West Point-Beemer looking for success this fall

Team: West Point-Beemer

Mascot: Cadets

Colors: Red and White

Class: C-1

Head Coach: Nate Blankenship (6th season)

2014 record: 4-5

Returning Starters: 4 offense 4 defense


Overview:

After finding some success in 2014, the West Point-Beemer Cadets hope 2015 treats them even better.

West Point-Beemer won their final two games last season, and certainly appear to have some momentum coming into this season.

The Cadets appear to have a nice blend of talent, size, and speed at the skill positions and on the offensive and defensive lines.

Tate Toelle (5'8, 150) is expected to take the reigns at Quarterback this season. Riley Berg (5'9, 150), Dylan James (5'10, 160), and Hunter Pilakowski (5'9, 175) figure to lead West Point-Beemer's run game.

Senior Blake Schroedter (6'0, 160), Berg, and Junior Jackson Hoffman (6'0, 160) are expected to help carry the load at wide receiver.

Seniors Jacob Combs (6'1, 230), Chris Palm (6'0, 190), Tucker Luebbert (5'9, 215), and Edwin Ambrosio (5'7, 220) bolster the offensive line, which also consists of sophomores Austin Streeter (6'2, 170) and Chase Streeter (6'2, 170).

The Cadets have some size up front, but some of the linemen need to put on muscle as the season progresses. West Point-Beemer should be respectable on the line, but will have their work cut out going up against the likes of Boone Central/Newman Grove, Norfolk Catholic, and Pierce.

Defensively, Toelle (20 tackles, 4 PBU, 2 INT's) and Schroedter are back in the secondary while Combs (21 tackles, 3 TFL), Ambrosio, Tucker Luebbert, and senior letterman Brayden Luebbert (5'10, 210) help make up the defensive line.

West Point-Beemer has to be tough stopping the run this season. Being physical at the line of scrimmage will be important for the Cadets' defensive line as well as the offensive line.

West Point-Beemer has to establish a physical presence on both sides of the football, and must find success running the ball while limiting teams' ground games.

If the Cadets can limit turnovers, catch some breaks, and avoid giving up big plays while creating their own big plays, I don't see any reason why this team can't go 4-5 again, or perhaps 5-4.

A lot is going to depend on how well West Point-Beemer executes, and what kind of attitude they bring with them to the field every game.

The Cadets aren't going to be the more talented team every time they take the field so their ability to control what they can control will be pivotal to their success.


Season Outlook:

West Point-Beemer has a chance to win some games in 2015.

The schedule isn't necessarily the easiest, but the Cadets should have a good chance at beating North Bend, Arlington, Madison, and Wayne.

That's not to say West Point-Beemer can't knock off Fort Calhoun, Wahoo, Boone Central/Newman Grove, Norfolk Catholic, or Pierce, but those games will be very difficult.

The Cadets have the Pioneeers at home in the opener, and should have a chance at picking up a win.

It's a new season, and West Point-Beemer has to be thinking they can compete with anyone on their schedule.

The Cadets have to play with a positive attitude and a winning mentality. West Point-Beemer can't dwell on mistakes, and let one mistake lead to another.

The Cadets must have a short memory, and simply let things go. At the same time, West Point-Beemer can't get too hung up on a big play. The Cadets have to be focused and give it their all on each snap.

West Point-Beemer has to play hard throughout the season, and give it their all each time out. The Cadets can't be intimidated by anyone they play, and must not back down from anyone.

It will be interesting to see how West Point-Beemer fares this year. The Cadets don't have an easy schedule and are in a tough district, so making the playoffs will be a very tall task.

Anything is possible though, and that's why West Point-Beemer has to play optimistic football this season. You just never know how things are going to go. It's a new season, and anything can happen.

I want to wish the Cadets the best in 2015.

2015 West Point-Beemer Cadets Football Schedule:

08/28/15	Fort Calhoun	C1
09/04/15	@ North Bend Central	C1
09/11/15	@ Wahoo	C1
09/18/15	Arlington	C1
09/25/15	@ Boone Central/Newman Grove	C1
10/01/15	@ Norfolk Catholic	C1
10/09/15	Pierce	C1
10/16/15	@ Madison	C1
10/23/15	Wayne	C1