With just one win over the past four seasons, the Elverado-Trico football program is looking to build a solid foundation with new head coach Jim Hammers.
“We will have good team speed this season,” said Hammers. “We have some fast runningbacks, and we look to utilizing that strength. So far I have liked the attitude and work ethic shown by the team. They have improved throughout the summer and over the first few weeks of practice.”
Senior Alex McGill (6’2, 200) and junior Kyle Whittington (5’10, 145) have been battling for the quarterback job.
“Both guys are very smart, excellent students and very coachable,” said Hammers. “We really have two outstanding quarterbacks. Whoever is behind center, we will be in good hands.”
Hammers is looking to use a rotation of six runningbacks to wear down defense, while keeping his guys fresh. Expected to see time carrying the ball this season are senior Dalton Porter (5’10, 180), junior Kenny Loos (5’10, 150), junior Jake Lipe (6’2, 180), junior Brian McClanahan (5’11, 190), sophomore Christian Kistner (5’11, 165) and senior Tyler Grigsby (5’10, 180).
“They all have good speed, and I like the way they block for each other,” said Hammers. “They are smart kids and have shown the ability to pick up this new offense.”
The Falcons will feature mostly four players at the receiver positions in seniors Wade Bowlin (5’8, 150) and Bryce Mathis (5’5, 140) and juniors Caleb Green-Light (5’11, 140) and Jacob Jeschke (5’8, 155).
“All of these guys can really catch the football,” said Hammers. “They all have good hands and run good routes.”
Currently, the offensive and defensive line spots are still up in the air, as the Elverado-Trico coaching staff is looking to rotate in a lot of different players.
Players who are battling for some time on the offensive and defensive lines are senior Zach Willis (5’9, 170), junior Jordan Crews (5’9, 225), junior Cory Hill (5’11, 240), senior Branden Lewis (5’10, 275), junior Marshall Bell (5’10, 190), sophomore Nick Hopkins (5’10, 200), sophomore Austin Davis (5’10, 250), senior Wes Ramsey (5’8, 185), junior Andrew Jeschke (6’, 220), junior Dallas Blessing (5’11, 185), sophomore Tyler Pierson (5’10, 270), sophomore Jordan Cavins (6’, 200), junior Leander Cerami (6’2, 275), junior Nick Denning (5’9, 220) and junior Logan Dallas (6’3, 315).
“We have some good size and depth. It just comes down to finding the right spot for everyone,” said Hammers. “We are trying to use 20 guys, which means a lot of these guys will play either just offense or only defense. That way we can keep everyone fresh and ready to go in the fourth quarter.”
Hammers expects his linebackers to be a real strength for the defense.
“We have some good tacklers with a real mental toughness to them,” said Hammers. “They have shown a lot of leadership, and that’s what we need from them.”
Expected to see time at the linebacker positions are McClanahan, Grigsby, Kistner and Green-Light.
The defensive secondary is another spot where the set starters are not in place yet for Elverado-Trico.
Fighting for time in the secondary are sophomore Jacob Bowlin (5’7, 130), junior Will Burke (5’7, 130), sophomore Jacob Trammel (5’10, 160), junior Nathan Epperhiemer (5’11, 145), senior Clayton Morrison (5’10, 150), junior Josh Sarensen (6’3, 170) and junior Sean Farmer (6’1, 150). Wade Bowlin, Whittington, Mathis and Loos may also see time in the defensive secondary.
Andrew Jeschke will handle the kicking duties, while Porter will be the punter.
“I couldn’t be happier with my coaching staff,” said Hammers. “Everyone has worked hard, and progress can be seen. I have been real pleased with their enthusiasm.”
Hammers’ assistant coaches include Robert Kirk, Zach Schumacher, Ryan Barry and Tom Cook.
The Falcons open up the season at home Friday night against rival Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton.
“CZR has good size and good football tradition,” said Hammers. “They will be a challenge for us. It is also a rivalry, so that adds more flavor to the game. I am happy to be at home against them Friday night.”