Team: Wisner-Pilger
Mascot: Gators
Colors: Green and White
Class: D-1
Head Coach: A.J. Burki (3rd season)
2018 record: 7-3 (lost to Creighton in 2nd round of playoffs)
Returning Starters: N/A
Overview:
The Wisner-Pilger Football team returns a lot of players from last year's 7-3 second round playoff team. Head Coach A.J. Burki says that includes Landon Beaver.
"Some of them that I think are going to contribute a little bit more and are probably going to get recognition that maybe wouldn't have. I think probably one big one will be Landon Beaver. Landon played offensive guard for us and then he rotated in providing depth at the defensive line, and this year he's come into the fall and practice these last couple of weeks and he looks really good. He's doing a nice job. I think he's probably in the best shape he's ever been. A lot stronger, a lot quicker than he's ever been. And so he's really taken over the role of offensive line leader versus last year kind of being that role player and just somebody we could depend on."
Burki says the team is also really excited about Mason Dimon and what he brings to the table.
"Another returning starter this year on offense will be Mason Dimon. He's going to help anchor the offensive line with Tyler McBride and Landon Beaver. But probably more importantly, Mason's a three-year starter on the defensive side of the ball, has a great understanding of the game, and more importantly has been kind of doing the same thing for the last couple years now."
Burki says Colby Heller and Dylan Kneifl return at tight end, Trevor Styskal at Quarterback, Justin Pieper and Gavin Lampman sharing responsibilities at running back, and Tyler McBride at Center.
The Gators parted ways with last year's seniors in Jayden Raabe, Jacob Borgelt, and Dylan Uhing.
Wisner-Pilger really didn't lose a whole lot from last year, and I think the Gators will be one of the top teams in the area and perhaps class this season.
I feel Wisner-Pilger has a chance to do a lot of great and special things this season, and go a long ways.
I think a win over GACC would make the Gators' year.
Wisner-Pilger gets both the Bluejays and Wakefield at home as District foes, and I look for the Gators to do well in both of those contests.
There's no reason to think that Wisner-Pilger can't and won't compete/challenge for the District Crown.
I could see the Gators going 7-1 or 6-2 and earning a high playoff seed, perhaps a 3 or 4? Might be too early to speculate that, but I could definitely see it happening.
Wisner-Pilger figures to be a dangerous team that not many will want to face without a doubt.
Season Outlook:
Wisner-Pilger begins their second year of 8-man this upcoming season. Burki feels his team is more prepared this year coming into their 2nd year of 8-man.
"Going into our second year of 8-man will help build confidence that I think we gained as the season went on and the boys rolled with it really well last season. But at the same time when you make that transition and you go down and you play teams that are consistently good year in and year out at 8-man, you're kind of going to another level of football. And that's actually kind of been what we've talked about all offseason and all during fall camp is just making sure that we understand we did a lot of good things last year that we're very pleased about and very happy that we were able to accomplish. But at the same time we want to maintain kind of our presence as one of those teams that people have to be worried about, and people have to think about week in and week out when they play us every Friday."
The Gators host Cross County in the season opener on Friday.
Wisner-Pilger won last year's game 50-34.
I think the Gators will be really good again this year, and wouldn't be surprised if they crushed the Cougars.
Wisner-Pilger has East Butler on the road in Week 2, and that could be a tricky game, but if the Gators can get by that game with a win then they should be undefeated heading into the matchup with the aforementioned Bluejays of GACC.
I look for the experience and veteran leadership of the Gator seniors to really stand out this year.
These kids no doubt want to go out with lots of memories made and as winners, and I think you will see that leadership on display this year.
I feel Wisner-Pilger is in great game shape and will be able to wear teams down and be very physical at the point of attack.
It sounds like the Gators should have a lot of depth this year too so it will be interesting to see how that pays off for Wisner-Pilger.
I think being the stronger 4th quarter team is going to be most important for the Gators this season.
I feel some of their games could come down to the final quarter, and so Wisner-Pilger needs to be a 4th quarter team.
The Gators should be excited about and anticipate the start of the season because it is almost finally here!!!!!
2019 Wisner-Pilger Gators Football Schedule:
08/30/19 Cross County
09/06/19 @ East Butler
09/20/19 @ Madison
09/27/19 Guardian Angels Central Catholic
10/04/19 @ Winnebago
10/11/19 Homer
10/18/19 @ Omaha Nation
10/25/19 Wakefield
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