Contributing writer
The Goessel Bluebirds will need to fill key positions on this year’s football squad to supplement a strong line and backfield.
The roster lists seven players at 190 pounds or more. Coach Garrett Hiebert will have 17 players to mold into different positions as each person brings their own strengths.
Players returning from a successful 6-4 eight man football season last year are Zach Showalter, Brian Hiebert, Reece Hiebert, Mark Schmidt, Michael Rhoades, Connor Davis, Kellen Froese, and Chase Flaming.
Showalter caught 33 passes last year for an average of 19 yards per catch and 16 touchdowns. Defensively, he averaged 7.2 tackles per game. Froese average 4.2 yards per carry and 7.8 yards per catch while also getting 5.4 tackles per game.
Schmidt played in the backfield gaining 4.8 yards per carry and getting 6.4 tackles per game. Brian Hiebert is expected to anchor the defensive line, picking up 4.8 tackles per game last year and earning 2.5 sacks.
Reece Hiebert earned 1.7 tackles per game last year in the defensive line. Flaming picked up valuable experience last year as a freshman and is expected to contribute both offensively and defensively this year.
Rhoades is expected to assume some of the kicking duties, and Davis picked up experience in the offensive line last year.
“We return our whole line this year,” Showalter said.
“There are some key positions that will need to be filled,” Mark Schmidt said.
Team leaders looked to Chase Flaming to be the team’s quarterback at the start of the season.
“We will be strong in the line, and we need to work on speed,” Brian Hiebert said.
The football season begins for the Bluebirds with a home game with Centre on Sept. 6.