OnFocus Season Preview: Owen-Withee Blackhawks Football
Briefly recap last season. Two heartbreaking losses at the end of the season became great motivation for all of us throughout the off-season. Finishing the season at 6-3 gives us a high level of optimism as we have a number of starters returning from last year’s team!
2. Were there any key seniors you lost from last year’s team? Ryan Nelson was an All-State performer at LB and his 12 tackles a game will have to be picked up by someone this season. He was also an excellent blocking TE for us and you always knew what you were going to get when you ran his side. Vince Henke had six TD receptions and was a big target for Dominic Sherwood in the play-action passing game for us. Colin Dallman was a three year starter at fullback and we will miss his explosive style of running. Wyatt Wulff will need to replaced at nose tackle
3. Who do you expect to be your major contributors this season? Dominic Sherwood will be under center for his second season and senior year – we expect him to have a very command of the offense and be a big playmaker for us. It’s great to have our center Jack Wendler, and our two guards Colin Fritz and Sam Rasmussen back on the inside – they make the offense go and to have that core group back gives us a real advantage as we enter the season. Sully Poehler will fill in at fullback and Timmy Stock will be back at HB. Defensively, we will see Mason Gay and Brandon Geldernick at the Corners with Dominic Sherwood holding down the safety position. Timmy Stock will fill Ryan Nelson’s shoes at one LB with Colin Fritz back at the weakside LB. Inside Winston Poehler looks to play one DE with Jack Wendler at the other. Sully Poehler will man the Nose Tackle position.
4. What are the team’s biggest strengths? Our overall team speed could be our biggest asset, with the experience at QB and interior offensive line being a big bonus. Our ability to create some depth at the various positions will become very important as the season wears on.
5. What are the team’s biggest obstacles that it has to overcome? It is important that we stay healthy this year and not have to put a younger player in a situation that he may not be ready for. This is the toughest 8-man conference in the state – so every game is a must win just to make the play-offs.
6. What are your goals for the team this season? We need to improve each and every week and put ourselves in a situation where we control our destiny. There are a number of teams with some excellent returning starters from last season – no games will be slouches.
7. Any other story lines that are of note and not covered above. We are very fortunate to have the coaching staff here at Owen-Withee that we do have – seasoned coaches like Steve Kadolph, Jeff Greschner, Jeff Stzrok, and Harry Mitchell along with the younger coaching staff of Albert Goerlitz, Zach Feind, Caleb Green, and Dylan Kaae who bring a high level of excitement and fresh ideas give our players every opportunity to succeed at this game.
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
