Riva Sharples | Editor
Though the Cubs will feel the loss of a couple of seasoned players from last year, this year’s team comes to the field with experience, determination, and a hunger to win. Coming off a 4-5 season last year, the Cubs are hoping to end on the winning side of things this year.
Leading the team will be 11 returning letter-winners, including five returning offense starters and six returning defense starters.
Returning players include Darin Dykstra, senior RB/LB; Tommy Walth, senior QB/LB; Jackson Meyer, junior WR/DB; Jacob Cole, senior OL/DL; Evan Haak, junior OL/DL; and Owen Serck, senior RB/LB.
Joining them this year are: Zachary Kemner, senior OL/DL; Wayne Overhulser, senior WR/DB; Brody Andrews, senior RB/DB; Cole Ahart, junior OL/DL; Ethan Brown, junior RB/LB; Tate Braaten, sophomore RB/LB; Karzen Sommervold, freshman RB/LB; and Logan Rodriquez, junior OL/DL.
“Our offensive and defensive lines are experienced and athletic,” said Head Coach Brian Haak. “We had a good spring and summer with lifting and camp participation.”
The Cubs will need to be focused and prepared to face a tough schedule this season.
“Our schedule is one of the toughest in nine-man football,” said Haak. “Howard, VH, Freeman-FAM, Dells St. Marys, Centerville, etc. Every week will be a challenge. We will need to be mentally and physically prepared every week for our opponent.”
Staying healthy will be a major key to success as well, says Haak.
The team will also need to work on passing and third down success to beat difficult opponents.
“Our passing game needs to improve for us to beat quality teams,” he said. “We also need to be better on third down offensive.”
This year’s team is coached by Brain Haak with help from Assistant Coaches Mitchell Johnson, Grant Johnson, Joe Miller, Randy Walth, Logan Serck and Nathan Johnson.
Good luck, Cubs!