BRLD looking to reload

Team: Bancroft-Rosalie-Lyons-Decatur

Mascot: Wolverines

Colors: Black, Blue, and Gold

Class: C-2

Head Coach: Dan Maresh (5th season) (25-16 record)

2019 record: 10-2 (lost to Sutton in State Semifinals)

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

The BRLD Football Team looks to build off the success they've had the past couple of years.

The Wolverines were hit hard by graduation last year, but still look to sustain the level of success they've had in recent years.

Those expected to start and/or contribute for BRLD this year include Derek Petersen (5'10, 190 SR QB/LB), who moves from OL to QB, Returning tackle leader Gus Gomez (5'10, 180 JR RB/LB), Lucas Ronnfeldt (5'11, 195 JR RB/DE), Daven Whitley (6'0, 265 SO OL/DL), Caden Hansen (5'10, 165 JR WR/DB), Returning All-State Receiver and Deep Threat Dylan Beutler (6'4, 200 WR/DB), Mason Lami (5'10, 150 SR WR/DB), Elliot Nottleman (6'0, 150 SR WR/DB), Aidan Nelson (6'2, 210 SR OL/DL), and Rusty Hardeman (6'0, 250 SR OL/DL).

The Wolverines may not have the big name players like in the past that jumped out to you, but it sounds like they have quite a few under the radar guys looking to make names for themselves.

It doesn't appear that Lucas Vogt is out for the team this year so that could hurt BRLD having one less playmaker at the wideout position.

I'm sure the Wolverines will manage and be just fine though.

Coach Maresh says his team worked and pushed through things this past offseason. "Our offseason starting in the summer went really well, the main part of our team was committed to working around the new protocols and not using that as a reason to not put in the time/effort."

BRLD, like everyone else, certainly had to adjust to everything given COVID-19, and it appears the Wolverines did that just fine.

There are more hurdles and potential road blocks ahead I am sure, but I'm willing to bet that BRLD will be up to the challenge.

That's of course if we don't get shutdown by the pandemic, which hopefully does not happen.

Season Outlook:

BRLD certainly had a great 2019 season, and will be looking for more in 2020.

A lot of kids are going to have to step up and fill various roles though as there are a lot of holes left by the departing seniors without a doubt.

Right now though the most important thing is that we are on track to play football this year as some other states aren't as fortunate as us.

Maresh says the NSAA made a great decision to let the kids play. "I think this was the best decision anyone has made in a while to get the kids some glimpse of normal and let them have that outlet and get them active and around a good support system."

I certainly agree as I am all for playing a sport if it is safe and possible.

That and the kids have been off since the end of last basketball season since Spring Sports were shutdown due to the pandemic.

Maresh says this season is going to mean something more to the Seniors. "It's going to be extra special for those seniors, they realize how quickly things can change and not to take any opportunity for granted."

This year's senior class is very grateful and thankful for the opportunity to play I am sure.

There are many disappointed kids around the nation right now, but thankfully most schools in Nebraska are on pace to play their seasons right now.

Let's hope things stay that way and that BRLD and others get to finish out their seasons this year.

The Wolverines have a very challenging schedule this year so it will be interesting to see what happens.

BRLD opens up the season at home on August 28th against Tekamah-Herman.

2020 BRLD Wolverines Football Schedule:

08/28/20 Tekamah-Herman

09/04/20 @ Oakland-Craig

09/11/20 @ Logan View/Scribner-Snyder (LVSS)

09/18/20 Yutan

09/25/20 Hartington Cedar Catholic

10/02/20 @ Ponca

10/09/20 Norfolk Catholic

10/16/20 @ Aquinas Catholic

10/23/20 @ Crofton