trum.

Sept. 19.......Wood River Sept. 26............ St. Pat’s Oct. 3............. at Bayard Oct. 10.......... Bridgeport Oct. 17................Kimball Oct. 24.....at Cambridge seniors have done such a great job with leadership,” Smith said. “We have guys who lead by example and some who are more vocal and then some who are emotional leaders, but they’re all lunch-pail guys.

I like that they all have different styles because everyone responds differently to different types of leadership.”

The overall depth of the team is one potential challenge for the Panthers. The

seven seniors are joined by only eight juniors with the remainder of the roster being underclassmen with very limited varsity experience.

“Health and depth are our two biggest concerns right now,” Smith said.

“We have a smaller roster so we’ll most definitely need some underclassmen to step up and provide some depth.”

An area of strength for the Panthers this season will be the skill positions, where they return five of six players.

“We have experience in the backfield, so those guys know defensive schemes and where defenses might be,” Smith said. “We’ve had to plug some holes up front and have gone through some growing pains there, but we’ve liked what we’ve seen in terms of their off-season

Class: C2 Coach: Ryan Smith Last seasons record: 9-1 Overall outlook on current season: We feel this could be a solid season for us. We return a good solid core from last year’s team, and some promising younger players who will have to step in and fill the roles of an outstanding graduating class. We have a very challenging schedule with three teams who were in the quarterfinals a year ago including the state champion, all in the first five games of the season.

Team strengths: Strenghts will include returning experience at the skill positions (return five of six starters there). Our line will have to plug some training and their effort.”

If Hershey is to repeat its success of a year ago, players will have to be ready right away as they face a trio of games against teams that made the

holes but we like what we’ve seen in the weight room and camps this summer.

Team weaknesses: Health and depth are our two biggest concerns. We’ll have a small roster with only seven seniors and eight juniors, so we’ll most defenitely need some underclassmen to step up and provide some depth.

Returning starters: Logan Weir, Mason Amweg, Josh Margritz, Chayton Crow and Gaige Marshall.

Returning non-starters letterwinners: Alejandro Quiroga, Dylan Hill, Jaydn Foster, Colton Clark, Josiah Connell, Monte McNeil, JD Barr, Wyatt McConnell and Ryan Cox.

post-season last year. In September, the Panthers will play Doniphan-Trumbull, the 2013 Class C2 champions, as well as Hastings St. Cecelia and North Platte St. Pat’s, both teams

that made the Class C2 quarterfinals in 2013.

“We’ll know a lot more about our team heading into October,” Smith said.

“We’ve got to be ready to go right out of the gate.”

Courtesy photo

The 2014 Hershey girls golf team is, from left, Lily Frels, Abbey Miller, Louise Wiseman, Erica Schufeldt, Katie Hoatson and Courtney Laubner.

Panther golf ready for season

By DEREK NOEHREN dnoehren@nptelegraph.com

For Hershey girls golf coach Teresa Rotert, the 2014 season is an opportunity for her to concentrate less on teaching golf and more about coaching it.

“This year is kind of unique in that we only have one freshman and she has been to a couple camps so it’s not completely new for her,” Rotert said. “The other five girls all have played and it’s good to have that experience because we can go beyond the basics more this year and work on perfecting some different kinds of shots.”

The goals for Rotert and her Lady Panthers are fairly straight-forward for the upcoming season.

“We’d really like to see somebody qualify for state this year and our younger gals are looking to drop scores from last year,” she said.

Senior Courtney Lauber is the most likely candidate to earn a trip to

Class: C Conference: SPVA Coach: Teresa Rotert Overall outlook on current season: Optimistic that individual and team scores will drop, hoping for strong showing for meets Team strengths: Senior leadership from Courtney Laubner; others returning

the state tournament after narrowly missing out last year.

“She’s my one senior this year and was only one stroke away from qualifying for state last year, and she’s very determined to improve on that,” Rotert said.

So far, the Panthers have concentrated of getting back to being acclimated to the golf course and their game.

“Our main focus so far is the short game and getting their endurance built up,” Rotert said. “A lot of

members have some varisty experience.

Team weaknesses: Still young, learning as we go Returning Starters: Courtney Laubner, Katie Hoatson, Abbey Miller, Louise Wiseman and Erica Schufeldt.

Possible impact players; Courtney Laubner, Abby Miller and Katie Hoatson

the girls haven’t played much through the summer and we start out with 18-holes at McCook, which is a real tough course.”

Rotert has also relied some on her lone senior to assist with the younger players.

“Courtney is real focused about practicing on her own so when I work with someone else, she’s willing to go off on her own,” Rotert said. “At the same time, if I need her to show something to the other gals, she’s willing to do that as well.”

Derek Noehren / The North Platte Telegraph

The 2014 Hershey Cross Country team is, front from left, Laurel Huebner, Bailee Vanarsdall, Hannah Johnson, Varsha Huebner, C.J. Monheiser and Cole Hall. Back row, Katelyn Moenning, Josiah Connell, Emily Dethlets, DiJon Roberts, Blake Fletcher, Landon Mader and Doolin Songster

Cross country back at Hershey

By DEREK NOEHREN dnoehren@nptelegraph.com

After a year off, the Hershey Panthers cross country team is back for the 2014 season. Several Hershey students let their interest be known to their head coach Jessica Rasby.

“We’ve had a team every other year for a few years now,” Rasby said.

“I do a speed camp in the summer and Hannah Johnson came up and told me I think we have a cross country team,” From there, Johnson and fellow teammate Laurel Huebner began recruiting boys and girls to join the co-ed team.

“We just figured that if we got a girls team together, then any boys who wanted to join could.

We ended up having seven boys join so it ended up being a really good turnout,”

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Rasby said.

Since the team just got going again this season, the runners don’t necessarily have anything to build from last season, but they still have things they want to accomplish this fall.

“We want to start off strong because I think we have some talented runners,” Rasby said. “A lot of these people have never run cross country

Hershey Cross Country Sept. 5..........Cambridge Sept. 11.........Chase Co. Sept. 19............ McCook Sept. 25............ Ogallala Oct. 2......... Gothenburg Oct. 9..........Perkins Co. Oct. 16................ District before so we just want to get started and improve each day and hopefully do some good things.”

D8

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014

FALL SPORTS

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

Derek Noehren / The North Platte Telegraph

The 2014 Wallace football team is, front from left, Eduardo Pacheco, Jared Sullivan, Tyler Daniels, Tyrell Maline and Josh May. Second row: Juan Gomez, Jacob Lustman, Alex Schmailzl, Logan Rosentrader, Bailey Kennicutt, Tanner Clough, Logan Hoch, Nathan Manary and assistant coach Rich Lee. Third row: Assistant coach Joe Hesse, Justin Koop, Kaleb Vote, Dillon Koop, Andrew Gardner, Jeffery Harms, Jacob Melton, Robbie Nelson, Bi Gatobu and head coach Gary Hager. Back row, student managers Kaden Hager, Blake Pelster, Micah Swedberg and Lloyd Rollenhagen.

Wallace football has unfinished business

By DEREK NOEHREN dnoehren@nptelegraph.com

Despite finishing the 2013 season with a 9-2 record, the Wallace Wildcats football team enters this season with unfinished business.

“Last year we had a great season, but we didn’t win the district championship, so right away when we got to practice this year that was our No. 1 goal,” Wallace head coach Gary Hager said.

The Wildcats will look to replace two key skill-position players from last year’s squad, so their coach will lean on their experienced defense to carry the torch, especially at the beginning of

the season.

“On offense, we have to replace a quarterback and running back from last year’s team, so our defense is going to have to keep us in games especially early in the year,” Hager said.

That defense that Hager is referring to returns a core group of talented players including Jeff Harms, Josh May, Andrew Gardner and Bi Gatobu, who Hager calls his key four on the defensive side of the ball.

“Jeff Harms is our middle linebacker and definitely the heart of our defense,” Hager said.

“Harms and May have both started since they were freshman and have

Wallace Football Sept. 5....... South Platte Sept. 12............at Brady Sept. 19.......... at Leyton Sept. 25.. Hitchcock Co. Oct. 3....... at Southwest Oct. 10.................Mullen Oct. 17...... at Eus.-Farn.

Oct. 23.... Medicine Val. two years of experience under their belt.”

Although the offense will be replacing some key components, there will be also be some continuity up front.

“Our two guards, Harms and Gatobu, are back but we need to replace the center position and then we are moving

Class: D2 Conference: RPAC Coach: Gary Hager Last season's record: 9-2 Overall outlook on current season: I think this should be another successful season if we stay healthy.

We return five starters on offense and five on defense.

Team strengths: O-line and D-line, lots of returning starters, good group of juniors and seniors with two-three

Gardner to running back.

Those guys are senior leaders so they take a lot of pride in what happens up front.”

If Wallace is to reach its goal of winning the district this season the players will have to navigate a

years of varsity experience.

Team weaknesses: Lack of experience in the backfield.

Returning starters: Jeff Harms, Josh May, Andrew Gardner, Tanner Clough and Bi Gatoub.

Returning non-starter letterwinners: Jacob Melton and Dillon Koop.

Possible Impact players: Jeff Harms, Andrew Gardner, Josh May and Tanner Clough.

challenging schedule with some tests early on.

Hager said they will focus on every opponent each week but he thinks their opponent in Week 2 will be an especially tough test for his Wildcats.

“We play Brady our

second game and I think they will be tough because of their experience and athletic ability they bring back,” Hager said.

“They played a really tough schedule last year and were a lot better than their record showed.”

Wallace Volleyball Sept. 4.........................................Wauneta-Palisade Sept. 5...................................................South Platte Sept. 9..................................................... Wallace Tri Sept. 12....................................................... at Brady Sept. 16.......................................... at Hayes Center Sept. 19......................................................at Leyton Sept. 23............................................... Paxton Invite Sept. 25....................................... Hitchcock County Sept. 30................................................... Wallace Tri Oct. 10............................................................ Mullen Oct. 13..................................................... Wallace Tri Oct. 17...........................................at Eustis-Farnam Oct. 20-Oct. 21......... RPAC Volleyball Tournament Oct. 23............................................ Medicine Valley Oct. 28....................................at Wauneta-Palisade

Wildcat volleyball wants to improve

By DEREK NOEHREN dnoehren@nptelegraph.com

After a successful 2013 season in which the Lady Wildcats posted a record of 16-8, members of the Wallace volleyball squad has their minds set on improving.

“So far we’ve talked to the girls about individual goals as well as what they hope for the team,” said Wallace volleyball head coach Elizabeth Strand.

“I know the girls want to take the success they had last year and carry that on this year and make state and do something once we’re there.”

Strand was encouraged by the hard work and dedication her team put in over the off-season in an effort to build on last year.

Strand feels good about her roster which features five returning seniors including middle hitter Christina Daniels.

“Last year, Christina was our statistical leader

but she was also the team leader, and what she does, the rest of the team will go with,” Strand said. “She’s a competitor and this summer she got into weight lifting and conditioning along with about 10 other girls on a regular basis.”

Strand was happy with her team’s effort over the summer and thinks winning last year combined with senior leadership is starting to rub off on the younger players, hopefully translating into an even better 2014 season.

“When about half of your team is doing extra work in the off-season, it’s a good sign. I think that competitive drive is carrying on to this season and everyone is feeding off that,” she said. “I think we also have some more leaders that are starting to emerge, so it’s not just one person telling everyone what to do.”

The Wildcats are plenty familiar with their first

Derek Noehren / The North Platte Telegraph

The 2014 Wallace volleyball team is, front from left, Emma Franklin, Alissa Rosentrater, Hayley Storm, Christina Daniels, Mickayla Sheets and Morgan Messersmith. Middle row, Jasmine Dannar, Bridgett Anders, Myah McConnell, Abbey Rohde, Tayler Banks, Madisyn Cutler and Natalie Rosentrater. Back row, Hannah Sullivan, Shelby Ogier, Raine Brooks, Bailee Nielson, Hannah Nelson, Madisen Messersmith and Maisie Kennicutt and Maggie May. Not pictured: Sarah Banks. opponent, Wauneta-Palisade, who is in Wallace’s sub-district and the Wildcats routinely faced throughout the season.

“Last year we played them four times and they have quality players and that’s a game that’s always going to be one of those games we use as a measuring stick,” Strand said.

“You also have Paxton, Brady, Perkins County and Mullen that pretty much always have quality teams with good skills so we have all sorts of good opportunities to see where we’re at.”

Although Strand was pleased with how her team eventually played together last season she hopes they can develop a team mentality much earlier this year.

Class: D2 Conference: RPAC Last season’s record: 16-8 Coach: Elizabeth Strand Overall outlook on current season: We hope to improve our skills, be competitive, and work together as a team. If we can do those things, we will be successful and have an enjoyable season. The girls are excited for the season to set here, and several of them did weights and conditioning over the summer.

Team strengths: We return several girls with varsity level experience and girls that are willingly taking on leadership roles. We will play a good schedule, so competition will be tough all season. We could have close to 20 girls on the roster, so we’ll be able to play a C schedule and also have plenty “It took probably half the season before we decided to work together last year,” she said. “Once

of competition amongst the girls in practice too. Several of the girls also attended individual camps over the summer to develop their skills.

Team weaknesses: A new year means a new group, so there will be an adjustment period. We will be calling on some girls to step up and fill new positions this season.

Returning Starters: Christina Daniels, Hayley Storm, Mickayla Sheets, Morgan Messersmith, Maggie May and Myah McConnell.

Possible Impact player: Christina Daniels, Hayley Storm, Maggie May, Abbey Rohde. Christina and Hayley earned post-season recognition last year. Maggie was out libero last year and Abbey started as a freshman and is back this season.

we started to leave the pettiness behind and start thinking about what we could accomplish together

things got a lot better, so I’m hoping we can get to that point a lot faster this year.”

FALL SPORTS

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014

D9

Brady football takes on last-play attitude

By ANDREW BOTTRELL abottrell@nptelegraph.com

Andy Seamann wants his team to have a lastplay attitude.

It means different things to different kids, but it means “treat every second of your day — whether it’s in the classsroomn or out on the field — with the utmost importance,” the Brady head football coach said.

On the field, that means Seamann wants efficiency.

“We have seven seniors coming back, two other kids who started and one who had playing time,” he said. “They all started offense and defense last year. We have lots of experience.”

With lots of experience, Seamann said, the team should excel at the up-tempo offense he wants to run.

“I try not to lean [toward the pass or the run]. We like to run the ball because efficiency comes from the run game. But we’re multiple,” Seamann said.

“We’re trying to go fast, but we’re trying to be efficient.”

Quarterback Trevor Mann and running back Cody Warren return for the Eagles in the backfield and should carry the bulk of the load offensively.

Mann threw for 630 yards and five touchdowns last season, and ran the ball for 394 yards and eight touchdowns.

Meanwhile, Warren had 294 yards and five touch-

Brady Football Aug. 29...................SEM Sept. 12............ Wallace Sept. 19.. at Med. Valley Sept. 26........at Maxwell Oct. 3.................Paxton Oct. 10........... Stapleton Oct. 17............ at Mullen Oct. 23...at Ans.-Merna downs on the ground.

“Our install and our progress has been lightyears faster than what it has been in the past,” Seamann said.

With that experience on offense, Seamann said he will run a number of different formations.

“So far, effeciency has been through the roof this year compared to last year at this time,” he said.

Cody Most returns to anchor the offensive line, though the Eagles will have to replace both starting guards.

Most also heads up a defense that has six of eight players returning for the 2014 season.

Brady starts the season with Sumner-Eddyville-Miller at home, and finishes on the road at Mullen and at Anselmo-Merna.

“Our schedule, top to bottom, is tough,” Seamann said. “I don’t think there’s a single game on there that we’re looking at as an easy win. Every game is going to be a dog fight.”

In between, will be dates against rivals Maxwell, Wallace and Paxton.

Andrew Bottrell / The North Platte Telegraph

The 2014 Brady football team is, front from left, Jacob Christophersen, Miguel Reese, Colton Lovitt, Dakin Brock, Triston Griffiths, Kyle Mann and Logan May. Middle row, Micheal Adams, Alec Trobaugh, Cole Lewis, Tyrell Rossman, Jack Griffiths, Matt Neiman, Radley Shaw, Jon Taullie, Cody Warren, Dade Brock. Top row, Nate Sitorius, Dayne Porter, Fabian Norton, Troy Lusk, Chase Viter, Brant May, Levi DeStefano, Cody Most, Trevor Mann, Bowen Land and Tustin Golter.

Class: D2 Coach: Andy Seamann Last season's record: 2-7 Overall outlook on current season: Our first strength should be experience. We return five starters on offense and six starters on defense. We also have six seniors who are returning starters. We return both TEs including Troy Lusk, who is a two-time all-district player.

Trevor Mann will return at QB and Cody Warren is returning at RB with sophomore Matt Meiman returning as our top backup. I look for Matt and Cody to be in the backfield at the same time.

Defense was our weakest area last year, but we are returning six

starters on that side of the ball and are looking for that added experience to show in added agressiveness and confidence.

Our biggest weaknesses will be finding replacements for both guard positions on offense and finding the leadership necessary to take the next steps this team should be able to take. We lose Dalton Simant and Austin Widick at both guard positions, so finding someone to fill those shoes will be difficult, but more importantly finding someone to fill their leadership roles will be paramount to this team reaching their full potential. To fill the guare positions, I’m expecting to move senior Cody Most to

guard from TE and looking for multiple players to battle for the other starting position. And to fill the leadership roles, I am fully confident that the seven seniors will seize the moment and become better leaders and help lead this team to the playoffs and possibly a district title.

Returning starters: Trevor Mann, Cody Warren, Troy Lusk, Chase Viter, Levi DeStefano, Nate Sitorius, Jon Taullie and Dayne Porter.

Returning non-starters letterwinners: Cody Most, Matt Neiman, Bowan Land and Cole Lewis.

Rebuilding year for Brady volleyball

By ANDREW BOTTRELL abottrell@nptelegraph.com

It’s a rebuilding year for the Brady volleyball team after a 23-6 finish in 2013.

The Eagles will have to replace five starters in 2014.

“We lost a pretty talented group of seniors,” head coach Lynne Johnson said. “We have a good core coming back. We have some height in the middle. We have a very good setter coming in.

She is moving from one position to another.”

That setter, Tara Callahan, played at times for the Eagles as a defender in the back row and as a hitter. She will be the full-time setter in 2014, setting out of the back row, Johnson said.

She will feed the ball to Josie Palmer and Autumn Hild. Palmer returns as a middle hitter with starting experience and Hild also saw some time in the varsity lineup in 2013 at outside hitter, particularly at right outside hitter.

Jenna Lusk will move up to the varsity level as a hitter, as will Rachel Hansen.

“We added another middle with a lot of experience,” Johnson said. “I have an outside [hitter] that played varsity ball all last year. We did really well in camp this summer, as far as them gelling and people stepping up into positions that we lost. They play well together. We could do pretty well.”

Replacing five starters is not only a challenge for

Andrew Bottrell / The North Platte Telegraph

The 2014 Brady volleyball team is, front from left, Hannah Boden, Danielle Boggs, Bailey Maddox, Steph Black, Emilee Shaw, Kaylee Messersmith, Joya Most and Mariah Stevens. Middle row, Emory Swan, Michaela Jurjens, Hope Hannon, Jessica Most, Hannah DeStefano, Allison Hood, Jenna Lusk, Naomi Schaub and Lex Simants.

Top row, Tessa Brow, Bailey Sheets, Rachel Hanson, Josie Palmer, Tara Callahan, Karnee Hatch, Madison Christophersen and Autumn Hild.

Brady Volleyball Sept. 4.........................................................Maxwell Sept. 9....................................................... Brady Tri Sept. 12....................................................... Wallace Sept. 13...............................Seven Valleys Tourney Sept. 16..................................................... Brady Tri Sept. 27............................................ Brady Tourney Sept. 30................................................... at Wallace Oct. 3............................................................Paxton Oct. 7................................................... at Maywood Oct. 9..........................................................St. Pat’s Oct. 10...................................................... Stapleton Oct. 13...............................................Arthur County Oct. 16-18....................................... MNAC Tourney Oct. 23.......................................at Anselmo-Merna Oct. 24...................................................... at Mullen Oct. 28...................................................... Brady Tri the players, but the coach, as well.

“There’s a different

way to motivate them and there’s a different line of thinking I have to have,”

Johnson said. “You’re always rebuilding, but you’re doing more than normal. A lot of it will just be getting the jitters out of the girls who haven’t had a lot of varsity experience and making them more comfortable.”

Johnson said she will likely ease into the longterm goals this year, more so than in other years, to help her young team acclimate to playing at the varsity level.

The Eagles face rival Maxwell to start the season, which will give them a benchmark for where they are.

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“We will set long-term goals, but we will focus on short-term goals. Everybody’s long-term goals are the same, in terms of how far you get in the season.

Unfortunately, or fortunately, our first game is always Maxwell, so it is a focus for the girls. For [the coaches] it’s an opportunity to tweak a few things and find out what’s going to work right.”

Johnson said she will also look to the Seven Valleys Tournament in Callaway a few weeks into the season as a barometer, as well as the new Mid-Nebraska Activities

Class: D1 Conference: MNAC Last season’s record: 23-6 Coach: Lynne Johnson Overall outlook on current season: We have had a good summer and should be very competitive.

Young girls are fitting in well to the system and the dynamics of the team are good.

Team strengths: They get along well.

They are very flexible in the positions they play. We have some strong hitters and can get the ball distributed.

Team weaknesses: Experience. We will have players who are less experienced in varsity ball this year.

Returning starters: Josie Palmer, Autumn Hild, Tara Callahan.

Returning non-starter letterwinners: Rachel Hansen, Allison Head, Naomi Schaub, Jenna Lusk, Emilee Shaw.

Conference tournament later in the fall. The conference tournament will bring a change for the Eagles, as they move from the Sandhills division, with teams Brady has faced regularly for many years, to the Loup Valley division and a whole new group of opponents.

D10

FALL SPORTS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

Experienced Maxwell team to take the field

By ANDREW BOTTRELL abottrell@nptelegraph.com

For the first time under Ryan Jones, the Maxwell Wildcats will have a change of scenery.

Maxwell drops from D1 to D2 this season, and with it comes a new endof-the-season schedule which includes Medicine Valley, Paxton, Stapleton and Mullen.

“It is a little interesting. We get to play a few new teams. All eight teams are good. That will help us in the long run because our goal is to win in the playoffs and this schedule will set us up for the playoffs,” Jones said.

“We talked about it as a coaching staff. Honestly, there’s usually a give-me game or two on paper, but this year there’s not. All eight teams not only had good years [in 2013], but are good programs.”

Though numbers are down for the Wildcats, which Jones said will be a challenge, several talented players will anchor the linebacker corps defense, and the backfield

Maxwell Football Aug. 29.... at Sutherland Sept. 5........ South Loup Sept. 12...at Garden Co. Sept. 26................ Brady Oct. 3...Medicine Valley Oct. 10............ at Paxton Oct. 17........at Stapleton Oct. 23................Mullen on offense.

“There is a lot of Friday night experience, which has been rare for us the last few years. We’re excited for that,” Jones said.

“Depth can be a concern, but we’ll have to build that up throughout the year. But we’ve got a lot of guys who have played on Friday nights.”

Jaylon Sturdivant will return at linebacker after missing 2013 with an injury, and Jeremiah Keith and Garett Schledewitz return. All three are talented linebackers, Jones said.

After running a fourman front in 2013, Jones said they are tinkering with a three-man front this season, with four

Andrew Bottrell / The North Platte Telegraph

The 2014 Maxwell Football team is, front from left, Breyden Geyer, Jaylon Sturdivant, Jeremiah Keith and Jordan Jessup. Second row, Houston Crane, Garett Schledewitz, Sage Galley and Ryan McKeeman. Third row, Blaker Morrissey, Kayson Fassler, Marcus Miller and Connor Gosnell. Fourth row, Bergan Morris, Nathan Sukraw, Tierson Trisdale and Jaden Feeney. Back row, Dawson Heinzen, Kenny Essman, Matt Walker, Will Huffman. linebackers on the field.

That should also help guard against big plays, which the Wildcats were susceptible to in 2013.

“We’ve got more atheltes this year, so we’ll put another linebacker in there this year,” Jones said. “I think we’ll blitz a little bit more. With an extra athlete on the field, that helps you in pass coverage as well.”

Schledewitz, the leading rusher from last season, returns at running back this season for the Wildcats after running for 607 yards

and 15 touchdowns in his freshman season.

“He didn’t play like a freshman last year and he won’t play like a sophomore this year either.

He’s got a lot of talent.

Only difference, is this year he won’t be able to sneak up on anybody.”

As does, Blaker Morrissey, who will likely start at quarterback.

Morrissey filled in for Taylor McKeeman in 2013, when McKeeman missed time because of an injury.

“He’s done it all. We’re going to look at him, this

year as a quarterback.

He’s been there before.

So far, so good in camp.

He’s a heck of an athlete.

He’s going to make plays defensively, as well.”

Morrissey threw the ball 11 times for 33 yards in 2013 and ran for 232 yards on 67 carries as a back.

Sturdivant is also likely to see the ball as a fullback.

Jones said he is concerned about depth and experience on both lines, though Marcus Miller returns at center and Huston Crane is expected

Class: D2 Conference: SPVA Coach: Ryan Jones Last seasons record: 3-5 Overall outlook on current season: We have a solid group of players returning, more returning starters than we usually have.

Team strengths: Tough group who will play hard. Lots of Friday Night experience.

Team weaknesses: Depth always a concern, as is team speed.

Returning starters: Jaylon Sturdivant, Jeremiah Keith, Jacob Whisenhunt, Huston Crane, Marcus Miller, Blaker Morrissey, Ryan McKeeman, Sage Gailey and Garett Schledewitz.

Returning non-starters letterwinners: Connor Gosnell, Christian Simmons, Levi Simmons and Breyden Geyer.

Possible impact players: Offensive line.

Additional comments: Drop to class D2 (first time in many years). to anchor the defensive line.

Maxwell cross country young in 2014

By ANDREW BOTTRELL abottrell@nptelegraph.com

Andrew Bottrell / The North Platte Telegraph

The 2014 Maxwell volleyball team is, front from left, Alyssa Vedder, Tracy Blake, Maddie Burke and Bailee Keller. Middle row, Danika Cumming, Annie Pineda, Brooke Johnson, Jaclynn Butler, Maddie Thompson, Mariah McKeeman and Sarah Meyer. Back row, Katrina Hancock, Nicki Howitt, Kyndsay Kreutzer, Josie Cox, Sydney Mullin and Grace Sommer.

Maxwell ‘all out’ in 2014

By ANDREW BOTTRELL abottrell@nptelegraph.com

While Maxwell has two experienced hitters coming back, the Wildcats also have a lot of youth with 12 freshman.

Head coach Lori Mau said the early goal is to finish stronger than the Wildcats did last season when the team finished 15-14.

“The big goal, and our motto, is ‘all out, all game, all season,’” Mau said.

Tracy Blake returns at outside hitter for her senior season. Blake is entering her fourth year as a starter for the Wildcats, and can do a little bit of everything.

“She’s our defensive player and can be an offensive player. She’s kind of our all-around, go-to player, on offense or on defense,” Mau said.

“When we need a play, we look to her.”

Junior Josie Cox also returns at middle hitter for the Wildcats. It will be Cox’s third year starting.

“She’s our go-to person when we need a sideout,” Mau said. “She helps the girls relax a little bit, because they can lean on her in the offense.”

Bailee Keller saw some time last year in the back

Maxwell Volleyball Sept. 4....................................................... at Brady Sept. 11...................................................Maywood Sept. 13................................. Loomis Tournament Sept. 16..................................................Elm Creek Sept. 20...................................Mid Plains Tourney Sept. 23.................................... at Medicine Valley Sept. 27.................................... Brady Tournament Sept. 30.................................................. Paxton Tri Oct. 2.............................................. Sutherland Tri Oct. 9............................................. South Loup Tri Oct. 11...................................Maxwell Tri Hershey Oct. 14.................................................at Stapleton Oct. 18.................................... SPVA at Sutherland Oct. 21........................................................Elwood Oct. 27....................................... at Eustis-Farnam Oct. 28..................................................... Bertrand row and briefly at setter.

She will take over the setting role for the young Wildcats as they try to fill four other starting positions.

“I look for her to be a leader out there and come into that role as a captain and the leader on the court,” Mau said.

From there, Mau said she will turn to the youth on the team, which includes 12 incoming freshman, to fill in. She said she still doesn’t know who is going to fill those roles, but she is excited to find out.

“That’s the huge thing that we’re looking for is who is filling in in those spots and who is going to step up and be those players,” Mau said. “It’s

Class: D1 Conference: SPVA Coach: Lori Mau Last seasons record: 15-14 Overall outlook on current season: We are young this year. We have some inexperience at some key positions that I am excited to see how they develop as the season goes along.

Team Strengths: Solid returning starters and great leadership. They are

exciting to have those numbers. I’m excited to see what they can do. It’s been neat to see the way they’ve competed.”

There will be no easing into the schedule this year for Maxwell, facing rival Brady right out of the gate.

“Brady has always been a big rival and a team we always want to beat,” Mau said. “It gives us a good start, because we know where we’re at.”

With lots of newcomers to this year’s squad, Mau said she does expect the season to be challenging at the beginning.

“They know we’re going to struggle a little bit at the beginning just findng our way, but we want to finish stronger than we did last year,” she said.

a hard-working group who are willing to put in extra time to get better.

Team Weakness: Youth and inexperience in some key positions.

Returning starters: Josie Cox and Tracy Blake.

Returning non-starters letterwinners: Bailee Keller.

Possible impact players: Josie Cox, Tracy Blake, Bailee Keller

The Maxwell cross country team will use 2014 to gain experience.

With three runners returning with varsity experience and seven runners overall, numbers are down but that doesn’t have head coach Jarod Meinheit discouraged.

“We don’t have a lot of numbers, but we’ve got kids who have a lot of heart,” he said. “We put on a lot of miles this summer. It’s breaking some ground, getting a base for the season.”

Kylee Meyer, D’Lainee Groseth and Aaron Schaub return to the team from 2013.

“It’s a good group of kids,” Meinheit said.

“Most of the summer, we talked about getting in miles and building a base, so by the time the season starts, we’re up

Maxwell Cross Country Sept. 4........... at Cozad Sept. 6......... at Minden Sept. 13.... at Broken B Sept. 19... at Arapahoe Oct. 2...at Gothenburg Oct. 9..................SPVA ahead of other schools.

We’ll start adding some speed work and working on form.”

Tristan Ragland, Jeremy Ochner, Emily Breinig and Kyra Jones are new to the team. Meinheit said he is looking to Jones to be an impact runner this season for the Wildcats.

Meinheit said it is also important for the Wildcats to focus on the mental aspects of cross country this season.

“Racing is not just about the phsyical, it’s also being mentally tough,” Meinheit said.

“Moving up and down, getting tired and hills can all become factors.

If you’re not mentally tough, it can get you.”

Early in the season, Meinheit said he wants his runners to focus on smaller milestones. “[I want them} building confidence and setting goals for themselves,” he said. “A lot want to set big goals, and I have to remind them it’s important to reach those smaller goals to then reach the bigger goals.”

Maxwell will head to Arapahoe this season, instead of McCook, as that will be one of the benchmark meets for the team.

“We are going to Arapahoe this year, and the kids like that course,” Meinheit said. “The SPVA at Chase County is always an important meet.”

Andrew Bottrell / The North Platte Telegraph

The 2014 Maxwell cross country team is, front from left, Emily Breinig, Kylee Meyer, D’Lainee Groseth and Kyra Jones. Back row, Jeremy Ochner, Aaron Schaub and Tristan Ragland.

Class: D Conference: SPVA Coach: Jarod Meinhiet Overall outlook on current season: Excited about the upcoming season.

Have some young kids, with a lot of opportunity to grow. It’s going to be tough we race against some really good competition. I think they are ready to step up to the plate.

Team strengths: Had a pretty good summer in the weight room and getting in miles. Hplefully this will give us a good foundation to start the season. Even with a small group we have the kids that will challenge one another to get better.

Team weaknesses: Have a pretty

young team overall. Not a bunch of race expereince. Must stay injury free.

Returning Varsity: Kylee Meyer, D’Lainee Groseth and Aaron Schaub.

JV/New Runners: Tristan Ragland, Jeremy Ochner, Emily Breinig and Kyra Jones.

Possible impact players: Kyra Jones: New to the team this year as a senior. Great work ethic and no quit attitude.

Additional comments: There potential on the team. Its a matter of whether of not they are willing to push themselves mentally and physically to where the need to be.

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

FALL SPORTS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014

D11

Derek Noehren / The North Platte Telegraph

The 2014 Sutherland Football team is, front from left, Landan Fear, DJ VanDeWater, Zach Ash, Brook Bloomstedt, Kadin Copeland, Isaac Ralston, Bryson Dick, Trey Rongisch, Zach McMillan, Tydus Ditch and student manager Jonathan Fernandez. Middle row, Jarod Nicholsen, Joe Anderson, Bobby Muench, Dalton Evans, Robbie Dowse, Garrett Elfeldt, Blake Scott, Gavin Sierks, Dillion Hiatt, Kyler Peck, Ryan Romero and Chris Abeyta. Back row, assistant coach Jason Gunderson, head coach John Sloup and assistant coach Bo Cribelli.

Sailor football tries to build on 2013

By DEREK NOEHREN dnoehren@nptelegraph.com

After losing 20 consecutive games, the Sutherland football team put together a winning season with a record of 5-4 including a playoff appearance under first-year head coach John Sloup.

Now in his second season, Sloup hopes to keep things rolling.

“Our guys turned that thing around last year and I thought we established the right culture and the right mind-set,” Sloup said. “But we preach as a staff to the players to never be satisfied as a football player or in life in general. We just want them to focus on getting better every day.”

The culture and a winning attitude have been ingrained in the Sutherland players and Sloup believes they have bought in and are committed to building on their five-win season in 2013.

“I’ve been pleased with how these guys have worked in the off-season and so far in practice,” he said. “I think the kids have the right attitude and are only focused on this season and won’t be content with anything that happened last year.”

The Sailors will have some big shoes to fill as they lose talented quarter back Tyler Fear and running back Nathan Maxcy from last year’s team.

The dual-threat attack for the Sailors accounted

Sutherland Football Aug. 29............. Maxwell Sept. 12.......... at Paxton Sept. 19.........Elm Creek Sept. 26.....at Creek Val. Oct. 3........... Dundy Co. Oct. 10.... at Perkins Co. Oct. 16................. Morrill Oct. 23...at Hemingford for 56 total touchdowns in 2013. Sutherland will likely plug in junior Kadin Copeland at quarterback, while junior Trey Rongisch and freshman Joe Anderson will compete for carries at running back.

“Any time you lose that much production, it’s a big project, but I have confidence in the guys

Class: D1 Conference: SPVA Last seaon’s record: 5-4 Coach: John Sloup Overall outlook on current season: A lot of youth but returning starters and letterwinners all over the field.

Team strengths: Both offensive and defensive lines.

Team weaknesses: New quarterback

we have,” Sloup said.

“We have skill-position players who were on the field last season, but now they’re the main guys so it’s a transition and they have to step up and contribute.”

Sloup believes the strength of this year’s team will be on the offensive and defensive lines

and running back.

Returning starters: D.J. VanDeWater, Landon Fear, Brode Bloomstedt and Zach McMillan.

Returning non-starter letterwinners: Bryson Dick, Kadin Copeland, Trey Rongisch, Isaac Ralston, Blake Scott and Bobby Muench.

Possible impact players: Gavin Sierks and Joe Anderson.

of scrimmage.

“I think our line play on both sides of the ball will be solid. Our offensive line has experience and should help the new skill-position guys develop,” Sloup said.

After getting a taste of winning and the playoffs, the Sailors want to use last year’s experience to

be successful this season and into the future.

“I think last year was important for our team,” Sloup said. “These guys have worked hard ever since I got here. We want to get back to where Sutherland football expects to make the playoffs every year, which is the way it should be.”

Sutherland Volleyball Sept. 4............................................................ Paxton Sept. 9................................................ Sutherland Tri Sept. 11...................................................... at Sidney Sept. 18....................................................at Hershey Sept. 20......................................Mid Plains Tourney Sept. 23.......................................Perkins County Tri Sept. 25........................................................... Cozad Sept. 27......................................... Sutherland Invite Oct. 2................................................. Sutherland Tri Oct. 2........................................................... Maxwell Oct. 4.......................................... Gothenburg Quad Oct. 9.......................................................Bridgeport Oct. 14........................................................Maywood Oct. 18.......................................SPVA at Sutherland Oct. 21......................... at North Platte St. Patrick’s Oct. 28................................................ Elm Creek Tri

‘Sailor way’ important for Sutherland

By DEREK NOEHREN dnoehren@nptelegraph.com

Sutherland volleyball coach Valerie Kershner and her team want to improve on last season’s 8-20 record by doing things the “Sailor way.”

“The leaders on this team play a huge role in our program by being positive role models and helping the younger girls learn the sailor way and how we do things in our program.”

One of those leaders who exemplifies the way that coach Kershner wants things done is senior Marley Sandberg.

“She has a good work ethic and is encouraging to the rest of the team,” Kershner said. “We are

looking for a few other girls to step into leadership roles and have begun seeing some of those leaders emerge so far.”

Sandberg, Kenzie White and Jocey Nelson are the only players with varsity experience back from last year’s squad.

With lots of starting spots to fill, Kershner knows she must have some of the younger and less experienced players step up and fill vacant spots in the lineup.

“We only have a few experienced players, but we have lots of young talent who will work hard and get better as the season progresses,” she said. “Because we will be young and lack experi-

Derek Noehren / The North Platte Telegraph

The 2014 Sutherland volleyball team is, front from left, Alexis Hiatt, Katelyn Iske, Sydney White, Makenna Smith, Kenzie White, Haeven Schuster, Mira White, Marley Sandberg, Larren Fear. Middle row, Madi McMillan, Morgan Hoatson, Bailee Fear, Madison Smith, MiKayla Meyer, Dani McNeel and Lisa Muench. Back row, Rose Mayer, Emily Kammerer, Madisen Walters, Kenessa Copeland, Haiden Kreber, Jocey Nelson and Miranda Romero. ence in some areas, we will have to build confidence and be fearless.”

Practice is a key element for any successful team and Kershner is hoping that tough competition in practice will pay dividends once the regular season begins, especially for the girls who will be playing on the varsity level for the first time.

“We have seen great things from Dani McNeel and Haeven Schuster throughout the summer and thus far in practice,” she said. “It is exciting to see these younger players come out each practice and compete.

We talk a lot about how

Class: D1 Conference: SPVA Coach: Valerie Kershner Last seasons record: 8-20 Overall outlook on current season: We will have a few experienced players and a lot of young talent. Our team will work hard and improve as the season progresses.

Team Strenghts: Good number, especially in the lower

competition amongst our team makes us better and that will help us improve throughout the season.”

Kershner hopes thatteam’s depth and athleticism will be two traits that they excel in and

grades. Athleticism.

Team Weakness: Lack of varsity experience at some positions.

Returning starters: Marley Sandberg and Kenzie White.

Returning non-starters letterwinners: Jocey Nelson.

Possible impact players: We will be looking for a lot of our younger players to step up and contribute at the varsity level.

will translate into wins.

“Our two biggest strenths are our athleticism and that we have good numbers, especially in the lower grades,” Kershner said. “Our community continues to support volleyball and

we have youth teams in our elementary school.

We also have a lot of girls who are interested in being active in our school and contributing to team sports because it’s such a rewarding and valuable experience.”

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D12

FALL SPORTS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

Volleyball Class B

Class C1 Cont.

Class D1 Cont.

Class D2 Cont.

Class D2 Cont.

School: Lexington Nickname: Minutemaids Conference: GNAC Class: B Last season’s record: 0-28 Coach: Erica Brockmoller Overall outlook on current season: I think this is a year we will see a lot of maturity on our side of the court. Some of our girls have had a lot of court experience so we hope to see that transulate to smart decision making during games. With each game, I would like the girls to gain conifidence, which will carry through to competitive play in post season.

Returning starters: Ellie Rowe, Zoie Allen and Joelly Anderson.

Schedule Sept. 4................................ Minden Sept. 6.................Lexington Invite Sept. 13................... Dundy Co. Tri Sept. 18................ Broken Bow Tri Sept. 20........... Central City Invite Sept. 23...................... Ogallala Tri Sept. 27......................GINW Invite Sept. 30.................. at North Platte Oct. 3............Twin Cities Tourney Oct. 9....................... Lexington Tri Oct. 16.................. Gothenburg Tri Oct. 21.......................... at Holdrege Nov. 1.................... GNAC Tourney

Sept. 18................................... GICC Sept. 20............ Gothenburg Invite Sept. 25...............................Minden Sept. 27...................Hershey Invite Sept. 30............. Chase County Tri Oct. 4................. Gothenburg Quad Oct. 7.....................Gothenburg Tri Oct. 9........................Lexington Tri Oct. 16...................Gothenburg Tri Oct. 24...................... SWC Tourney Oct. 31................................at Cozad

Returning starters: Shayla Dockweiler, Jordan Rush, Morgan Eggleston.

Returning non-starter letterwinners: Kelsey Haidle, Tiffany Potter, Emma Badgley, Morgan Eggleston, Savannah Weverka.

Possible impact players: Olivia Paulsen, Madison Reed, Avery Atins.

Schedule Sept. 4............................ at Mullen Sept. 12...........................Stapleton Sept. 13... Seven Valleys Tourney Sept. 16..........................Brady Tri Sept. 18...................................SEM Sept. 23........ Anselmo-Merna Tri Sept. 27.................Brady Tourney Sept. 30.............Ansley-Litchfield Oct. 2..................... Twin Loup Tri Oct. 7..............McPherson County Oct. 9.....................South Loup Tri Oct. 16................. MNAC Tourney Oct. 21.......... at Ansley/Litchfield Oct. 24......................at Twin Loup Oct. 28.......... Anselmo-Merna Tri

Sydney Mullen-Shaw Possible impact players: Whitney Rosno is a strong middle who gets the job done. Her emotion and leadership is key. Kaitlin Howard is a defensive impact player and embraces the libero role for the Cardinals.

Schedule Sept. 4.............. at Medicine Valley Sept. 9......Cheylin-Brewster, Kan. Sept. 16............................... Wallace Sept. 19.................at Sioux County Sept. 23.........St. Francis, Kan. Tri Sept. 26............ at Wilcox-Hildreth Sept. 30..........................Paxton Tri Oct. 3................. Wauneta-Palisade Oct. 10..........................at Maywood Oct. 16........... at Hitchcock County Oct. 17.........at McPherson County Oct. 28.........Hitchcock County Tri

things. New conference alignment will be interesting come tourney time.

Team strengths: Several returning starters and letter winners, lots of expereince Team weaknesses: Injury bug!

Currently two potential starters out for the season.

Returning starters: Shaina Simonson, Kelsey Higgins and Madison Taylor.

Returning non-starter letterwinners: Kyra Miles, Frankie Sierks and Cassity Haffers.

Schedule Sept. 9............Sandhills/Thedford Sept. 11............................ at Mullen Sept. 13.... Seven Valleys Tourney Sept. 16........... McPherson County Sept. 20............... Cody-Kilgore Tri Sept. 27.............. Ansley-Litchfield Sept. 30..........Sandhills/Thedford Oct. 3.................... Anselmo-Merna Oct. 4.........Four-Corners Tourney Oct. 9...................... South Loup Tri Oct. 16...................MNAC Tourney Oct. 21...................... North Central Oct. 25..............Loup City Tourney Oct. 28..............................Brady Tri

School: McCook Nickname: Bison Conference: GNAC Class: B Coach: Ashley Schutte Schedule Sept. 4.............................. Hastings Sept. 6.................Lexington Invite Sept. 11............................ Holdrege Sept. 18.at Phillipsburg, Kan.Sept.

20............................ McCook Invite Sept. 23......................Hastings Tri Sept. 27................. Holdrege Invite Sept. 30...........................Cozad Tri Oct. 3............Twin Cities Tourney Oct. 9....................... Lexington Tri Oct. 14........................at Southwest Oct. 16.................... at North Platte Oct. 28................. at Chase County Nov. 1.................... GNAC Tourney

Class C1 School: Broken Bow Nickname: Indians Conference: SWC Class: C1 Coach: Skylar Rohde Overall outlook on current season: With a big senior class, expectations are set high with the goal of being competitive and consistent every game.

Team strengths: We have a lot of depth with a big senior class.

We also have a few coming back from mid-season injuries last season.

Team weaknesses: We are short and will be missing a strong block, but defense should make up for that. We need a leader to step up.

Returning starters: Seniors: Krisha Scott, Rachel Gaston, Jasmyn Brooks, Sydney Holcomb, Lexie Berghorst. Junior: Shelbee Lemburg. Sopomore: Layna Garey.

Returning non-starter letterwinners: Alli Kirkpatrick and Alexis Neely Schedule Sept. 4..................... at Gothenburg Sept. 6................. Lexington Invite Sept. 11........................... Cozad Tri Sept. 13.......................Cozad Invite Sept. 18.................Broken Bow Tri Sept. 20......................O’Neill Quad Sept. 27..............Sutherland Invite Oct. 2.................................Holdrege Oct. 7.....................Broken Bow Tri Oct. 9...........................Ogallala Tri Oct. 14....................... at Ainsworth Oct. 16................................. Shelton Oct. 21............................. Valentine Oct. 24...................... SWC Tourney Oct. 28...................Broken Bow Tri School: Chase County Nickname: Longhorns Conference: SPVA Class: C1 Last season’s record: 21-9 Coach: Jodie Schuller Overall outlook on current season: Just hope to put a competitive team on the floor every match.

Schedule Sept. 13................................. Axtell Sept. 18.........at Wauneta-Palisade Sept. 23............................ at Sidney Sept. 30............. Chase County Tri Oct. 2...................... Sutherland Tri Oct. 7........................Southwest Tri Oct. 9..................... Perkins County Oct. 21............................at Hershey Oct. 28................................ McCook School: Cozad Nickname: Haymakers Conference: Southwest Class: C1 Last season’s record: 8-20 Coach: Darrel Francescato Schedule Sept. 4..............at Southern Valley Sept. 11........................... Cozad Tri Sept. 13.......................Cozad Invite Sept. 16.....................Arapahoe Tri Sept. 23.......................Ogallala Tri Sept. 25.....................at Sutherland Sept. 30..................................Cozad Oct. 7..............................at Hershey Oct. 9.................................Holdrege Oct. 13.................................Minden Oct. 18................... Valentine Quad Oct. 21...........................at Hastings Oct. 24...................... SWC Tourney Oct. 28................... Perkins County Oct. 31......................... Gothenburg School: Gothenburg Nickname: Swedes Conference: Southwest Class: C1 Last season’s record: 27-5 Coach: Mary Clark Schedule Sept. 4......................... Broken Bow Sept. 9.................... Sutherland Tri Sept. 13.......................Cozad Invite Sept. 16.......................... at St. Pat’s

School: Ogallala Nickname: Indians Conference: Southwest Class: C1 Last season’s record: 31-6 Coach: Steve Morgan Overall outlook on current season: This team has the potential to be very competitive.

This team has set its goals and the only way to get there is hard work every Practice.

Team’s strengths: Six returning seniors, very experienced, strong foundation Schedule Sept. 4.................. North Platte Tri Sept. 16.......................North Platte Sept. 23.......................Ogallala Tri Sept. 25.................... at Perkins Co. Oct. 7.....................Gothenburg Tri Oct. 9...........................Ogallala Tri Oct. 14................................ St. Pat’s Oct. 21.................... at North Platte

Class C2 School: Perkins County Nickname: Plainsmen Conference: SPVA Class: C2 Last season’s record: 3-23 Coach: Penny Hite Overall outlook on current season: I am excited this year about our team. There has been a lot of growth in our young girls and they have proven themselves this summer in the weight room and off-season work. With only two seniors to lead the way, they have looked to the underclassmen to step up and are expecting great things from them.

Returning starters: Seniors: Courtney Ostermiller, Lila Konecky Returning non-starter letter-winners/newcomers: Juniors: Josie Osler, Anna Deaver.

Sophomores: Claire Maaliao, Kaitlynn Heineman, Kimberly Anderson, Andrea Brayton.

Freshmen: Kadie Hanson, Jessica Klinglehoeffer.

Schedule Sept. 4...............................St. Pat’s Sept. 9........................ Wallace Tri Sept. 13.....................Cozad Invite Sept. 18........................Paxton Tri Sept. 20............ Bridgeport Invite Sept. 23.........Perkins County Tri Sept. 25............................Ogallala Sept. 30............Chase County Tri Oct. 2................ Sedgwick County Oct. 4........................ at Southwest Oct. 9.................. at Chase County Oct. 14...........Perkins County Tri Oct. 18.......... SPVA at Sutherland Oct. 21.............................. Kimball Oct. 28.............................. at Cozad Oct. 31.................. Garden County

Class D1 School: Creek Valley Nickname: Storm Conference: Minuteman Class: D1 Coach: Roger Behrends Last season’s record: 15-10 Schedule Sept. 4............Banner County Tri Sept. 9................ Creek Valley Tri Sept. 13..... Garden County Invite Sept. 18......... Sedgwick Co., Colo.

Sept. 23......... Perkins County Tri Sept. 25............ at Garden County Sept. 30........................ Leyton Tri Oct. 2............................. Potter-Dix Oct. 14.................................Paxton Oct. 16..................... at Peetz, Colo.

Oct. 18............. MAC Tournament Oct. 21........................Mitchell Tri Oct. 23................. South Platte Tri Oct. 28.......................at Potter-Dix School: Medicine Valley Nickname: Raiders Conference: RPAC Class: D1 Coach: Diana Klein Additional comments: We have a talented group of girls ready to compete this season.

They are a very positive and energetic group. They show up to practice excited and ready to work hard. Throughout our summer camps, they showed great teamwork and chemistry, building a strong core to begin the season.

Schedule Sept. 4......................Hayes Center Sept. 9...............at Eustis-Farnam Sept. 16..........................Brady Tri Sept. 23............................ Maxwell Oct. 2............ Medicine Valley Tri Oct. 7........................Maywood Tri Oct. 10..............Hitchcock County Oct. 14..........at Wauneta-Palisade Oct. 16............................Arapahoe Oct. 23........................... at Wallace School: South Loup Nickname: Bobcats Conference: MNAC Class: D1 Coach: Randi Atkins Overall outlook on current season: We have a lot of potential if we learn how to push ourselves.

Team strengths: We have some really great athletes in our senior class who can really lead our team well. It seems like we really work together as a team so far.

Team weaknesses: The girls haven’t had a lot of playing time together. With a new coach, they will have to learn coaching philosophy, new drills, etc., while trying to get through a regular practice.

Class D2 School: Anselmo-Merna Nickname: Coyotes Conference: MNAC Class: D2 Coach: Cierra Anderson Last season’s record: 4-24 Overall outlook on current season: The girls have worked very hard this off-season. I’m excited to see what is in store for us this season.

Returning starters: Ashley Markham, Tami Myers, Kelsey Thompson, Kenzie McMullen.

Returning non-starter letterwinners: Renae Finney, Brathe Myers.

Schedule Sept. 4..........Ansley-Litchfield Tri Sept. 5.......................... at Stapleton Sept. 9..........Ansley-Litchfield Tri Sept. 13.... Seven Valleys Tourney Sept. 18............ Spalding Academy Sept. 19............................at Elwood Sept. 23..........Anselmo-Merna Tri Sept. 27.................. Brady Tourney Sept. 30..........Sandhills/Thedford Oct. 3......... at Sandhills/Thedford Oct. 7...................................Burwell Oct. 16...................MNAC Tourney Oct. 21............at Ansley/Litchfield Oct. 23.................................... Brady Oct. 28............Anslemo-Merna Tri School: Arthur County Nickname: Wolves Conference: MNAC Class: D2 Coach: Heather Kramer Last season’s record: 6-14 Schedule Sept. 5............. McPherson County Sept. 9..................Creek Valley Tri Sept. 16............Arthur County Tri Sept. 23.............................. Hyannis Oct. 3.....................at Sioux County Oct. 9................Arthur County Tri Oct. 10....................Banner County Oct. 13................................ at Brady Oct. 21..................... at South Platte Oct. 28..............Arthur County Tri School: Elwood Nickname: Pirates Conference: Fort Kearny Class: D2 Coach: Codina Schutz Last season’s record: 5-23 Schedule Sept. 4............Wilcox-Hildreth Tri Sept. 11........................ at Bertrand Sept. 13................Loomis Tourney Sept. 16..........................Cambridge Sept. 18........................... Axtell Tri Sept. 19................ Anselmo-Merna Sept. 22................ Maywood Invite Sept. 23................ Southern Valley Sept. 25......................... Elwood Tri Oct. 2....................... Pleasenton Tri Oct. 9................................Arapahoe Oct. 10.................................. at SEM Oct. 13......... Fort Kearny Tourney Oct. 21............................at Maxwell Oct. 25.........................Axtell Invite Oct. 28.................... Eustis-Farnam School: Eustis-Farnam Nickname: Knights Conference: Fort Kearny Class: D2 Coach: Corrine Muenchau Last season’s record: 10-15 Schedule Sept. 4......................Elm Creek Tri Sept. 9.................. Medicine Valley Sept. 12................................ at SEM Sept. 13................Loomis Tourney Sept. 16.......................Amherst Tri Sept. 20..........Mid Plains Tourney Sept. 23............Eustis-Farnam Tri Sept. 27.................. Brady Tourney Sept. 30............................ Stapleton Oct. 9...................... Eustis-Farnam Oct. 13......... Fort Kearny Tourney Oct. 17................................. Wallace Oct. 27................................Maxwell Oct. 28..............................at Elwood School: Hayes Center Nickname: Cardinals Conference: RPAC Class: D2 Last Season’s Record: 12-14 Coach: Julie Fritsche Overall outlook on current season: We look to be very competitive this team will bring a fighting determination and willful heart to each practice and match this season.

Team strengths: We have experienced varsity-level players.

These girls have been playing together for a long time, so the bond they have is strong. We have multiple play-makers on the floor this year.

Team weaknesses: We are not very deep, only having 11 on the roster and we are not a very tall team.

Returning Starters: Seniors: Megan Christner, Kaitlin Howard, Whitney Rosno. Juniors: Kasey Clifford, Colby Cox, Allyson Lawson. Sophomores: Sophia Johnson and Abigail Soncksen Returning non-starter letter-winners/newcomers: Junior: Kelsey Ridlen. Freshman:

School: Maywood Nickname: Tigers Conference: RPAC Class: D2 Coach: Les Reinke Last season’s record: 9-16 Schedule Sept. 4.........Rawlins County, Kan. Sept. 5 .................. Banner County Sept. 9....................... Maywood Tri Sept. 11..........................at Maxwell Sept. 16............. Hitchcock County Sept. 19.......................... at Walthill Sept. 22................ Maywood Invite Sept. 26......... at Wauneta-Palisade Sept. 30........................ Wallace Tri Oct. 3............... McPherson County Oct. 4................... Dundy Co. Invite Oct. 7......................... Maywood Tri Oct. 10....................... Hayes Center Oct. 14....................... at Sutherland Oct. 20.....................RPAC Tourney Oct. 28.........Hitchcock County Tri School: McPherson County Nickname: Longhorns Conference: MNAC Class: D2 Coach: Alan Miller Schedule Sept. 4......................... Hyannis Tri Sept. 5................ at Arthur County Sept. 12..................... Sioux County Sept. 16........... McPherson County Sept. 19............................ Minatare Sept. 20..........Mid Plains Tourney Sept. 26.....................at Silver Lake Sept. 27................. Bertrand Invite Oct. 3............................at Maywood Oct. 4............... 4-Corners Tourney Oct. 7.........................at South Loup Oct. 16...................MNAC Tourney Oct. 17....................... Hayes Center Oct. 21............................Mullen Tri Oct. 28..............Arthur County Tri School: Mullen Nickname: Broncos Conference: MNAC Class: D2 Coach: Belinda Coble Last seasons record: 14-14 Overall outlook on current season: We are truly looking forward to this being a successful season. We will have 16 athletes with valuable varsity experience, as well as a strong set of underclassmen pushing to improve and fight for playing time. We will have six seniors to lead our team this 2014 season. We played well at the Top 10 team camp in Kearney and look to build on the confidence gained there.

Returning starters: Jessica Lovitt, Ally Ginkens, Bethany Vinton and Traci Cooley.

Returning non-starters letterwinners: Emily Kramer, Emily Vinton, Haley Gracey, Mallory Baum. Katie Coble, Jaci Edis, Skyelar Daly and Addy Vinton.

Schedule Sept. 4...........................South Loup Sept. 9............Sandhills/Thedford Sept. 11..........Sandhills/Thedford Sept. 13.... Seven Valleys Tourney Sept. 16............Arthur County Tri Sept. 18.............................. Hyannis Sept. 26............................ at Paxton Sept. 27.................. Brady Tourney Sept. 30...........................at St. Pat’s Oct. 3................................ Stapleton Oct. 4.........Four-Corners Tourney Oct. 10.............................at Wallace Oct. 16...................MNAC Tourney Oct. 21............................Mullen Tri Oct. 24.................................... Brady Oct. 28............Anselmo-Merna Tri School: Paxton Nickname: Tigers Conference: RPAC Class: D2 Last Season’s Record: 19-8 Coach: Jody Rhodes Overall outlook on current season: Very excited to see how this years team progresses Team strengths: Defense, experience.

Team weaknesses: We’ll find out soon and keep them to ourselves Returning starters: Seniors: Karlee Schow, Leanne Gamet. Juniors: Emma Holz, Nicole Keller.

Sophomore: Cora Brott.

Returning non-starter letter-winners: Kaylie Carlyle, Taylor Dack.

Schedule Sept. 4....................... at Sutherland Sept. 9..............................Brady Tri Sept. 16.................................Leyton Sept. 18..................... Paxton Invite Sept. 20..........Mid Plains Tourney Sept. 23..................... Paxton Invite Sept. 26................................ Mullen Sept. 30..........................Paxton Tri Oct. 2..............Medicine Valley Tri Oct. 3.................................. at Brady Oct. 7.......................... at Dundy Co. Oct. 9..............................Paxton Tri Oct. 14.................... at Creek Valley Oct. 20.....................RPAC Tourney Oct. 24.......................... at Stapleton Oct. 28................................. St. Pat’s School: Sandhills/Thedford Nickname: Knights Conference: MNAC Class: D2 Last seaon’s record: 19-11 Coach: Shawn Harvey Overall outlook on current season: Looking for some good

School: South Platte Nickname: Blue Knights Conference: Minuteman Class: D2 Coach: Andie Cheleen Last season’s record: 14-12 Schedule Sept. 4............at Sedgwick County Sept. 5.............................at Wallace Sept. 13.......Garden County Invite Sept. 18..........................Paxton Tri Sept. 19............................ Stapleton Sept. 22................ Maywood Invite Sept. 30.................South Platte Tri Oct. 2..................at Banner County Oct. 9................Arthur County Tri Oct. 16.........................at Potter-Dix Oct. 18......................MAC Tourney Oct. 21.................... Arthur County Oct. 23...................South Platte Tri Oct. 28...................Leyton Tourney School: Stapleton Nickname: Broncos Conference: MNAC Class: D2 Coach: Brad Blevins Overall outlook on current season: The current season is looking pormising. Moved down is clasification and have a lot of returning talent. The girls are excited for the opportunity ahead of them.

Team strengths: Strong desire to learn, very hard working, close team dynamic Team weaknesses: Young and inexperienced as a whole Returning starters: Mariah Fowler, Haley Paben and Kensie Burnside Returning non-starters: Hannah Harwager Possible impact players: Mariah Folwer, Haley Paben, Kensie Burnside, Hannah Harwager and Morgan Klosen.

Additional comments: This year will be a building year.

However, the girls have a passion for volleyball and look forward to what lies ahead. Both coaches are new and can’t wait to get started.

Schedule Sept. 5.................. Anselmo-Merna Sept. 9..............................Brady Tri Sept. 12.....................at South Loup Sept. 19................... at South Platte Sept. 20............... Cody-Kilgore Tri Sept. 30.............. at Eustis-Farnam Oct. 3................................ at Mullen Oct. 9..............................Paxton Tri Oct. 10................................ at Brady Oct. 14................................Maxwell Oct. 21............................Mullen Tri Oct. 24...................................Paxton School: Wauneta-Palisade Nickname: Broncos Conference: RPAC Class: D2 Coach: Michelle Harchelroad Last season’s record: 18-7 Overall outlook on current season: We should have a solid team this season. We will be mixing some girls with a lot of varsity experience with some girls with almost no varsity experience. It will be fun to see how it all comes together.

Team strengths: Two experienced setters, a couple of very solid hitters and very good team work ethic Team weaknesses: Passing is going to have to improve; a couple very inexperienced players who will have to step up and play at the varsity level.

Returning starters: Lesley Towery, Sydnee Harchelroad, Brianna Einspahr, Leiauna Alberts.

Returning non-starters: Nicole Strand, Hannah Nordhausen, Ellie Lee, Cameo Rector.

Impact players: Lesley Towery, Sydnee Harchelroad.

Additional comments: Lesley is coming off a season-ending injury that happened at the Brady tournament last season. She has worked so hard to be back and ready to go this season. We are very excited to have her back.

Schedule Sept. 4.............................at Wallace Sept. 5....................... Sioux County Sept. 11.......Wauneta-Palisade Tri Sept. 13........ Hitchcock Co. Invite Sept. 16.......................at Southwest Sept. 18.................... Chase County Sept. 23..................... Paxton Invite Sept. 26............................Maywood Sept. 27.................. Brady Tourney Sept. 30................ at Hitchcock Co. Oct. 2...............................Dundy Co. Oct. 3..................... at Hayes Center Oct. 14.................. Medicine Valley Oct. 20.....................RPAC Tourney Oct. 25.........................Axtell Invite Oct. 28................................. Wallace

FALL SPORTS

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014

D13

Cross Country

Derek Noehren / The North Platte Telegraph

The 2014 Sutherland cross country team is, front from left, Josie Burke, John Rogers, Kaley Stokey, Logan Miller and KayLynn Lantis. Middle row, Maggie Morris, Malinda Foster, Jonathan Foster and David Quick. Back row, Nathan Fleecs and Preston Blake.

Sutherland Sailor cross country work together

By DEREK NOEHREN dnoehren@nptelegraph.com

Sutherland Cross Country coach Jessica Saner is enthusiastic about her 2014 team because of their talent, team unity and togetherness.

“Our team is very close and they find a way to have fun every day at practice and push each other to work hard,” Saner said.

“That can be difficult when it’s hot out and you’re running three to six miles, but they manage to make every day fun which makes it easier for them to work their hardest.”

Saner is optimistic about this season and has a clear idea of what she hopes her runners can accomplish.

“I hope to qualify several athletes for the state meet this year and I’m hoping to place as a team at our conference and district meets,” she said. “We want to improve our times from last season. This is our

second year of having the girls run a 5K and that was kind of a change, so I think we will be better prepared this season.”

Overall Sutherland returns three runners that earned letters in 2013. On the girls side, Josie Burke and Kaley Stokey come back as letterwinners and Nathan Fleecs returns for the boys.

Saner’s goal this year is to get her runners to achieve personal best times and to challenge themselves to push past the mental and physical strain cross country running has on athletes.

“I want my runners need to learn to push past that point where you think you can’t go anymore,” Saner said. “We need to be able to dig a little deeper during practice and push ourselves so that in meets we can go after that person right ahead of us and beat our personal bests.”

Golf School: McCook Nickname: Bison Conference: GNAC Class: B Coach: Randy Ryser Overall outlook on current season: Going to be a fun year, two good returning players; five beginners Team strengths: Two returning lettermen Team weaknesses: Very little expereince; oldest players are two sophomores; five first-year players will be a challenge but could be rewarding Returning Starters: Kacee Samway

and Hannah Kohl School: Mullen Nickname: Broncos Conference: MNAC Class: D2 Coach: Mellissa Cochran Overall outlook on current season: I am excited for this golf season. We will see drastic changes and advancements in every player’s game so it’ll be fun to watch.

Team strengths: Enthusiasim Team weaknesses: Every member is new to the game

School: Cozad Nickname: Haymakers Conference: Southwest Class: C Coach: Dustin Favinger Overall outlook on current season: Boys: After two consecutive years of the team finishing near the top of the state meet fields, the Haymakers graduated a large group of seniors. However, several underclassmen have stepped up and will fill those roles and the Haymakers look to once again make a trip to the state meet as a team. Graham Applegate is looking to improve upon his fourth place finish at the state meet in only his first year of running. Jacob Hoffman will also draw on his experience as a varsity competitor the last two years and look to be a major contender in every race he competes in. Jordan Brandenberg will also be a major asset to our team this year after a year of running experience. Other key runners such as Daniel Alvarado, Wuin Karel, Trevor Donahey, Kris Junker, Bryce Nemeth, Omar Carlos and Kanyon Eckard will be runners to watch as they have continued to develop as runners.

Girls: The Haymaker girls have made four straight trips to the state cross country meet, including winning three district titles and a runner-up finish in 2012.

The team will look to continue this streak. The graduation of Samantha Carlson will create an opportunity for two of our incoming runners to fill her role.

Valeria Setrada is looking to improve on her 10th place finish

at the state meet. New to the high school team this year will be two very talented girls, Ashley Grace Burkholder and Katrina German, who had solid summers of training and will be medal winning threats each time they toe the line. Whitney Applegate, Janice Garcia and Jamie Garcia will also be medal threats and round out what should be a very competitive squad who competes for harware at the state meet in Kearney.

Returning starters: Graham Applegate, Jacob Hoffman, Daniel Alvarado, Kris Junker, Kanyon Eckard, Bryce Nemeth, Valeria Estrada, Janice Garcia, Jamie Garcia and Whitney Applegate Returning non-starter letterwinners: Trevor Donahey, Omar Carlos, Quin Karel, Katrina German, Ashley Grace Burkholder School: Gothenburg Nickname: Swedes Conference: Southwest Class: C Coach: Steve Reeves Overall outlook on current season: Good work ethic of participants Returning letterwinners: Girls: Holly Hudson, Amanda Kowalewski, Sydney Gruber, Keely Lecher, Jennifer Maline, Destiney McVay, Andie Geiken and Jaci Teahon. Boys: Seth Eggleston, Sam Lafuze and Bryce Kowalewski.

School: Perkins County Nickname: Plainsmen Conference: SPVA

Class: D Coach: Paula Wurst Overall outlook on current season: We have fewer veteran runners this year. Half of our girls are new to cross country.

Only two, Emily Kemling and Kendra Hoffert, are returners from last year’s 13th-place team at state. However, Mariah Curtis rejoined the team this year; she competed with our team at state her freshman and sophomore years. The same goes for our boys. Only four of our nine boys ran last year. The runners seem to be ready to go and I am excited to see how the season progresses.

Returning starters: Ana Hernandez, Miranda Marroquin and Elizabeth Macias, Chandler Flynn, John Mark Shields

School: Sandhills/Thedford Nickname: Knights Conference: MNAC Class: D Coach: Jane Haake Overall outlook on current season: We have a returning state qualifier, Clancy Hesseltine, on our girls squad. We also return Makayla Rinestine as a letter winner. The boys squad will have two runners I believe will do well.

Team strengths: This group of kids have a good work ethic and push each other to be the best they can each time we go out.

Team weaknesses: We are an inexperienced program. This is only our second year of offering the sport for our athletes.

Tennis School: McCook Nickname: Bison Conference: GNAC Class: B Coach: Matt Wiemers Overall outlook on current season: We will be an inexperienced team. We return one varsity letter winner. Looking forward to the

challenge of developing our younger team members and molding our upper classmen into leaders.

Team strengths: Players attitude. Our upper classmen are looking forward to taking on the varsity role, but will be pushed by some promising underclassmen.

Competition will be good.

Team weaknesses: Inexperience at the varsity level.

Returning starters: Skyler Cappel Returning non-starter letterwinner: Kaden Sitzman Possible impact players: Dane Larington, Andrew Aguilar, Erik Eiler, Von Fritsche, Spencer Krysl.

Six-man Football School: Hayes Center Nickname: Cardinals Coach: Dusty Gaston Last seasons record: 7-9 Overall outlook on current season: I look forward to six-man football. It’s our first year and I think we should be good.

Team strengths: Our biggest strength is our overall experience. Most of our seniors have been playing on the varsity level for at least two years.

Teams weaknesses: Our biggest weakness is lack of depth.

With only nine players conditions and staying healthy is key.

Returning starters: Austin Meyers, Kasey Spencer, Joe Sonasen, Alex Lawson, Dakota Hamilton and Tyrone Brave.

Possible impact players: Austin Meyers, Kasey Schawenk, Tyrone Brave, Joe Sonesen.

Additional comments: The six-man game is fast and exciting

you never know whats going to happen. Coaches and players are excited for the year to come.

Schedule Sept. 5................................ Deshler Sept. 12.................Banner County Sept. 19.................atSioux County Sept. 26........... at Wilcox-Hildreth Oct. 3................ Wauneta-Palisade Oct. 10........................ at Maywood Oct. 17........ at McPherson County Oct. 24..........................Silver Lake Arthur County Sept. 5............ McPherson County Sept. 12.at Spalding-Cedar Rapids Sept. 19.................... at St. Edward Sept. 26........................... Minatare Oct. 3....................at Sioux County Oct. 10...................Banner County Oct. 17...............................Hyannis Oct. 24.................. at Cody-Kilgore Maywood Sept. 5...............at Banner County Sept. 12................................Santee

Sept. 19......................... at Walthill Sept. 26........ at Wauneta-Palisade Oct. 3.............. McPherson County Oct. 10...................... Hayes Center Oct. 17..................... at Silver Lake Oct. 23................. Wilcox-Hildreth McPherson County Sept. 25............. at Arthur County Sept. 12.................... Sioux County Sept. 19........................... Minatare Sept. 26................... at Silver Lake Oct. 3.......................... at Maywood Oct. 10................. Wilcox-Hildreth Oct. 17...................... Hayes Center Oct. 24.......... at Wauneta-Palisade Wauneta-Palisade Sept. 5...................... Sioux County Sept. 12....................... at Minatare Sept. 19.............at Banner County Sept. 26...........................Maywood Oct. 3.................... at Hayes Center Oct. 10..........................Silver Lake Oct. 17............. at Wilcox-Hildreth Oct. 24............ McPherson County

Softball School: Lexington Nickname: Minutemaids Conference: GNAC Class: B Coach: Chris Mroczek Overall outlook on current season: We will mix some good leaders in our upperclassmen with some freshmen that are going to be asked to contribute early in the season. If we stay healthy and our pitcher continue to improve, we will have a shot to win our district. It will come down to execution and staying healthy throughout the season.

Team strengths: Our strength is going to be in our upperclassmen’s leadership abilities. We have some girls who have been in the program for the past three years and understand what we want to get accomplished this year.

We know that we can compete with the teams in our area and our district is truely wide open this year.

Team weaknesses: Our depth will be an issue this year so we are going to have to make sure that we stay healthy and continue to get girls valuable time at the junior varsity level so they can help us at the end of the year.

We cannot afford to make a lot of mental mistakes this year and so that will be something that we focus on early.

Returning Starters: Seniors: Aly Leger (P/IF), Leesa Gierhan (C/OF). Juniors: Hannah Ostrom (P/IF), Madison Berke (IF). Sophomore: Blaire Edeal (OF) Returning non-starter letterwinners: Senior: Ariel Hernandez (IF/OF). Junior: Kelsey G’schwind (OF). Fresh-

men: Mackenzie Johnson (P/ OF),Brylee Lauby (IF) Possible impact players: Hannah Ostrom, Aly Leger, Blaire Edeal School: Chase County Nickname: Longhorns Class: C Last season’s record: 12-15 Coach: Denise Smith Overall outlook on current season: Looking to match last year’s season. We have numbers but will be replacing almost all of our infield.

Team strengths: Our numbers stay good and we have good, quick, athletic underclassmen.

Team weaknesses: We replaced five infield starters due to graduation. So inexperience on the field.

Returning starters: Emma

Bauerle, Destiny Reinke, Josie Peterson and Katelyn Wheeler Returning non-starter letterwinners: Jessica Hartman, Emma Mollendor, Claire Kuenne, Shelby Bigham, Jasmine Laird, Sarah Allen, Brittanie Benge and Brittany Simeon Possible impact players: Josie Peterson, MiKaela O’Brian, Brittanie Benge, Andrea Page and Katelyn Wheeler.

School: Cozad Nickname: Haymakers Conference: Southwest Class: C Coach: HaLea Messersmith Last season’s record: 14-15 Returning starters: Seniors: Emily Reyes, Erika Smith. Juniors: Bri Loftin, Reilly Goings. Sophomores: Sara Yocom, Ali Arndt, Sam-

my Crick, Alyssa Schneider and Darci Hoffmaster.

Returning non-starters letterwinners: Alynne Myer.

School: Gothenburg Nickname: Swedes Conference: Southwest Class: C Last season’s record: 19-9 Coach: Roger Neujahr Overall outlook on current season: Looking to improve pitching and defense.;Replace two big hitters Team strengths: Numbers, 26 out Team weaknesses: Replacing .608 and .500 hitters.

Returning starters: Becca Riley, .451, third base; Katlin Harm, .361, catcher; Ashley Eskew, Kerry Wellman, Kasey Wellman.

Possible impact players: Becca Riley

D14

FALL SPORTS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

Football Class B

Class C1 Cont.

Class C1 Cont.

Class D2

Class D2 Cont.

School: Lexington Nickname: Minutemen Conference: GNAC Class: B Last season’s record: 4-5 Coach: Jeff Rowan Overall outlook on current season: Breaking in a new offense, or our defense will have to carry us early.

Offensive and defensive line are our strenghts, graduated all our skill players except for quarterback. Have a lot of work to do offensivily. Really like our toughness and team attitude.

Returning starters: Kolin Keaton, Everardo Corona, Jonathan Godinez, Brandon Araujo, Josue Ayala and Tyson Block.

Returning non-starter letterwinners: Wesley Winter, Armando Pinedo, Craig Grayek, Raul Marroquin, Rene Lazo and William Mendoza.

Schedule Aug. 29....................... Scottsbluff Sept. 5....................... at Holdrege Sept. 12.........................at Gering Sept. 19.......................... Alliance Sept. 26......................... at Sidney Oct. 3.................................at York Oct. 10............................. McCook Oct. 17.................Adams Central Oct. 24....................... at Hastings

young players.

Team weaknesses: Depth Returning Starters: Seniors: Kelton Fisher, Jeff Dickey, Isaac Sorensen, Jacob Christensen and Allen Smith.

Returning non-starter letterwinners: Juniors: Destyn Milner, Eli Engbrecht.

Sophomore: Zac Space.

Possible impact players: Sophomores: Dokota Wallin, Bryson Fisher and Hunter Bartels. Freshmen: Jack Bauerle, Kass Cochran and Caleb Weiss.

Schedule Aug. 29............................. Minden Sept. 5.................... at Bridgeport Sept. 12 .............................. Cozad Sept. 19....................... at Kimball Oct. 3...............Gordon-Rushville Oct. 10........................ at Chadron Oct. 17.............................Ogallala Oct. 24.........................at Mitchell

some good athletes who have winning mentality and are willing to work to win. We look forward to the upcoming season.

Returning starters: Brody Cleveland, Cole Beckius, Trenton Zink, Jon Hood, Will Parker, Ausitn Clough, Brittan Hoppens, Jordan Cogdill, Brandon Raffaeli, Nick Rivas, Grant Packand and Cobe Hinton.

Returning non-starters letterwinners: Chris Gallegos, Caleb Gill, Kenny Carey, Jesse Orr, Jake Vanlaningham, Avery Unrein, Toray Smith, Daulton Lurz, Wyatt Barta, Bryce Borer, Colby Rezac and Jake Estrada.

Schedule Aug. 29........................... at Cozad Sept. 5............ Kearney Catholic Sept. 12.....................at Holdrege Sept. 19....................Gothenburg Sept. 26..................... at Chadron Oct. 10............................ Mitchell Oct. 17.............. at Chase County Oct. 24............Gordon-Rushville

School: Anselmo-Merna Nickname: Coyotoes Conference: MNAC Class: D2 Coach: Matt McGinn Last season's record: 6-2 Schedule Sept. 5.......................at Stapleton Sept. 12......................... Bertrand Sept. 19........................ at Elwood Sept. 26...................... Pleasanton Oct. 3...... at Sandhills/Thedford Oct. 10.............................Overton Oct. 17...............................at SEM Oct. 23.................................Brady

season: Optimistic, we are playing a lot of schools that we have not seen for a couple of years, will need to be ready for about anything.

Team strengths: Good numbers approximately 24 kids out, good senior leadership.

They will need to help the young kids along. Six starters back on offense and six on defense. This group of kids will work hard.

Team weaknesses: 16 of 24 kids are freshman and sophmores, need them to come along of build depth. Need to stay healthy, we were unable to accomplish that the previous year. Need to be more physical.

Returning starters: Rhett O’Connor, Brett Storer, Alec Fox, Trey Hebblethwaite, Cody Blackwell, Chance Morland and Cade Schimonitz.

Returning non-starter letterwinners: Kort Gartrell, Emmit Rosentrater and Will Babbitt.

Possible impact players: Cody Blackwell leading rusher and interceptor from last year.

Additional comments: Kolton Carlyle coming out this year helps in running game.

Dalton Perlinger coming out will add strength to defensive backfield. O-line, D-line will be the key, we can block people.

Schedule Sept. 5...............Julesburg, Colo.

Sept. 12..................... Sutherland Sept. 19...................at Potter Dix Sept. 26............................ Mullen Oct. 3.............................. at Brady Oct. 10............................Maxwell Oct. 17....at Sandhills/Thedford Oct. 24...................... at Stapleton

School: McCook Nickname: Bison Conference: GNAC Class: B Last season’s record: 8-1 Coach: Jeff Gross Schedule Aug. 29........................... Alliance Sept. 5.....................at Northwest Sept. 12.................. at Scottsbluff Sept. 19............................. Sidney Sept. 26........................ at Aurora Oct. 3.................................Gering Oct. 10..................... at Lexington Oct. 17............................Hastings Oct. 24.............at Adams Central

Class C1 School: Broken Bow Nickname: Indians Conference: Southwest Class: C1 Coach: Mike Garner Last season’s record: 7-3 Overall outlook on current season: We will be a young team this year after graduating a large senior class. I am excited about the potential I have seen so far this summer.

Team strengths: We return two three-year starters on the offensive/defensive lines in Noah Garey and Tyler Yarrington. Austin French is a returning two-year starter on defense and will also play running back, both our placekicker (23-27 on PAT’s last year) and our punter (36-yard average) return. Scott Davis is a returning starter on the defensive line and Austin Reynolds and Tyrel Garner are also returning starters. So, our strength will definitely be up front Team weaknesses: With the exception of Austin French, we will be young at most of the skill postitions. I am also concerned with our depth on both lines.

Returning starters: Seniors, Noah Arey, Tyler Yarrington, Austin Reynolds, Tyrel Garner and Austin French; junior, Scott Davis.

Returning non-starter letterwinners: Senior, Jacob Anderson; Juniors, Josey Evans, Tommy McCormick, Travis Kleeb and Hunter Minnick.

Sophomores, Hunter Smith and Dylan Reynolds.

Possible impact players: We expect to feature Austin French in our running game. Last year we had All-District running back Zack Jones ahead of him.

We have some talented receivers, and we expect to throw a little more than in the past.

Schedule Aug. 29................................. GICC Sept. 5.......................... at St. Paul Sept. 12............................ Minden Sept. 19.......................... Chadron Sept. 26.........................at O’Neill Oct. 3.........................Gothenburg Oct. 10.............................at Cozad Oct. 17.....................................Ord Oct. 24...................... at Valentine School: Chase County Nickname: Longhorns Conference: SPVA Class: C1 Coach: Dan Lenners Overall outlook on current season: With only five seniors, four juniors, depth will be a concern.

Team strengths: Some good

School: Cozad Nickname: Haymakers Conference: Southwest Class: C1 Coach: Brian Cargill Last seasons record: 13-0 Overall outlook on current season: We need to develop some young starters to be competitive this year.

Team Strengths: Some returning starters in key spots.

Team Weaknesses: Overall experience at varsity level.

Returning starters: Conor Young, Mitchell fischer, Colin Wetovick, Dallas Maack and Jason Finnegan.

Returning non-starters letterwinners: Brian Messersmith, Neil Henderson, Jordan Henry, Nate Lemer, Mitch Wolf, Colt Leibhart, Jon Lee, Cam Griffis, Sam Cole and Austin Turek.

Possible impact players: Brian Messersmith, Conor Young and Colin Wetovick.

Schedule Aug. 29........................... Ogallala Sept. 5......................... at Minden Sept. 12.............at Chase County Sept. 19...........Kearney Catholic Sept. 26................ at Gothenburg Oct. 3.................................. at Ord Oct. 10...................... Broken Bow Oct. 17...................... at Valentine Oct. 23...............................O’Neill School: Gothenburg Nickname: Swedes Conference: Southwest Class: C1 Coach: Craig Haake Last seasons record: 8-3 Overall outlook on current season: We have some very talented players coming back.

Three three-year starters and all three have been All-District selection already. Swedes will need to develop depth across the board at every position.

Our O-line should be a strength for us, which is always a good thing. We return our leading rusher and two quarterbacks who started games. Defensively, we will be able to run and the secondary will return a lot of letterwinners. Swedes feel good going into the year.

Returning starters: Tanner Borchardt, Zach Wolf, Dylan Folkers, Jacob Clark, Tyler Baker, Dalton Sylvan, Connor Schwanz and Dawson Graham.

Returning non-starters letterwinners: Jake Peterson, Levi Tripp and Alex Jorgenson.

Schedule Aug. 29.......................... Holdrege Sept. 5.............................Mitchell Sept. 12............................at GICC Sept. 19...................... at Ogallala Sept. 26...............................Cozad Oct. 3....................at Broken Bow Oct. 10.......................... Valentine Oct. 17.......................... at O’Neill Oct. 24................................ at Ord School: Ogallala Nickname: Indians Conference: Southwest Class: C1 Coach: Jeff McBride Last seasons record: 4-5 Overall outlook on current season: We look to continue building on our experience these kids have received the last two years. The line will be much more physical than the last two years and we will have to replace some skill positions from last year. Our kids are working very hard and we could surprise some teams if we can stay healthy and work on some depth at all positions.

These kids are very coachable and willing to work. We have

Class D1 School: Creek Valley Nichname: Storm Conference: Minutemen Class: D1 Coach: Todd Westover Last season's record: 1-7 Schedule Aug. 29.........at Julesburg, Colo.

Sept. 5................ Garden County Sept. 12............... at South Platte Sept. 26..................... Sutherland Oct. 3................ Perkins County Oct. 10..........................at Morrill Oct. 17......................Hemingford Oct. 23.... at Dundy Co.-Stratton School: Perkins County Nickname: Plainsmen Conference: SPVA Class: D1 Coach: Carlie Wells Last seasons record: 0-8 Overall outlook on current season: We will have limited numbers of juniors and seniors but will be heavy with freshmen and sophomores. Our juniors and seniors that played did get some quality time.

Moving down to eight-man football should not be a problem because you still have to block, tackle. I ecpect our kidt to get better as the season progresses because of our youth.

Returning starters: Derek Sis, Dylan Malmkar, Mitchell Sestak, Zak Kurkowski, Christian White and Sean Sando.

Returning non-starters letterwinners: Hunter Coats.

Schedule Sept. 5.........................Elm Creek Sept. 12............. at Hitchcock Co. Sept. 19....................at Arapahoe Sept. 26.................... Hemingford Oct. 3...................at Creek Valley Oct. 10........................Sutherland Oct. 17......... Dundy Co.-Stratton Oct. 23.......................... at Morrill School: South Loup Nickname: Bobcats Conference: MNAC Class: D1 Coach: Andy Schwarz Last seasons record: 3-6 Overall outlook on current season: Our numbers will be on the short side this year with about 22. We return a few key players who will need to stay healthy for us. We will once again play one of the toughest schedules in the state, it is a great challenge for us.

Team strengths: Our strengths will be toughness, team first, and willingness to tdo whatever it takes for the team.

Team weaknesses: Our weakness will be size, and experience on the line. Depth will also be a concern.

Returning starters: Layton Dockweiler, Isaak Cole, Chase Forrester and Dillon Brown.

Returning non-starter letterwinners: Lafeyette Loper, Brandon Moninger, Sully Lewis, Hunter Willis and Jacob Mason.

Possible impact players: Landon Furne, Blake Schwarz, Jack Rush, Marshall Still and Isaac Stallbaumer.

Schedule Sept. 5....................... at Maxwell Sept. 12........................ Stapleton Sept. 19................... Hemingford Sept. 26...................... at Burwell Oct. 3.........................at Amherst Oct. 10............ Ansley-Litchfield Oct. 17............. Greeley-Wolbach Oct. 24................... at Twin Loup

School: Elwood Nickname: Pirates Class: D2 Conference: Fort Kearney Last season's record: 5-3 Schedule Sept. 5..................... at Southwest Sept. 12.........at Medicine Valley Sept. 19............. Anselmo-Merna Sept. 26........................ at Loomis Oct. 3............................. Bertrand Oct. 10...............................at SEM Oct. 17............................. at Alma Oct. 23............................Kenesaw School: Eustis-Farnam Nickname: Knights Conference: Fort Kearny Class: D2 Coach: Paul Pistulka Last seasons record: 1-7 Overall outlook on current season: The competitiveness that Eustis-Farnam brought to each game last year will continue this year. The Knights are led by of group of six seniors who have been together a long time and are a close-knit group.

Returning starters: Chris Werth, Mitch Rieker, Gage Belamy, Collin Thompson, Austin Boller, Marcus Wilcox and Mitchel Head.

Returning non-starters letterwinners: Isaac Hueftle, Hayden Rupe, Dusty Earwood and Mason Fasse.

Schedule Aug. 29......................... at Loomis Sept. 5........................... Bertrand Sept. 12.............................at SEM Sept. 26............. Medicine Valley Oct. 3.................at Hitchcock Co. Oct. 10..................... at Southwest Oct. 17............................. Wallace Oct. 23................................. Alma School: Medicine Valley Nickname: Raiders Conference: RPAC Class: D2 Coach: Scott Johnson Overall outlook on current season: We return a good group of skill position players but have some important spots to fill from graduation. There will be some good competition in fall camp. Our game will be a great test to see where our program is compared to other good ones across the state.

Returning starters: Cody Aspenleiter, Chase Barthel, TJ Aanenson, Brett Jones and Zane Mickelsen.

Returning non-starter letterwinners: Keaton Lenz and John Klintworth.

Schedule Sept. 5.........................at Overton Sept. 12............................ Elwood Sept. 19...............................Brady Sept. 26...........at Eustis-Farnam Oct. 3..........................at Maxwell Oct. 10............ Hitchcock County Oct. 17......................... Southwest Oct. 23......................... at Wallace School: Mullen Nickname: Broncos Conference: LVC/Sandhills Class: D2 Coach: Mitch Pfeiffer Last seasons record: 5-4 Team strengths: A good core of returning starters and letterwinners Team weaknesses: Some key positions to fill due to graduation Returning starters: Britt McIntosh, Adam Starr, Gideon Monette and Peyton Call Returning non-starter letterwinners: Lance Moore and Michael Stichka.

Schedule Sept. 5...........................at Leyton Sept. 11...... Sandhills/Thedford Sept. 19...............Garden County Sept. 26.........................at Paxton Oct. 3.............................Stapleton Oct. 10......................... at Wallace Oct. 17.................................Brady Oct. 23........................at Maxwell School: Paxton Nickname: Tigers Conference: RPAC Class: D2 Last seaon’s record: 3-5 Coach: Mike Morland Overall outlook on current

School: Sandhills/Thedford Nickname: Knights Conference: MNAC Class: D2 Coach: Josh Deines Last season's record: 4-4 Schedule Sept. 5.........at Ansley-Litchfield Sept. 11.........................at Mullen Sept. 19..............................Stuart Sept. 26.............................at SEM Oct. 3................. Anselmo-Merna Oct. 10....................at Pleasanton Oct. 17...............................Paxton Oct. 24.............................Overton School: South Platte Nickname: Blue Knights Conference: MAC Class: D2 Coach: Ken Bartels Overall outlook on current season: We lost six starters to graduation, so obviously we have several positions to fill.

Many underclassmen did gain experience, however, they will need to step up as starters.

Returning Letterwinners: Seniors: Laine Waterman, Eddy Peterman, Jessie Martin, Noah Blochowitz. Juniors: Dean Kahl, Rowand Ford. Sophomores: Jeramy Bartles, Kyle Odenbaugh, Lance Colling, Matt Kahl, Justin Mogus, Will Spencer.

Schedule Sept. 5......................... at Wallace Sept. 12...................Creek Valley Sept. 19.........................Stapleton Sept. 26................. at Garden Co. Oct. 3.............................at Leyton Oct. 10...................... at Crawford Oct. 17......................... Potter-Dix Oct. 24......................Hay Springs

School: Stapleton Nickname: Broncos Class: D2 Coach: Mark Shaw Last seasons record: 7-10 Overall outlook on current season: We have a group of kids who are working hard and also who got to play quite a bit last year.

Team strengths: We have good speed and some pretty good size. Experience is another thing we have this year.

Returning starters: Logan Paben, Laramie Fowler, Luke Walz, Brock Alexander, Tanner Donohoe, Drew Schaeffer, Clancey Barnum and Justin Cosler.

Returning non-starters letterwinners: Cade Pokorny.

Possible impact players: Brandon Kleewein, Logan Paben, Brock Alexander, Luke Walz, Laramie Fowler and Clancey Barnum.

Schedule Sept. 5.............. Anselmo-Merna Sept. 12................ at South Loup Sept. 19...............at South Platte Sept. 26.......................... Overton Oct. 3............................at Mullen Oct. 10............................at Brady Oct. 17........................... Maxwell Oct. 24.............................. Paxton