By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

The 2018-19 season wasn’t an easy one for Centre football. However, despite numerous injuries, the team ended the season with a record of 7-3.

All six of last year’s starters are returning, including Braxton Smith, who was sidelined with an ACL injury this past season.

The 6-foot, two inch senior is the biggest of the squad, weighing in at 225 pounds. Coach Kelly Steiner said Braxton may play the quarterback position, but it depends on the strength of his legs.

“He is extremely strong,” Steiner said. “He won the bench press at the state power lift competition.”

Lane Methvin, a 5-10, 180-pound junior, will be an end and receiver and has experience as a quarterback.

Jensen Riffel, a 6-foot, 210-pound senior, will be a fullback.

“Jensen did a really good job for us last year with his weight and strength,” Steiner said.

Aiden Svoboda, a 5-11, 175-pound senior will play end and halfback.

Dalton Stika, a 6-2, 210-pound senior will be the center lineman.

Rounding out the top six will be Jacob Hird, a 5-5, 125-pound junior. He will be a halfback and end.

Steiner said his goal for the team is to win the district. He said it looks to be a balanced district.

“Last year was the worst year I ever had dealing with injuries in my nine years of coaching,” he said. “As long as we stay healthy, we can have a good year. If you have injuries like we did last year, it messes up the chemistry of the team.”

Steiner was encouraged by the number of athletes who came out for football this year. The team has grown from 12 last year to 18. Just two are freshmen.

Steiner has compiled a record of 46 wins and 32 losses. Jason Stika and Tim Vinduska are his assistants.

The team’s first game is at Peabody on Sept. 6.