Team: Winnebago
Mascot: Indians
Colors: Blue and White
Class: D-1
Head Coach: Adam James (10th season) (23-57 record)
2017 record: 3-5
Returning Starters: 7 on defense
Overview:
The Winnebago Indians are looking to find their way to a winning season in 2018.
The Indians will rely heavily on dual threat Quarterback T.J. Frenchman (6'1, 180), who passed for 800 yards, and rushed for 650 yards last season.
Winnebago will also look to Tyrese Gorrin (5'10, 160) to help carry the load at tailback. Gorrin rushed for 450 yards last year, according to 10th year Head Coach Adam James.
Junior Robbie Lovejoy (5'10, 215) returns at fullback for the Indians, and Senior Prosper Gilpin (6'1, 285) returns on the line.
James says the Indians are counting on Gorrin, Frenchman, Gilpin, and Lovejoy to help shoulder the load this year. "The ball's going to go through them on the offensive side of the ball. They're two kids that aren't going to come off the field. We have another running back who played a lot running back who's stepped up and is going to play guard this year with Robbie Lovejoy. He's also a linebacker for us. We expect a lot of big things out of him. We have a guard also in our nose guard Prosper Gilpin, he's a big boy. He's 6'1, 285. We look to try and run the ball behind him. He's going to make a lot of plays in the middle of the defense. And he's just a big playmaker who's going to be tough to block."
James says the team hopes teams have to double team Gilpin.
Big losses from last year include Lance Denney.
Newcomers who could make an impact for Winnebago this year include Ed Payer and Sophomore JT Bass, who is expected to start at tight end this season.
James says all starters attended the Hastings College Camp over the summer.
He adds the team feels it could be a good season if they get off on the right foot.
The Indians open up the season at Pender on Friday, and I feel that game is a tremendous opportunity for Winnebago.
The Indians haven't won at Pender in a long time, according to James, but perhaps that all changes Friday night.
I'll say one thing...I'm sure there will be plenty of energy and motivation among the Winnebago players.
The Indians are looking to take the next steps in their program, and it all starts with the Pender game Friday night.
Season Outlook:
Winnebago opens up the season at Pender Friday night then takes on Lutheran High Northeast on the road the second game of the year.
Two very tough games on the road to start the season, but to be the best you have to beat the best.
I feel the Indians's speed, size, and athleticism could make a huge difference and pay big dividends Friday night.
The Pendragons will be tough, especially at home, but don't be surprised if Winnebago goes in there and wins.
I feel defense will be the key to the game.
Pender lost a lot of offensive weapons from last year, and if the Indians can shut down or at least limit the Pendragons offensively, and Winnebago's offense can shine, then the Indians figure to stand a good chance of winning.
Winnebago has to play 4 quarters of football and cannot let up at any time.
If the Indians can put together a full game and make big plays, they should stand a good chance to win.
Winnebago has a pretty tough district, going up against the likes of GACC, Wakefield, and Wisner-Pilger. Homer and Omaha Nation are in District D1-4 too.
James says the Indians would like to keep taking steps forward as a program and help set things up for the younger kids in the future. "Last couple seasons we've been around 3-5. Our biggest goal this year is to get a winning record. Set the standard for some of our younger kids. We got a pretty good freshman and sophomore class sitting right now. And if we can get out there and get a good winning record out on there it will take us right into the offseason we'll make good things happen for the future of Winnebago Football."
The Indians aren't eligible for the playoffs being their enrollment is that of an 11-man team, but this is still a big season with a lot of potential for Winnebago.
If the Indians can have success on the gridiron I would think it would lead to good things on the hardwood this winter.
Winnebago has had very successful boys basketball teams in the past, and if the Indians can get the football program going I think that will only help them in basketball and in any other sports they play, and also in life in general.
This game and this season has so much meaning for Winnebago from a life standpoint I'm sure.
2018 Winnebago Indians Football Schedule:
08/24/18 @ Pender
08/31/18 @ Lutheran High Northeast
09/07/18 Laurel-Concord-Coleridge
09/21/18 Homer
09/28/18 @ Wisner-Pilger
10/05/18 Omaha Nation
10/12/18 @ Wakefield
10/19/18 Guardian Angels Central Catholic
No comments:
Post a Comment