Team: Winnebago
Mascot: Indians
Colors: Blue and White
Class: D-1
Head Coach: Adam James (9th season) (20-52 record)
2016 record: 3-5
Returning Starters: 4 offense 4 defense
Overview:
The Winnebago Indians hope to build off last year's success that saw them go 3-5.
Returning starters include Tyrese Gorrin (5'10, 165 JR RB/DB), Derrell Zagurski (6'2, 280 SR OL/DL), Prosper Gilpin (6'0, 235 JR OL/DL), and Zeke Walker (5'11, 175 SR TE/DL).
Another player likely to play for Winnebago is T.J. Frenchman (6'0, 150 JR QB/DB).
One player the Indians must replace is Drake Gorrin. He was a monster for Winnebago last year.
The Indians' base offense is Ace while the base defense is 3-4.
The good news for Winnebago is they return half their starters on offense and defense.
Now it's just a matter of the newcomers and underclassmen developing, growing, and getting better as the season goes along.
The Indians are ineligible for the playoffs due to playing in a lower class than they would normally be classified, but that doesn't mean Winnebago's season doesn't matter.
These kids are playing for Bago pride, and I'm sure the Indians would like to have a season to remember....something that makes everyone proud.
I'm sure the Winnebago Community is already proud of the players and coaches no matter what, but if the Indians can win more games than they're predicted to then it could make for something special in these kids' lives....something they will remember for years to come.
I look for Frenchman and Gorrin to light things up offensively, and for Zagurski, Gilpin, and Walker to anchor things up front.
I think these 5 players, among other players, will do special things for the Indians this season.
It will be interesting to see who else starts and takes the field for Winnebago this year. It's unclear what positions may be up for grabs and who is going to get a starting spot.
Season Outlook:
Winnebago won 3 games a year ago, and is no doubt looking to win more this year.
The schedule isn't exactly a cakewalk though, and five of the Indians' games are on the road.
Winnebago has three games on the road in a row following the season opener at home against Wakefield.
The Indians are in District D1-2 with Guardian Angels Central Catholic, Homer, Omaha Nation, and Pender.
I think Winnebago has a chance to go at least 2-2 in District Play.
The Indians' non district schedule includes contests against Wakefield, Plainview, Johnson-Brock, and Hartington-Newcastle.
I think Winnebago has a chance to win one or two of those games as well.
When it's all said and done I look for the Indians' final record to be between 4-4 and 2-6.
Winnebago has to be much better defensively than they were last year. The Indians gave up over 60 points in 4 of their games, giving up 91 against Wakefield. Winnebago also allowed 52 points against Plainview and 44 against Pender. The Indians gave up 36 to Omaha Nation.
So Winnebago has to be more physical this year, tackle better, take good angles to the ball and ball carriers, and has to keep their offense on the field as much as possible.
The Indians had a pretty impressive offense last year...now it's a matter of getting both the offense and defense to gel in order to win more games this season.
Winnebago also has to be balanced on offense...running and passing the ball effectively while getting the ball to their playmakers out in space.
Winnebago opens up the season at home on Friday, August 25th against Wakefield.
2017 Winnebago Indians Football Schedule:
08/25/17 Wakefield
09/01/17 @ Plainview
09/08/17 @ Johnson-Brock
09/15/17 @ Hartington-Newcastle
09/29/17 Pender
10/06/17 @ Omaha Nation
10/13/17 @ Guardian Angels Central Catholic
10/20/17 Homer
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