When we left the 6-man game in 2006, Idalia was having fun with what might go down as one of the best teams in state history.
The Wolves, however, will have to deal with more than the loss of a talented group of seniors. Coach Tim Gribben, who is fighting the battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease, has handed over the reins to longtime assistant Brad Wingfield.
“We certainly need to adapt to our losses,” Wingfield said. “But for some reason, this program always seems to find a way.”
That said, the kings of 6-man football are still favorites until somebody proves they can beat them.
Senior Gabe Ramseier and the new-look Wolves will get a taste of Texas-style football in Week 1 when they travel to Abilene to take on the Lone Star State’s 2006 runner-up team from Rule, about an hour’s drive north of the game location.
Idalia will get a supreme challenge in the East Central League from Hi-Plains. The Patriots, champions in 2004, have every starter back from its playoff team from last year.
“With a decent amount of parity throughout 6-man, we have to set our goals high,” Hi-Plains coach Dave Sheffield said.
The Eads Eagles, who were on the wrong end of a 69-6 championship game last season, are the early odds-on favorites. Coach Shawn Randel’s balanced offensive attack will be spearheaded by senior running back Kevin Lindholm.
“I would like to think we are just as talented as we were last year,” Randel said. “Just not as experienced.”
The Eagles are the clear favorites in the South, after Kit Carson graduated a large senior class. But coach Jim Trahern’s bunch should still be in the mix for one of the two playoff spots.
Peetz has been the dominant team in the North for years, but despite gaudy regular-season records the Bulldogs haven’t made their way to the title game since winning it all in 2002. Gage Roelle and Co. have the looks of a team ready to buck that trend.
Finally, the toughest league to call may be the West Central. The stalwarts have been Woodlin, but potential abounds at Fleming and Otis.
