WCA football: Knights look to replace 15 seniors

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The West Central Area football team will have to replace 15 seniors from last year’s 2-7 team.

That means a lot of competition in fall camp and opportunity for players to make a name for themselves this season.

“We have many spots to fill as we lost 15 seniors from last year’s team, all of whom saw significant playing time whether it be on offense, defense or special teams,” head coach David Drexler said. “We have a young team this year that many lack in varsity experience but has a lot of potential if they are able to bond together, work hard to improve daily and are accountable to one another for their actions both on and off the field.”

Of those seniors lost, Ethan Supler, Kyle Martineau, Ben Gehrke, Matt Wagner and Larry Hough had 11 years of starting experience between them. Supler was a three-year starter who is entering his freshman season with the Bemidji State University football team.

The Knights will lean on five starters from last year who do return this season. Senior captain Drew Peterson (WR/DB) headlines that group. Seniors Nathan Richards (OL/DL), John Ohloft (OL/DL), Zach Fischer (FB/LB) and junior Dakotah Kashmark (QB/CB) will also be back to lead the way.

“We are relying on our returning starters and other seniors to step up and be positive role models and leaders for our underclassmen this year,” Drexler said.

The head coach listed Nick Blehr (OL/DL), David Ehlers (OL/DL), Devin Buss (RB/LB), Alex Anderson (WR/DB), Jared Oachs (OL/DL) and Brady Combs (TE/LB) as guys he needs to produce in order to compete in the Prairie South Conference.

“The Prairie South Conference and Section 6A are very competitive once again this year,” Drexler said. “We will need to have very focused and productive practices throughout the season and come prepared and ready to play well each and every week to be successful. I feel we have a close-knit group of young men that will have to work together and believe in one another daily. If we do that, I think we will surprise many people.”

Tags: west central area sports, sports, knights, football