Winnebago defeats Homer in final game

The Winnebago Indians knocked off Homer 42-12 on the road Friday night to end the regular season.

Winnebago led 22-6 after one. The Indians blanked the Knights 6-0 in the second quarter to go up 28-6 at halftime.

Winnebago outscored Homer 14-6 in the third quarter to make up the final score. Neither team scored in the fourth quarter.

The Indians gave up 244 yards of offense, including 141 rushing.

Winnebago ended the season on a high note. This was definitely the way for the Indians to go out.

Winnebago ends the season at 3-5.

That record may not seem like it's that great, but given where this program has been in the past, I think it's respectable.

The Indians didn't really have any signature wins, but I think you could say Winnebago competed hard in all of their games, and had a good offense this year.

The Indians graduate a number of players, including Cedrick Blackdeer, Drake Gorrin, Josh Miles, Tristen Larush, Miguel Baker, Sage Primeaux, Jaylen Harden, Angelo Suarez, and Nick Saunsoci.

All these players will definitely missed and have meant a lot to Winnebago Football over the years I'm sure.

The Indians are set to return some talent next year in T.J. Frenchman, Tyrese Gorrin, Nicholas Painter, Gavin Farmer, Ezekiel Walker, Evander Bass, and others.

I look for Winnebago to have a season in 2017 at least as good as this year if not better.

The Indians are losing some key contributors, but returning some solid players as well.

The biggest thing Winnebago needs to do is get better on defense.

The Indians gave up too many points and yards this season.

With that said, Winnebago is definitely capable of making improvements on that side of the ball.

If the Indians can become a stronger defensive team, they might be able to become a power in time.

It's probably not going to happen right away or overnight, but if Winnebago can keep making strides as a program, perhaps they can get to the point where they feel they can be competitive in C-1 or whatever class they would be if they didn't opt down to D-1.

There's a long way for this program to go yet, but improvements are being made, and future success is definitely possible for these kids.

I know basketball is huge in Winnebago, but if the Indians can find some time to devote to football, they will be better off for it.