AGUILAR WILDCATS
Coach: Frank Coppa
2004 record: 1-4
Returning starters: Five offense, five defense
Last playoff appearance: 1996
On the plus side: Growing experience with passing skills.
On the other hand: Lack depth.
Players to watch: Jordan Baudino, Jr., QB-LB, 5-10, 165; Scott Canda, Sr., C-NG, 5-10, 200; Dom David, Sr., RB-LB, 5-9, 140; Seth Sciacca, Sr., E-DE, 6-2, 180.
In 2005: Depth could be a big problem again for the Cats.
Schedule
Sept. 2 at Vilas 7 p.m.
Sept. 9 Cheraw 10 a.m.
Sept. 17 Syracuse, Kan. 1 p.m.
Sept. 23 Idalia 7 p.m.
Oct. 1 at Kit Carson 1 p.m.
Oct. 15 Arickaree 1 p.m.
Oct. 21 Deer Trail 5 p.m.
Oct. 29 at Bethune 1 p.m.
ARICKAREE INDIANS
Coach: Dennis Koolstra
2004 record: 0-8
Returning starters: Three offense, three defense
Last playoff appearance: 2001
On the plus side: A strong work ethic for new coach.
On the other hand: Winning attitude is lacking.
Players to watch: Michael Green, Jr., RB-LB, 5-9, 165; Morgan Jones, Sr., QB, 6-1, 170; Dustin Williams, Sr., C-DE, 6-3, 185.
In 2005: This is still a bit of a work in progress.
Schedule
Sept. 2 Kit Carson 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 9 at Liberty 7 p.m.
Sept. 16 at Woodlin 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 23 Prairie 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 1 at Otis 1 p.m.
Oct. 7 at Idalia 7 p.m.
Oct. 15 at Aguilar 1 p.m.
Oct. 21 Bethune 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 28 at Weldon Vall. 3 p.m.
BETHUNE BOBCATS
Coach: Troy Hauxwell
2004 record: 4-4
Returning starters: One offense, one defense
Last playoff appearance: 2002
On the plus side: Good junior class that excels in special-teams play.
On the other hand: Experience and lack of depth leave Bobcats looking for a quarterback.
Players to watch: Chance Epperley, Jr., RB-LB, 5-11, 213; Emmanuel Flores, Jr., RB-LB, 5-10, 170; Pedro Gallardo, Sr., E-DB, 5-9, 170; Hugo Lopez, Sr., E-DE-K, 5-9, 170.
In 2005: The Bobcats need to stay healthy to be a factor.
Schedule
Sept. 2 at Cheraw 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 9 Fleming 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 17 Hi-Plains 1 p.m.
Sept. 23 Kit Carson 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 1 Idalia 1 p.m.
Oct. 8 Liberty 1 p.m.
Oct. 14 at Vilas 7 p.m.
Oct. 21 at Arickaree 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 29 Aguilar 1 p.m.
CHERAW WOLVERINES
Coach: Mike Book
2004 record: 4-3
Returning starters: Four offense, four defense
Last playoff appearance: 2001
On the plus side: Solid work ethic and camaraderie.
On the other hand: Lacking any serious size.
Players to watch: Clayton Broce, Jr., RB-DB, 5-7, 150; Kyle Broce, Jr., RB-LB, 5-10, 170.
In 2005: They should be competitive, but a playoff spot is a bit of a stretch.
Schedule
Sept. 2 Bethune 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 9 at Aguilar 10 a.m.
Sept. 16 at Kit Carson 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 24 at Hi-Plains 1:30 p.m.
Sept. 30 Deer Trail 7 p.m.
Oct. 7 Vilas 7 p.m.
Oct. 21 at Prairie 7 p.m.
Oct. 28 at Woodlin 5 p.m.
CROW VALLEY FALCONS
Coach: Rick Mondt
2004 record: 2-6
Returning starters: Five offense, five defense
Last playoff appearance: 2003
On the plus side: Leadership from a big senior class.
On the other hand: Learning curve with a new coach.
Players to watch: Ben Enderson, Sr., E-LB, 6-1, 185; Colby Knight, Sr., QB-DB, 5-11, 155; Shaw Konig, Sr., RB-DB, 5-9, 140; Russell Shino, Sr., E-LB, 5-11, 220.
In 2005: Early-season schedule will dictate Falcons’ playoff chances.
Schedule
Sept. 2 at Weldon V. 3:30 p.m.
Sept. 9 at Woodlin 7 p.m.
Sept. 16 at Pawnee 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 23 Revere 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 30 Prairie 10 a.m.
Oct. 7 Peetz 3 p.m.
Oct. 14 Fleming 3 p.m.
Oct. 28 at Otis 7:30 p.m.
DEER TRAIL EAGLES
Coach: Dave Cochran
2004 record: 2-6
Returning starters: Five offense, five defense
Last playoff appearance: 1999
On the plus side: Strong team speed with a defense that can do a lot.
On the other hand: Experienced depth might be an issue.
Players to watch: Brett Fischer, Jr., FB-NT, 6-2, 205; J.D. Hamacher, Sr., E-DE, 5-11, 185; John Hrelja, Sr., RB-LB, 5-9, 155; Matt Steinman, Sr., QB, 5-7, 155.
In 2005: Could be one of the dark horses to keep an eye on.
Schedule
Sept. 2 Pawnee 7 p.m.
Sept. 9 at Hi-Plains 4 p.m.
Sept. 17 Vilas 1 p.m.
Sept. 23 Peetz 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 30 at Cheraw 7 p.m.
Oct. 7 Woodlin 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 14 Liberty 7 p.m.
Oct. 21 at Aguilar 5 p.m.
Oct. 28 at Kit Carson 7 p.m.
FLEMING WILDCATS
Coach: Dan Conn
2004 record: 3-5
Returning starters: Two offense, two defense
Last playoff appearance: 2003
On the plus side: Strength and speed have increased with offseason work.
On the other hand: Lack of playoff experience.
Players to watch: Andrew Muller, Sr., QB-S, 5-8, 140; Josh Stone, Sr., FB-LB, 5-10, 230; Bo Vanderbark, Sr., TB-LB, 5-11, 170.
In 2005: The potential is there, but they must jell quickly.
Schedule
Sept. 2 Idalia 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 9 at Bethune 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 16 Otis 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 23 at Weldon V. 3:30 p.m.
Oct. 1 at Peetz 1 p.m.
Oct. 7 Revere 7 p.m.
Oct. 14 at Crow Valley 3 p.m.
Oct. 21 Pawnee 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 28 Hi-Plains 7:30 p.m.
HI-PLAINS PATRIOTS
Coach: Dave Sheffield
2004 record: 10-1
Returning starters: Four offense, four defense
Last playoff appearance: 2004, won 35-22 over Revere in 6-man championship game.
On the plus side: Found out what it was all about last season.
On the other hand: Brand new backfield.
Players to watch: Kyle Bancroft, Sr., TB-LB, 5-10, 160; Brock Benson, Jr., RB-LB, 5-9, 155; Cody Henry, Sr., E-DE, 6-2, 190; Kyle Mills, Sr., C-NG, 6-2, 170.
In 2005: They have a great chance to repeat, and this may not be the last time we say that.
Schedule
Sept. 2 at Liberty 7 p.m.
Sept. 9 Deer Trail 4 p.m.
Sept. 17 at Bethune 1 p.m.
Sept. 21 Vilas 3 p.m.
Sept. 24 Cheraw 1:30 p.m.
Oct. 1 at Woodlin 1 p.m.
Oct. 7 Kit Carson 4 p.m.
Oct. 14 Otis 4 p.m.
Oct. 28 at Fleming 7:30 p.m.
IDALIA WOLVES
Coach: Tim Gribben
2004 record: 9-1
Returning starters: Five offense, five defense
Last playoff appearance: 2004, lost 27-26 to Hi-Plains in the 6-man semifinals.
On the plus side: Experience is always on their side.
On the other hand: Still have to replace an all-state back.
Players to watch: Blake Cure, Sr., QB-LB, 6-1, 190; Scott Cure, Jr., E-DE, 6-2, 215; Lucas Devlin, Jr., RB-DB, 5-7, 150; Kevin Lengel, Sr., E-DE, 6-5, 200.
In 2005: The Wolves have some unfinished business to take care of, and coaches think this may be their best team in four or five years.
Schedule
Sept. 2 at Fleming 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 9 Otis 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 16 Liberty 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 23 at Aguilar 7 p.m.
Oct. 1 at Bethune 1 p.m.
Oct. 7 Arickaree 7 p.m.
Oct. 14 at Kit Carson 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 21 Woodlin 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 28 Revere 7 p.m.
KIT CARSON WILDCATS
Coach: Jim Trahern
2004 record: 6-4
Returning starters: Three offense, three defense
Last playoff appearance: 2004, lost 33-27 to Revere in the 6-man semifinals.
On the plus side: Lots of depth and experience.
On the other hand: They are small and lost seniors at key positions.
Players to watch: Mark Hogan, Sr., E-LB, 5-8, 165; Andrew Maxcy, Jr., RB-DB, 5-10, 155; Stetson Mitchell, Sr., E-NG, 6-3, 205; John Nordquist, Sr., E-DL, 6-3, 165.
In 2005: Trahern said, “We need to grow up and grow up in a hurry.”
Schedule
Sept. 2 at Arickaree 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 9 at Vilas 7 p.m.
Sept. 16 Cheraw 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 23 at Bethune 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 1 Aguilar 1 p.m.
Oct. 7 at Hi-Plains 4 p.m.
Oct. 14 Idalia 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 21 Otis 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 28 Deer Trail 7 p.m.
LIBERTY (JOES) KNIGHTS
Coach: Nick Lueck
2004 record: 1-6
Returning starters: Four offense, four defense
Last playoff appearance: 1999
On the plus side: Skill positions.
On the other hand: No blazing speed.
Players to watch: Andrew Collette, Jr., E-DE, 6-0, 175; Jace Ficken, Sr., QB-LB, 5-10, 160; Landon Malave, Sr., RB-LB, 5-8, 165.
In 2005: The numbers are up, so wins should go up as well.
Schedule
Sept. 2 Hi-Plains 7 p.m.
Sept. 9 Arickaree 7 p.m.
Sept. 16 at Idalia 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 23 Vilas 7 p.m.
Sept. 30 at Revere 7 p.m.
Oct. 8 at Bethune 1 p.m.
Oct. 14 at Deer Trail 7 p.m.
Oct. 21 at Peetz 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 28 Prairie 7 p.m.
OTIS BULLDOGS
Coach: Jeff Paben
2004 record: 4-5
Returning starters: Three offense, two defense
Last playoff appearance: 2004, lost 69-30 to Idalia in the 6-man quarterfinals.
On the plus side: Good overall team speed.
On the other hand: Lack of numbers – just 11 players.
Players to watch: J.P. Davis, Jr., E-DE, 6-7, 205; Justin Smith, Sr., RB-DB, 6-2, 200; Riley Strand, Sr., E-LB, 5-9, 140.
In 2005: The Bulldogs may take their lumps, but 2006 looks promising.
Schedule
Sept. 2 Revere 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 9 at Idalia 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 16 at Fleming 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 23 Woodlin 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 1 Arickaree 1 p.m.
Oct. 7 Weldon Valley 5 p.m.
Oct. 14 at Hi-Plains 4 p.m.
Oct. 21 at Kit Carson 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 28 Crow Valley 7:30 p.m.
PAWNEE COYOTES
Coach: Doug Miller
2004 record: 5-4
Returning starters: Five offense, five defense
Last playoff appearance: 2004, lost 62-28 to Revere in the 6-man quarterfinals.
On the plus side: Possess a balanced offensive attack.
On the other hand: Lack depth and experience.
Players to watch: Brent Cass, Sr., E-DE, 6-3, 180; Chris Hayes, Jr., RB-DB, 5-8, 145; Bo Light, Sr., QB-DB, 5-9, 160.
In 2005: A return to the playoffs has this pack of Coyotes longing for more.
Schedule
Sept. 2 at Deer Trail 7 p.m.
Sept. 9 Revere 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 16 Crow Valley 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 24 at Aurora Ch. 1:30 p.m.
Sept. 30 Weldon Vall. 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 7 at Prairie 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 14 Woodlin 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 21 at Fleming 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 28 at Peetz 7:30 p.m.
PEETZ BULLDOGS
Coach: Scott Sorensen
2004 record: 7-2
Returning starters: One offense, one defense
Last playoff appearance: 2004, lost 52-35 to Hi-Plains in the 6-man quarterfinals.
On the plus side: A good crew of seven seniors.
On the other hand: Lacking big-game experience.
Players to watch: Justin Fehringer, Sr., RB-DB, 5-6, 155; Randy Meier, Sr., C, 6-5, 219; Ed Revord, Sr., E-DE, 6-2, 175; Jared Weber, Sr., QB-DE.
In 2005: Could be the freshest team in the state come playoff time.
Schedule
Sept. 2 at Arthur, Neb. 2 p.m.
Sept. 9 Prairie 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 16 at Revere 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 23 at Deer Trail 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 1 Fleming 1 p.m.
Oct. 7 at Crow Valley 3 p.m.
Oct. 14 Weldon Vall. 3:30 p.m.
Oct. 21 Liberty 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 28 Pawnee 7:30 p.m.
PRAIRIE MUSTANGS
Coach: Charles Jones
2004 record: 0-8
Returning starters: Four offense, four defense
Last playoff appearance: 2000
On the plus side: The junior class is solid.
On the other hand: They don’t have any seniors.
Players to watch: Troy Kimmel, Jr., RB-LB, 6-0, 155; Tommy Martinez, Jr., E-LB, 6-1, 155.
In 2005: It may take another year for this junior class to develop.
Schedule
Sept. 2 Woodlin 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 9 at Peetz 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 16 Weldon Vall.7:30 p.m.
Sept. 23 at Arickaree 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 30 at Crow Valley 10 a.m.
Oct. 7 Pawnee 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 14 at Revere 7 p.m.
Oct. 21 Cheraw 7 p.m.
Oct. 28 at Liberty 7 p.m.
REVERE RAIDERS
Coach: Brad Heinz
2004 record: 10-1
Returning starters: Two offense, two defense
Last playoff appearance: 2004, lost 35-22 to Hi-Plains in the 6-man championship.
On the plus side: Great overall team speed.
On the other hand: Lack the numbers they had a season ago, with just 18 kids out.
Players to watch: Sean Lauer, Sr., C-DL, 5-10, 205; Brian Pocock, Sr., RB-LB, 6-2, 200; Brady Sanchez, So., E-DE, 5-8, 160.
In 2005: A team that is starting four sophomores will find out early if they still have what it takes.
Schedule
Sept. 2 at Otis 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 9 at Pawnee 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 16 Peetz 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 23 at Crow Vall. 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 30 Liberty 7 p.m.
Oct. 7 at Fleming 7 p.m.
Oct. 14 Prairie 7 p.m.
Oct. 21 Weldon Valley 7 p.m.
VILAS BRONCOS
Coach: Jeff Shelton
2004 record: 7-2
Returning starters: Two offense, three defense
Last playoff appearance: 2004, lost 62-0 to Kit Carson in the 6-man quarterfinals.
On the plus side: They are flying by the seat of their collective pants.
On the other hand: Very young and inexperienced.
Players to watch: Shawn Bond, Sr., LB, 5-8, 160; Grant Neuhold, Sr., QB-DB, 5-11, 175.
In 2005: The new schedule will teach us a lot about the still growing Broncos.
Schedule
Sept. 2 Aguilar 7 p.m.
Sept. 9 Kit Carson 7 p.m.
Sept. 17 at Deer Trail 1 p.m.
Sept. 21 at Hi-Plains 3 p.m.
Sept. 23 at Liberty 7 p.m.
Oct. 7 at Cheraw 7 p.m.
Oct. 14 Bethune 7 p.m.
WELDON VALLEY WARRIORS
Coach: Brian Rosenbrock
2004 record: 4-4
Returning starters: Five offense, five defense
Last playoff appearance: 2001
On the plus side: Will average nearly 200 pounds across the board.
On the other hand: Lack of speed.
Players to watch: Paul Cooper, Sr., QB-DB, 5-7, 150; C.J. Gross, Sr., RB-DB, 6-4, 195; Robbie Spotz, Jr., RB-DE, 5-9, 170; Chance Tadolini, Sr., E-LB, 6-2, 220; Tony Weller, Sr., RB-DE, 5-9, 175.
In 2005: On paper, the playoff drought should be over.
Schedule
Sept. 2 Crow Valley 3:30 p.m.
Sept. 16 at Prairie 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 23 Fleming 3:30 p.m.
Sept. 30 at Pawnee 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 7 at Otis 5 p.m.
Oct. 14 Peetz 3:30 p.m.
Oct. 21 at Revere 7 p.m.
Oct. 28 Arickaree 3 p.m.
WOODLIN MUSTANGS
Coach: Paul Griese
2004 record: 4-4
Returning starters: Four offense, four defense
Last playoff appearance: 2002
On the plus side: Plenty of offensive threats, especially at running back.
On the other hand: They have to figure out how to stop people.
Players to watch: Brad Abbott, Sr., E-DE, 6-6, 190; Harold Klausner, Sr., RB-DB, 6-2, 170.
In 2005: Said Griese, “If we don’t figure out how to stop people, we will be a .500 team again.”
Schedule
Sept. 2 at Prairie 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 9 Crow Valley 7 p.m.
Sept. 16 Arickaree 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 23 at Otis 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 1 Hi-Plains 1 p.m.
Oct. 7 at Deer Trail 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 14 at Pawnee 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 21 at Idalia 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 28 Cheraw 5 p.m.
