Emerson-Hubbard hoping Veteran Leadership leads them to successful season

Team: Emerson-Hubbard

Mascot: Pirates

Colors: Purple and Gold

Class: D-2

Head Coach: Joe Kvidera (3rd season) (8-9 record)

2019 record: 2-6

Returning Starters: N/A

Overview:

In what will be their 2nd to last year as a program, Emerson-Hubbard looks for their seniors and veteran leadership to carry and lead them to a successful season this year.

Head Coach Joe Kvidera says his team has a couple of great leaders in the backfield and another one up front. "Zach Shanks OL/DL Senior: Zach has been starting since he was a sophomore and is an All District player from last season. He will anchor our Offensive and Defensive lines. Zach has been selected as a captain by his teammates. Brock Mackling QB/DB Junior: Brock will be our starting QB this season. He has really been able to grow into the position and has really developed the leadership skills needed for the position over the offseason.  Ryan Kinnaman RB/DB Senior: Ryan is a returning starter on both sides of the ball as well as special teams. Ryan has been selected as a captain by his teammates."

I look for these three to lead Emerson-Hubbard this year and have big seasons.

I think Mackling has a lot of potential at QB.

That is of course if the pandemic doesn't shut us down.

Kvidera says the offseason was pretty normal other than having that on their minds. "What we did for summer workouts and camp wasn't that much different really and our participation was pretty good. The biggest difference was just the knowledge in the back of your mind that it could all be over quickly. That of course is still true."

That really is true in that the season could all be over in an instant. We hope it's not and we hope things continue and progress in a positive way and manner, and ultimately everyone is going to have to do their part and be safe and social distance if we are to get through this season together okay.

Season Outlook:

Emerson-Hubbard looks for a bounce back year this year after going 2-6 and missing the playoffs last year.

Kvidera says the Pirates will be led by their Seniors. "We have seven Seniors this season, many of them returning starters. We are going to need them to step up and take on key roles and leadership this season. We have a new district this season as well and look forward to playing some teams that we haven't played in a few years."

Emerson-Hubbard is in a District with Walthill, Pender, Homer, and Allen.

Kvidera adds it's imperative his team avoids the injury bug. "The other key will be keeping guys healthy and injury free. We don't have a wealth of experience in our younger players so injuries really have the potential to derail us."

Kvidera says the fact the NSAA has decided to move forward with Fall Sports means so much. "I think everyone is cautiously excited. High school athletics and activities are such an important part of life in small town Nebraska and so many people have missed them in the last six months. Myself, and many of the people I talk to are very glad we are going to give this a try as it's so important to many people for so many reasons."

It's very important and vital to this entire area and state, in my opinion, and I'm also thrilled that we're at least going to give this season a shot and a try.

Of course there haven't been any high school sports since last Basketball season as the pandemic shutdown Spring Sports in the State.

Kvidera can't begin to tell you how thrilled, thankful, and excited everyone is to have the opportunity to play. "I don't even know how you would measure that level of excitement! It probably varies from grade to grade. Seniors I would imagine are very excited and grateful. We remind the kids every day to give everything they got and to enjoy the moment and not take it for granted. There are kids and coaches in other states where the virus just makes it too dangerous to have sports and activities so we have to relish the opportunity we have right now."

Let's hope things stay the way they are right now and that we get an entire full season.

I think Emerson-Hubbard can at least go 4-4 this year if the season is able to be played out.

The Pirates host Cedar Bluffs in the season opener on August 28th.

2020 Emerson-Hubbard Pirates Football Schedule:

08/28/20 Cedar Bluffs

09/04/20 @ Humphrey St. Francis

09/11/20 Randolph

09/18/20 @ Walthill

09/25/20 @ Winside

10/02/20 Homer

10/09/20 @ Pender

10/16/20 Allen